2011 Nissan Murano: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2011 Nissan Murano? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 147 complaints, with Brake System as the top reported area.
2011 Nissan Murano Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2011 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. 3 trims analysed.
2011 Nissan Murano Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β showing 2011 Nissan Murano SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
18.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
18.5% 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 2011 Nissan Murano has 147 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Murano
- Model year
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 147
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 23
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2011 Nissan Murano Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2011 Nissan Murano?
The 2011 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 2011 Nissan Murano
Inspection Focus
- Inspect brake system for any signs of premature wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on brakes and transmission.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect brake system for any signs of premature wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on brakes and transmission.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2011 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
Complaints for the 2011 Nissan Murano are concentrated in the brake system and transmission/drivetrain, which together account for over half of all reports. A recurring theme appears to be issues with braking performance and transmission reliability. Crash-related complaints are relatively few, but the overall confidence in this analysis is low due to limited data.
- Brake system complaints are the most numerous, with 39 reports.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints are nearly as frequent, with 37 reports.
- Only 6 crash-related complaints were reported out of 147 total.
- Brake System: 39 complaints suggest potential issues with braking performance.
- Transmission / Drivetrain: 37 complaints indicate possible transmission reliability concerns.
- Uncategorized Issues: 23 complaints may reflect miscellaneous problems not easily classified.
All 2011 Nissan Murano Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Nissan Murano. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 39 | β | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 37 | 1 | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 23 | β | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 13 | β | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 12 | 5 | β | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 11 | 2 | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 10 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility | 10 | β | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 7 | 1 | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | β | β | β |
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 2011 Nissan Murano. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
In July 2023, at 55,496 miles on the odometer, the original CVT transmission failed and was replaced at Port City Nissan (120 Spaulding Tpke N, Portsmouth, NH 03801), an authorized Nissan dealership, with a Nissan-supplied rebuilt CVT transmission at a cost of approximately $7,00β¦
The passenger airbag warning light illuminated and remains on. A Nissan dealer diagnosed the issue as a failure of the Occupant Classification System sensor in the passenger seat. This causes the airbag system to be disabled and could prevent deployment in a crash. I was inforβ¦
Hi i see this vehicle had a recall campaign previously under notice P1261/NTB12-003/NTB14-076. This campaign includes the replacement of the links and other items under this campaign. This vehicle is a convertible and the top frame is once again damaged due to the same recall fβ¦
Dashboard light started flashing indicating airbag error. Light indicating passenger airbag inoperative on center stack illuminated. Dealership indicated error code B1018 per ESM diagnostic procedure and recommended replacing entire passenger side seat cushion and retesting. Uβ¦
Premature Subframe Corrosion: first noticed a knocking noise coming from under rear driver side area when going over bumps with our 2011 Murano. Then the knocking noise (metal on metal sound) got worse and then the back of our vehicle would sway uncontrollably side to side whenβ¦
35 complaints on the CVT transmission failing for the 2011 Nissan Murano, which could be a major safety issue while driving. We experienced 3 episodes and have not heard back from Nissan nor the NHTSA on recalling this car and having Nissan repair their known defect that could reβ¦
Rear subframe corrosion and break. Front subframe perfectly ok, obviously under the exact same driving conditions. There was a recall for this exact same problem on the Nissan Murano 2007 models but unfortunately no recall on the 2011 model.
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D), the transmission made an abnormal sound, and the vehicle shook before moving forward. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurrβ¦
2011 Nissan Murano, While pulling into a parking area the left rear (drivers side) wheel collapsed. Fortunately this happened at a very low speed, (under 10 MPH). Upon inspection it was discovered that the lower control strut had rotted out and separated from the frame causing thβ¦
While driving car several times on the highway, when accelerating all power went out from the CVT transmission (like running out of gas), rendering the car without power on the highway. This was and continues to be a big concern as we were left on a high speed road with no power β¦
Transmission failure. Car has been losing power, slowly getting worse with episodes of near stalling when stepping on gas from a stop. No engine warning lights . When pulling out in heavy traffic, car would nearly stall. Scary and dangerous. I finally took car to Nissan dealβ¦
The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, she noticed that the front passengerβs side seat back had completely lowered down and was lying flat. The contact stated that the seat back could not be raised or moved. The contβ¦
My dashboard is melting. When sitting in the sun it becomes sticky. An offensive odor is emitted also. The dashboard becomes shiny, making it at times hard to see from the reflection from the shine hitting the windshield when driving. Nissan is aware of this problem as they fixedβ¦
This is a follow up to my first submission to include the pictures of the defective subframe we had to replace and the cost for the replacement for a new OEM subframe on this 2011 Nissan Murano SUV. As indicated in my first submission on 1/25/2023 for this car, two repair faciliβ¦
Rear sub frame rusted through on passenger side. Allows irregular motion of wheel and bumping of detached parts. Causes vehicle float when brake is applied. Unsafe to drive confirmed by independent and dealership technicians. Braking at medium or high speed could cause severe floβ¦
We experienced a noise in the rear suspension area of the vehicle while driving, which prompted us to take the car to a Nissan repair facility for an inspection. We were informed the rear subframe components were rusted and needed replacing. We bought this car new in 2011 and it β¦
The subframe has completely rusted and broke apart. This is a known issue on the Nissan's. We heard a rattling and upon inspection found a piece of the frame had rusted off. The entire rear subframe is rusted through. The vehicle cannot be driven. Nissan should pay for this reβ¦
2011 Nissan Murano, transmission issues. This is the second time I have had to report this problem, please also refer to my first complaint #11474221 on this vehicle for the same problem. When at a stop, and pushing the gas pedal to move forward, there is a hesitation or two befoβ¦
The car was taken for inspection in Pennsylvania and the rear subframe has mostly rotted away where it connects to the frame. Had the subframe broken through it could have caused serious injury. It was confirmed by an independent inspection station. There are recalls on other β¦
Airbag light comes on indicating a problem. After a quick investigation of this problem it becomes evident that itβs very common and Nissan hasnβt admitted any problem . The cost to fix this is half the value of the car!!
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Nissan Murano.
2011 Nissan Murano Recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Nissan Murano. No recall campaigns are currently listed for this model year in the dataset, but VIN-level recall checks are still essential. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No recall campaigns found for this model year in the current data. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls directly for the latest information.
2011 Nissan Murano Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Nissan Murano reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 147 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2011 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 2011 Nissan Murano?βΎ
#1: Brake System (39 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (37 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (23 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Nissan Murano?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Nissan Murano?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Nissan Murano, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 147 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Nissan Murano have any recalls?βΎ
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2011 Nissan Murano in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2011 Nissan Murano?βΎ
The 2011 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 Brake System 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 2011 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.