2009 Nissan Murano engine problems
moderate 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Among the 10 model years of Nissan Murano in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2009 Murano engines show patterns of head gasket failure in the 57,000–74,000 mile range, sudden stalling with no warning lights, and sensor failures that recur within days. Multiple owners report extensive dealer diagnostics and repairs that didn't solve the problems; expect potential for expensive major engine work even on maintained examples.
The 2009 Murano's engine shows consistent problems across multiple failure modes. Head gasket leaks appear regularly around 57,000 to 74,000 miles—far earlier than expected—causing white smoke, coolant odor, hesitation, and eventual stalling. Owners note this seems widespread enough to deserve a recall. One owner discovered 60% ring and valve leakage and got three weeks of dealer service (flushes, sensor replacement, transmission service, coolant system work) that didn't fully fix the white smoke; Nissan refused warranty coverage for the second owner.
Stalling without warning is another pattern. Engines shut down at highway speeds with no check engine light or diagnostic codes; dealership scanners read nothing wrong. Restarting requires multiple attempts. Air/fuel sensors (mass airflow meters, cam and crank sensors) fail repeatedly—one set failed again less than a day after replacement—leaving vehicles in limp mode or unable to restart. Catalytic converters fail around 85,000 miles, outside the manufacturer's 80,000-mile warranty.
One vehicle caught fire in a parked garage shortly after an engine replacement. Another's push-button start stuck on, creating a carbon monoxide hazard; Nissan's response was dismissive. Coolant leaks have contaminated transmissions, flooding CVT units. A check engine light that wouldn't clear after four dealer visits appeared in one complaint. These aren't isolated glitches—owners see the same failures reported across multiple Murano forums.
Same Nissan Murano engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Head gasket failure
Cracked or leaking head gaskets causing coolant leaks, white smoke from exhaust, strong coolant odor, and engine overheating risk. Owners report failures across a range of mileages (57,000 to 74,000 miles) and state this appears to be a known defect affecting multiple Murano units.
When: 57,000 to 74,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke from exhaust pipes; Strong coolant smell; Coolant dripping/leaking from engine; Coolant buildup in radiator and hoses; Engine hesitation and deceleration; Engine overheating risk
Repairs/costs cited: Head gasket replacement requires engine removal; one owner reports repair took 3-4 weeks and did not fully resolve the issue. Coolant system service, radiator and hose replacement needed when contamination occurs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner initially covered under warranty. Nissan refused to honor extended warranty for second owner past 6-month window. No recall issued despite owner concerns about number of affected vehicles.
Engine stalling and unresponsive start
Engine shuts down suddenly while driving with no warning lights or check engine illumination. Vehicle difficult to restart, requiring multiple attempts. Dealers unable to reproduce or find diagnostic codes.
When: 25,000 to 89,526 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies while driving on road or freeway; No warning lights or service indicators before failure; Difficulty restarting vehicle; Hard steering wheel when engine stops
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose—computer reads no error codes. No repairs completed in reported cases.
Air/fuel metering sensor failure
Air flow meter and mass air flow sensor failures causing engine stumbling, loss of power, and stalling sensation. Replacements fail prematurely and repeatedly within days or one year.
When: Mileage not specified; recurring within 1 year of replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stumbling and hesitation; Fuel starvation feeling despite full tank; Loss of power; Engine stalling tendency at idle and traffic lights; Service Engine Soon light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Air flow meter replaced for $700 at dealership; failed again 3-4 days later. Cam and crank position sensors replaced, failed again less than one day later. Parts appear to have short service life or underlying cause persists.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to duplicate problem on second visit.
Engine compartment fire
Vehicle caught fire in parking lot while parked and turned off for approximately five hours. Fire originated in engine compartment. Vehicle was completely destroyed. Fire report documented, cause undetermined.
When: 94,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fire in parked, turned-off condition; Smoke and flames from engine compartment
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; no repairs possible.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engine had recently been replaced at dealer days before fire. Manufacturer and dealer notified of incident.
Engine failure to shut off
Push-button start/stop engine fails to turn off when button pressed. Vehicle remains running after owner removes key fob and exits. Creates carbon monoxide hazard in enclosed spaces.
When: Design-related defect affecting any model year with push-button start
Symptoms owners cite: Engine continues running after pressing start/stop button; Quiet engine operation makes running status unnoticed; No shut-off confirmation from system
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; owner requested design change to prevent accidental operation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan replied to owner complaint with instruction to 'don't forget to push the button to turn the engine off,' dismissing safety concern.
Coolant contamination of transmission
Coolant leaks into transmission fluid, flooding CVT transmission with coolant and water. Occurs when coolant system pressure builds and hoses rupture or fail.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Sweet maple syrup smell from air conditioner; Check engine light illumination; Engine stuttering on acceleration; Large coolant leak visible under vehicle; CVT transmission flooded with coolant and water
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator, hoses, and transmission fluid replacement required.
Catalytic converter failure
Catalytic converter failure at relatively low mileage (85,000 miles in one case; 162,000 in another). Owners report first-time illumination of check engine light and rattling noise, rotten odor.
When: 85,000 to 162,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Rattling noise from vehicle; Rotten odor from exhaust
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement required to pass inspection. Cost reported as expensive but specific amount not provided in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer warranty covers 80,000 miles; failure at 85,000 outside coverage. Extended warranty purchased by second owner did not cover catalytic converter.
Excessive oil consumption and internal engine wear
Engine exhibits 60% or greater ring and valve leakage detected via leak-down test. Massive oil consumption causing white smoke and exhaust contamination. Extensive service and cleaning failed to resolve issue.
When: Failure mileage not specified; occurred within first 5 months of second owner's vehicle possession
Symptoms owners cite: Huge amount of white smoke from exhaust on cold start and continuous operation; Complete smoke engulfment of vehicle during startup; Excessive oil buildup in intake manifold; Oil contamination throughout engine
Repairs/costs cited: Service included spark plug removal and overnight piston soak, leak-down test revealing 60%+ ring and valve leakage, dual oil flushes, intake manifold cleaning, fuel system service, fuel injector cleaning, throttle body cleaning, tune-up, coolant system service, transmission service, and differential fluid exchange. Dealership kept vehicle 3-4 weeks; problem persisted intermittently despite comprehensive service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan refused to honor warranty for second owner 6 months past warranty expiration date. Dealership recommended engine replacement but warranty denial prevented coverage.
Persistent check engine light
Check engine light remains illuminated and cannot be cleared. Owner took vehicle to dealer four times without resolution.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Light will not turn off
Repairs/costs cited: Four dealer visits without successful repair or code clearing.
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2009 Nissan Murano?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 20 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 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 60,000 and 102,000 miles, with the median around 74,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 102,000. 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.