WINDSHIELD CRACKING 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 visibility problems
severe 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $350 · see visibility across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering visibility 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.
REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 Nissan Murano shows a clear pattern of visibility and safety-related failures across multiple systems. The most serious complaint cluster centers on sunroof spontaneous shattering: nine owners report their sunroofs exploding, shattering, or detaching while driving at speeds between 55 and 70 mph on dry roads in clear weather with no external impact, debris, or prior warning. The noise is described as deafening—like a gunshot. One owner was injured by glass shards; others had children in the vehicle. Mileage at failure ranged from 25,000 to 179,000 miles.
Rain-sensing windshield wipers fail intermittently in both manual and automatic modes on multiple vehicles, sometimes stopping entirely or responding incorrectly to light rain by operating at high speed. Dealers cannot replicate the failures but suggest computer reprogramming or windshield replacement without confirming diagnosis.
Backup cameras malfunction during daylight, displaying only a green screen instead of a usable image, defeating the safety feature owners purchased the vehicle for. Sun visors fall or become stuck in the down position, blocking visibility. One passenger window descends on its own and won't close. Nighttime rearward visibility is reported as dangerously poor in vehicles with tinted windows and no camera.
Nissan's response across these failures has been minimal—refusing repairs, offering no recalls, and providing no safety investigation despite multiple owner concerns.
Same Nissan Murano visibility reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering/Detachment
Sunroof glass explodes, shatters, or detaches while vehicle is in motion on highways and local roads, with no impact, debris, or prior warning. Occurs in clear weather at normal highway speeds (55–70 mph) and in parking situations. Glass either remains in frame with cracks or is ejected outward, leaving a large hole. Owner reports indicate this is an apparent design or pressure-related defect.
When: Highway speeds and low-speed driving; mileage ranges 25,000–179,000; one instance at 38°F on clear day, one in parking lot
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof glass suddenly shatters with loud explosion noise; Glass ejected outward or cracks spread around frame; No external impact or debris visible; Occurs on dry road, clear weather, no structural obstruction; Owner and passenger injury from glass shards reported; Loss of roof integrity leaves large opening
Repairs/costs cited: Sunroof replacement performed at dealer; certified auto body shop also recommends replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No meaningful response; Nissan acknowledged and replaced sunroof in at least one case, but owner states no assistance or safety investigation offered
Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers Intermittent/Non-Functional
Front windshield wipers fail to operate intermittently in both manual and rain-sensing automatic modes. Wipers stop working without pattern, or operate at wrong intensity (heavy rain response to light rain). Dealer unable to replicate issue but suggests computer reprogramming or windshield replacement due to alleged rain-sensor interference.
When: Under 20,000 miles on affected vehicle; described as chronic long-term problem
Symptoms owners cite: High-speed wipers non-functional in manual mode; Intermittent failure to operate in automatic rain-sensing mode; Incorrect wiper intensity response (heavy rain speed in light rain); Failure unpredictable and cannot be replicated by dealer
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suggested computer reprogramming ($500 estimate) or full windshield replacement ($1,100) without diagnosis confirmation; parts not actually replaced in reported cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or service bulletin cited; one owner notes internet search indicates multiple Nissans with rain-sensing wipers have same issue
Backup Camera Daytime Malfunction
Backup camera displays only green screen with yellow and red guidelines during daylight; image grainy and unusable at night. Owner cannot see actual scene behind vehicle, making backing the large SUV difficult and unsafe. Dealer offers no solution, only full replacement of camera and navigation screen at high cost.
When: Ongoing issue; no mileage stated
Symptoms owners cite: Green screen display instead of camera feed during day; Grainy image at night; Inability to see actual scene behind vehicle; Guidelines visible but not actual surroundings
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer offers no repair, only full camera and navigation screen replacement (specific cost not stated, described as very expensive)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan offers no help or solution per owner report
Sun Visor Hinge/Bracket Failure
Driver-side sun visor falls down or fails to stay secure, blocking visibility. In one case, visor heard a 'pop' when being stowed and became stuck in down position, blocking rear-view mirror access.
When: Reported at 39,000 miles in one case; timing not stated in second case
Symptoms owners cite: Sun visor falls down from stowed position; Visor fails to remain secure; Audible popping noise when attempting to stow; Visor becomes stuck in down position; Blocks driver visibility and rear-view mirror
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement required; one owner reports approximate cost of $400 for visor replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan declined to fix defect; no assistance offered
Passenger Window Regulator/Power Window Failure
Passenger-side window descends on its own and will not return to closed position. Accompanied by intermittent door lock actuator malfunction that unlocks vehicle.
When: At approximately 50,000+ miles (July 2010 complaint on 2009 model purchased June 2008)
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger window descends without driver input; Window stuck in down position; Door lock button unlocks vehicle instead of locking
Repairs/costs cited: Door lock actuator replacement identified as needed repair; window regulator replacement not explicitly stated but implied
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response noted; owner indicates this is a common problem among other Murano owners
Poor Nighttime Rearward Visibility
Extremely poor visibility when driving in reverse at night, compounded by dark tinted windows. Vehicle lacks rear-view camera. Owner states Nissan refused to address safety defect even with owner willingness to pay.
When: Timing and mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Extreme darkness when reversing at night; Dark tinted windows reduce ambient light
Repairs/costs cited: No repair options offered; camera retrofit not discussed by Nissan
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan refused to remedy defect
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had visibility 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 visibility problem on the 2009 Nissan Murano?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $350.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most visibility failures cluster between 39,000 and 98,000 miles, with the median around 44,444. A quarter of owners report trouble before 39,000; a quarter make it past 98,000. 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 $350 for visibility 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 visibility?
No active recalls currently cover visibility 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.