CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Nissan Murano electrical problems
severe 73 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
73
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2crashes
3fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 73 electrical complaints filed for the 2009 Nissan Murano, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
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.
What stands out
Owners have filed 73 electrical 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 14 model years of Nissan Murano in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
CAN COMMUNICATION – 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 ↗VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. These recommendations are expected to promote uniformity during the connection process, therefore reducing the number of incorrect âTest with DCAâ and âReplaceâ results. HINT: If 12 volt batteries are allowed to discharge for a prolonged period of time, battery life may be drastically reduced. This condition may lead to premature battery replacement and customer dissatisfaction. IMPORTANT: ï· CPX-900 is now an accepted testing tool to use along with or in place of the DSS-500
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid the risk of death or severe personal injury, do not directly spray Silicone-based lubricant or grease, or inadvertently overspray Silicone-based lubricant or grease onto any interior electrical components. These types of lubricants can be detrimental to the proper operation of electrical components.
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 recurring cycle of alternator and battery failures causing complete power loss at highway speeds, with no warning and approximately 30 seconds before power steering and braking are lost. Multiple owners replaced the alternator and battery multiple times—some reporting 2–3 alternator replacements and 5 battery changes in 5 years—yet failures recurred. One owner had the problem return within 48 days of repair; another called 911 to avoid a crash after losing power at 75 mph.
Door lock actuators fail progressively across all four doors, preventing remote and button operation and requiring manual key use only. Owners report repair quotes of $1,200–$1,800 for all doors. This creates genuine safety problems: parents cannot lock children's doors reliably, and one owner remained trapped inside during a crash with smoke in the cabin because electrical locks failed.
Airbag warning lights remain illuminated on multiple vehicles despite sensor replacements, with some cars not covered by existing recall campaigns. Owners report repair costs around $2,150 when dealers do diagnose the problem.
Additional complaints include random stalling during acceleration with no consistent warning, battery drain requiring repeated replacements after short periods of storage, headlights cutting out at night, and radio volume jumping to maximum unprompted. One vehicle caught fire parked with doors locked; another had a rear seat warmer burn through upholstery with a child in a safety seat nearby.
Nissan has refused financial assistance or recall acknowledgment on most of these issues, citing vehicles as out of warranty.
Same Nissan Murano electrical reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2010 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Alternator/Charging System Failure
Battery and alternator failures causing sudden loss of engine power and stalling while driving, often at highway speeds. Owners report multiple replacements of both battery and alternator with recurring failures. Vehicles enter 'fail safe' mode limiting speed before stopping completely.
When: Various speeds and conditions; some report it within 48 days of initial repair; one case at 114,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning while driving; Battery and brake warning lights illuminate or flicker; Complete loss of power (no lights, radio, or steering assist); Vehicle goes into neutral or fail-safe mode; Power steering failure approximately 30 seconds after stall; Rapid battery drain after restart attempts; Loss of ability to accelerate; Dashboard lights remain on but engine won't start
Codes mentioned: B1018 OCS Sensor Unit Failure
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replaced multiple times (some owners report 2-3 replacements); battery replaced multiple times; one owner replaced alternator twice and battery 5 times over 5 years; parts cost not specified but repair costs estimated at significant expense
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2008 Nissan Murano had TSB/recall for alternator (not extended to 2009 models per complaints); Nissan refused to cover under extended warranty; no recall issued for 2009 models despite similar failures in 2003-2007 models
Door Lock Actuator Failure
All four door lock actuators fail progressively or simultaneously, preventing secure locking or unlocking via remote key fob or interior buttons. Only manual key operation remains functional. Creates safety hazards with children and in emergency situations.
When: Early in vehicle ownership (November 2010 on one vehicle with relatively low mileage); one case at 65,000 miles; spreads across all four doors over period of several months
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob remote fails to lock/unlock doors; Interior door unlock button becomes non-functional; Intermittent lock/unlock operation; Complete inability to lock/unlock affected doors; Manual unlock only via rocker switch at door or physical key; Child lock safety concerns; Inability to lock doors while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repair estimate $1,200 to $1,800 for all four doors; door panel break charges ~$300+ plus labor; actuator solenoid replacement ~$575 for single door
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite common failure pattern; dealers informed owners no recall available; Nissan told one owner 'we'll see what we can do' but provided no assistance; same issue reported on Nissan Rogue with no manufacturer response
Occupant Classification System/Airbag Sensor Failures
Passenger seat airbag warning light illuminates continuously or intermittently. Failures traced to occupant classification system sensor, weight sensor, and varistor requiring replacement. Vehicles not always included in existing recall campaigns despite matching failure patterns.
When: Various mileages; one case at 200,000 miles; one case at 71,425 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag warning light flashes or illuminates continuously; Light persists or returns after diagnostic reset; Light may disappear temporarily after battery reset
Codes mentioned: B1018 OCS Sensor, B108OCS
Repairs/costs cited: Weight sensor and varistor replacement; OCS sensor replacement; repair cost $2,150 in one case; one owner did not repair due to cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 08V521000 (Air Bags, Electrical System) exists but does not cover all affected vehicles; TSB issued for air bags and three TSBs for electrical system; manufacturer advised dealer diagnosis/repair; one vehicle not included in campaign despite matching failures
Power Loss and Stalling During Acceleration
Vehicle loses power, stalls, or hesitates when accelerating from stop or while in motion. Engine may rev excessively when power returns. Occurs intermittently with no consistent warning lights, making diagnosis difficult.
When: During acceleration from stopped position; 25% of acceleration attempts in one case; more frequent in warmer weather; occurs both at low speed and highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power when pressing accelerator; Engine stalls or hesitates during acceleration; Excessive acceleration/surging when power returns; No consistent warning indicators; RPM drop when losing power; Battery and brake lights may flicker
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple repair shops unable to identify cause; no permanent fixes documented in complaints
Smart Key/Ignition System Defects
Start/stop ignition button can shut down engine and all electrical systems if accidentally depressed while driving. Vehicle can also be turned off and exited while in Drive/gear without proper neutral safety controls.
When: Any driving condition; highway speeds most dangerous
Symptoms owners cite: Engine and all power shut off if ignition button pressed while driving; Loss of power steering and brake assist; No warning before shutdown; Vehicle can exit ignition while not in Park position; Vehicle can roll on inclines if exited without proper transmission lock
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner's manual contains warning not to depress start/stop button while vehicle in motion, but Nissan has not implemented prevention mechanism; dealership sales manager unaware of this hazard
Battery Drain and Parasitic Discharge
Battery goes dead or discharges rapidly even after replacement, requiring multiple battery replacements over vehicle's life. Occurs when vehicle sits unused for extended periods or overnight.
When: After sitting unused for 2+ weeks; one case after 3 days of sitting; recurring over 5-year period
Symptoms owners cite: Battery goes dead with no warning; Repeated battery failure despite replacement; Car alarm discharge suspected in one case; Battery dies even after disconnection during storage
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple battery replacements (one owner had 4 new batteries; another had 5 Nissan batteries in 5 years); car alarm disconnection performed in one case; no permanent solution found
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership advised disconnecting battery if car not driven for 2 weeks; dealer stated they would stand behind car after warranty; later refused to accept problem and charged diagnostic fees; Nissan filed customer service complaint with no response
Rear Seat Warmer Malfunction
Rear seat warmers activate inadvertently and cause fire/burn-through of seat material while vehicle is in operation. Child was seated in safety seat in affected location.
When: At unknown speed while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Rear seat warmers activate without driver input; Hole burned through seat material; All warning lights illuminate; Potential for child injury from burn hazard
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no information on recall or TSB issued
Headlight Failure
Exterior headlights shut off without warning while driving at night, then take multiple attempts to re-activate. Failure recurs intermittently but cannot be duplicated by dealer.
When: At night at highway speeds (~60 mph); early in vehicle life (609 miles, current 1,350 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights shut off without warning; Multiple restart attempts needed before lights re-activate; Failure recurs multiple times
Repairs/costs cited: Wiper washer and dimmer switch replaced under factory warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty coverage provided for switch replacement
Radio/Climate Control Malfunction
Radio volume and tuning controls malfunction, causing volume to jump to maximum without driver input or proper control response. Climate control knobs also reported to malfunction. Creates distraction and safety hazard.
When: Recurring over 2-3 years; started sometime in 2013-2014; happens randomly at any time while radio on
Symptoms owners cite: Volume jumps to maximum without human intervention; Radio volume and tuning do not respond properly to control input; Climate control knobs do not work properly; Startles driver and diverts attention from road
Brake System Computer Failure
Brake pedal extends to floorboard when attempting to stop, indicating brake system failure. Diagnosis revealed computer failure as root cause.
When: At 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal extends to floorboard; Vehicle cannot stop properly
Repairs/costs cited: Computer replaced and failure remedied at dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repaired under dealer warranty (manufacturer not notified per complaint)
Door Lock Entrapment During Emergency
Electronic door locks fail to function after crash, trapping occupants inside vehicle filled with smoke. Cannot open doors using unlock button, exterior handle, or windows despite electrical power still present.
When: After crash impact
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks fail to unlock after crash; Unlock button non-functional; Electric windows non-functional; Complete inability to exit vehicle; Smoke present in cabin
Repairs/costs cited: Windows and doors eventually broken out by bystanders using crowbar and hammer
Automatic Door Lock Entrapment
Driver becomes trapped inside vehicle when battery dies, unable to exit due to no mechanical override or accessible means to unlock doors without external power or smart key.
When: When battery dies (at gas station in one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Cannot open doors when battery dead; No way to exit without locksmith, key fob, or breaking window; Trapping inside for extended period (30+ minutes reported)
Synthesized from 73 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The vehicle has shown problems that were previously recalled including tire monitoring system, passenger air bag warning light remains lit, and rear hatch fails to function. More recently the vehicle fails to start and has strong smell of gas. The fuel pump was replace by a certified mechanic but the problem persists, failure to start or run. In addition, the battery has drained even after being…
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2009 Nissan Murano?
It's a meaningful issue. 73 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 57 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 55,000 and 125,000 miles, with the median around 77,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 55,000; a quarter make it past 125,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/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.