About this problem
A continuously variable transmission, or CVT, uses a steel belt between two cone-shaped pulleys instead of fixed gears. It is smooth and fuel efficient, but the belt and pulleys depend on clean fluid and careful heat control. When they wear, owners report shuddering, whining, slipping, a car that will not accelerate, and "limp mode" where the car is held to low speed. Repairs often mean a full replacement transmission.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Nissan Murano since 2012, 82 (8.1%) describe CVT transmission problems, making it the most reported problem we track on the Murano. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2014 and 2015 model years, and the 2015 drew the most, with 28. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 52,000 and 100,000 miles. One report describes a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Nissan has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Owners report the Murano's CVT (the automatic transmission with no fixed gears) shuddering, whining, hesitating when pulling away, or going into a low-power mode. In many complaints the transmission failed outright and had to be replaced, usually somewhere past 60,000 miles. The 2012, 2014 and 2015 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Dealers often start with a software update or fluid change. When the CVT has failed, the fix is a replacement transmission. Nissan extended CVT warranty coverage on several models and years, so check with a dealer using the VIN.
Typical cost: A replacement CVT typically costs $3,500 to $5,000 installed. A fluid change is about $150 to $250.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"CVT transmission. Vehicle decelerates and accelerates without warning (check engine light is on). Mainly at stop lights. It is slow to start."
2014 Nissan Murano, 112,000 miles
"CVT shudders at low speeds 20 - 40 mph, the feeling is as if the gears are jamming and banging against each other; immediately releasing accelerator and pressing for harder acceleration temporary suppresses this behavior."
2015 Nissan Murano, 64,000 miles
"At 105,000 miles, transmission would not remain engaged in overdrive at greater than 60mph resulting in high rpm over 3200. Dealer inspected and stated past dtc code of p1778 (step motor issue/CVT slipping)."
2012 Nissan Murano, 105,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Nissan has sent dealers 52 bulletins that mention this problem on the Murano. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
CAMPAIGN BULLETIN CVT Warranty Extension In an effort to assure customer satisfaction, demonstrate our confidence in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and to address customer concerns including those expressed by cust...
CVT/TCM CALIBRATION DATA WRITE PROCEDURE This bulletin has been amended.
CVT JUDDER AND DTC P17F0 OR P17F1 STORED This bulletin has been amended.
CVT FLUID LEVEL QUICK CHECK GAUGE This bulletin has been amended.
Nissan; PROCEDURE TO CLEAN CVT TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLERS This bulletin has been amended.
2015-2020 Murano; ENGINE SUPPORT TOOLS FOR CVT REMOVAL - AWD SERVICE INFORMATION The Engine Support Tool and Engine Support Bracket are now available to allow the CVT to be removed from the Applied Vehicles, without removing th...
Before you buy a Murano
- Accelerate gently from a stop and again hard onto a highway; listen for whining and feel for shudder or a delay.
- Ask for proof of CVT fluid changes, which many owners skip.
- Check whether the CVT warranty extension (if any) still applies to that VIN.
Questions
Which Nissan Murano years have CVT transmission problems?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2014, 2015 model years. The 2015 drew the most, with 28 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 79,000 miles, and half reported it between 52,000 and 100,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A replacement CVT typically costs $3,500 to $5,000 installed. A fluid change is about $150 to $250.