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 ↗2009 Nissan Murano steering problems
moderate 34 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
34
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
What stands out
Owners have filed 34 steering 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 11 model years of Nissan Murano in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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 When servicing run flat tires or low profile tires: - Special equipment and procedures are required to avoid damage. - Specifically, Tire Pressure Monitor transmitters (TPMS sensors) can be damaged when improperly dismounting and mounting tires. - TPMS sensors becoming damaged during mounting or dismounting tires are not covered under warranty. - To avoid such damage, ensure that the tire changer being used and the operator of the tire changer is capable of servicing run flat and low profile tires. - Operator?s manuals for such tire changers must be followed. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing possible power steering gear (rack and pinion steering rack, or steering rack) leak issues, it may appear the steering rack is leaking when actually, it?s not. Use this service bulletin to help make a more accurate diagnosis of the steering rack. - Go to Power Steering Gear Inspection starting on page 2. See this bulletin for further detail.
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe catastrophic steering failures across several systems. The most dramatic involve serpentine belt shredding without warning, causing steering lockup during highway driving—near-misses with trucks reported. One owner had four steering failures in August 2011 alone; the belt was replaced twice in two weeks despite recent dealer inspections claiming no wear.
Power steering racks and pinions leak early (94,000+ miles) and require replacement. One owner needed a second replacement; another's rack soaked up fluid from a failed seal. Dealers have replaced high-pressure lines and bled systems repeatedly.
The powered tilt and telescope steering column motors are a recurring nightmare. These fail at 47,000–70,000 miles; gears strip, motors grind, and the wheel locks in place—sometimes mid-drive or while parked. One owner's wheel ratcheted down uncontrollably onto their legs. Nissan issued Service Bulletin NTB-09-073 for this defect, yet dealers refuse repairs claiming no recall. Replacement costs run $555–$933 per motor, with only 12-month/4,000-mile warranties.
Steering lock box failures immobilize vehicles. One owner was stranded in heat with family, unable to start the car.
A handful of owners also report power steering tightness that new pumps don't fix, and one notes the steering goes in and out unpredictably at all speeds.
Same Nissan Murano steering reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Serpentine belt shredding and steering lockup
Serpentine belt shreds without warning, causing power steering failure and steering wheel lockup during driving. Multiple replacements occur within short timeframes despite recent inspections showing no wear.
When: August 2011 reported; one incident at 30–250 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks and cannot be turned; Belt shreds with no visible prior wear or pending failure indication; Belt replacement required multiple times in two-week period
Repairs/costs cited: Serpentine belt replaced; power steering high-pressure line and rack replaced in one case; power steering fluid bled; front-end alignment performed
Power steering rack and pinion leaks and failure
Rack and pinion develops leaks in the seal, requiring fluid top-ups and eventual replacement. Occurs early in vehicle life and may repeat multiple times. Pass-side rack boot fills with fluid from bad seal in power steering rack.
When: 94,000–101,000 miles; early in ownership; one reported at 45,000-mile service
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fluid leaks; Steering noise and grinding; Constant need for fluid replacement; Rack and pinion requires replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion unit replaced; power steering high-pressure line replaced; power steering fluid bled; some owners report multiple replacements needed
Power steering pump failure
Steering becomes tight and difficult to turn. New pump installation does not resolve issue. Fluid addition provides temporary relief (10 minutes) then returns to tight steering.
When: Not specified; reported after pump replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel very tight and hard to turn; Tightness returns despite new pump; Temporary relief with fluid addition; Steering tightens up and randomly relaxes at all speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering pump replaced (brand new); no lasting improvement
Steering column tilt and telescope motor failure
Electric motors that control tilt and telescope adjustments fail, grind, or lock. Motors may fail together or separately. Automatic adjustment feature contributes to motor wear. Gears strip or break.
When: 47,000–70,000 miles; within weeks of purchase in one case; spontaneous failure while parked or during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Tilt and telescope motors do not respond to control button; Grinding or squealing noise when attempting adjustment; Steering wheel stuck in up, down, or intermediate position; Wheel ratchets lower uncontrollably onto legs or pins legs to seat; Motor operates but no column movement without manual assist; Spontaneous tilting to extreme position
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column tilt and telescope drive motor assemblies replaced; costs reported as $555–$933 for tilt motor alone; warranty on replacement motors is 12 months or 4,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan issued Service Bulletin NTB-09-073 for tilt and telescope motor repair; related to NHTSA #10030573; dealers refuse to perform work citing no recall or lack of warranty coverage; Nissan stated nothing can be done outside warranty
Steering column lock box failure
Steering lock actuator malfunction prevents vehicle start and locks steering wheel. Vehicle immobilized and requires towing.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locked with lock indicator light on; Vehicle will not start; Requires towing
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost described as large sum; faulty steering lock box identified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan has limited warranty time on known defect; no recall issued
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) malfunction
TPMS light remains on despite tire pressure and valve checks. Persists across multiple tire replacements. Temperature-sensitive; worse in cold weather.
When: Ongoing throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Low tire pressure light constantly illuminates; Persists after tire shop checks for leaks; Valve stem leaks ruled out; Light clears briefly then returns, especially in cold; Resets and returns immediately upon restart
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple tire replacements; tire shop checks performed; no permanent fix
Passenger airbag light and sensor malfunction
Airbag light stays on for extended periods, indicating sensor or electrical fault. Temperature-sensitive. Vehicle shows prior service history for same issue before sale.
When: Onset in 2013; prior service in October 2008; 3+ years of intermittent issues
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag light on continuously; Computer diagnostics show error in airbag; Light clears in warm weather, returns in cold; Resets and returns immediately after restart
Codes mentioned: Error in airbag (diagnostic code returned by dealer computer)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VIN not on Takata recall list; Nissan refuses to repair; owner must pay out of pocket; Nissan records show prior free service in October 2008 for same issue; no further warranty coverage
Synthesized from 34 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 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 steering problem on the 2009 Nissan Murano?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 34 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 52,000 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 69,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 52,000; a quarter make it past 80,000. 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 $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/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.