2009 Nissan Murano Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2009 Nissan Murano ranks worst of 21 model years, with a complaint index of 100, 635 complaints, and 4 recalls. Brakes are the top problem area, cited in 43% of complaints, followed by airbags at 14%.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 21 Murano years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 635
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 24
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 26
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 18 city / 23 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 26 / 0
Top 2009 Nissan Murano problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes275 (43%)
- Airbags91 (14%)
- Electrical System84 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain69 (11%)
- Engine54 (9%)
- Structure & Body53 (8%)
- Other50 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires42 (7%)
- Steering34 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers16 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of brake pressure or brake pedal going to the floor, sometimes after hitting a bump or uneven pavement.
- Some describe unintended acceleration in parking lots when the brake pedal was applied, with the vehicle speeding up instead of slowing down.
- Front or side airbags failed to deploy in multiple crashes at moderate speeds, despite the airbag warning light being on beforehand in at least one case.
- Electrical fires were reported while the vehicle was parked and locked, with fire starting in the passenger compartment.
- One owner reported rear seat warmers activating on their own and burning a hole through the seat while a child was in a car seat nearby.
- Door locks and window controls reportedly failed to work after a crash, trapping occupants inside the vehicle.
2009 Nissan Murano recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 18V916000Dec 19, 2018Brakes86,265 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Nissan of North America, Inc (Nissan) is recalling certain 2009 Murano vehicles. The valves within the ABS Hydraulic Control Units (HCU) may react with brake fluids containing specific corrosion preventative additives. This reaction may cause the valves to not close properly.
Risk: If the valves do not properly close, additional brake pedal travel may be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan has notified owners, and dealers will flush the brake system with DOT 4 fluid. The HCU will then be tested to detect a possible stuck valve condition. If necessary, the HCU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
- NHTSA 09V393000Oct 5, 2009Suspension, Wheels & Tires143,223 vehicles
Tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, massachusetts, maine, maryland, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, washington d.c., west virginia and wisconsin. The material in the nut used to secure the sensor-transmitter of the tire pressure monitoring system (tpms) may corrode and potentially crack in areas with heavy concentrations of road salt. If this occurs, the nut may come out of the sensor-transmitter and the tpms lamp will illuminate.
Risk: If the tpms lamp is disregarded and the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition, the tire will quickly lose air pressure at a consistent rate resulting in a flat tire increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The dealer will replace the tpms nut with a new, more robust nut. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before november 9, 2009. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261 and infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.
- NHTSA 08V521000Oct 7, 2008Electrical System204,361 vehicles
Electrical system:software
Nissan is recalling 204,361 my 2007-2008 altima, altima hybrid, 350z, 350z roadster, my 2008 altima coupe, rogue, my 2009 murano, and infiniti my 2007-2008 g35 sedan, my 2008 g37 coupe and ex35 passenger vehicles equipped with continental automotive systems' occupant classification system (ocs) control units. A varistor in the ocs control unit located in the passenger seat cushion may have been manufactured out of specification. Under certain conditions, this could cause an interruption of signal between the ocs and the air bag control unit (acu).
Risk: This could result in the passenger air bag being suppressed which could fail to provide adequate protection in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will test the signal between the ocs and acu systems using a special tool to check that it is functioning as designed. If necessary, the seat cushion (containing ocs hardware) will be replaced with a new one manufactured to specification. The recall began on november 4, 2008. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261 or infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.
2009 Nissan Murano fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 23 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,000
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other Murano years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Nissan Murano reliable?
- Compared to other Murano model years, the 2009 ranks worst, with a complaint index of 100 and 635 NHTSA complaints, and carries an Avoid verdict.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2009 Nissan Murano?
- Brakes are the top problem area, accounting for 43% of complaints (275 complaints), with a median failure mileage of 88,000 miles and 15 reported crashes.
- Does the 2009 Nissan Murano have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2009 Murano, covering brakes (ABS hydraulic control unit), tire pressure monitoring nuts, electrical occupant classification sensors, and airbag control unit software.
- How does the 2009 Murano compare to other years?
- The 2009 has the highest complaint index (100) and is ranked worst among all 21 Murano model years; by contrast, 2021-2024 rank as Best years with complaint indexes of 20 or lower.
- Are airbags a real risk in the 2009 Murano?
- Airbags are the second-largest complaint category at 14% of complaints (91 complaints), with 11 reported crashes, including cases where airbags failed to deploy in a collision.