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Have you had a transfer case leak or failure?

  • Yes

    Votes: 248 61%
  • No

    Votes: 161 39%

Transfer case poll

262K views 521 replies 195 participants last post by  DrSparky  
#1 ·
Ok, since no one has done it yet, I'm starting a poll to see how widespread this AWD transfer case failure is.

Vote in this thread ONLY if you have an AWD Murano, since FWD does not apply for the transfer case. Also add a text post below telling us how many miles you had at the time of failure and the model year. No need to list mileage if you haven't had this problem.

If you originally voted no, but subsequently had a transfer case leak or failure, PM one of the moderators and they can adjust your vote to the other category.
 
#396 ·
Transfer Case

I have an 05 Murano - around 94K miles, bought this about 4yrs ago. Found out a few months ago i have a transfer leak .. I have been reading the posts about it and im still confused on what they need to do to actually fix this. And does anyone have an idea on how much this would cost to actually fix?? :(
 
#397 ·
I have an 05 Murano - around 94K miles, bought this about 4yrs ago. Found out a few months ago i have a transfer leak .. I have been reading the posts about it and im still confused on what they need to do to actually fix this. And does anyone have an idea on how much this would cost to actually fix?? :(
Welcome. Well there are a few different places from where you may have a leak from, would you be able to post a picture of the leak?
 
#398 ·
Based off of my experience-

The first step is replacing seals: $1,800 (dealer price).
If it continues to leak, they might replace the seals again (hopefully within the 1st year so it's free).
If it continues to leak, they will probably replace the transfer case (there was an updated TSB covering this): $2,400.
If it continues to leak, they'll probably swap the transmission: Free if under the 10y/120m warranty, otherwise $6,000 - 8,000.
 
#401 ·
Well now.... How long does Nissan warrant a new transfer case? I had mine replaced last April(2011) and it's leaking. The replacement ($3400.00) went in with 130,000 kms (80,778.25mi) and it's leaking again. Mileage today = 146,000kms (90,720.19mi). I must say that I hope the dealership will fix this properly as I'm starting to tire with the numerous/expensive repairs to this car. If dealer talks out his ass, this Murano is gone!
 
#402 ·
In the US, all work performed by Nissan is warrantied for 1 year (Canada should be the same). If it's leaking between the CVT and TC, they'll probably swap the CVT. The point on the CVT where it marries to the TC could have a defect preventing it from sealing with the new TC (I believe a TSB was released in January about this).
 
#403 ·
UPDATE: Well, the dealership came through and replaced the leaking seal on one of the shafts. Not sure if this is the proper fix (time will tell), but they were honest and quick to repair with $0. charges! Said there was plenty of oil still in the case. The Murano gets a 'reprive' from the 'used' car lot! LOL! I going to keep an eye out for another leak. With this thread having so many diffs leaking/breaking, you never know when.....
 
#404 ·
Burning Smell Tranfer case problems 05 MO

I'm glad that I'm not alone with all my issues. I've got a 05 MO with 62,000 miles on it. I first started getting the burning smell which was the transfer case oil hitting the exhaust system. I replaced a transfer case seal that cost me $1400.00 bucks to do. Mostly labor. and now 1 month later, the smell returns. I suspect after all of the posts that I've read that I have more issues with my transfer case. Nissan was worthless in helping me out. I was over 60 months but under mileage and asked them to help me out with the cost and they gave me the run around for 2 weeks before saying no, we won't help you with this repair. Not very happy with Nissan at this point. But they followed their flimsy warranty to the letter. Now, I'm going to take my MO back to the shop next Monday and get another diagnosis on exactly where its leaking. I see another grand repair bill in my future and am starting to question buying this car. Other than the transfer case leak, its been a good car but this is getting expensive.
 
#405 ·
I'm glad that I'm not alone with all my issues. I've got a 05 MO with 62,000 miles on it. I first started getting the burning smell which was the transfer case oil hitting the exhaust system. I replaced a transfer case seal that cost me $1400.00 bucks to do. Mostly labor. and now 1 month later, the smell returns. I suspect after all of the posts that I've read that I have more issues with my transfer case. Nissan was worthless in helping me out. I was over 60 months but under mileage and asked them to help me out with the cost and they gave me the run around for 2 weeks before saying no, we won't help you with this repair. Not very happy with Nissan at this point. But they followed their flimsy warranty to the letter. Now, I'm going to take my MO back to the shop next Monday and get another diagnosis on exactly where its leaking. I see another grand repair bill in my future and am starting to question buying this car. Other than the transfer case leak, its been a good car but this is getting expensive.
OK first off sorry to hear about this problem.

But if you just paid for the repair done a month ago then you are still under the 12 month/12k mile parts and labor warranty nissan dealers give you when you have work performed at a nissan dealer. Therefore you need to contact your dealer and schedule a recheck, if the same seal is leaking again you will NOT be responsible for the second repair since you have the 12/12 warranty from when you paid to have the work done.
 
#406 ·
AWD failure

My CVT in my :mad:2009 Murano AWD with 74K went out today. Dealer covering it under warranty, however said the transfer case is leaking and they are replacing seal for $426. Nissan should be ashamed for not doing the right thing and covering the transfer case under this warranty as well. I cannot wait until the class action suit.
 
#407 ·
Stop! I believe that 09s are know to have cvt and tc not mating very well right off the factory and should be covered under the cvt warranty. Do not let them charge you for this. Call nissan usa. Do some reading here. There are lots of post about this. tc leak is probably just coincidental to the cvt failure. They have to remove the cvt/tc seal to get to the cvt. They should cover that too.
 
#408 ·
Transfer Case Leak

Just found out TC is leaking on my '04 MO, 97.5K miles. Not enough to drop to the ground, but mechanic found area where TC bolts to CVT was wet, ad also found slight seepage from TC rear output shaft seal. (Whatever that means!) Mechanic didn't think it was worth spending the money to repair right now, said to "watch it."

Am I just a sitting duck for TC failure? Anything I can do, short of shelling out 2K to repair the leaks, to protect TC? Or do I trade it in now, take what I can get and run?
 
#409 ·
First off, please stop posting the same issue all over the place.

The tricky part here is if you are having a cvt leak as well with your tc leak....The only way to find out is to have the dealer dye test the leak. They will put some dye on the cvt fluid and run the car for several minutes or so or until some fluid with the dye leaks out of that tc/cvt mating part. If you get the dyed fluid come out of it...Bingo! you get a cvt seal replacement for free--under cvt extended warranty. Now doing this will require them to remove the tc and in that process all labor for the tc will be waived and all you need to do is pay for the leaky tc seal and maybe fluid top off/ or replacement. However, if no dyed fluid comes out of the leak then you are stuck with the tc seal replacement that run around 1500. You can choose to not have it checked and do you own tc fluid top off by doing the diy instruction posted somewhere in maintenance forum.

A leaky tc seal does not mean the tc is bad. It is the seal that is bad. If you leave the leak unattended then the fluid will go to dangerous low level and damage the tc. Hence you can top it off yourself. However, location of the fill bolt is a bit difficult to get to. But if you are mechanically inclined its not that bad. And once you've done it you will be a pro in doing it again. Then you will have no worries that your tc will go bad. Good luck.
 
#412 ·
2005 went well traded it in at 105000

This is great site. I had a 2005 and just got a 2011. All was good with the other one. It had 105.000 and was time. Based on reading this great stuff. :)
 
#413 ·
Bopper,
Why sell it???
You have an awesome car. You have to expect some repairs as you near 100K.
You have a lot of maintenence to look forward to now.
CVT oil change, transfer case oil change (if not already done)+
Spark plugs, drive belts, differential fluidsX2.
The cheapest form of transportation you have is the car you own!
Keep that MO in top-notch shape :)
 
#414 ·
This is just the latest issue -- I've had a lot more trouble under 100K than I think I should. I come from a family of Honda and Toyota drivers, and they have all cruised well past 100K with significantly less (i.e. "no") trauma. I'm just not convinced this is a car that will reliably take me to 150K plus, so I'm getting out while the tranny is still under warranty.
 
#415 ·
I have a 2007 AWD at 67K miles, took it in for evaluation of a driver's side drive axle seal leak - as I expected, the Nissan dealer denied coverage under the transmission warranty, saying the warranty covers only internal parts, not seals. Jerks.

I also found out that the PS hose has a small leak and the transfer case has a leak. I have a GM Master Guard extended warranty and the insurance company sent an inspector to check the problems. If I get coverage on these leaks and repairs ($2700) I'll keep the Murano for at least another year until the extended warranty expires, then evaluate. If I don't get the TC leak covered, I'll trade the vehicle immediately before I develop an ongoing problem and possible TC failure.

EDIT: The GM Master Guard warranty covered all the work and the TC was re-sealed by the Nissan dealer. The warranty came through and I'm happy again.
 
#417 ·
PS leak, TC failure, rear driveshaft failure - 03 Murano

  • PS high pressure hose leak @ 165K KM - DIY repair.
  • TC failue @ 170K KM - dealer repair. They also changed the cat converter - $4500 CAD total.
  • propeller shaft failure - U joint @ 175K KM. DIY using what Statefarm calls 'quality recycled part' for $300 CAD. Dealer wanted $1300+13% tax (in Ontario, Canada).
I did the propeller shaft yesterday... Relatively easy. The PS hose is much more difficult to get at.
 
#420 ·
Just an update to my former Murano or if you will "money pit". The guy who bought my Murano called me this week to report that the transfer case finally went at 102K. Nissan gave him some grief but eventually replaced it. I'm still glad I got rid of that POS. I wish the rest of you luck, the Murano was definitely not built to last...
 
#421 ·
I bought my 09 murano 1 month ago with 48,000kms. One week later I noticed wetness on the TC, brought it in and they replaced the seals, they lasted 1 week and leaking again. Brought it back in and they replaced the TC with a new one that is "revised". Picked it up today, all covered by warranty. The day we bought it we tried the awd lock, not knowing about the TC issues so maybe that caused it. I will NOT be using that damn button ever again now. I have warranty for 3 more years so if it happens again for some reason, it will b covered. Ditch it juuuust before warranty ends or keep it??? I love the ride! They gave me a Honda ridge line while murano was getting fixed, I hated it.
 
#422 ·
Happened to me too...Ditch the Car. It's unsafe...

...and a new TC costs $4k and a TC seal replacement is $1200. You don't want to have a TC blow on the highway and lock you up...could get ugly. NNA will do absolutely NOTHING FOR YOU because the CVT warranty doesn't include the TC. It's a serious design flaw. Go to the NHTSA site to see all the complaints. Also, check out this...

Got rid of mine 1 week after the TC leak was diagnosed.

Nissan Refuses to Recall Murano Despite Major CVT Problems

Shame on Nissan. Even the new models have the same TC design...exactly. They've never fixed it even though they know it's a major issue.
 
#423 ·
TC failing second time!

Murano 2003 SE. The transfer case failed a second time! How bad is this car?! How horrible can this car be?! After 23 k ! Changed it and spent 5k and now it failed again? After only 23,000 km?

I will make it my purpose in life to make NEGATIVE PUBLICITY to Nissan every time I can. I have already convinced 2 colleagues that were almost decided to buy a Murano - not to buy Murano and not to buy Nissan!

Every time That I will have the chance to give advice about cars, and it happens often, I will try all I can to change the persons mind from buyng Nissan!
 
#425 ·
Murano 2003 SE. The transfer case failed a second time! How bad is this car?! How horrible can this car be?! After 23 k ! Changed it and spent 5k and now it failed again? After only 23,000 km?

I will make it my purpose in life to make NEGATIVE PUBLICITY to Nissan every time I can. I have already convinced 2 colleagues that were almost decided to buy a Murano - not to buy Murano and not to buy Nissan!

Every time That I will have the chance to give advice about cars, and it happens often, I will try all I can to change the persons mind from buyng Nissan!
Welcome to the club...as I've posted many times before.