Last updated: 2026-04-20

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
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
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)
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

2020 Honda CR-V
Reliability: 74/100

2020 Mazda CX-5
Reliability: 86/100

2020 Hyundai Tucson
Reliability: 73/100

2020 Subaru Forester
Reliability: 71/100

2020 Chevrolet Equinox
Reliability: 70/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (7)
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
complaintsSafety 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.
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.
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.
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.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 Nissan Murano NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.1%
Safety Technologies
Nissan MuranoRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based 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
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%
- Depreciation
- 43.2%
- Listings Analyzed
- 121
after 5 years
over the same period
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.comMPG & 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
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murano AWD 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,600 |
| Murano FWD 3.5L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 20 | 28 | 23 | $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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
10 complaintsOwners 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.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
7 complaintsOwners 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.
STEERING
4 complaintsOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaintsOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN (3 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaintsOwners 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.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsOwners 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.
SUSPENSION (2 complaints)
SUSPENSION
2 complaintsOwners 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.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaintsOwners 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaintSuv 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.
Best & Worst Nissan Murano Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Nissan Murano Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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).
2025
2020
(Current Model)
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.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 82/100 | Excellent |
Nissan Murano Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Nissan Murano reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Nissan Murano?
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Murano have?
Is the 2020 Nissan Murano expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 Nissan Murano without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Nissan Murano.
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