CAN COMMUNICATION â NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Nissan Murano engine problems
moderate 33 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What stands out
Owners have filed 33 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 10 model years of Nissan Murano in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
OBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year. We are re-circulating this update to make regional and dealer personnel aware that we are re-notifying customers at this time.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION After ECM reprogramming, the Calibration Verification Number (CVN) needs to be automatically calculated prior to State emissions testing (also known as Inspection Maintainence, I/M, or SMOG testing depending upon location). Allowing the vehicle to idle for 22 minutes will allow for faster CVN calculation. It is recommended that customers utilize this method if the vehicle needs to be tested for emissions soon after ECM reprogramming. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NISSAN: 2003-2007 MURANO. THERE IS FLUID LEAKING FROM THE TRANSFER ASSEMBLY.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗AIRFLOWMETER SERVICE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a 2005 Murano with chronic engine reliability problems starting early in ownership. Stalling occurs without warning at traffic lights, during acceleration, and on highways at speeds from 5 mph to 55 mph. Check engine lights are common, with diagnostics pointing to failed camshaft position sensors (both banks), crankshaft position sensors, and throttle bodies. One owner reported a cam sensor failure at 52,000 miles ($247 repair); another needed replacement at 128,000 miles. Sensors are reportedly made of plastic and wear out prematurely.
Intake air ducts come loose repeatedly, causing stalling in traffic; one owner reported the issue recurring after a dealer fix. Throttle body failures have forced vehicles into limp mode at speeds under 20 mph. Alternator tensioner brackets snap at 56,000–66,000 miles, sometimes requiring engine removal.
Fuel-system odor complaints describe strong gasoline smell persisting despite fuel system replacement, recall service, and evaporator canister work. One owner reported health effects from fumes.
Engine knock (pinging) occurs even with premium fuel. Isolated reports cite oil leaking into the throttle body, misfiring with black smoke from the muffler, and transfer case breakage. Several owners note Nissan either refused warranty coverage or could not diagnose the problem via computer, leaving them to cover repairs out-of-pocket.
Same Nissan Murano engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Throttle Body Malfunction
Throttle body fails, causing loss of power, stuck in reduced-speed mode (limp mode), and service engine light illumination. Vehicle becomes undriveable at normal speeds.
When: Early in vehicle life; complaint #1 at unspecified mileage, complaint #5 at 1,561 miles
Symptoms owners cite: cruise control spontaneously disengages; service engine light illuminates; loss of acceleration; vehicle stuck in limp mode; maximum speed reduced to 20 mph
Codes mentioned: U1000 (CAN COMM CIRCUIT), C1132 (ABS CHECK)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement; complaint #1 replaced under warranty in less than 2 hours at Deland Nissan
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB NTB06-009 (dated Feb 8, 2006) mentioned in complaint #5
Camshaft and Crankshaft Position Sensor Failures
Camshaft position sensors (Bank 1 and Bank 2) and crankshaft position sensor fail, causing stalling, hard starting, check engine light, and loss of power while driving. Sensors are reported to be made of plastic and prone to wear.
When: Multiple instances across vehicle lifespan; complaint #6 at 52k miles, complaint #7 at 128k miles, complaint #11 mentions ongoing issues
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light illumination; delayed or difficult starting; vehicle stalling at various speeds (55 mph, 45 mph); loss of power without warning; engine failure while driving
Codes mentioned: P0345 (Camshaft Position Sensor A Bank 2 Circuit Malfunction), Left and right camshaft position sensors need replacement (complaint #7), Crankshaft position sensor needs replacement (complaint #7 and #11)
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #6: $247 for camshaft position sensor replacement; complaint #7 diagnosed but not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaign 03V455000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) noted in complaint #7; complaint #11 mentions Nissan changed material in newer cars to prevent wear
Engine Stalling and Loss of Power
Engine stalls unexpectedly while driving at various speeds or idling, with or without check engine light illumination. Vehicle may lose acceleration suddenly without warning. Some instances show surging behavior followed by stalling.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; complaint #4 early on, complaints #7, #12, #20, #21, #23, #25, #26 at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: stalling at traffic lights and while driving; sudden loss of power at 5-55 mph; surging followed by stalling; check engine light; brake warning light illumination; vehicle unresponsive to acceleration; hazard lights non-functional after stalling
Codes mentioned: Generic check engine light codes not specified in most complaints
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #4: repeated failed starts at dealership; complaint #12: camshaft shift sensors replaced but problem recurred within one week; complaint #21: taken to dealer three times but could not be diagnosed via computer
Intake Air Duct and Intake Manifold Issues
Intake air duct becomes loose or disconnected, causing stalling and poor performance. Intake manifold fails causing loss of power and stalling at low speeds.
When: Complaint #17 at 65k miles, complaints #27 and #29 indicate recurring loosening of air intake
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle stalls in traffic; loss of acceleration when picking up speed; sluggish feel while driving; check engine light illumination; frequent need for jumpstarts
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #17: intake air duct replacement diagnosed but not completed; complaint #27: air intake fixed once but loosens again repeatedly; complaint #9: intake manifold defective and replaced; complaint #20: intake hose replaced but failure recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #6 mentions air intake recall
Alternator/Serpentine Belt and Tensioner Bracket Failure
Alternator tensioner arm breaks during driving or tensioner bracket cracks, causing belt failure, coolant hose damage, loud clunking noise, and loss of electrical power. Some vehicles required engine removal for repair.
When: Complaint #13 at unspecified mileage, complaint #14 at 66k miles, complaint #15 at 56,735 miles
Symptoms owners cite: squeaking noise before failure; loud clunking noise during failure; coolant leak on driveway; tensioner bracket cracking and rubbing hose; pulley failure
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #13: dealership quoted over $500 for tensioner bracket, pulley, and screw replacement; complaint #14: tensioner arm, bracket, belts, and timing cover required replacement; engine removal needed due to timing cover placement; complaint #15: pulley assembly and bracket replacement needed; complaint #12 mentions alternator was replaced previously
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #13: Nissan corporate said not their responsibility
Fuel System and Emissions Odor Issues
Strong gasoline fumes emanate from vehicle, filling garage and making occupants ill. Fumes persist after multiple repairs including fuel system replacement and evaporator canister replacement.
When: Complaint #3 started early (recall in April 2006), failure at 16k miles, continuing through 27k miles
Symptoms owners cite: strong gas fumes from vehicle; fumes fill garage; continued odor after initial repair; worse odors after tar sealant application; health issues from fumes
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #3: fuel system replaced at 16k miles (under recall); replaced again; evaporator canister replaced at 27k miles; fuel tank protectors added; tar sealant applied without owner notification
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall in April 2006 for fuel system; complaint #3 mentions contact with Nissan corporate office
Engine Misfiring and Rough Operation
Engine misfires and runs roughly, with excessive smoke from muffler and shaking when idling. Complaint #2 shows thick black smoke from both muffler outlets and engine shaking.
When: Complaint #2 within one year of warranty; complaint #20 at 6,378 miles
Symptoms owners cite: unusual smoke from muffler; thick black smoke from both muffler outlets; engine shaking while running; engine misfire; vehicle shut-off while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #2: admitted for investigation since end of August 2006; dealer refused to recognize warranty; repair costs not specified; complaint #20: sensor, throttle intake hose, motor mounts, and air filter replaced but failure recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #2: dealer refused warranty coverage
Engine Knock and Detonation
Engine pings under acceleration even with high-octane fuel, indicating pre-detonation and potential for engine wear and damage.
When: Ongoing issue with vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: constant pinging noise on acceleration; pinging between 10-30 mph and at higher speeds during quick acceleration; noise with 91 octane fuel
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #16 states Nissan is aware but choosing not to correct the problem
Lifter Link Assembly Breakage
Lifter link assembly breaks, requiring replacement.
When: Complaint #22 at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: lifter link assembly fracture
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #22: repair cost covered under extended warranty with $50 deductible; owner notes this is not a recalled item
Oxygen Sensor Failure
Oxygen sensor fails causing check engine light and stalling while idling. Problem recurs shortly after replacement.
When: Complaint #25 at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle stalls while idling; brake lights and indicator lights illuminate after stalling; check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #25: dealership replaced oxygen sensor; problem returned less than one month later
Catalytic Converter Failure
Catalytic converter fails causing check engine and oil warning lights and loss of power.
When: Complaint #18 at 68k miles
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light illumination; oil warning indicator illumination; loss of power at 45 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #18: catalytic converter diagnosed as defective but vehicle not repaired
Oil Leak and Throttle Body Oil Saturation
Engine oil leaks excessively, with oil dumping into throttle body causing smoking. Severe enough to raise fire risk.
When: Complaint #19 at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: extreme oil leak; smoke when stopping; motor dumping oil into throttle; fire risk concern
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #19: coil packs, alternator, starter, batteries replaced; check engine light persists
Transfer Case Breakage
Transfer case breaks while driving, making loud snapping sound.
When: Complaint #28 at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: loud snapping sound during driving; transfer case fracture
Heating System Failure
Heater does not function even after engine reaches full operating temperature.
When: Complaint #30 at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: no heat output; persists after engine warm-up
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2005 Nissan Murano?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2005 Nissan Murano?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 33 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 15,000 and 86,000 miles, with the median around 52,244. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,000; a quarter make it past 86,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Nissan/Murano.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.