Last updated: 2026-04-20

2020 Nissan Murano
RELIABILITY SCORE: 74/100 (GOOD)

2020 Nissan Murano Reliability Report

The 2020 Nissan Murano scores 74/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 41 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

2

Complaints

41

Complaint Rate

N/A

Est. Repair Cost

$507

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,600

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint SeverityN/A

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue DiversityN/A

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (7)
  • STEERING (4)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (4)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Refresh Year

2020 received a minor updates update for the Third generation (Z52).

  • Changes: Updated front and rear fascias; New wheel design; Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard for SV and SL models.
  • Year 6 in this generation (2015–2024).
  • 3rd generation Murano (US).

What this means for buyers

Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.

2015: Third generation (Z52) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2020: This Model Year (Refresh)

2020 received a minor updates update for the Third generation (Z52).

Should You Buy the 2020 Nissan Murano?

At 74/100, the 2020 Nissan Murano lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 received a minor updates update for the Third generation (Z52).

Owners log 41 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to unknown or other (10). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2021 Nissan Murano, which scored 8 points higher. See also the 2019 Nissan Murano for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +$14 cheaper to maintain than avg compact SUVs
  • +Low major repair risk (14%)
  • +Low recall count

Cons

  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (10 complaints)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE issues reported (7 complaints)

Compare 2020 Nissan Murano With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (7)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

2

recalls on record

The 2020 Nissan Murano carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

41

complaints
LowAvgHigh
Very Low

Safety Incidents

1

Crashes

0

Fires

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2020 Nissan Murano Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Nissan Murano. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

21V4020002021-05-27

SUSPENSION, STEERING

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Nissan Murano, INFINITI QX60, 2021 Nissan GT-R, INFINITI QX50, and Q50 vehicles. The front steering knuckle or rear axle housing may have insufficient strength due to improper heat-treatment.

Consequence

The steering knuckle or rear axle could deform upon impact, such as from hitting a curb, resulting in a loss of steering control, or possible wheel separation. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckle and rear axle housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2021. Nissan owners may contact customer service at 1-800-867-7669. INFINITI owners may contact customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

21V1700002021-03-11

STEERING

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Nissan Murano vehicles. The left and/or right-hand transverse link may not have been manufactured correctly, which could result in it separating from the ball joint.

Consequence

Ball joint separation can cause a loss of vehicle control, and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transverse link's lot codes, and if necessary, replace them and perform a vehicle alignment, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 6, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC797.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2020 Nissan Murano? Check its history first

Every 2020 Nissan Murano has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2020 Nissan Murano NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 15.1%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Nissan MuranoRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$507

vs $521 avg for compact SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.5

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

14%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Murano
$507
Category Avg
$521
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

Nissan Murano Resale Value

The Nissan Murano is estimated to retain about 56.8% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the Nissan Murano model overall and is not specific to the 2020 model year.

Value Retained
56.8%

after 5 years

Depreciation
43.2%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
121

U.S. used-car listings

Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.

Explore Nissan Murano depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

23 MPG

Running cost: $3,100/yr

Fuel + repair

20 city / 28 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Murano AWD 3.5L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S7)202823$2,600
Murano FWD 3.5L 6-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S7)202823$2,600

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Nissan Murano.

  • Inspect sunroof for signs of stress or damage

  • Test forward collision avoidance system for unexpected braking

  • Check headlight assemblies for moisture intrusion

  • Verify seat belt latches for proper functionality

  • Test steering for unusual noises or resistance

  • Check for recalls related to steering and suspension components

2020 Nissan Murano Common Problems by Component

41 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

10
7
7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (7)STEERING (4)SERVICE BRAKES (4)POWER TRAIN (3)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)SEAT BELTS (2)SUSPENSION (2)Other (7)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

10 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Nissan Murano frequently report issues with the vehicle's glass components, particularly the sunroof and rear window, which they describe as unexpectedly shattering or exploding while driving. These incidents often occur at highway speeds, with glass fragments entering the cabin and posing potential injury risks. Additionally, some owners experience problems with the automatic emergency braking system, which they report as activating without warning or obstacles, leading to sudden stops and potential whiplash. Complaints typically arise within the first few months of ownership, with some vehicles having as few as 1,100 miles. These issues present safety implications, including the risk of injury from shattered glass and sudden braking, which could lead to loss of control.

10 complaints total1 injury

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

7 complaints

Owners report that the 2020 Nissan Murano's forward collision avoidance system frequently activates unexpectedly, causing the vehicle to brake suddenly without any apparent obstruction. Complaints often describe this occurring under overpasses or on highways, with speeds ranging from 30 to 50 MPH. Multiple owners mention that their vehicles have been inspected by dealers, but no defects or error codes are found, leaving the issue unresolved. These unexpected braking incidents pose safety risks, particularly in traffic, as they can lead to abrupt stops that may result in rear-end collisions. Buyers considering this vehicle should be aware of these reported issues, as they may affect driving confidence and safety.

7 complaints total

STEERING

4 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Nissan Murano frequently report issues related to the steering system. Common symptoms include difficulty in turning the wheel and loud noises, such as clunking, when steering. Some complaints highlight unresolved steering defects that are similar to those described in existing recall campaigns, though affected owners state their vehicles are not included in these recalls. Reports indicate these issues can arise with vehicles around 62,000 miles, suggesting potential premature component wear. The symptoms described could imply safety risks, such as steering instability or loss of control, which are important considerations for potential buyers.

4 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

4 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Nissan Murano report issues primarily related to the service brakes, with multiple complaints describing unintended braking events. Specifically, two owners report the automatic emergency braking system activating without any obstacles present, causing the vehicle to stop suddenly. These incidents occur at speeds around 25 MPH, and one owner notes that the issue recurred shortly after a dealer inspection found no faults. Another complaint involves a grinding noise when the brakes are applied, with the owner expressing concerns about potential safety risks. The mileage at which these issues occur varies, with one report at approximately 18,000 miles. Safety implications include the potential for rear-end collisions due to unexpected braking.

4 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (3 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Nissan Murano report issues primarily related to the power train, with specific complaints about transmission hesitation and unintended acceleration. One owner describes a delay of 2-3 seconds when accelerating, which they find concerning. Another owner reports a severe incident where the vehicle unexpectedly lurched forward while parking, resulting in a crash and injury. Additionally, there are reports of the vehicle rolling forward despite being in park, though this issue occurs intermittently and has not been diagnosed. These incidents suggest potential safety risks, including loss of vehicle control and crash involvement.

3 complaints total1 crash1 injury
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Nissan Murano report issues with the headlight assemblies, particularly involving moisture intrusion. Complaints frequently mention that moisture entering the headlight units leads to headlight failure, which is identified as a visibility hazard. Symptoms include a "Headlight System Error" displayed on the dashboard and the need for headlight replacement, with costs exceeding $2,200 in some cases. The reported failures occur at varied mileages, with one at 28,800 miles and another at 84,000 miles, suggesting no specific mileage pattern. Safety implications include reduced visibility due to headlight outages, but no crashes or injuries are reported.

2 complaints total
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the seat belts in the 2020 Nissan Murano, specifically noting that the seat belt latches are starting to stick and may not latch properly. Complaints frequently mention difficulty in pulling the seatbelt to latch, indicating a potential sticking mechanism. These issues are described without specific mileage ranges or timelines, suggesting they may occur at various points in the vehicle's use. There are no reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control associated with these seat belt problems, but the inability to secure a seat belt properly could have safety implications. Used car buyers should be aware of this potential issue and consider checking the seat belt functionality during inspection.

2 complaints total
SUSPENSION (2 complaints)

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the suspension of the 2020 Nissan Murano, particularly involving the rear shocks and overall vehicle stability. Complaints frequently mention defective rear shocks that have caused uneven tire wear, with one owner noting tire damage at approximately 35,000 miles. Another owner describes the vehicle becoming wobbly at highway speeds, especially after encountering road imperfections like potholes, with the issue appearing around 19,000 miles. This wobbliness is significant enough to pose a safety risk, as one owner nearly experienced a collision with a bridge barrier. These reports suggest potential safety implications due to the loss of vehicle control at higher speeds.

2 complaints total
VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Nissan Murano report issues related to the sunroof and hood design affecting visibility. One complaint describes an unexpected sunroof explosion, noting an explosive noise followed by glass falling into the vehicle, leading to skin irritation and damage to the vehicle's interior and exterior. Another owner highlights a design issue where the rear lip of the hood reflects sunlight into the driver's eyes under certain conditions, creating a hazardous glare. These issues do not specify a mileage range but indicate potential safety implications, such as driver distraction or injury from falling glass. Buyers considering this model may want to inspect the sunroof and assess the hood's reflection under various lighting conditions.

2 complaints total
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint
2023-08-25

Suv failed to start, nothing happened when pts button pushed. Googled it found brake pedal swithch problems on nissan, some recalls on other models. Snapped switch couple of times, vehicle started. Called dealer, explained what happened, working now, they said they will order part and made appt for 1 week later. At dealer waited for 1 1/2, then they said could not replace part because it was working now and if failed again would have to have towed in. All this for a part that is around 20 dollars

When Do 2020 Nissan Murano Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

1,000–3,000 milesForward collision avoidance malfunctions
19,000–35,000 milesSuspension issues
28,000–84,000 milesExterior lighting failures

Best & Worst Nissan Murano Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Nissan Murano Years to Buy

The best Nissan Murano year is 2026 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2023 (82/100) and 2022 (82/100).

Nissan Murano Years to Avoid

The worst Nissan Murano year is 2025 with a score of 74/100, primarily due to electrical system (4) issues. Also avoid 2020 (74/100).

74
Good

2025

2Recalls
14Complaints
74
Good

2020

(Current Model)

2Recalls
41Complaints

Nissan Murano Reliability Score Trend

Nissan Murano reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 79/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Nissan Murano reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201882/100Excellent
201977/100Good
202074/100Good
202182/100Excellent
202282/100Excellent
202382/100Excellent
202574/100Good
202682/100Excellent

Nissan Murano Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202682/100+8Excellent01
202574/100-8Good214
202382/1000Excellent06
202282/1000Excellent05
202182/100+8Excellent014
2020(selected)74/100-3Good241
201977/100-5Good139
201882/100Excellent014

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Nissan Murano reliable?
The 2020 Nissan Murano has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 74/100. It is reasonably reliable with 2 recalls and 41 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Nissan Murano?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Nissan Murano include: UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10 complaints), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (7 complaints), STEERING (4 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints), POWER TRAIN (3 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Murano have?
The 2020 Nissan Murano has 2 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2020 Nissan Murano expensive to maintain?
The 2020 Nissan Murano has estimated annual repair costs of $507/year, which is $14 less than the compact SUVs average of $521. With a reliability score of 74/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2020 Nissan Murano without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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