The 2006 Murano has two dominant fuel-system problems that cluster across all 21 complaints.
Fuel gauge and sending-unit failure shows up in nearly every narrative. Owners say the gauge reads full when the tank is half-full, empty when still half-full, or jumps erratically between extremes. Dealerships diagnose a defective fuel level sending unit and quote $450–$800 to replace it—parts and labor. The check engine light turns on alongside the bad gauge reading. Nissan does not cover the repair under factory or aftermarket warranty. One owner notes Nissan recalled this same issue on other 2006 models (540,000 vehicles) but refuses to extend coverage to the Murano.
Fuel pump shut-off during refueling is equally widespread. The nozzle stops working after 0.5 to 3 gallons even when the tank is far from full. Owners have to restart the pump, hold the trigger gently, jiggle the nozzle, or try different stations. Gas splashes back on them and the pavement. One service bulletin reportedly exists, but no recall has been issued. Dealerships have cleaned rollover floats and replaced tank assemblies; the problem returns anyway. One owner is on his third shop visit since May 2006 and approaching Illinois lemon-law territory.
Neither issue gets fixed permanently or covered by the manufacturer.
Failure modes owners describe
Fuel Gauge / Fuel Level Sending Unit Failure
Fuel gauges and electronic fuel-level displays provide inaccurate readings. Owners report the gauge reading full when tank is half-full, empty when still at half-tank, or fluctuating erratically between extremes. Check engine light frequently activates alongside the gauge malfunction. The root cause identified by dealerships is a defective fuel level sending unit that requires replacement.
When: Starts early in ownership (10,000 to 73,000 miles reported; one narrative references July 2010 at 67,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge reads inaccurate levels (shows full when half-full, empty when still has fuel); Electronic display fluctuates between full and empty; Check engine light illuminates; Cannot rely on gauge for actual fuel remaining
Codes mentioned: P0463, Fuel level sensor circuit high input, Fuel level circuit sensor
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships quote $450–$800 for fuel sender replacement (parts and labor). Some narratives cite $700–$800 for two fuel sending units plus inspection ($99–$100). One owner reports an instrument panel replacement (part 24820-CC20A) at $1150 for a related communications issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan does not cover repairs under factory or aftermarket warranty (beyond emissions-control warranty of 3 years). No recall issued for 2006 Murano despite similar recalls on other 2006 Nissan models (540,000 vehicles cited in one narrative). One narrative mentions recall campaign 06V003000 for tank assembly, but repeat failures occurred post-repair.
Fuel Tank Venting / Gas Pump Shut-Off During Refueling
Owners report fuel pump nozzles shut off prematurely during refueling, often after dispensing only 0.5 to 3 gallons even when the tank is far from full. The nozzle repeatedly kicks back, forcing owners to restart the pump multiple times, hold the trigger at reduced pressure, or try different positions or stations. Gas splashes back onto the owner, vehicle, and ground. Dealerships attribute the issue to the venting or rollover float system and have cleaned or replaced tank components, but the problem often recurs.
When: Onset varies widely; some start at 2006 purchase, others within two years; narratives span 2006 to 2013+
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel pump nozzle shuts off prematurely during refueling; Pump stops after 0.5–3 gallons despite tank far from full; Gas splashes or spits back at owner; Requires repeated pumping, trigger manipulation, or position changes to complete fill; Occurs across multiple gas stations and pumps; More frequent in cold weather
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have cleaned the rollover float and replaced the fuel tank assembly. One owner required three shop visits (starting May 2006); another mentions a service bulletin exists. Repairs have not permanently resolved the issue in reported cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: A service bulletin reportedly exists (noted by one owner and confirmed at dealership), but no recall has been issued. Dealer advice included trying different pumps, holding the trigger gently, and accepting cold-weather worsening.
Instrument Panel / Fuel-System Communication Failure
One narrative describes an instrument panel failure that prevented proper communication with the transmission, causing the vehicle to lose power while driving. The panel was replaced (part 24820-CC20A) at significant cost. Owners suspect faulty soldering or welding of connections. While not exclusively fuel-related, the panel controls fuel-gauge display and is mentioned within the fuel-system complaint context.
When: Failure at 9/24/13; vehicle purchased used in 2009
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel fails to communicate with transmission; Vehicle loses power / comes out of gear while driving (on a hill); Car stops and will not restart
Repairs/costs cited: Instrument panel (part 24820-CC20A) replaced at dealership for $1150. Service manager and coordinator had not previously encountered this failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan accepts no responsibility. Owner notes internet is full of comments about transmission and instrument-panel issues in this generation.
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.