VehicleVerdict

2012 Nissan Murano problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2012 Nissan Murano sits mid-pack among Murano years: 167 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 161, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (30), airbags (26), and other (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

167

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other Murano years?

Murano NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 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, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Murano years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Nissan Murano problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission3018%
Airbags2616%
Other2414%
Visibility & Wipers2012%
Engine148%
Electrical System148%
Brakes138%
Body & Structure64%
Steering53%
Suspension42%
Fuel System32%
Tires & Wheels32%
Seats32%
Speed Control11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2012 Nissan Murano have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

12V068000Tires & WheelsFebruary 22, 2012 · 2,983 units

Defect

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 MURANO AND ROGUE VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 23, 2011 THROUGH JANUARY 11, 2012. DURING ASSEMBLY, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WAS NOT ACTIVATED. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138,”TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM.”

Consequence

A NON-ACTIVE TPMS CANNOT WARN A DRIVER THAT A TIRE IS UNDERINFLATED. UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN RESULT IN TIRE OVERLOADING AND OVERHEATING, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A BLOWOUT AND POSSIBLE CRASH.

Remedy

ALL OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ARE STILL IN DEALER INVENTORY. DEALERS HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED TO ACTIVATE ALL OF THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE PULLING OUT THE CAR FROM A PARKING SPOT AND PUTTING THE CAR IN REVERSE, AND GIVING IT A LITTLE GAS, THE CAR SEEMED TO SHOOT OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT. THE CAR SEEMED TO BE IN CONTROL RATHER THAN ME. I HIT A PARKED CAR WHILE IN REVERSE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 11, 2014 · crash

“Car had a collision that totaled the car on 1/1/2022 & no air bags deployed. Officers on scene were very concerned that this safety feature did not engage due to the impact. The other vehicle involved air bags deployed but not ours.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 1, 2022 · crash

“DRIVING ON A CLEAR DAY (50DEGREES) ON SATURDAY APRIL 25TH, MY 2012 NISSAN MURANO'S SUNROOF EXPLODED. THE GLASS WAS PROTRUDING OUTWARD, AS IF IT EXPLODED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THERE WAS SHARDS OF GLASS EVERYWHERE AND LUCKILY THERE WERE NO ONCOMING CARS BECAUSE THE SOUND IT MADE INSIDE THE CAR WHEN IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 25, 2015

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I HEARD A LOUD BANG AND I THEN REALIZED THAT MY SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED. GLASS SHARDS WERE SLIDING AROUND ON THE SUNROOF COVER. I CONTACTED NISSAN AFTER SEEING NUMEROUS REPORTS AND EVEN A LAWSUIT ABOUT THIS, BUT THEY DENIED MY CLAIM FORCING ME TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 21, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE OR FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 30, 2014 · fire

2012 Nissan Murano — common questions

Is the 2012 Nissan Murano reliable?

It is close to typical for the Murano: 167 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2012 Murano problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (30 complaints), airbags (26 complaints), other (24 complaints).

Does the 2012 Nissan Murano have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Nissan Murano. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.

How safe is the 2012 Nissan Murano?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Nissan Murano earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.