VehicleVerdict

2009 Nissan Murano problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 805 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.0 times the median Murano year — the 2009 model ranks #6 of 24 Murano years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 36 injuries in total across these filings.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 269 reports (33% of the total).

805

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

36

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

36

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Murano years?

Murano NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted1,169 complaints2003: 1,050 complaints2004: 850 complaints2005: 1,169 complaints2006: 916 complaints2007: 899 complaints2008: 7 complaints2009: 805 complaints2010: 221 complaints2011: 190 complaints2012: 167 complaints2013: 90 complaints2014: 172 complaints2015: 266 complaints2016: 141 complaints2017: 155 complaints2018: 172 complaints2019: 56 complaints2020: 62 complaints2021: 21 complaints2022: 5 complaints2023: 9 complaints2024: 5 complaints2025: 36 complaints2026: 2 complaints
Murano NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Murano years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Nissan Murano problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes26933%
Electrical System9412%
Airbags9211%
Transmission709%
Other486%
Engine405%
Steering344%
Tires & Wheels324%
Body & Structure304%
Latches & Locks202%
Visibility & Wipers172%
Speed Control162%
Fuel System152%
Suspension152%
Seats61%
Lighting20%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)20%
Seat Belts20%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2009 Nissan Murano have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V916000BrakesDecember 19, 2018 · 86,265 units

Defect

Nissan of North America, Inc (Nissan) is recalling certain 2009 Murano vehicles. The valves within the ABS Hydraulic Control Units (HCU) may react with brake fluids containing specific corrosion preventative additives. This reaction may cause the valves to not close properly.

Consequence

If the valves do not properly close, additional brake pedal travel may be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Nissan has notified owners, and dealers will flush the brake system with DOT 4 fluid. The HCU will then be tested to detect a possible stuck valve condition. If necessary, the HCU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

09V393000Tires & WheelsOctober 5, 2009 · 143,223 units

Defect

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. THE MATERIAL IN THE NUT USED TO SECURE THE SENSOR-TRANSMITTER OF THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) MAY CORRODE AND POTENTIALLY CRACK IN AREAS WITH HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE NUT MAY COME OUT OF THE SENSOR-TRANSMITTER AND THE TPMS LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE.

Consequence

IF THE TPMS LAMP IS DISREGARDED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN IN THIS CONDITION, THE TIRE WILL QUICKLY LOSE AIR PRESSURE AT A CONSISTENT RATE RESULTING IN A FLAT TIRE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TPMS NUT WITH A NEW, MORE ROBUST NUT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 AND INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

08V521000Electrical SystemOctober 7, 2008 · 204,361 units

Defect

NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CONTROL UNITS. A VARISTOR IN THE OCS CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU).

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE) WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 4, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

08V066000AirbagsFebruary 12, 2008 · 16,365 units

Defect

NISSAN IS RECALLING 16,365 MY 2008 INFINITI EX35 AND MY 2009 NISSAN MURANO VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING, THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU) MAY CAUSE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG NOT TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED IF THE VEHICLE BATTERY BECOMES SIGNIFICANTLY DISCHARGED.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG NOT INFLATING IN A CRASH IN WHICH IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO SO, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ACU IN AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 19, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200 OR NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“BRAKES FAILED....DRIVING AT ABOUT 45 MPH ON HWY 90 IN PASS CHRISTIAN MS. COMING UP TO A RED LIGHT AND APPLIED BRAKES AND THE CAR SLOWED DOWN TO AROUND 30 MPH AND THEN BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. TRIED PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT NO RESPOSE FROM THE BRAKES. WE RAN INTO A CAR STOPPED AT THE RED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 25, 2015 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON MY DASHBOARD ASIDE FROM THE TPMS LIGHT. THERE WAS A LOUD POP NOISE, SO I PULLED OVER TO CHECK IT OUT. WITHIN 30 SECONDS SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND QUICKLY TURNED FROM WHITE TO BLACK. THEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 11, 2019 · fire

“HIT A DEER GOING 35 MPH AND DEPLOYED BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS. I WAS THE PASSENGER WHEN MY AIRBAG WENT OFF IT HIT MY FACE AND FRACTURED MY MAXILLA, BROKE OFF ONE TOOTH AND MADE ANOTHER LOOSE ENOUGH IT HAD TO BE PULLED OUT ALSO. SPLIT UPPER AND LOWER LIP BOTH NEEDING STITCHES. DO TO THE DAMAGE SUSTAINED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 14, 2015 · crash

“CAR WAS MAKING LIGHT CLICKING SOUNDS STARTED DRIVING BEFORE GETTING UP TO SPEED CAR MADE A POPPING SOUND AND JERKED NOT ALLOWING ME TO CONTINUE DRIVING. CAR WILL START MOVING FINE FOR A FEW FEET THEN WILL CONTINUE.... PER AUTO REPAIR PART IS CALLED TRANSFER CASE $3000+ REPAIR ACCORDING TO A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 24, 2014

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON MY DASHBOARD ASIDE FROM THE TPMS LIGHT. THERE WAS A LOUD POP NOISE, SO I PULLED OVER TO CHECK IT OUT. WITHIN 30 SECONDS SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND QUICKLY TURNED FROM WHITE TO BLACK. THEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 11, 2019 · fire

2009 Nissan Murano — common questions

Is the 2009 Nissan Murano reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 805 complaints put the 2009 model at #6 of 24 Murano years. It is one of the Murano years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 Murano problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (269 complaints), electrical system (94 complaints), airbags (92 complaints).

Does the 2009 Nissan Murano have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Nissan Murano. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2009 Nissan Murano under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Nissan Murano years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Murano years to avoid are 2005, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2004, 2009, 2015. The cleanest record among Murano years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.