NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 Nissan Murano Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2003 Nissan Murano has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 799 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Nissan dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Nissan Murano, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2003 Nissan Murano owner complaints

Owners have filed 799 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Nissan Murano, describing incidents dated February 27, 2002 to June 21, 2021.

Most-cited components

Power Train 265 complaints
Electrical System 187 complaints
Engine 137 complaints
Seats 111 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 58 complaints
Visibility/Wiper 44 complaints

Of the 799 complaints on file, 14 report a crash and 5 a fire; across all 799 complaints, owners report 9 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11424485 · Filed July 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was shifted into PARK and restarted however, after driving for several miles, the failure recurred. The contact pulled over to side of the roadway…
ODI #11424032 · Filed July 9, 2021
Rusting excessively
ODI #11423987 · Filed July 8, 2021
REAR SUBFRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED CANT BELIEVE NISSAN USED SUCH CHEAP STEEL

Read all 799 complaints

Owner-reported

2003 Nissan Murano mileage at failure

678 of the 799 complaints on file for the 2003 Nissan Murano give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Power Train	Median 85,000 miles	Middle half 70,000–110,000 miles	Based on 234 complaints
Electrical System	Median 35,000 miles	Middle half 20,000–75,000 miles	Based on 145 complaints
Engine	Median 85,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–110,000 miles	Based on 112 complaints
Seats	Median 70,000 miles	Middle half 50,000–100,000 miles	Based on 101 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control	Median 100,000 miles	Middle half 70,000–120,000 miles	Based on 47 complaints
Visibility/Wiper	Median 75,000 miles	Middle half 40,000–100,000 miles	Based on 35 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2003 Nissan Murano in 4 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE08-065: DRIVER SEAT ANCHOR FAILURE
Closed July 2, 2009
Preliminary Evaluation PE05-050: FUEL TANK PUNCTURES FROM ROAD DEBRIS
Closed January 31, 2006
- Recall 06V-003
Engineering Analysis EA05-006: ALTERNATOR FAILURE / ENGINE STALLING
Closed August 17, 2005
- Recall 05V-319
Preliminary Evaluation PE04-077: ALTERNATOR FAILURE/ ENGINE STALLING
Closed March 25, 2005

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

INTAKE AIR DUCTS/RESONATOR

NHTSA #09V169000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported May 19, 2009 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 362,891 vehicles

Owners notified August 24, 2009 · Vehicles built April 8, 2002 – October 26, 2007 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

NISSAN IS RECALLING 362,891 MY 2003-2007 MURANO VEHICLES. THE INTAKE AIR DUCTS, WHICH ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERMEDIATE RESONATOR IN THE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM OF THE ENGINE, MAY SEPARATE FROM THE RESONATOR WITH ENGINE MOVEMENT. THIS SEPARATION OCCURS DUE TO THE PREMATURE AGING OF THE MATERIAL USED IN THE INTAKE AIR DUCTS WHICH CAUSES EXCESSIVE SHRINKING.

Safety consequence

ENGINE MAY STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE/REPAIR THE APPROPRIATE COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Notes

OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT

NHTSA #06V048000 · Seat Belts — Rear/Other · NHTSA notice

Reported February 13, 2006 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 203,000 vehicles

Owners notified March 20, 2006 · Vehicles built April 24, 2002 – July 27, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IN CERTAIN HIGH SPEED FRONTAL CRASHES, THE WEBBING OF A REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT MAY CONTACT THE REAR SEAT BACK HINGE WHERE IT CAN BE CUT BY THE SHARP EDGE OF THE METAL PORTION OF THE HINGE.

Safety consequence

IF THE WEBBING IS COMPLETELY SEPARATED, IT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTORS OVER THE WEBBING OF THE REAR SEAT BELTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FUEL TANK

NHTSA #06V003000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Tank Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported January 10, 2006 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 205,000 vehicles

Owners notified March 20, 2006 · Vehicles built April 24, 2002 – November 24, 2005 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO THE LOCATION OF THE FORWARD EDGE OF THE FUEL TANK, IN THE EVENT THAT A VEHICLE FRONT TIRE RUNS OVER A SMALL, SHARP OBJECT IN THE ROAD, CATCHES IT AND PROPELS IT TOWARDS THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, IT MAY STRIKE AND PUNCTURE THE FUEL TANK.

Safety consequence

A PUNCTURED TANK COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTORS IN FRONT OF THE TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

WIRE BREAKING INSIDE ALTERNATOR

NHTSA #05V319000 · Electrical System — Alternator/Generator/Regulator · NHTSA notice

Reported July 14, 2005 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 125,466 vehicles

Owners notified August 1, 2005 · Vehicles built August 8, 2002 – September 24, 2004 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A WIRE BREAKING INSIDE THE ALTERNATOR COULD STOP THE BATTERY FROM CHARGING.

Safety consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS, THE CHARGER WARNING AND BRAKE WARNING LAMPS WILL IMMEDIATELY COME ON AND THE BATTERY WILL BEGIN TO DISCHARGE. AFTER A SHORT TIME, THE ENGINE WILL GO INTO A "FALL SAFE" CONDITION WHICH WILL LIMIT VEHICLE SPEED. THE ENGINE WILL STOP RUNNING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR WITH A NEW VERSION WHICH HAS BEEN MODIFIED TO PREVENT MOVEMENT OF THE COIL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

NISSAN/CRANK/CAM POSITION SENSOR WELD

NHTSA #03V455000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported November 17, 2003 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 630,000 vehicles

Nissan campaign R3021/R3022 · Owners notified December 22, 2003 · Vehicles built January 1, 2001 – June 30, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON, CREATE A NO START CONDITION, CAUSE REDUCED ENGINE POWER, OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR(S), AND IN SOME CASES, THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR(S). VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN, 01V357, ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS NEW CAMPAIGN. THE REPLACEMENT SENSORS USED IN THAT CAMPAIGN ARE ALSO AFFECTED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

Notes

NISSAN RECALL NO. R3022/INFINITI RECALL NO. R3021.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

NISSAN/TRANSMISSION SELECTOR SHAFT NUT

NHTSA #03V123000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Gear Position Indication (PRNDL) · NHTSA notice

Reported March 31, 2003 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 128 vehicles

Nissan campaign R3009 · Owners notified April 15, 2003 · Vehicles built November 14, 2002 – February 5, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE NUT THAT ATTACHES THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR SHAFT TO THE CONTROL VALVE LEVER IN THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE TRANSMISSION NOT ACTUALLY BEING IN THE GEAR INDICATED BY THE GEAR SELECTOR LEVER. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSMISSION POSITION DISPLAY IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MAY NOT BE ON OR MAY BE INCORRECT.

Safety consequence

IF THE GEAR DISPLAYED IS DIFFERENT FROM THE GEAR ENGAGED, THIS COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL CHECK THE AFFECTED NUT IN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER LINKAGE, AND TIGHTEN IT IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 15, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Notes

NISSAN RECALL NO. R3009. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

2003 Nissan Murano 4-DR. w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Safety Technology

4 investigations

799 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Nissan Murano.

Service Brakes; Engine

ODI #11424485

Incident: June 21, 2021 · Filed: July 12, 2021

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was shifted into PARK and restarted however, after driving for several miles, the failure recurred. The contact pulled over to side of the roadway and waited for several minutes before restarting the vehicle and slowly drove to the residence. The contact stated that the ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 162,000.

Structure

ODI #11424032

Incident: June 21, 2021 · Filed: July 9, 2021

Rusting excessively

Suspension; Structure

ODI #11423987

Incident: June 20, 2021 · Filed: July 8, 2021

REAR SUBFRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED CANT BELIEVE NISSAN USED SUCH CHEAP STEEL

Electrical System; Vehicle Speed Control; Engine

ODI #11423979

Incident: June 20, 2021 · Filed: July 8, 2021

ABS STAYS ON THEN THE (BRAKE WARNING LAMPS WILL IMMEDIATELY COME AFTER A SHORT TIME, THE ENGINE WILL GO INTO A "FALL SAFE" CONDITION WHICH WILL LIMIT VEHICLE SPEED. THE ENGINE WILL STOP RUNNING AND TURN OFF ON ME. ALSO MY SUBFRAME IS ROTTEN AND IS NOW DISCONNECTED THE MECHANIC QUOTED ME $2,600 TO REPAIR JUS THE SUBFREAME.

Vehicle Speed Control; Service Brakes; Engine

ODI #11417746

Incident: July 24, 2020 · Filed: May 19, 2021

While driving down the highway with my infant child the vehicle lost power I could not accelerate went from 75mph to a struggling 5mph. No matter how far I pressed the gas pedal there was no acceleration no revving of engine just complete nothing just pure panic. I was able to pull off to the side of the freeway in a not so safe place however I had no choice. I out hazard lights on and turned off the car. After waiting approx 5 min. I attempted to start car to no avail. The battery light as well as abs light stayed on. I again waited for another 5 -10 min and tried again nothing but same warning lights. I eventually had to wait for approx 45-_60 min when it finally started however I was only allowed to go no fastethan 5 mph. I was able to exit freeway where I parked car for several hours and walked home. Upon retrieving vehicle it still had same results. I drove home @ 5mph. I took car in for repairs and was told I needed a new battery wiring harness. I had that ordered a d repaired. Car drove home just fine however the following day the same incident occurred. Took car back in and was told I needed a new alternator which I replaced. However the following day the same thing occurred. Upon driving car back to a major dealership to notify them of the same problem, however once in their parking lot the mechanic attempted to drive car into the service bay and car wouldn't start. Immediately the mechanic said " oh you hear that clicking sound?" " That's the starter you need a new one". I once again had them service my car and put in a new starter.Yet once again the following day the same problem. In all these occurrences the car had just out of no where with no warning lost power leaving my children and I in a potentially dangerous situation multiple times. The vehicle has been parked in my garage. I can't afford replacing parts just to have the same incident. As far as dates go there were multiple dates that the vehicle stalled on me and had no acceleration.

Electrical System

ODI #11416756

Incident: February 2, 2021 · Filed: May 15, 2021

WHILE DRIVING I LOST ALL POWER FOR THE MOTOR AND HAD TO HAVE TO BATTERY REPLACED CUZ LOST ALL POWER

Electrical System; Vehicle Speed Control; Engine

ODI #11405762

Incident: March 2, 2021 · Filed: March 31, 2021

WHILE DRIVING THE MURANO IT SLOWED DOWN AND WOULDN'T GO ABOVE 20MPH. AFTER ABOUT A MILE IT JUST STOPPED RUNNING & WOULDN'T CRANK BACK UP. ALL THE FLUIDS WERE AT THE RIGHT LEVELS. TOOK IT TO A JOHNNY'S MECHANIC SHOP & THEY SAID IT WAS THE ENGINE.

Engine

ODI #11322256

Incident: April 25, 2020 · Filed: April 26, 2020

THE CAR KEEPS ON SHUTTING OFF ON ME THE MOTOR AND WAS CAUSED A BIG ACCIDENT

Suspension

ODI #11307992

Incident: February 7, 2020 · Filed: February 9, 2020

WE ARE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF 2003 NISSAN MURANO; IT HAS ONLY 92K MILES, IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED AND WELL MAINTAINED. THE REAR WHEELS JUST STARTED TILTING INWARD AT THE TOP; A MECHANIC IDENTIFIED THE REAR SUBFRAME AND SUSPENSION WAS ROTTING, AND ADVISED THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO WORSEN UNTIL THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE JUST COLLAPSES. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR. NISSAN IS IGNORING IT IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT (THEY USED CRAPPY STEEL), THAT IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY HAZARD, AND IT SHOULD BE FIXED BY THEM. SEARCHING ONLINE REVEALS MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME ISSUE, MANY JUST RECENTLY MADE, AND AS A CONSUMER IT IS VERY UNFAIR TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON A NEW VEHICLE AND KEEP IT NICE AND FULLY FUNCTIONAL, EXPECTING IT TO LAST FOR A FEW MORE YEARS TO COME, TO SURPRISINGLY HAVE THE SUBFRAME FAIL ESPECIALLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS LESS THAN TWENTY YEARS OLD AND NOT EVEN AT 100,000 MILES.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11298580

Incident: June 14, 2019 · Filed: January 11, 2020

DURING THE HOT SUMMER MONTHS IN THE PHOENIX ARIZONA AREA I'VE EXPERIENCED HESITATION (ESPECIALLY IN TRAFFIC) WHEN EITHER MOVING SLOWLY ALONG OR TRAFFIC PICKS UP OR TURNING AND I HAVE TO MASH HARDER ON THE ACCELERATOR, SOMETIMES 2-4 TIMES!!! THIS IS FRIGHTENING !! WHAT IS THE PROBLEM AS I'VE CHECKED FILTERS, GAS, INTAKE? AND ASKED MECHANIC ???

Other Nissan Murano model years

Check your 2003 Nissan Murano VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Nissan Murano at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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