Nissan Murano 2006 Problems – Does It Have Engine Issues?

by Conner Mckay

Are you planning to purchase a Nissan Murano and you are looking to learn the Nissan Murano 2006 problems? Well, if that is the case, then you are at the right place because, in this article, we are going to elaborate on all you need to know when it comes to this model.

Performing good research before you make a purchase of a car is the way to go. You just don’t want to purchase a car outright. Currently, on the market, there are hundreds of models sold and each of these models has different generations and each of these generations carries some problems. Some of them more and some of them less.

So, you really understand why good research is needed. A car can look really good and have a ton of features. But if a certain component is prone to problems, such as the transmission, the whole vehicle starts to lose a lot of value and sentiment. And is the Murano one of these vehicles? More on this, we are going to find out more later on in the article.

First, we are going to learn the basics and understand some of the core concepts of the Murano. Then we will cover the specs and learn more about the performance of this vehicle. After that, we will focus on the Nissan Murano 2006 problems. With the primary focus on the engine, transmission, and overall reliability. And lastly, we will give our thoughts on whether this model is a good idea to purchase or not. So, if you want to learn more, follow along.

What Is The Nissan Murano

Now before we start discussing the Nissan Murano 2006 problems. We need to address some things and introduce ourselves to this model. This is needed because there are a lot of people reading this article who are facing similar issues and are not quite aware of the general concepts of the Murano. So, we need to further elaborate on these things.

So, what is the Nissan Murano? Well, the Nissan Murano is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by Nissan since 2003.

This model came at a time when a lot of carmakers started to introduce crossover models and a time when people start to get really into SUVs.

As of 2022, there is a total of three generations of this SUV released on the market. With the most recent generation released in 2015. Hopefully, in the near future, we will see a new model considering that the newest generation is more than 7 years old. Even though Nissan tries to update the model frequently and equip it with the latest features.

Another thing to note is that the Murano is a really good seller for Nissan. It sells well, with an average of 60,000 units sold annually in the US.

But in this article, we are only interested in the first generation of the Nissan Murano. This is the generation introduced in 2003. This model is probably one of the most distinctive models that Nissan introduced. But more on this, we are going to cover next. And then we will move on to the Nissan Murano 2006 problems. So, you definitely don’t want to miss that.

2006 Nissan Murano

Now as we covered the basics of the Nissan Murano and we learned that this is a mid-size crossover SUV sold by Nissan. We can slowly move on and understand more about the specs of the model before we cover the Nissan Murano 2006 problems.

What is interesting to note is that this model debuted in 2002 at the New York Auto Show and immediately got the attention of the public with its unique and futuristic design. And frankly, this model still looks rather good even 20 years after its introduction.

Nevertheless, the first model year of the Murano was 2003 and this model was produced until 2007 when it was replaced with the second generation of the same model. The new model kept the same proportions but with an upgraded front fascia.

But we are solely interested in the first generation of the Murano. What is interesting about this generation is that it was produced in Kanda, Fukuoka factory in Japan. This means that the model was imported. And this was the case until the third generation was introduced and Nissan switched the production at their factory in Smyrna, Tennessee.

But what about the Nisan Murano 2006 problems? Well, more about the problems, we are going to elaborate later on in the article. The next thing we are going to focus on is the specs of this model. Namely, the dimensions, size, engines, fuel economy, safety, and all the other interesting numbers. Then we will uncover all of the Nissan Murano 2006 problems. So, if you want to learn more, follow along.

1. Dimensions, Size, And Trim Levels

Now let’s dive into the specs of the Nissan Murano before we cover the Nissan Murano 2006 problems. We will start with the dimensions, size, cargo capacity, and trim levels.

The Nissan Murano as we mentioned previously is a mid-size SUV. This means that is neither too large of a car nor very small. The wheelbase is 111.2 inches and the overall length is 187.8 inches. The Murano is 74 inches wide and 67.3 inches tall.

The curb weight of the Nissan Murano is between 3,851 and 3,983lbs depending on whether you opt for the FWD or AWD configuration.

The Nissan Murano also has a good ground clearance of 7 inches. In our opinion perfect ride height.

The Nissan Murano has a cargo capacity of 81.6 cubic ft with the rear seats folded down and 32 cubic ft cargo space with the rear seats in their normal position.

What is unfortunate is that the Murano does not offer 3rd-row seating. And this can be a real deal breaker for some people who need that extra room in the rear to accommodate extra passengers. So, in the Murano, you can only seat up to 5 people.

In terms of trim levels, there is a total of three trims. The base trim level is the S, then there is the SL which is the mid-trim level and the SE is the most exclusive trim that is offered with the Nissan Murano. But what about the Nissan Murano 2006 problems? More on that, we are going to cover it in a bit.

2. Engine And Transmission

Now as we covered the main specs including the trim levels in which the Murano was offered. Before we start discussing the Nissan Murano 2006 problems, we think it is time to learn more about the engine and transmission that were offered in this model.

This model featured a single engine. The engine used on the Murano is the 3.5L V6 VQ35DE. This engine is also used on other Nissan products like the 350Z, Altima, and Maxima.

The engine implements a double overhead camshaft design with variable valve timing and 4 valves per cylinder.

In terms of power, this engine produces about 245hp and 246lb-ft of torque. Which is enough to accelerate this model from 0 to 60 in 8.2 seconds.

The transmission used on this model is the Nissan CVT automatic. If you didn’t know, this transmission is a continuously variable transmission and not the standard torque converter automatic as most vehicles are. This transmission has its pros and also quite a few cons. More on that, we are going to elaborate later on where we will discuss the Nissan Murano 2006 problems.

3. Gas Mileage

Now let’s take a look a the Nissan Murano’s gas mileage and learn more about the overall efficiency of this model.

In terms of fuel economy, this model performs quite averagely for modern standards. The model gets about 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The average fuel economy is about 19 mpg.

And when you put into perspective that nowadays most cars get about 25 mpg, this is rather poor performance. But what about the Nissan Murano 2006 problems? More on the problems we are going to elaborate on in a bit, now let’s take a look at the safety of the 2006 Murano.

4. Safety

In terms of safety, the Nissan Murano performed rather well for its time. The 2004 model was evaluated by the IIHS.

On the IIHS testing, the model performed rather well and got “Good” ratings on most of the tests. Except for the head restraints which got a marginal rating.

Overall, the Murano is a really good car when it comes to safety. But still, this is a 20-year-old model and when it comes to the modern way of getting scores, this model would not perform as it did back in the day since a lot of things have changed and new safety standards were put into place. But what about the Nissan Murano 2006 problems? More on that we are going to cover in a bit.

Nissan Murano Average Cost On The Used Market

Now let’s take a look at the average price right now for the Nissan Murano on the used market before we discuss the Nissan Murano 2006 problems. What is the cost of the 2006 Murano right now?

We checked a lot of online sources where these cars are listed, namely, Autotrader.com, and this mode has a value of somewhere between $4,000 and $8,000.

But most of the listings are in the $5,000 category. So, we can conclude that the Murano is one of the most affordable SUVs that you can get right now. But is there a catch? Well, more on that, we are going to elaborate in the following chapters where we will cover the Nissan Murano 2006 problems.

2006 Nissan Murano Problems

So, we have covered the Nissan Murano specs and learned quite a lot about this model and its features. Now let’s take a look at the Nissan Murano 2006 problems.

In the following chapters, we are going to cover all the problems that this model suffers from and then give it a score in terms of reliability. So, if you want to learn more, keep up with us.

Nissan Murano 2006 Engine Problems

Now let’s cover the first set of Nissan Murano 2006 problems. And these are the engine problems. Engine problems are an important and really big factor when it comes to purchasing a vehicle.

As we noted previously, the Murano has the 3.5L V6 engine that is used on a lot of other Nissan models like the Altima, Maxima, and 350Z. But this doesn’t mean that the engine is perfect. The 3.5L has a fair share of problems.

The biggest problem with this engine is probably the increased oil consumption. This engine is a heavy drinker when it comes to engine oil. Especially at higher miles. When the miles get above 150,000 the engine starts to waste more oil than it should. In some situations, the oil consumption is so serious that it requires a complete engine overhaul.

Another quite common problem with this engine is the timing chain tensioner. The timing chain tensioner as you probably know is the plastic piece that is installed on the engine in order to keep tension on the chain so that the timing chain is nice and tight.

These plastic components can fail and crack into two pieces. And when this happens, the chain will lose tension and this will result in major engine damage in some cases. Or only bent valves in milder situations. Either way, it is a good idea to do your timing chain job on time.

And the last Nissan Murano 2006 problems are the problems with oil leaks. Namely, the valve cover gaskets can leak and allow oil to sip out from the valve cover and leak on the engine. This could lead to a burning smell inside of the cabin, or possibly smoke from the engine.

Nissan Murano 2006 Transmission Problems

Now as we covered the Nissan Murano 2006 problems with the engine, we can slowly move on and learn more about the transmission problems. Are there any issues with the transmission on this model?

Well, there are quite a few issues. Namely, these CVT transmissions used by Nissan are not quite known for their longevity.

These transmissions gave Nissan some notoriety and people started to avoid some model years of the Nissan Murano because they only offer the CVT on their cars.

Nissan Murano 2006 Problems

And people cannot choose to get a different type of transmission. So, you are basically stuck with the CVT and the transmission does not last for a lot of miles.

There is a big chance that you will have to perform a rebuild on it sooner or later. Some owners are really satisfied with them. While some have experienced failures and reported them on carcomplaints.com. Some reported the transmission failing at 60,000 miles, some owners reported failures at 120,000 miles.

This is the most crucial thing that you want to focus on before buying before you make a purchase. Besides the engine oil consumption issue. Now let’s move on to the next Nissan Murano 2006 problems.

Miscellaneous 2006 Nissan Murano Problems

Now let’s move on to the other Nissan Murano 2006 problems. These problems include miscellaneous issues that often happen in this model.

The biggest issue that is present in the 2006 model is the high-pressure line that goes to the power steering. This line can fail and your power steering will fail.

The next very common problem is the oil pan rusting out. The oil pan tends to rust on this model more than on other vehicles, and when the rust becomes too much, you will start to experience oil leaks.

The third common problem is the front driver’s seat. There is a mechanism that holds the seat in place. And this metal bracket is poorly designed. So, poorly that it can break in two and you could end up falling from the seat. And imagine this happening while driving. A complete nightmare.

Another problem with the Nissan Murano is the failure of the transfer case. The transfer case is basically the differential that is connected with the transmission. This is also a really expensive piece that can cost you a whole fortune to fix. With an average replacement cost of $2,800.

The CV axles also can fail more often on the Murano. The CV axle is the component that goes from the transfer case to the wheel. But fortunately, these are not that expensive to replace.

And the last serious issue with the Murano that we are going to cover is the motor mounts. The motor mounts of the Nissan Murano can fail quite often and the engine could sag or vibrate under load. A motor mount replacement is needed and this could cost you anywhere between $600 to $1,000. Overall, that’s it when it comes to the serious Nissan Murano 2006 problems.

Nissan Murano Recalls

According to our online sources, there are a total of four recalls on the 2006 model of the Nissan Murano.

The first recall concerns the air intake ducts that are connected to the resonator in the intake system of the engine. These ducts can separate from the resonator and lead to engine stalling. An engine stall at high speeds can lead to a crash.

The second recall was concerned with the immobilizer. Also, known as an anti-theft device. This component can cause the steering wheel to lock when turned to the right even if the transmission is not in Park.

There was also a recall for the rear seats for a problem that damaged the webbing of the seat belt system, so extra protection to the webbing had to be installed.

And the last recall concerned the fuel tank. Namely, the fuel tank was pretty exposed to road debris. And this could lead to a puncture of the fuel tank. So, a special protector had to be installed on the fuel tank.

Nissan Murano Reliability

We learned about the Nissan Murano 2006 problems, now let’s take a look at the overall reliability of this model. How reliable is the Nissan Murano?

In this aspect, we can say that the Murano is pretty average. Mainly because it has a number of problems that can be rather expensive to fix.

Nissan Murano 2006 Problems

Namely, the increased oil consumption of the engine, problems with the transmission, and transfer case failures. All these components are really expensive to fix or replace.

Other serious problems are the motor mounts, oil pan rusting out, CV axle failure, and oil leaks in the engine.

So, in terms of reliability, we would give this model a 2.5 out of 5. Mainly because of these problems that we listed. Try to avoid higher mileage models because they have the most issues.

Nissan Murano 2006 Problems: In Conclusion…

In this article, we have covered quite a bit when it comes to the Nissan Murano. First, we learned more about this model and its specs. We covered the trim levels, cargo capacity, engines, safety, and many other aspects.

Then we covered the Nissan Murano 2006 problems. We learned about the engine, transmission, and other miscellaneous issues. Lastly, we discussed the recalls and we gave the Nissan Murano a reliability score.

FAQs On Nissan Murano 2006 Problems

Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

Nissan Murano How Many Seats

Nissan Murano can accommodate up to 5 people. Unfortunately, the Murano is not a three-row seater like other SUVs in the mid-size class. So, if you need more space, you would like to check out the Pathfinder or the Nissan Armada.

How Long Do Nissan Muranos Last

On average, they last for 150,000 miles. After this mileage, you could face some problems. Namely, transmission issues, and oil consumption from the engine. So, the best would be to avoid higher mileage examples.

Do Nissan Muranos Have Transmission Problems

Yes, all Nissan Muranos have transmission problems because they use the same CVT which is rather problematic. Also, there are issues with the transfer case on the first-generation Murano models as well. The transfer case is the component that is attached to the transmission itself.

What Is The Best Year For Nissan Murano

We would strongly advise that you go for a 2015 model or a newer one. Namely, because these cars do not have a lot of miles and are less prone to problems with the transmission.

How Many Miles Per Gallon Does A Nissan Murano Get

The first generation of the Murano gets 17 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined. The second generation performs the same. While the newest model gets 20 mpg in the city, and 28 mpg on the highway with an average of 23 mpg.

How Many Gallons Does A Nissan Murano Hold

The gas tank on the 2022 Nissan Murano is 19 gallons. Although back in the day when the first generation was released, cars were not that fuel efficient. So, this generation of the model had a 21.7-gallon tank.

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