Last updated: 2026-04-20

Nissan Murano

2 Nissan Murano Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Nissan Murano average of 79/100

The Nissan Murano years to avoid are 2025, 2020 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2025 with a reliability score of 74/100. The best Nissan Murano year to buy is 2026 82/100.

Verdict

The 2025, 2020 Nissan Murano score significantly below the model average of 79/100. The weakest year is 2025 with a score of 74/100 due to electrical system (4) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2018 82/100.

Nissan Murano Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Nissan Murano average of 79/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202574/100Good214Electrical System (4)
2202074/100Good241Unknown Or Other (10)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2025 Nissan Murano

The 2025 Nissan Murano has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 14 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Nissan Murano. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (4), Power Train (3), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (1).

2 recalls14 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (4), Power Train (3), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (1), Engine (1), Unknown Or Other (1), Forward Collision Avoidance (1)

View full 2025reliability report →
74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Nissan Murano

The 2020 Nissan Murano has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 41 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Nissan Murano. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (10), Forward Collision Avoidance (7), Steering (4).

2 recalls41 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Unknown Or Other (10), Forward Collision Avoidance (7), Steering (4), Service Brakes (4), Power Train (3), Exterior Lighting (2)

View full 2020reliability report →

What Are Common Nissan Murano Problems?

Top reported issues across all Nissan Murano model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

24 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

21 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

9 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2025

POWER TRAIN

6 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2025

AIR BAGS

5 complaints

Most reported in 2019

Best Nissan Murano Year to Buy Instead

82
ExcellentReliability score: 82 out of 100, rated Excellent

2018 Nissan Murano

The 2018 Nissan Murano has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 14 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Nissan Murano. Severity signals include 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (4), Unknown Or Other (3), Forward Collision Avoidance (2).

Score: 82/100 (Excellent)0 recalls14 complaints
View full 2018reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Nissan Murano year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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

All Nissan Murano Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Nissan Murano Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 20182026 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Nissan Murano years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Nissan Murano years: 2025 (score: 74/100), 2020 (score: 74/100). These model years score significantly below the Nissan Murano average of 79/100.
What is the best year for the Nissan Murano?
The best year for the Nissan Murano is 2026, with a reliability score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 1 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Nissan Murano have?
Across all years in our database, the Nissan Murano has a total of 5 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Nissan Murano worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2026 model year, which scores 82/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 79/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Nissan Murano problems?
The most common Nissan Murano problems are unknown or other (24 complaints), forward collision avoidance (21 complaints), service brakes (9 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Nissan Murano reliable long-term?
The Nissan Murano has an average reliability score of 79/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Nissan Murano generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Nissan Murano generation is the Third generation (Z52) with an average score of 80/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Nissan Murano?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Nissan Murano is $507 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2026 Nissan Murano a good used buy?
Yes, the 2026 Nissan Murano is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 1 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue