Of the 240 brakes complaints filed for the 2009 Nissan Murano,
here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
1 (7.7%)
25-50k
0 (0%)
50-75k
1 (7.7%)
75-100k
3 (23.1%)
100-125k
6 (46.2%)
125-150k
1 (7.7%)
150k+
1 (7.7%)
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted.
Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits
and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
How fast does it fail?
Cumulative share of the 13 mileage-bearing brakes complaints filed against the 2009 Nissan Murano by each odometer reading.
Median failure: 109,000 mi.
10% have failed by50,000 mi
Half the fleet by109,000 mi
90% have failed by141,473 mi
Curve based on owner-reported odometer mileage at the time of complaint. Reflects when owners filed, not when symptoms first appeared. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve.
Embed this failure-mileage curve
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Nissan of North America, Inc (Nissan) is recalling certain 2009 Murano vehicles
If the valves do not properly close, additional brake pedal travel may be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Nissan has notified owners, and dealers will flush the brake system with DOT 4 fluid. The HCU will then be tested to detect a possible stuck valve condition. If necessary, the HCU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes 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.
Service BulletinNTB10-145BMar 2023
ABS/VDC CAN DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2009 MURANO; BRAKE FLUSH This bulletin has been superseded by: NTB18-087 / Campaign ID # R1814 VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2009 MURANO; BRAKE FLUSH Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
2009 MURANO; ABS / VDC LIGHT ON WITH DTC C1161 / C1162 This bulletin applies only to vehicles equipped with AWD (All-Wheel Drive). This bulletin has been amended. The Service Procedure has been updated. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Brake Fluid Flush Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Campaign Summary***** Nissan is committed to customer satisfaction. Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to flush the brake fluid, install new DOT 4 brake fluid, and inspect the Antilock Brake System (ABS) actuator on specific 2009 Nissan Murano vehicles. If the ABS actuator does not pass the inspection after the system has had the brake fluid flushed and upgraded, dealers will replace the ABS brake actuator. A new brake fluid cap with DOT 4 fluid specifications will be installed and an owner?s manual update will be provided to the customer. The ABS actuators manufactured during this time period are potentially susceptible to a
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2009 MURANO BRAKE FLUSH INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting a Service Campaign on certain specific MY2009 Nissan Murano vehicles to remove the DOT 3 brake fluid from the brake system and replace it with new DOT 4 brake fluid. In rare instances, the ABS actuator may need to be replaced. This Service Campaign will be performed at no charge to the affected customers for parts or labor. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER Nissan has assigned identification number P8305 to this campaign. This number must appear on all communication and documentation of any nature dealing with this campaign. DEALER RESPONSIBILITY Dealers are to repair vehicles falling within range of this campaign that
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a dangerous intermittent brake failure where the pedal goes soft or sinks all the way to the floor without warning, usually after hitting bumps, potholes, or uneven pavement—or when the ABS engages on wet, icy, or slick roads. The vehicle either won't stop at all or requires hard pumping of the pedal to build pressure back up. Several owners say the problem temporarily resets after turning the engine off and back on, but returns unpredictably. No warning lights illuminate before failure occurs, and mechanics often can't reproduce the issue on first inspection, sending owners on expensive troubleshooting loops. The failures have occurred at various mileages starting around 65,000 miles and continuing past 100,000. Owners report being referred to lengthy brake-fluid flushes, master cylinder replacements (typically $300–$600), and ultimately ABS actuator replacements costing $1,500–$3,300 in parts and labor. Multiple owners say the dealer or Nissan initially denied knowledge of the problem or refused to cover repairs, even after online research revealed hundreds of complaints with identical symptoms. Some got caught in a service campaign (DOT 3 to DOT 4 fluid swap) that failed to fix the underlying issue, while others report the actuator test passed recall inspection even though the problem persisted later. The lack of clarity on root cause—and the high repair costs for an aging vehicle—has left owners angry and unsafe.
Same Nissan Murano brakes reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Brake pedal loss of pressure / spongy pedal after bumps or ABS engagement
Intermittent brake failure where pedal goes soft or completely to the floor after hitting bumps, potholes, uneven pavement, or when ABS engages on slick/icy roads. Vehicle fails to stop or requires repeated pedal pumping to restore pressure. Failure often resets temporarily after engine restart.
When: Typically begins around 65,000–75,000 miles; continues across 100,000+ miles. Triggered by rough road surfaces, ABS activation, wet/icy conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal travels to floor without stopping power; Soft, spongy pedal feel; Loss of brake pressure after hitting bumps or potholes; Brakes fail after ABS engagement; Requires hard pumping of pedal to restore pressure; Temporary recovery after engine restart; No warning lights or ABS indicator illuminated; Intermittent nature; difficult for mechanics to reproduce
Codes mentioned:ABS actuator fault codes (reported by some dealers), No codes found in many cases despite failure
Repairs/costs cited: Owners replaced brake fluid (DOT 3 to DOT 4 fluid swap via service campaign; did not fix underlying issue). Master cylinder replacement ($300–$600) often tried first but did not resolve problem. ABS actuator replacement ($1,500–$3,300 parts and labor) most commonly reported as actual fix. One owner paid $2,481.53 for actuator replacement after master cylinder proved ineffective. Multiple owners report spending $1,200+ on unnecessary repairs (pads, rotors, master cylinder) before correct diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan service campaign (18V916000) for brake fluid flush and replacement; owners report this did not fix the problem. Dealers initially denied knowledge of widespread issue, said it was age/mileage-related, or refused warranty coverage. One service manager acknowledged the repair should have been covered under recall. Recall testing passed in some cases despite later failure. Nissan referred to NHTSA investigation but offered no proactive recall or assistance.
Complete brake failure during emergency or normal braking
Total loss of braking power requiring the vehicle to coast or be steered off the road. Occurs during both emergency stops and routine braking, sometimes after hard braking or ABS activation.
When: Occurred at various mileages: 91,250 miles, 60 mph on interstate, 55 mph highway (deer strike), low-speed intersections. Often follows a bump, pothole, or ABS event.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal provides zero stopping power; Vehicle coasts or drifts without deceleration; Owner forced to steer off road or use parking brake; Brake pedal goes completely to floor; May resume braking after engine restart or pumping
Codes mentioned:No codes detected in many cases, Some found ABS codes after the fact
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had master cylinder seal replaced ($623.86) for first failure, then ABS actuator replaced ($3,305) for second failure within weeks. Another had ABS hydraulic unit outlet valve found to be sticking open. Brake fluid was checked and found clean in many cases; mechanical inspection revealed no obvious leak.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No proactive recall. Dealers attempted repairs without consistent diagnosis. One dealer replaced master cylinder, then later determined ABS actuator was the real issue. Owner stated manufacturer offered no assistance despite being notified.
Hard braking required to achieve stopping; extended pedal travel
Brake pedal requires full depression (almost to floor) to achieve normal stopping power. Brake pressure and responsiveness are significantly reduced compared to normal operation.
When: Reported at 70,000–123,000 miles. Sporadic, worsening over weeks to months.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal must be depressed 3/4 or almost completely to floor to stop; Lack of brake pressure feedback; Extended stopping distance; Pedal feels spongy or low; Symptom improves slightly with repeated braking; No warning lights
Codes mentioned:ABS codes sometimes found; sometimes none, One case showed ABS ECU unable to be tested separately from HCU
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners replaced brake fluid, bled brakes, replaced brake pads and rotors without success. Master cylinder replacement ($300–$600) often attempted but did not fix issue. Final diagnosis typically ABS actuator or HCU; part costs $1,500–$3,300.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service campaign 18V916000 (brake fluid flush/DOT 4 swap) offered; owners report this did not resolve the hard-pedal issue. Dealers said next step was ABS replacement at owner's cost. Nissan stated no recalls applied or no assistance available.
Brake system leaks (internal master cylinder or ABS controller)
Internal hydraulic leaks in master cylinder or ABS controller/ECU, detected by lack of brake pressure buildup or loss of fluid, though external inspection shows no drips.
When: Detected at 200,000 miles and other high-mileage cases.
Symptoms owners cite: Soft, spongy brake pedal that goes to floor; No external brake fluid leaks visible; Brake pressure does not pump up when brakes applied with engine off; Brake booster tests normal but pedal remains low
Codes mentioned:No codes generated due to internal failure
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had both master cylinder and ABS controller/ECU internal leaks. Master cylinder was replaced; ABS controller internal leak cannot be repaired—only replacement possible. Total cost not specified but implied to be high.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSBs or recalls listed in dealer search. Shop told owners no information found on similar failures.
Synthesized from 240 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting
13 most recent
brakes · 113,000 mi
· filed 12/31/2017
Brakes went to floor. As I came to a stop light almost hit car in front of me. Originally diagnosed as a bad master cylinder. No warning lights at all. Changed master cylinder and problem was not fixed. Dealership diagnosed it as a bad ABS actuator. Was told they would gladly fix it for 2200.00. Looks like I am not the only one who is having the same problem. Have been told bt local mechanics…
brakes · 200,000 mi
· filed 12/30/2021
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that upon the depression of the brake pedal, additional brake pedal travel time would be required to stop the vehicle as the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard. The contact described the brake as feeling "spongy" upon depression and that no warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact initially contacted an…
brakes · 123,000 mi
· filed 12/30/2019
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan murano. The contact stated that the brake pedal had to be depressed for an extended amount of time and almost to the floorboard before the vehicle would come to a stop. The vehicle failed to stop immediately and took an extended amount of time. Hawkinson Nissan (located at 5513 miller circle drive, matteson, il 60443, 708-252-3769) diagnosed that the ABS had no…
brakes · 106,000 mi
· filed 12/30/2016
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan murano. While driving 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle accelerated instead. Each time the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle would accelerate at a high speed. The brake pedal was depressed to the floor. The contact placed the vehicle in park, but the engine kept revving. The contact was able to turn the vehicle off, but once it…
brakes · 124,000 mi
· filed 12/29/2017
Unpredictable behavior when applying brakes. Pedal very soft. Brakes done work properly regardless of whether vehicle is moving or not. I'm concerned that this may lead to an accident. Pads are new. System has no leaks or air bubbles.
brakes · 99,000 mi
· filed 12/29/2016
The brakes in our 2009 Nissan murano intermittently fail about once or twice a month. When a failure occurs the brake pedal goes down to the floor and the vehicle slows, but does not stop. Several occurrences required a swerve off the road to avoid a collision. Several, but not all of these occurrences were preceded by a jolt to the vehicle (pothole, railroad track, etc.). No warning lights…
brakes · 20,440 mi
· filed 12/28/2011
ABS module failure. Needs replacement. In case of emergency, ABS,vdc and stability control are not going to control the vehicle. Also the tires lights warning and the brakes are on. *tr
brakes · 117,000 mi
· filed 12/26/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan murano. While driving various speeds over a bump or gravel pavement, the brake pedal had to be depressed all the way to the floorboard in order to stop the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to dave smith Nissan (6901 e sprague ave, spokane, wa 99212, (509) 924-6242) several times where it was diagnosed with air in the…
brakes · 84,400 mi
· filed 12/26/2017
My vehicle has only 84,400 miles it and is well mantained also. I have noticed that my brake petal is being pushed to the floor to stop. It is taking a long time for the vehicle to stop, a lot of times I am pumping my brakes. I recently had my brakes check, assuming that their was a problem or it was time for me to get brakes and was advised that they were fine.
brakes · 141,473 mi
· filed 12/26/2017
On 11/15/17 the brake pedal went to the floor on our 2009 Nissan murano when stopping at an intersection. It was raining at the time. The brakes continued to go to the floor when attempting to stop multiple times for about 2 miles. Turned car off and back on with same result. Towed to our local mechanics who found nothing wrong mechanically but found codes in the ABS system. Brake pedal…
Had brakes trouble with your 2009 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 brakes problem on the 2009 Nissan Murano?
It's a meaningful issue. 240 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 209 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 69,000 and 112,000 miles, with the median around 89,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 69,000; a quarter make it past 112,000. 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 $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover brakes issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
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/2009/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.