Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2004 Nissan Murano
The 2004 Nissan Murano has been the subject of multiple recalls, notably involving the intake air ducts, seat belts, fuel tank, and alternator issues. It also has a significant number of owner complaints, primarily concerning the power train, visibility, and electrical systems. Despite the number of complaints, it is advisable to approach with caution due to the recurring issues noted.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2004 Nissan Murano has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 678 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #09V169000 INTAKE AIR DUCTS/RESONATOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06V048000 REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06V003000 FUEL TANK NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #05V319000 WIRE BREAKING INSIDE ALTERNATOR NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 143 complaints
- Visibility 124 complaints
- Electrical System 110 complaints
- Seats 94 complaints
- Latches/Locks/Linkages 48 complaints
- Engine 44 complaints
Of the 678 complaints on file, 14 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 678 complaints, owners report 23 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Intake duct separation
How to check: Inspect air intake system for duct separation
Rear seat belt cut risk
How to check: Check seat belt webbing for wear or cuts
Alternator failure
How to check: Test battery charging and alternator output
Engine stall from various causes
How to check: Listen for unusual engine noise or stalling
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for rough idling or unusual noises
Red flag: Persistent rough idling
- 02
First minute driving
What to check: Observe if dashboard lights indicate any issues
Red flag: Check engine or battery light on
- 03
City driving
What to check: Ensure smooth gear transitions
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifting
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for hesitation or lack of power
Red flag: Lack of acceleration power
- 05
Braking
What to check: Feel for vibration or spongy pedal
Red flag: Brakes feel unresponsive
- 06
Parking
What to check: Test power steering responsiveness
Red flag: Stiff or noisy steering
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the intake duct been replaced?
- Any recent electrical or alternator issues?
- Have the seat belts been inspected or replaced?
- Any issues with the powertrain?
- Are there any unresolved recalls?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair history
- Accident history report
- Title status
- Emissions test results
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2004 Nissan Murano at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2004 Nissan Murano? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.