2003 Nissan Murano Consumer Reviews

Traded it in

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Murano SE Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

I owned a 2003 Murano from 4/06-5/10. Here are a few bullet points. •The SE ride is very rigid...the suspension is supposed to be sport tuned but it is awfully rough and rigid. Had to replace struts at 70K and when I traded it in, a couple of the motor mounts were shot. •The frame on the driver's seat broke, so the window side of the seat sagged down. Did some research and found I was not alone. Nissan wanted to replace the seat at $1500+. No thanks. •The HID head light went out. Bought a replacement bulb for $180. That blew right after putting it in. Bought another one, same thing. Turns out it was the transistor housing for the bulb. Headache. Traded it in for a Camry.
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BEWARE: 2003 Murano Tranny is a Lemon!

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Murano SE AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

I bought an 03 Murano 62k miles on it. Beautiful, lots of features, pretty good MPG. Unfortunately, within a month or two I experienced the "bunny hop." In stop-and-go traffic, I first noticed the acceleration was sluggish. Then, after each complete stop, it was dangerously unresponsive - creeping along at a couple of mph. Then the engine figured out it was going too slow, it revved up and jumped forward. I could have rear-ended someone. Read other reviews and you will see that I am not alone. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CAR! It broke my heart because I loved my Murano. But I was tired of worrying that my transmission would either blow out or, worse, injure someone.
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Don't buy it unless you like repair bills

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Murano SE AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

It's attractive because of the look & I just like the way it "sits". However just like any relationship looks only go so far. 1st off engine noise & road noise is horrible. Problems: It wasn't responding to the accelerator-had to replace the transmission, replaced alternator, replaced oxygen sensor, replaced intake valve solenoid, window fell down into door-replaced power window assembly, replaced transfer case, heated seat switches replaced, replacing rear window wiper requires special Nissan part, waterproofing & trim falling off all over the car, key replacement = $290 for remote+$150 for microchip key. Total repair costs $4,505. Car is garaged,only driven about 9000 miles per year.
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Can't drive very well over 65 mph

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Murano SE AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

I am having trouble driving my 2003 Nissan Murano over 65 mph on the highway. It revs really high and then engine sounds like it is going to explode. It seems like it is already in the highest gear possible and it of course won't shift any higher. I am afraid to take it out of town on longer highway trips because of this. I have an extended warranty but don't know what the problem is or if it would be covered. I have taken it to one Nissan Dealer and one Carmax dealer and neither have been able to diagnose a problem. They also aren't allowed to take it out on the highway which seems absurd. Any input would be much appreciated.
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Murano, Transmitions are ok dont worry,

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Murano SL AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

Hello my name is Chris from Ma, I just purchased my 2003 Murano SL AWD with 63k on it. I love the interior and exterior. I read the reviews about the CVT transmissions with customers having issues with them. I called Nissan today because I had thought i was having trouble with my tranny but they told me most people don't know and aren't used to driving with the CVT thats why they think they are having trouble with them. Nissan recently extended their warranty to 10 years or 120,000 miles on any Nissan with the CVT. You don't have to do any thing to receive this warranty what so ever. ALSO if you have repaired your transmission withing the 120K they will send you in full your money back.
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Original owner

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Murano SL Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

Owned 7 years with 50k mi. Still looks good compared to newer cars. Only problems have been gas cap actuator, driver power window motor, garage door opener in rear view mirror and intermittent hesitation problem during stop/start. After dealer performed last recall to replace intake fasteners hesitation problem was cured. Glad it was not transmission. I believe someone posted that Nissan extended the CVT transmission warranty to 10yrs/100k mi. Overall it has gotten me from A to B without any problems but I would have not expected to have these little things break down with such low miles.
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Poor choice

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Murano SL AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

We bought our 2003 Murano AWD because it lookes great and we had liked our Maxima. What a mistake - luckily we negotiated a free extended warranty into our deal besause: the motor mounts failed at 35K, the mount control sensor failed as well,TWO different oxygen sensors failed at different times leaving my wife and children stranded, the front strut bearings failed at 60k, the rear lift latch failed at 61K, wiring leading to the mass air flow sensor failed, causing the sensor to also fail - leaving us stranded AGAIN,even the sunshades needed to be replaced as the spring tensioner failed. The total cost of these repairs would have been over $5500 if I had to pay for them!I wont buy another!
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Oil leaks, cvt, electrical issues.

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Murano SL AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

Have had same issues as other reviews.Hesitation at stop to start has gone away with last recall to replace air tube and clamps. fuel door lock replaced twice, after 2nd time I just broke the lock shaft off and left it at that. I now have oil leaking from oil cooler seal, oil sump pan gasket, and main oil pan gasket. Entire engine has to be removed from bottom of vehicle to repair these items. Parts cost approx. $70.00, labor is $1350.00. Will be replacing wheel seals while the engine is out also since axles have to come out anyway, $40.00 for parts only. Luckily no cvt issues, knock on wood.
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6.5 great years with my MO

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Murano SL AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

This SUV was a 1st year model, so yes there were a couple of issues. The alternator recall, the rocking chair fixed under warranty and the flopping sun visor coming just this year. The CVT performed flawlessly and the only other items done were battery, tires, wiper blades & oil changes. All things considered, this was a blast to own & drive for 85k miles over 6.5 trouble free years. The styling was cutting edge in '03, it was very sporty for an SUV and it fit me, 6'3" 290lbs with ease. It could also hold my 3 boys in the back seat and 2 of them are 6+ foot. The cargo room was amazing, I have got many a admiring comment at Lowe's.
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Bought Brand New 2003

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Murano SL Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

Hi, I bought this car Brand new few days after came out in the market it was a WOW everywhere. I had some problems but thanks God I got the extended warranty when I first bought. biggest problem is LOSS of Power when taking off or accelerating I told the dealer few times but couldn't find the problem, I took it to another dealer they change the o2 sensor and the catalytic converter. all was under warranty it ran me another 20000 miles but now I am facing the same problem. OIL LEAK from the engine, rattling noises from parts inside cabin. cup holders are easy broken. changed visor clips 3 times, change pedal distance adjuster under warranty. cheap leather cracked everywhere
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