Used Nissan Murano 3rd Gen (2015-2022): Buyer's Guide

The 2015 Nissan Murano logged 200 NHTSA complaints, five fires, and four safety recalls in its first year on the market. The 2022 Murano logged five complaints and zero recalls. Same platform. Same engine. Same CVT. Completely different ownership experience — if you know which side of 2018 your candidate sits on.

The Murano's 3rd generation lasted eight model years (2015-2022), longer than most. That longevity created a used market with enormous spread: sub-$8,000 high-mileage 2015s on one end, well-preserved 2021s and 2022s pushing $30,000 on the other. Buyers shopping this generation by price alone are walking into a minefield. Buyers who understand the CVT history and which specific years got serious engineering attention come out ahead.

This guide covers what forum regulars at NissanMurano.org and lemon-law case records both make clear: the Murano's transmission is the only story that matters, and it has a very specific beginning, middle, and resolution.

This Generation at a Glance

Platform: Z52 (shared architecture with the Nissan Altima and Pathfinder, lower ride height and wider stance than the prior generation) Years: 2015-2022 Mid-cycle refresh: No sheet-metal redesign, but meaningful safety tech additions beginning in 2019 (standard Safety Shield 360 on SV and above) Successor: Production stopped after 2022; the 4th-gen Murano (Z53) launched for 2024 with a hybrid powertrain

One engine. One transmission family. Two drivetrain choices. That simplicity makes this generation easy to research and easy to inspect.

The VQ35DE is a proven engine with a long track record in Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. It is not the problem. The Jatco JF016E CVT is the problem — and the entire research section below is organized around understanding it.

See market data for specific years at /market/nissan/murano/2018, /market/nissan/murano/2020, and /market/nissan/murano/2022.

Powertrain and Trim Breakdown

3.5L VQ35DE V6 — The Engine

The VQ35DE is not a concern in this generation. It makes 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, gets the Murano to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds, and responds smoothly through the rev range. Owners on NissanMurano.org consistently report 150,000-mile engines with no notable issues when oil changes are current. The engine can reach 200,000 miles and beyond under proper maintenance. Oil consumption is not a documented pattern on this generation.

The VQ35DE paired with a traditional automatic would likely make this a decade-long recommendation. It does not. It pairs with the Jatco JF016E CVT, which is the limiting factor on every example you'll consider.

Jatco JF016E CVT — The Whole Story

The Xtronic CVT in the 3rd-gen Murano is the most consequential reliability variable in this buying decision. Get this right and the Murano is a quiet, comfortable, capable crossover at a fair price. Get it wrong and you're looking at a $3,000-$7,500 transmission replacement.

The failure pattern. The CVT's most common symptom is a judder or shudder during light acceleration, particularly when pulling away from a stop. You may feel it as a faint vibration through the brake pedal or steering wheel. It can also appear as hesitation, lurching, or a check engine light. These symptoms often precede total transmission failure. Nissan issued a technical service bulletin addressing the shudder pattern across the 2015-2021 model range; remedies range from a software update to valve body replacement to full CVT replacement.

Failure mileage. The worst cases documented in lemon-law records and forum threads fail before 60,000 miles. The typical failure window, based on owner complaint data and CarComplaints records, runs 60,000-100,000 miles. A well-maintained CVT — one with documented NS-3 fluid changes every 30,000 miles — can exceed 200,000 miles. The maintenance record is not cosmetic; it is the difference between a $250 fluid change preventing a $5,000 repair.

Nissan's class action settlement. In 2025, Nissan reached a final settlement in Travis Beaver, et al. v. Nissan North America, Inc., covering 2015-2018 Murano and 2016-2018 Maxima owners. The settlement extended the CVT warranty to 84 months or 84,000 miles from the original sale date and offered reimbursement for prior out-of-pocket CVT repairs (up to $5,000 for non-Nissan repair facilities, full reimbursement for Nissan dealer repairs). For most 2015-2018 models, that extended warranty has expired by now given their age. But you can ask a seller whether any prior CVT work was covered under the settlement, which tells you whether repairs were already performed and documented.

The NS-3 fluid rule. Nissan specifies NS-3 CVT fluid exclusively. Using the wrong fluid accelerates belt and pulley wear. Documented NS-3 changes at 30,000-mile intervals are the single most valuable maintenance record a seller can provide. A receipt showing NS-3 at 30K, 60K, and 90K intervals has real dollar value when negotiating. Absence of that documentation is a reason to discount your offer or walk.

CVT fluid cost. A dealer CVT fluid service runs $150-$250. An independent shop with NS-3 fluid on hand runs slightly less. This is not an interval to skip.

AWD-Specific Issues (2015-2017)

AWD Murano models from 2015 through 2017 are documented on NissanMurano.org for front axle seal and transfer case leaks. The right-side front axle enters the transfer case through a double-seal assembly that is difficult to access and prone to seepage on early third-gen examples. A slow leak may only manifest as a driveway stain or low drivetrain fluid. A fast leak starves the system. Repair cost runs $1,350-$2,200 at a dealership given the special tooling required and the difficulty of accessing the seal correctly. Independent shops have had mixed success due to the installation depth requirements.

If you're looking at a 2015-2017 AWD Murano, get the vehicle over a lift before buying. Look for fluid staining on the underside of the transfer case and around the right axle seal. This inspection takes five minutes and can save you a large repair bill.

Trim-Specific Notes

The 3rd-gen Murano ran four main trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. A late-generation LE trim appeared in limited markets.

S is the base trim and sparsely equipped. It lacks a moonroof, heated seats, and power liftgate. You'll see few S trims on the used market; most buyers stepped up.

SV is the value sweet spot. It adds the power moonroof, power liftgate, remote start, heated front seats, and heated steering wheel over the S. For most buyers, SV has everything you need without paying for features that add failure points. Used prices are typically $1,000-$2,500 less than comparable SL trims. This is the trim to target for buyers who prioritize value and lower long-term cost.

SL adds Bose audio, navigation, and a surround-view monitor (four-camera system). The SL also rides on 18-inch wheels, the same size as the SV. Forum consensus favors the 18-inch-wheel trims over Platinum for ride quality. If you use the navigation heavily or want the Bose system, SL is worth the premium.

Platinum adds heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and 20-inch wheels. The ventilated seats are genuinely useful in warm climates. The 20-inch wheels are not: they ride noticeably harsher on broken pavement and the lower-profile tires cost more to replace. Owners on NissanMurano.org specifically flag the ride degradation on Platinum trims. If you're cross-shopping a Platinum and an SL with similar mileage and history, the SL often makes more sense unless the ventilated seats are important to you.

Safety Shield 360 became standard on SV and above for the 2019 model year. This package includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, and high-beam assist. Pre-2019 trims have some of these features available but not all, and not always standard. If active safety tech matters to you, 2019+ is the floor.

Which Model Years to Target Within This Generation

The 2018 model year is the clear inflection point. Before 2018: multiple serious recalls, high complaint volumes, documented fire incidents. From 2018 forward: a dramatically improved ownership record.

2015: Avoid. The 2015 has the worst complaint-per-unit ratio of any year in this generation. NHTSA recorded 200 complaints including 10 crashes, 5 fires, and 6 injuries. The CVT fails more frequently and earlier on 2015 models than any other year. The four safety recalls include the ABS actuator fire risk that required parking the car away from structures if the ABS light stayed on. The settlement extended warranty coverage may have expired. Unless the price is extraordinarily low and you have full service documentation plus a clear pre-purchase inspection, there's no reason to buy a 2015.

2016-2017: Caution. Both years carry the ABS fire recall. By now, the vast majority of recall-affected vehicles have been serviced — but verify the VIN. CVT complaint rates are lower than 2015 but still significantly higher than 2018+. A well-documented 2017 with a current CVT fluid history is manageable; an undocumented one is not.

2018: Good. Zero recalls, only 14 complaints — and most are ADAS-related (forward collision avoidance system false triggers), not powertrain. The backup camera recall (19V654000) is a software update, not a hardware failure. This is the first year you can buy without significant reservation about the recall history.

2019: Good. Safety Shield 360 becomes standard on SV and above, making 2019 the minimum for full active safety coverage. ADAS complaints account for a large share of the 40 total complaints. The CVT TSB is active but the failure rate is lower than early-generation examples.

2020: Good with one caveat. Two structural recalls (21V402000 for the steering knuckle and a separate ball joint recall) are serious enough to require VIN verification before purchase. Nissan instructed owners to inspect and replace front steering knuckles and rear axle housings that could deform from curb strikes, and transverse links that could separate from ball joints. Both were remedied under free dealer inspection and replacement. If the VIN shows both recalls completed, the 2020 is a solid choice with 414 listings in the market.

2021: Best value. Zero recalls, 14 complaints, improved reliability profile. The 2021 represents the late-generation refinement of the platform. Safety Shield 360 is well-sorted by this point. Prices are lower than 2022 with minimal reliability difference. This is the year to target for buyers optimizing value per dollar.

2022: Best overall. The cleanest recall record (zero) and fewest complaints (five) in the generation. As the final model year, 2022 Muranos represent end-of-production quality. They carry a premium price versus 2021, but the ownership record justifies it.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

All 3rd-Gen Murano

• CVT shudder test. Start from a complete stop and accelerate gently, simulating a parking lot exit. If you feel a vibration or shudder through the pedal or steering wheel — particularly one that does not dissipate as the engine warms — that is the CVT judder pattern. Do not buy without a transmission specialist evaluation.
• CVT fluid records. Ask for maintenance records. Look specifically for NS-3 fluid changes every 30,000 miles. No records on a high-mileage car means unknown transmission health. Adjust your offer accordingly.
• VIN recall check. Run every VIN through /tools/recall-lookup before test-driving. On 2015-2017 models, confirm the ABS actuator recall (16V636000) is complete. On 2020 models, confirm both the steering knuckle recall (21V402000) and the ball joint recall are complete. A vehicle with an open fire-risk recall is not a normal transaction.
• ABS warning light check (2015-2017). Start the engine cold. Watch the instrument cluster. If the ABS warning light stays illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start, that vehicle may have brake fluid contaminating the ABS circuit board. Park it and move on — that's the fire-risk recall symptom Nissan specifically warned against.
• 2018-2019 backup camera. Put the vehicle in reverse and verify the camera displays clearly without any overlay screen blocking the view. If the display is black or covered by a menu, the recall software update (19V654000) has not been applied.
• 2020 models: suspension check. Ask for documentation that the steering knuckle inspection (21V402000) and ball joint inspection were completed and signed off by the dealer. If documentation is missing, verify through Nissan's owner portal or have the dealer pull the vehicle's recall completion record.

AWD Models (2015-2017)

• Transfer case fluid leak inspection. Look for fluid staining on the underside of the right front axle where it enters the transfer case. Bring a flashlight. Staining means the seal has been weeping; assess whether it's been recently repaired or is ongoing. Ask the seller directly.
• Fluid level check. If you can access it during the inspection, ask the mechanic to check the transfer case fluid level. Low fluid from a slow leak can accelerate wear in the AWD coupling.

Running Costs

Annual fuel cost based on EPA estimates at 15,000 miles/year and national average fuel prices.

CVT fluid is the single most important interval in the Murano's maintenance schedule. At $150-$250 per service using NS-3 fluid, it is cheap insurance. Skipping it on a 2015-2021 example is one of the fastest ways to invite a $5,000+ repair.

Spark plugs on the VQ35DE are a 100,000-mile service. Not a common concern for sub-100K units, but worth knowing for high-mileage examples.

Tire costs vary significantly by trim. SV and SL trims run 18-inch tires in common sizes (235/60R18) with widely available replacements in the $140-$200 per tire range. Platinum's 20-inch wheels require lower-profile rubber in sizes that run $180-$260 per tire. Budget accordingly.

FAQ

Is the 3rd-gen Nissan Murano (2015-2022) reliable? It depends heavily on the model year. The 2018-2022 Murano is a solid choice with zero or near-zero recalls and low complaint volumes. The 2015-2017 Murano carries documented fire risks from ABS recalls and the industry's most prominent CVT failure record for a midsize crossover. The engine itself is proven and long-lived. The CVT requires consistent NS-3 fluid maintenance to reach high mileage.

What year Nissan Murano should I avoid? The 2015 model year. It has 200 NHTSA complaints, 5 fires, 4 safety recalls including an ABS fire risk, and the highest CVT failure rate in the generation. The average CVT repair on a 2015 Murano costs over $6,500 at an average mileage of just 21,000 miles, according to complaint data. The 2016 and early 2017 carry similar ABS recall exposure and elevated CVT failure rates.

Is the Nissan Murano CVT a dealbreaker? Not if you buy the right model year and verify maintenance history. A 2019-2022 Murano with documented NS-3 fluid changes every 30,000 miles is a different proposition than a 2015 with no records. The CVT failure pattern is well-understood and largely preventable with proper fluid maintenance. Ask for receipts, do a cold-start shudder test, and walk away from any car with CVT judder symptoms.

How many miles does a 3rd-gen Nissan Murano last? A well-maintained Murano can reach 200,000 miles. The VQ35DE engine is not the limiting factor. The CVT is. Documented NS-3 fluid changes are the key predictor of transmission longevity. Owners on NissanMurano.org report 200,000-mile examples that are still running on original transmissions with clean fluid histories. Examples with no maintenance documentation rarely get there.

Is the 3rd-gen Nissan Murano AWD worth it? For most buyers, FWD is the better choice. AWD adds cost, adds the transfer case seal failure risk on 2015-2017 models, and delivers identical EPA fuel economy (23 mpg combined) to the FWD. If you live in a high-snowfall area or need the added traction confidence, the 2018+ AWD example with a clean seal inspection is reasonable. The 2015-2017 AWD requires extra diligence around the transfer case.

Bottom Line

The 2021 or 2022 Murano with an SV or SL trim is the target. Zero recalls, low complaint volume, Safety Shield 360 fully sorted, and prices in the $18,000-$28,000 range depending on mileage and condition. If budget requires going earlier, the 2018 is the floor — the first model year with a clean recall record. Before any purchase, run the VIN through a recall check and perform the cold-start CVT shudder test yourself. No mechanic's inspection substitutes for that 60-second test drive from a dead stop.

CarScout members can set price alerts on specific model years and trims to track when well-maintained 2021 and 2022 Muranos drop into range at usecarscout.com.

Data sourced from NHTSA recalls database, EPA fuel economy data, class action settlement records (Travis Beaver, et al. v. Nissan North America, Inc.), and owner experiences from NissanMurano.org and NissanForums.com. See the full Nissan Murano market data for current pricing and inventory.