[freed32376]

I bought my 04 Murano new in Dec 2003. It's been good so far, just stupid issues like power mirrors not working in the summer heat and now the vinyl seat sides are cracking.

I've always been aware of the transfer case issues and I know 1 person that cracked the TC within the first 300 miles on the odometer on a 2006.

I've had the car 7 years, and it just turned 50K miles. Its been my wifes car for the last 5 years with about 6K per year put on it.

I'm starting to get concerned about the TC. No reason to think there is a problem other than what I've read on this forum. I'm thinking of getting rid of the car soon to avoid an expensive repair bill. Plus I've heard that the TC often takes the CVT with it and Nissan won't cover the CVT under the extended warranty if the cause was TC failure.

The question is, does anyone have a early model Murano that has high mileage WITH the original transfer case?

Can any techs chime in regarding the prevalence of the TC issue?

 

[Jammer89]

I bought my 07 Murano almost new (with less than 2000 miles) and now I'm approaching 100 000 miles without any problems. The only service I've had on the TC is a fluid flush. The key is not to use the AWD Lock button on dry pavement (only use it when you're stuck).

 

[freed32376]

I bought my 07 Murano almost new (with less than 2000 miles) and now I'm approaching 100 000 miles without any problems. The only service I've had on the TC is a fluid flush. The key is not to use the AWD Lock button on dry pavement (only use it when you're stuck).

I've used it 2-3 times in snow trying to go up my driveway.

I've also heard rapid accelleration on wet/snowly roads which causes slip which causes the rear axle to kick it. Then you hit a dry patch and it jolts the system.

I heard the 2007 have a better TC. Is that true?

 

[nafddur]

I'm starting to get concerned about the TC. No reason to think there is a problem other than what I've read on this forum.

There would be no reason to be concerned about your transfer case based on the few people who have reported problems on this forum. Ever notice how many Muranos are on the roads? The vast majority of Murano owners are happily driving our cars problem free day in, day out.

Sure I'd rather see zero CVT, TC, floppy visor, faulty door latch, stereo, rattles, broken seat, etc. problems reported on my car. But the fact that a few of those have been reported here does not mean they are typical for Muranos. I just passed 6 years of ownership and 83K miles on my 04 SE with nary a problem.

 

[Jammer89]

I've used it 2-3 times in snow trying to go up my driveway.

I've also heard rapid accelleration on wet/snowly roads which causes slip which causes the rear axle to kick it. Then you hit a dry patch and it jolts the system.

I heard the 2007 have a better TC. Is that true?

I'm not too sure about that, however, I have heard of some cases of 07's Transfer Cases failing too around here. Like nafddur said, however, there are tons of Muranos on the road so the failure rate might appear to be high on this forum, but the failure rate of TCs might be lower than what they appear to be. .

 

[freed32376]

I haven't changed the diff, CVT, or TC fluid yet. 7 years old in Dec /w 50K miles. Do you think I should have the fluids changed now?

 

[Eric L.]

Bought mine new in June 2003, and no issues with the transfer case or CVT. Had a leaking axle seal, replaced under warranty. No big deal. I do get the transfer and rear diff fluid changed every couple years and change the CVT fluid myself every 30k. Some say its not necessary, but I don't see it as a lot of trouble for peace of mind.

 

[turbizzy]

Mine is a 2004 with 115k and its not had any issues with the CVT or transfer case besides an oil leak between the TC and CVT. I replaced the seal about a year ago at 98k miles including new tc fluid and cvt fluid and works fine.

Remember, all you ever hear about on these forums are about things that go wrong. You don't really hear about good cars because people aren't on here to talk about that. They're here to find info on their broken cars.

 

[freed32376]

Mine is a 2004 with 115k and its not had any issues with the CVT or transfer case besides an oil leak between the TC and CVT. I replaced the seal about a year ago at 98k miles including new tc fluid and cvt fluid and works fine.

Remember, all you ever hear about on these forums are about things that go wrong. You don't really hear about good cars because people aren't on here to talk about that. They're here to find info on their broken cars.

Thanks. I've been on here since 2003 when I bought the car. The problem I have is the 1 person I know who has a Murano also had the TC fail within the first 500 miles on the odo. Made me think that we've just been lucky and this is a wide-spread problem.

Great to know there are others with high-miles with no issues.

I'm going to ask the dealer to inspect the TC/CVT for seal failures.

How about the fluids? Should they be changed? I'm at 7 years/50K miles

 

[nafddur]

How about the fluids? Should they be changed? I'm at 7 years/50K miles

I asked my dealer's service manager (whom I trust and has been very fair with me over the years) 2 years ago when my 04 was approaching 60K if I should get any of the fluids changed. He just laughed.

I'll ask him again in a couple more years (I'm now at 83K) when I go in for plugs at 100K. Maybe then he'll recommend checking the CVT fluid and changing the diff and transfer case. Until then, I'll just keep happily driving.

Oh yeah, I just did my fall oil change, tire rotation, and undercarriage/drive train inspection - nary a sign of fluid from ANY seals.

 

[turbizzy]

I would do it at 60k, its cheap insurance against costly repairs if something happens. I know people on here are hardcore about not needing to do this or whatever but its called "preventative maintenance" versus costly repairs.

 

[riorider]

Just traded my 2004, 210,500 miles, never changed the CVT fluid (had them check it regularly, including having the scoped report done once). Other than an early ECM module failure (@4000) nary a big problem.

Mine was an SE, FWD only, so I don't think I had the TC risk (right guys? just on the AWDs, correct?).

rr

 

[turbizzy]

Correct.

 

[biggun]

Mine is a 2004 with 115k and its not had any issues with the CVT or transfer case besides an oil leak between the TC and CVT. I replaced the seal about a year ago at 98k miles including new tc fluid and cvt fluid and works fine.

Remember, all you ever hear about on these forums are about things that go wrong. You don't really hear about good cars because people aren't on here to talk about that. They're here to find info on their broken cars.

Turbizzy,

How would you distinguish whether its the CVT or TC leaking and did you get the repair fixed under warranty?

 

[turbizzy]

Turbizzy,

How would you distinguish whether its the CVT or TC leaking and did you get the repair fixed under warranty?

Well thats when experience and being familiar with these cars comes into play. On mine i noticed the fluid was dark and dirty looking kinda like how cvt fluid starts looking over 60k miles. Transfercase fluid looks more grayish, clearish and its almost never the tC fluid leaking from between the tranny and TC so i replaced the oil seal on the tranny that goes between it and the TC. I did it myself at work, before i realized it was covered under the 120k mile warranty extension... oh well. Coulda payed myself to do my own work but whatever....

 

[Mr3Putt]

2003, 110,000 miles. No TC issues (knocking on wood).

 

[ekaxel]

Most of them actually...
78000 mi 2003 no issues.

 

[nafddur]

No problems here either with my 04 SE. 84K miles and still on the original CVT, TC and diff fluids.

 

[MEE]

98k on my 2003 (orig. owner). No TC issues yet (knock on wood) but damn near replaced the entire suspension though.

 

[sys_link2000]

Transfer Case replaced

2003 SL AWD 100,204 miles and just replaced the TC at the cost of my Insurance Deductable ($500). Now mechanic says it needs the wheel hub bearings replaced (sounds like I have off road mudder tires).

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'03 SL AWD Beige w/tan leather
Everything but NAV
DrawTite 2" hitch
Full spare tire
Rear Entertainment
HID fogs
LED tails
Kumo Solous KR-21s