YearToAvoid

2020 Nissan Murano Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Good

Complaint Index

33/100

#11 most-complained of 16 Murano years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2020 Nissan Murano ranks 11th worst out of 16 model years, with a complaint index of 33 and a 'Good' verdict relative to other Murano years. NHTSA lists 43 complaints and 2 recalls, with the biggest problem area being Collision Avoidance & Cameras at 33% of complaints.

Complaints
43
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
23
20 city / 28 hwy

Top 2020 Nissan Murano problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Collision Avoidance & Cameras14 (33%)
  2. Other10 (23%)
  3. Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (16%)
  4. Steering5 (12%)
  5. Brakes4 (9%)
  6. Transmission & Powertrain3 (7%)
  7. Visibility & Wipers3 (7%)
  8. Electrical System2 (5%)
  9. Engine2 (5%)
  10. Seat Belts2 (5%)

What owners report

  • Automatic emergency braking activates suddenly at low speeds like 25-30 mph with no obstacle present, sometimes bringing the car to a full stop.
  • Brakes reportedly grind or engage on their own, in one case shortly after purchase and in another around a median mileage of 9,500 miles.
  • Some owners report the hood's rear edge reflects sunlight into the driver's eyes, impairing visibility while driving.
  • One owner reported metal shavings found in the oil pan during an early inspection, leading to a long block engine replacement.
  • A transmission complaint described the vehicle lurching forward unexpectedly while shifting into Drive, resulting in a crash.
  • The passenger airbag warning light reportedly stays illuminated even when the seat is occupied, requiring adjustment of the seat belt clip.
2020 Nissan Murano complaints: complaints filed per month4Feb 2020May 2021Mar 2022Feb 2023Sep 2023Mar 2025Apr 2026
56 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2020 to Sep 2026; peak Mar 2021 (4).

2020 Nissan Murano recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 21V402000May 27, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires14,276 vehicles

    Suspension:rear:axle:spindle

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  2. NHTSA 21V170000Mar 11, 2021Steering15,223 vehicles

    Steering:linkages

    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.

    Risk: 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.

2020 Nissan Murano fuel economy and fuel cost

City
20 MPG
Highway
28 MPG
Combined
23 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,800
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
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.

2020 compared with other Murano years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2018Caution53113224
2019Good2743123
2020Good3343223
2021Best1316022.5
2022Best76022.5

All Nissan Murano years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Nissan Murano reliable?
Compared with other Murano model years, the 2020 ranks 11th worst out of 16 years tracked, with a complaint index of 33 and a 'Good' verdict. NHTSA lists 43 complaints and 2 recalls for this year.
What is the biggest problem with the 2020 Nissan Murano?
The top problem area is Collision Avoidance & Cameras, accounting for 33% of complaints, mostly involving automatic emergency braking activating without cause.
Does the 2020 Nissan Murano have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one for the front steering knuckle or rear axle housing (campaign 21V402000) and one for the transverse link possibly separating from the ball joint (campaign 21V170000).
How does the 2020 Murano compare to other years?
With a complaint index of 33, the 2020 model performs better than years like 2015 (index 100, Avoid) and 2010 (index 93, Avoid), but not as well as 2021 through 2024, which carry 'Best' verdicts.
What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Nissan Murano?
EPA rates the 2020 Murano at 23 mpg combined (20 city / 28 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.