DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER 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 steering problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
2crashes
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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.
DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake incident based
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe has been chosen as the approved tool for rotor resurfacing. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe can be ordered from TECH-MATE at 1-800-662-2001. - ProCut technical support or service can be obtained by calling 1-800-543-6618. NOTE: Brake rotors may need to be resurfaced during routine brake repair or for brake "judder" incidents. - Brake judder: A brake pedal pulsation and/or steering wheel shimmy when braking that occurs when there is too mu
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NISSAN: 2003-2007 MURANO. INFORMATION ON REPLACING THE POWER STEERING HOSE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2005 Murano steering system shows a pattern of premature failures across multiple components. Tie rods fail suddenly without collision or visible damage, rendering the vehicle immobile at low mileage. Owners report steering wheel vibration at highway speeds that persists despite tire rebalancing, lower control arm replacement, and tie rod end repair.
Power steering is a significant trouble spot. High-pressure hoses crack and leak between 45,000 and 70,650 miles; one dealership clamp repair failed immediately and required full hose replacement at $700. Fluid leaks recur unpredictably, with one owner carrying extra fluid due to daily losses. A fourth mechanic and multiple dealer visits could not locate leak sources. Power steering racks wear out, developing excessive play that makes steering difficult.
Steering lockup incidents have occurred during normal highway driving, causing rollover crashes and total losses. Owners also report excessive hydroplaning in rain and wet conditions with both new and OEM-spec tires, losing traction repeatedly until grip randomly returns—a near-fatal incident involved a family with a toddler.
The subframe rusts internally and breaks, though Nissan issued a recall for 2003–2007 models; some owners never received notice. Repair delays are common, with parts on backorder and vehicles inoperable for weeks.
Same Nissan Murano steering reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Tie rod failure
Tie rods fail suddenly without impact or warning, causing wheels to point in opposite directions and rendering the vehicle immobile. Owner reports one wheel turned correctly during a Y-turn maneuver while the other pointed opposite, with no collision or damage noted.
When: 13,000 miles, early in ownership (May 2005 purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Wheels pointing in opposite directions; Vehicle would not move in forward or reverse; No visible damage or impact
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed tie rod failure; owner reports $5,000 damage estimate; dealership refused warranty coverage claiming owner hit something despite no visible damage or evidence of collision
Steering wheel vibration at highway speed
Persistent vibration or shaking in steering wheel occurs at approximately 65 mph highway driving. Shaking persists despite multiple repair attempts including tire rebalancing, lower control arm replacement, and tie rod end replacement. Mechanics unable to replicate condition during test drives.
When: 88,000 miles; recurrent issue over extended ownership period
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel shakes and vibrates at 65 mph; Vibration felt in steering wheel; Condition visible and palpable to driver; Persists across multiple tire sets
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced tires at $400; dealership replaced lower control arm and tie rod end with no resolution; owner eventually traded vehicle in rather than continue troubleshooting
Power steering rack wear and play
Excessive play develops in steering system, making steering difficult and unpredictable. Owner reports steering has so much looseness that vehicle is difficult to drive and describes it as a safety issue.
When: Not specified in narratives
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive play in steering; Difficult to steer vehicle; Loose steering feel
High-pressure power steering hose cracking and leaking
High-pressure power steering hoses crack, develop leaks, and fail repeatedly. One owner's hose was clamped by dealership technician, but failure recurred. Multiple owners report this as a known issue across 2003–2007 Muranos, with concern raised about fire hazard from flammable Dextron fluid.
When: 45,000–70,650 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fluid leaking; Cracked hose visible upon inspection; Fluid leaks from container; Leaks when vehicle not in motion
Repairs/costs cited: One owner: dealership charged $700 for steering hose replacement; hose had to be ordered; clamp repair by technician failed and leak recurred. Another owner: both high-pressure and return hoses plus clamps replaced by dealer. Some owners report carrying fluid with them due to unpredictable leaking.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty coverage noted in narratives, though owner #9 calls for factory recall citing fire hazard and reports other dealers acknowledge issue as common problem
Power steering fluid loss and system failure
Vehicle loses power steering fluid and fails to turn properly, requiring daily refilling. Mechanics struggle to locate source of leak; issue persists across multiple diagnostic attempts and repair attempts.
When: 45,000+ miles; one owner reports ongoing since 2013
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to turn; Must refill power steering fluid daily; Fluid level drops unexpectedly; Leak source difficult to locate
Repairs/costs cited: One owner saw three mechanics who could not find leak; fourth mechanic replaced pressure switch (not the fix); power steering rack ordered as suspected source. Another owner: waited 6+ weeks for part on back order.
Steering failure causing loss of control and crash
Steering becomes inoperable or locked while driving at highway speed, causing loss of vehicle control. One owner heard noise from front right, lost steering control on a curve, hit concrete divider, and rolled vehicle—total loss. Another owner reports steering wheel locked at 60 mph on clear day, causing flip-over and total loss.
When: Not specified; one incident at 35 mph on curve, another at 60 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Noise from front suspension area; Steering wheel locked or unresponsive; Loss of steering control; Unable to maneuver vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Both incidents resulted in total vehicle loss; one crash involved rollover; owner suspects something popped in steering system
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner believed failure should be covered under NHTSA recall 06V401000; NHTSA note indicates problem fixed in 2005 models per consumer report, but this 2005 owner still experienced failure
Hydroplaning on wet roads
Vehicle loses traction and hydroplanes excessively on wet roads and during rain, sliding until grip is regained. Issue occurs with both new and worn tires, suggesting inherent suspension or steering design problem rather than tire issue. Owner reports near-fatal incident with family in vehicle.
When: Soon after purchase; incident July 22, 2013
Symptoms owners cite: Continual loss of traction in rain or wet conditions; Vehicle slides side to side until traction regains; Occurs with both new and worn tires of same specification; Occurs even with Goodyear Eagle tires (original equipment)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced tires with same Goodyear Eagle P235/65 R18 per dealer recommendation; problem persists
Subframe rust and failure
Subframe rusts internally and breaks during normal city street driving. Nissan had issued a recall for 2003–2007 model years, but owner never received notice.
When: 150,000 miles; first owner with meticulous maintenance
Symptoms owners cite: Subframe broke between rear wheels; Visible internal rust despite good maintenance and garage storage
Repairs/costs cited: Car inoperable for 6 days waiting for replacement part
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan issued recall for 2003–2007 Muranos for this issue; owner did not receive notice
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2005 Nissan Murano?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 45,137 and 96,871 miles, with the median around 66,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,137; a quarter make it past 96,871. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.