2003 Nissan Murano: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2003 Nissan Murano? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 799 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2003 Nissan Murano Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2003 Nissan Murano trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2003 Nissan Murano Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2003 Nissan Murano has 799 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Murano
- Model year
- 2003
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 799
- Crash-related complaints
- 14
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 23
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Most Common 2003 Nissan Murano Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2003 Nissan Murano?
The 2003 Nissan Murano shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2003 Nissan Murano
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, electrical, and engine repairs.
- Test drive to check for transmission shifting issues and unintended acceleration.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, electrical, and engine repairs.
- Test drive to check for transmission shifting issues and unintended acceleration.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2003 Nissan Murano, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 2003 model year data, complaints are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain, electrical faults, and engine problems. The confidence level is low, so patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Electrical faults are the second most common complaint category.
- Engine problems are the third most reported component issue.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Electrical Faults
- Engine Problems
All 2003 Nissan Murano Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Nissan Murano. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 265 | 6 | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 187 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 143 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 111 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 58 | 3 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 42 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 37 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 30 | — | 1 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 24 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 17 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Other | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 3 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2003 Nissan Murano. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was shifted into PARK and restarted however, after driving for several miles, the failure recurred. The contact pulled over to si…
Rusting excessively
ABS STAYS ON THEN THE (BRAKE WARNING LAMPS WILL IMMEDIATELY COME AFTER A SHORT TIME, THE ENGINE WILL GO INTO A "FALL SAFE" CONDITION WHICH WILL LIMIT VEHICLE SPEED. THE ENGINE WILL STOP RUNNING AND TURN OFF ON ME. ALSO MY SUBFRAME IS ROTTEN AND IS NOW DISCONNECTED THE MECHAN…
REAR SUBFRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED CANT BELIEVE NISSAN USED SUCH CHEAP STEEL
While driving down the highway with my infant child the vehicle lost power I could not accelerate went from 75mph to a struggling 5mph. No matter how far I pressed the gas pedal there was no acceleration no revving of engine just complete nothing just pure panic. I was able to pu…
WHILE DRIVING I LOST ALL POWER FOR THE MOTOR AND HAD TO HAVE TO BATTERY REPLACED CUZ LOST ALL POWER
WHILE DRIVING THE MURANO IT SLOWED DOWN AND WOULDN'T GO ABOVE 20MPH. AFTER ABOUT A MILE IT JUST STOPPED RUNNING & WOULDN'T CRANK BACK UP. ALL THE FLUIDS WERE AT THE RIGHT LEVELS. TOOK IT TO A JOHNNY'S MECHANIC SHOP & THEY SAID IT WAS THE ENGINE.
THE CAR KEEPS ON SHUTTING OFF ON ME THE MOTOR AND WAS CAUSED A BIG ACCIDENT
WE ARE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF 2003 NISSAN MURANO; IT HAS ONLY 92K MILES, IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED AND WELL MAINTAINED. THE REAR WHEELS JUST STARTED TILTING INWARD AT THE TOP; A MECHANIC IDENTIFIED THE REAR SUBFRAME AND SUSPENSION WAS ROTTING, AND ADVISED THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO WO…
DURING THE HOT SUMMER MONTHS IN THE PHOENIX ARIZONA AREA I'VE EXPERIENCED HESITATION (ESPECIALLY IN TRAFFIC) WHEN EITHER MOVING SLOWLY ALONG OR TRAFFIC PICKS UP OR TURNING AND I HAVE TO MASH HARDER ON THE ACCELERATOR, SOMETIMES 2-4 TIMES!!! THIS IS FRIGHTENING !! WHAT IS THE PR…
THE CAR IS STALLING WHEN I STOP WHINING REAL BAD
DRIVER SEAT REAR METAL SUPPORT FRAME BROKEN. I NOTICED WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN THAT THE SEAT WAS SHIFTING. UPON INSPECTION I NOTICE THAT THE DRIVER SEAT LEFT REAR SEAT SUPPORT FRAME BROKEN.
THE CAR SLOWED ALL THE WAY DOWN ON THE FREEWAY . ALMOST CAUSING ME TO CRASH . IT DID IT SUDDENLY I WAS UNABLE TO PULL OVER .I WAS GOING ABOUT 65 MPH WHILE THE A/C WAS BLOWING IT COMPLETELY MALFUNCTIONED
DRIVER SIDE SEAT GOES SIDEWAYS/I HAVE I HAVE REPLACED THE OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL 4 TIMES IN 3 MONTHS [KEEPS LEAKING]
MY 2003 MURANO SE/SL AAWHEN I FIRST START THE ENGINE IT MAKES A SOUND LIKE IT HAS NO OIL OR ENGINE IS CHOKING BUT ITS STARTS BUT IF ENGINE IS IDLING FOR 5 MINS OR SO ITS SHUT OFF BUT I CAN START IT AGAIN BUT AFTER WHEN IM DRIVING ENGINE JUST DIES OFF AMD WONT START AGAIN FOR ABOU…
IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING TO WORK, VEHICLE JUST SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. NEW BATTERY AND CAM SENSOR REPLACED VERY RECENTLY. NO SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON, NOTHING...IT JUST SHUT OFF. AFTER 2 TRIES IT STARTED RIGHT BACK UP. VERY SCARY!!!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED IN REVERSE AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO PARK TO AVOID A POTENTIAL CRASH, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE AIR BAGS DID NO…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, IT DID NOT MOVE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…
WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET CAR LOST CHARGE WOULD DRIVE VERY SLOWLY ABOUT 1 MILE PER HOUR. BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. HAVE ALREADY REPLACED BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR ABOUT A YEAR AGO BUT WHEN SAME THING HAPPENED TODAY. PER THE VIN MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. I'LL HAVE TO…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AT 10 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2003 Nissan Murano.
2003 Nissan Murano Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2003 Nissan Murano. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2003 Nissan Murano Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2003 Nissan Murano reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 799 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2003 Nissan Murano shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Nissan Murano?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (265 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (187 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (143 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2003 Nissan Murano?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2003 Nissan Murano?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2003 Nissan Murano, NHTSA complaints include 14 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 799 total complaints. 9 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2003 Nissan Murano have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2003 Nissan Murano. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2003 Nissan Murano?▾
The 2003 Nissan Murano shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Murano reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2003 Nissan Murano based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.