2004 Nissan Murano: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2004 Nissan Murano? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 678 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2004 Nissan Murano Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2004 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.
2004 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 Rated15.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
15.1% probability
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 2004 Nissan Murano has 678 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Murano
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 678
- Crash-related complaints
- 14
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- 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 2004 Nissan Murano Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Visibility
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Visibility, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2004 Nissan Murano?
The 2004 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 2004 Nissan Murano
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for signs of wear or failure, and request service records.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Check visibility components (windows, mirrors, defrosters) for proper operation.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on electrical systems.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for signs of wear or failure, and request service records.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Check visibility components (windows, mirrors, defrosters) for proper operation.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on electrical systems.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 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 678 consumer complaints for the 2004 Nissan Murano, the most frequently reported issues involve the transmission/drivetrain, visibility, and electrical systems. While the data suggests these areas may be problematic, the low confidence level and self-reported nature of complaints mean these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints are the most numerous, with 143 reports.
- Visibility issues account for 124 complaints, the second-highest category.
- Electrical faults are cited in 110 complaints, indicating a potential recurring theme.
- Transmission / Drivetrain: 143 complaints suggest this component may be a common source of problems.
- Visibility: 124 complaints indicate possible issues with windows, mirrors, or other visibility-related parts.
- Electrical Faults: 110 complaints point to potential electrical system concerns.
All 2004 Nissan Murano Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Nissan Murano. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 143 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 124 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 110 | 1 | 5 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 94 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 82 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 48 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 35 | 3 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 29 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 29 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 26 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 24 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 22 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 19 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | 3 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 7 | 5 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 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 2004 Nissan Murano. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Braking locked looses power then accelerates smell like gas is leaking
Driver seat front left side has a rocking motion to it. I’ve read a lot of others have found this issue was supposed to be fixed from 2003-2004 and the parts have been updated to address the issue. I am worried my seat movement will create an unsafe driving condition.
Rear subframe where it connects to shock mounts is completely rusted through at both sides of the car. Causes the tops of the wheels to bow in and is undrivable
The contact owns a 2004 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle restarted on the first attempt…
I’ve changed the timing belt, brakes, batteries, fuel injectors and all and still after thirty minutes of me driving Nissan Murano 2004 I have to continuously push on the gas to get the car to move . My car always has a smell of burning rubber after a long period of time driving …
The rear k frame rusted out ,all of a sudden the vehicle started swaying out of control on gravel or wet roads, no rust on the vehicle except the rear k frame, I parked the vehicle because it's unsafe to drive , I understand that this is a problem that effects more than just min…
Rear subframe broke Confirmed by a mechanic
Alternator went out this is the third one. I looked up the recalls on my car and there happened to be one on the alternator and I’ve reached out to Nissan dealership of Bakersfield and havnt received a response
My alternator has failed and I see where there was a recall on 2004 nissan murano for alternator/generator but its not showing a recall when I put my Vin in but it's doing exactly what it describes.
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MURANO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, WITHOUT WARNING THE ABS AND BATTERIES WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT LOST POWER THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMIN…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MURANO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ANTWERPEN NISSAN SECURITY (1701 WOODLAWN DR - #…
MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN NAMED IN 4 RECALLS BUT MY VIN NUMBER ISN'T INCLUDED IN ANY OF THEM WHEN I TAKE IT INTO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP EVEN THOUGH EVERY RECALL THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED IS WHAT HAS BEEN EITHER A RECURRING ISSUE WITH MY VEHICLE OR SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN STARTING TO SHOW S…
THE REAR CHASSIS SEVERELY RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM TO BREAK OFF CAUSING THE WHEEL TO SEVERELY SIT AT AN OFF-ANGLE. RENDERING THE CAR INOPERABLE AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN FOR FEAR OF TIRES FLYING OFF. PURCHASED AT $6000 W/84,000 MILE CAR NOW HAS ONLY 113,000 MI…
THE VEHICLE STOPS ACCELERATING FOR NO REASON ALL THE CARS DASH LIGHTS LIGHT UP THE SPEEDOMETER AND OTHER GAUGES GO DOWN TO ZERO AND THE VEHICLE WILL GO FORWARD AT IDLE SPEED WHILE IN DRIVE THE POWER STEERING GETS EXTREMELY STIFF AND THIS HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY! I HAD MY GREAT …
WHETHER I'M DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE OR 20 DOWN THE STREET THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY SHUT OFF AND COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND MAKE WHINING NOISE UNTIL IT COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP. I HAVE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON
I HAVE PUT 4 ALTERNATORS ON IN LAST 4 MONTHS AND NOW IT IS STUCK IN SECURITY IMMOBILIZE MODE AND WON'T DO NOTHING THIS SAFETY MOAD IS 3 TIME IT'S DONE IT AND WE CAN'T GET IT OUT IT WON'T EVEN GET FUEL TO START BECAUSE OF BEING STUCK IN SECURITY MODE AND THE KEY FOB WORKS WHEN IT …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 NISSAN MURANO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE ENGINE JERK THREE TIMES STALLED SLIDE AND LANDING INTO A TREE THEN STARTED TO SPIN AND FLIP OVER FIVE TIMES AND LANDED ON ALL FOUR WHEELS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT …
MY REAR CRADLE SUBFRAME CROSSMEMBER BOLTS ARE RUSTED AND HAVE SNAPED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 60MPH I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH THAT I HEARD IT POP AND PULLED OVER, THE METAL USED ON THE REAR CRADLE WAS POORLY MADE AND IS A HIGH DANGER RISK IF I WOULD HAVE PULLED OVER IT WOULD HA…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN MURANO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE …
CAR STALLS OUT WITHOUT WARNING. I HAVE LOST BRAKE AND POWER STEERING. CAN CAUSE A WRECK.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Nissan Murano.
2004 Nissan Murano Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Nissan Murano. 4 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.
2004 Nissan Murano Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Nissan Murano reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 678 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 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 2004 Nissan Murano?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (143 complaints). #2: Visibility (124 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (110 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Nissan Murano?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Nissan Murano?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Nissan Murano, NHTSA complaints include 14 crash-related reports and 6 fire reports out of 678 total complaints. 23 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Nissan Murano have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Nissan Murano. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 4 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 2004 Nissan Murano?▾
The 2004 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 2004 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.