Ok, Received the Murano back with a few less parts. They removed the drive shaft completely going to the rear end. Noise is gone. Now actually I have a lot more power in front end, which would be obvious. But for me, a 2wd vehicle at a cost of $100 repair, compared to what they were about to charge, its good with me...
The front passenger axle issue, was not justified. A few months ago I had tires replaced, and all was good, except we noticed boot was cracked around axle. A few days later, i kept checking it, and literally it broke and grease was coming out everywhere. Immediately we replaced boot, big job, but they only charged me $75 labour +$25 for the part at a small local repair shop. So, when Nissan saw all the grease, they assumed it was gone... SO they just wanted to replace it all.

At the end of the day, it was almost a $5000 repair (nissan here loves just to change parts out) to A $100 labour charge to remove drive train... I am a happy Murano owner again... Come on 300,000km, we can make it!!!

Video of loose bearing in drive shaft below in dropbox link:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/v0fxlm9q3p1dr3n/AADr-54bqyUp7DHJZxST8D90a?dl=0

 

Even if it had some abuse previously, much of the suspension stuff could be do to where its driven, like city driving or poor driving habits. Two full suspensions sounds crazy. My 09 has 72k and aside from maintenance, Nissan replaced the power steering reservoir under warranty.
That noise sounds like rotors being cut.

 

Ian, that's an odd noise. Sounds like some kind of metal-on-metal rotating assembly. I'd have to know where it's coming from to know more. I'd use an auto stethoscope and go over the engine to find out where it's located. If it's inside the transmission housing, then I agree it sounds serious.

****************

I really can't complain about mine: 2007 Murano S, 111K miles, bought at 49K miles.

- Replaced rear brake pads (normal wear)
- Replaced front struts and rear shocks (normal wear)
- Replaced two front motor mounts (DIY)
- Replaced one front CV axle (split boot)
- Due to replace the other front CV axle (split boot)

I consider that DARN good for a 111K mile car! I'm due for spark plugs.

And here's what I've done for regular maintenance....

- Oil/filter changes
- Tire rotations
- Replaced battery
- Cabin filter every 2-3 years
- Wiper blades as needed

I would consider that as trouble-free as any car is likely to be.

 

So far word back from Nissan is that it is drive shaft, specically bearing in the middle. And also possibly driverside axel?
I am hear in Mexico with the vehicle, which I undestand why I am going they suspensions. So for now, they want $2900 to replace drive shaft, and $ 1800 to replace drivers side axel.
What I suggested was just to remove drive shaft completely, and see if noise goes away. Tomorrow I shall find out!

 

Your car has done a lot of traveling. I'm assuming you're not the original owner. My guess is your car was not well taken care of early on and may have been abused.

 

Your right, I did purchase vehicle with already 85000k. So I suspect heavy abuse...

 

I kind of laughed when i saw this thread, actually cried a little. Or a little bit of both!!

2004 nissan murano....275,000km, 3 countries canada, usa, mexico (twice)

135000 full front suspension shocks, control arms

195000km cvt transmission recall - replaced under warranty
full front/rear suspension, inc front control arms, and front wheel bearings(dreaded grind)
starting to burn oil... change to 15w/40... seems better.

220000km, transfer case - rebuilt

245000km, full front suspension, new control arms again, front/rear bearings, alternator, belts, fuel pump.

275,000 sitting in Nissan dealership loud screeching sound ( maybe transfer case or tranny again)... extremely loud noise Time to bury murano now I think... Check out link below to see what you think it is?
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/v0fxlm9q3p1dr3n/AADr-54bqyUp7DHJZxST8D90a?dl=0


Worst vehicle we have ever owned... At same time, I have used it well...

 

2005 w/ 110,600 miles

Mostly trouble free with wear items such as tie rods, brakes, tires, and such.


I have had to repair/replace:
-rear wiper motor (water can get in and rust the bushing, I grease it before every winter now)
-Welded exhaust (a consumable part here in the rust belt)
-Coolant line for oil cooler, I feel like it is a poor design
-oil cooler gasket
-oil pan rusted and seeping, but was SUPER easy to replace, maybe 30 min and $60
-Fuel filler neck rusted out, replaced under warranty, no problems since
-Alternator, a wear item but such a pain to replace that it raises my blood pressure just thinking about it
-Switch for rear drivers side window just stopped working

 

2011 with 54k...no problems to date....other than the stupid bluetooth microphone that works when it wants.

 

It will cost you 2000-3000 to replace water pump, because engine has to be removed. On top of that, it cannot be removed like in most cars, Engine/transmission/subframe together have to be dropped.
the only other "mechanic horror" car I know is Cadillac.
Just call dealership and ask price for water pump replacement.
18" tires are about 150, so you'll pay close to 700-800 for 4 tires replacement.

 

18" tires are about 150, so you'll pay close to 700-800 for 4 tires replacement.

My Cooper CS4's were exactly $150 each - including mounting, balancing and a decent road hazard warranty, all of which can easily be thrown in via a little negotiating. Adding in 5% tax ($30) and subtracting a $40 rebate, my 4 tires netted to $590. Less than $700 and a lot less than $800. Just saying.

 

The only issues I've had was the point guiding engine. Both were changed under the guarantee I purchased. Other then that I am on my new set of wheels which i did replaced after 10K.

 

I hardly ever post here but read for information. We have an 03 SL with just shy of 100,000 miles driven. As far as reliability we have found it to be a very good vehicle. The only repair that was out of the ordinary was the issue with the control arms. That said I've done many "nuisance" repairs over the years. Repairs that were not major but left me scratching my head. It probably also helps that I'm pretty fussy about my maintenance. For instance, I'm one of those guys who changes out his brake fluid every couple of years just to keep those brake lines clean inside.

1. Repaired the flange at the rear of the car where the rear pipe meets the muffler. (twice).

2. Repaired clips a few times that are used to hold the fuel tank shield to the underbody.

3. Replaced front struts prematurely when the dust boots fell apart and one of the boots somehow was drawn into the strut (yep, the rubber was pulled right down into the strut tube by the piston). Nothing wrong with the strut, just a cheap boot. Replaced with KYB's.

4. Gas filler neck/ fuel cap leaks every couple of years no matter what I do and throws a code. Could Nissan use a little better steel for the neck.

5. I love that the oil cooler pipe sits out in the breeze where road salt can really get to it. It's an easy fix to do if you change your own oil. If it were to fail you could easily get stuck out there somewhere with no coolant.

If I had gone to a dealer for these repairs I'd be out some serious money. If you can do these small repair jobs yourself the Murano has a pretty reasonable repair history, at least in my experience.

Any car you own for 10 years is going to have some issues. I'd say that compared to other vehicles we've owned the Murano is above average but still could be a bit better. Maybe the later generations are, I don't know.

 

I love my new Murano CC. The only issue was a little squeaking from the dash that I had the dealer fix. No problems at all since...

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

Have a 2011 Murano Cross Cabriolet, no problems, except pilot error trying to figure out all the controls, etc. Bought at Hunter Auto, Hendersonville, NC. Mike

 

It does appear, as you state, that the transfer case may be a weak link. I hope Nissan has taken this into account on the newer models.

 

Let's get some perspective. "Trouble-free" does NOT mean "repair-free".

All cars will consume brake pads and rotors, belts, tires, oil, lube, spark plugs, clutches, and over time you will need to replace starters, alternators and similar wear items. Over time, there will be water pumps and radiators.

IMO none of those items are "trouble" unless they happen early and/or often.

Although there will be some small number of vehicles which have catastrophic problems with transmissions, engines and other major systems, these should be isolated incidents and small in number. Hopefully most will occur in the manufacturer's warranty period.

So - where are we in determining "trouble free"? To me, that means not experiencing a high number of repairs in any category, and no patterns of consistent failure.

What I think I have seen based on reports here is problems with high pressure steering hoses, and potential for too many repairs on transfer cases. I'm not convinced that the CVT transmissions have any particular problem, nor that the V6 engine has any problem.

 

I have an '03 Murano bought new with 122,000 on it and have had only 1 problem with it. The fuel filler access door ceased to pop open when pushed and this was fixed for less than $100 with a new relay. This is by far the least expensive out of pocket to maintain car I have ever owned and I have owned 9 others over my 66 years: MGB, Corvette, Camaro, 3 Volvos, 3 BMWs. Maybe I just got lucky.

 

05 with 86K. Very reliable. Only thing was an oil cooler hose that was chafed by the serpentine belt adjuster, and oh yea, a sticking rear brake caliper a few months ago that I replaced for $60. Most people would not have noticed but I am a car guy.

 

Just hit 87K miles on 07 Murano. It's our trip vehicle because it's not hard to cover 700 miles in a day if you have to. (Still makes a very long day...)

Total repairs:

- Replace worn rear brake pads. (DIY)
- Replace leaking PS high pressure hose. (Warranty)
- Re-seal transfer case. (Warranty)

I don't know what was done to it in the first 39K miles, but it would have been warranty work.

The only one of these three that bothers me is the transfer case...that shouldn't have been necessary. I was glad to have an extended warranty on the vehicle when that came up.

 

Orzel, you run about as many miles as I do. I traded a 7 year old Maxima on the MO, and the Maxima had 42,000 miles. I usually run 6,000 - 7,000 miles per year. We may be doing more now that we have a grandson 4 hours away. That's one of the reasons I bought the MO.

 

We generally use ours as the road trip vehicle, comfort, room, quite, and it goes when you ask it. Typically we do at least one, often two, good road trip a year of about 3K+ miles each. The Mo has been absolutely trouble free and a great touring vehicle. Since new (first road trip after 1k miles) we have managed to avaerage right at 23+ MPG on each one of our jaunts. This one is certainly a keeper

 

134k on a 2010..wow! I hate to admit it, but I just rolled over 26k on our 09, and I've had it since new. Still enjoy it too, with minimal issues.

 

I own a 2009 Mo. AWD Sapphire Blue. I've loved this car since the first day I bought it. It now has 114,000 miles. I drive it 83 miles round trip every day back and forth to work. It gets 25.4 miles to the gallon. It's never failed to get me where I was going. I drive on a lonely mountain road at weird hours and don't want to be stranded on the side of the road. I have never felt nervous in my Mo. It has made the trip when it's 90 and the Air Cond. is on and -15 in a foot of snow with the heat blasting. I've felt as confident either time. Don't worry they are very well built vehicles.

 

I choose....

c) something else (you're a nut)

:29:

 

c) something else (you're a nut)

I am definitely nutty for entertaining a forum discussion with someone like yourself. Guilty as charged! :29:

 

Wallybear, if you are that confused about the "contradictory" statements made by me on this thread then I think we should chalk it up to either:
a) a bit of paranoia,
b) your need to protect the brand (probably to make yourself feel better about MO ownership), or
c) something else (I'll let you fill in the blank)
rather than any serious inconsistencies in what I wrote. I didn't use the word "unacceptable"; you did. I never said I was " overlooking" vs. "not overlooking". To paraphrase myself (without parsing over all my posts like you seem to have time to do), I said I found these issues minor in the grand scheme, but an annoying inconvenience nonetheless, and that I can't overlook them when compared with other new cars I've owned. So sorry if that is so confusing to you, but hey, not everyone is blessed with the ability to see the big picture.

Oh, and BTW, I'm on very good terms with my Nissan service manager. I am always very respectful and pleasant in my dealings with him, and he works to make me happy.

Good luck with the therapy. Hopefully it will help!

 

Oh, and BTW, I'm on very good terms with my Nissan service manager. I am always very respectful and pleasant in my dealings with them, and they always try to make me happy.

I can see them running for cover and adding a few choice #$*!# words when you pull in the lot! LOL You know you love doing it!

 

Huh? Bizarre? Really?

To everyone whom I have annoyed with my posting that (admittedly) attempted to poke fun at the (rather contradictory) statements made on this thread made by PA_Murano, I have this to say....ahh nevermind....if I didn't reach you with my bizarre ramblings before, I probably won't now.

I will say that it is nice to see support from some others here to my ideas about militant consumerism. I suppose I shouldn't have expected the same kind of a response from everyone, particularly the subject of some of my musings. I will try to get some therapy so that I can accept the fact that someone just can't explain the difference between the "overlooking" and the "not overlooking" of an "unacceptable" defect. I'll focus on being happy that I'm not the service manager of the dealership he frequents.

As I've always tried to mention in my postings, I hope that my input is helpful to someone here. If it's not, well, then I will politely point out that all of my advice and comment was free. Oh, but I shall continue to defend the proud name of "Nissan" (which, in Japanese, means "Made in Japan") as I enjoy all the pleasures afforded by my very own MO.

Peace! :29:

 

Faulty fuel sending units, a broken drivers side seat bracket (my wife and I are 130-165 soaking wet) and a rusted out exhaust aren't things I would consider "normal" especially from a $30k and only 4 years old (now 6 years old but problems started at 4yo). Murano's are dealership service cars, they are designed that way. I just changed spark plugs in our 06' and have had the wonderful high idle issue ever since, I have worked on many cars over the years and never had so many issues with such a basic maintenance item. If you plan to keep the MO just make sure you have a darn good warranty. That said Nissan is a horrible company to try to deal with and don't stand by their vehicles out of warranty even just a little bit. This site has been a saving grace with some of the problems I have faced with this car. Car companies are starting to be very much alike in the sense of quality and standing behind what is a true flaw in the design and just wear and tear. Sorry for the long winded response

 

Wallybear, less bath salts before you post! :crazyeye: