ABS/VDC CAN DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Nissan Murano brakes problems
severe 53 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
53
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
7crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 53 brakes complaints filed for the 2010 Nissan Murano, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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 53 brakes 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 13 model years of Nissan Murano in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
Brake Fluid Flush Voluntary Service Campaign UPDATE December 16, 2022 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin. The announcement from September 2, 2022 has been revised to include: ⢠The parts restriction will be removed on the following part and dealers will be able to order, as needed, via normal ordering process beginning December 22, 2022. ï D6020-64J0A Reservoir Cap
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Brake Fluid Flush Voluntary Service Campaign UPDATE September 2, 2022 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin. The announcement from June 2, 2021 has been revised to include: ⢠A parts restriction has been placed on the following part and can be ordered via DBS: ï D6020-64J0A Reservoir Cap
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN BRAKE FLUID FLUSH AND ABS ACTUATOR INSPECTION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Brake Fluid Flush Voluntary Service Campaign Dealer Announcement: Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the Antilock Braking System (ABS) actuator on 320,616 specific model year 2010-2014 Nissan Murano, 2011-2014 Murano CrossCabriolet, and 2011-2015 Quest vehicles identified in Service Comm. All affected vehicles will have the brake fluid replaced (DOT3 to DOT4 fluid). Dealers will inspect the ABS actuator using Consult. If needed, the ABS actuator will be replaced. An ownerâs manual insert will be provided to customers with instruction to use DOT4 brake fluid to prevent the subject condition from reoccurring, and the brake fluid reservoir
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe brake pedal becoming soft and sinking to the floorboard with little to no braking effect, particularly after ABS activation or when hitting bumps, potholes, rain, or snow. The pattern is consistent: brake pedal sinks 75–80% of the way down before the vehicle slows, sometimes requiring multiple pumps to stop. Symptoms are intermittent and unpredictable—mechanics and dealers often cannot reproduce the failure during inspection.
Many owners cite that the 2009 Murano was recalled (NHTSA 18V916000) for the identical problem: defective ABS actuator and brake module. The 2010 uses the same parts but has not been recalled. Owners report paying $2,000–$3,400 for ABS actuator replacement. Nissan dealers have performed brake fluid flushes and DOT4 conversion per a voluntary service campaign, but failures recur. Nissan customer service refuses warranty help or goodwill assistance, stating the vehicle is out of warranty and no recalls apply to the 2010 model year.
One owner temporarily restored function by striking the ABS actuator with a rubber mallet. Brake pad and master cylinder replacement have been attempted without resolving the underlying issue. Owners report having to avoid driving the vehicle due to safety concerns, particularly in wet or winter conditions.
Same Nissan Murano brakes reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2009 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Soft/low brake pedal after ABS activation
After ABS engages during braking, subsequent brake applications show delayed response with little to no braking in the first 75–80% of pedal travel, forcing the driver to press through to the floor before braking occurs. Pedal feel may normalize within seconds to 30 minutes, or after engine restart.
When: 12 months to recent; occurs across mileage range (32K–126K miles); more frequent in wet conditions or after hitting bumps/potholes
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal soft and spongy; Pedal travels to floorboard without initial braking effect; Loss of braking pressure after ABS activation; Delayed stopping; extended stopping distance; Intermittent failures without warning; Temporary recovery after pumping brakes or engine restart
Repairs/costs cited: ABS actuator replacement cited by Nissan dealers and independent mechanics; part number 47660-1SW0A or 47660-1SW0C; repair cost reported $2,000–$3,400. One owner manually struck ABS actuator with rubber mallet and temporarily restored function. Brake fluid flush/DOT4 conversion performed in some cases per voluntary recall, but failed to resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan issued voluntary recall/service campaign for 2009 Murano (NHTSA campaign 18V916000) involving ABS actuator and brake module replacement, and DOT3-to-DOT4 brake fluid conversion. 2010 model owners report Nissan refuses warranty coverage or recall support despite having same ABS actuator part numbers, claiming no open recalls for 2010 model year. Nissan customer care stated no goodwill assistance available out of warranty.
Brake pedal to floor without stopping
Brake pedal suddenly loses pressure and travels fully to floorboard with little or no braking effect, occurring randomly or after hitting road imperfections. Vehicle may not slow or stop, requiring evasive action or multiple brake pumps.
When: Across mileage range (60K–126K miles); one failure at 32K miles; occurs in city and highway driving, particularly wet/snowy/icy conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of braking pressure; Brake pedal to floorboard without braking response; Vehicle continues at speed or slows only after extended pedal pressure; Spongy brake feel; Brake fluid reservoir drops from full to empty during braking event; Loss of directional control in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics initially suspected and replaced master cylinder in multiple cases; failures recurred. Nissan dealers and independent shops identified ABS actuator as root cause. Repair cost $2,000–$3,400. One owner, after unsuccessful master cylinder replacement, was able to restore function by striking actuator with rubber mallet (temporary fix). Brake fluid bleed and replacement performed in some cases without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan 2009 recall (18V916000) for ABS actuator replacement. 2010 owners are denied recall coverage; Nissan states no recalls exist for 2010 despite identical parts and symptoms. Diagnostic fees charged; repair costs borne by owner. One owner cited case number 34912594 from Nissan customer service; another had case number 36007466.
Brake system air/corrosion affecting pressure retention
Brake system loses pressure in intermittent events triggered by road conditions (bumps, potholes, rain, snow, ABS activation), with pedal softness and extended travel required. System may recover after bleeding, fluid replacement, or engine restart, but failures recur.
When: Recurrent; across all mileage ranges; triggered by low-friction surfaces, road imperfections, or ABS activation
Symptoms owners cite: Soft, spongy brake pedal; Brake pedal requires excessive travel to slow vehicle; Intermittent pressure loss triggered by bumps or wet/icy conditions; Loss of pressure after ABS deployment; Slow deceleration when braking; Brake light and/or ABS light illumination (in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Brake fluid bleeding and flushing performed at dealers; DOT4 brake fluid substitution implemented per voluntary service campaign for corrosion mitigation. Multiple owners report symptoms recur weeks after service. Master cylinder replacement attempted in several cases without resolution. One independent shop reset ABS computer after diagnosing ABS inactivity; brakes temporarily improved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Voluntary service campaign (related to 18V916000) implemented for DOT3-to-DOT4 fluid conversion to address corrosion. 2010 model owners are not covered by recall; Nissan refuses to provide parts or labor. No recognized fix documented in narratives; one owner noted 'no known fix' and that 'no research' is being done by Nissan.
Synthesized from 53 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Nissan murano. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but traveled to the floorboard without properly slowing the vehicle. The contact stated that there were no signs of a brake fluid leak; however, the brake fluid reservoir went from full to empty once the brake pedal was depressed. The contact also stated that the vehicle directional…
While driving under normal conditions, 35-50 MPH, dry, good, smooth, straight road conditions, I applied the brakes and the pedal went almost to the floor before the brakes started being applied. I have since learned of a recall for prior model years (18v916000) and subsequent model years of my vehicle due to ABS problems. Part of the fix is to replace the dot3 factory-specified brake fluid…
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that the brake pedal would intermittently depress to the floorboard without warning. The contact initially had a family member replace the brake master cylinder; however, the failure returned the following day. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who recommended that the ABS actuator be replaced. The contact then…
The vdc, brake, traction control and ABS light came on on the dash. I had the vehicle diagnosed by Nissan and they said there is no recall and the car is out of warranty. I filed a complaint with there consumer affairs department and they said they are unable to help me with the problem. Nissan released the car to me knowing it is unsafe. They gave me an estimate of $3000.00 to repair the car. In…
Brakes going all the way to the floor ABS light coming on and vehicle would not stop. Almost involved in huge accident! 2009 being recalled but Nissan has denied offering us help because states no open recalls on 2010 same exact problem as 09's our mechanic will not touch because states it is a defect with muranos and does not want to be held liable in case someone is killed in my vehicle as I…
The brake system failed back in august causing a total loss of my vehicle I sprained my neck nobody wants to know about what this single vetran has to say I was pulling into a gas station and the brakes failed and it was out of gas.
Today, nov 26, 2019, a dry, sunny day near boston my brakes on 2010 murano failed and car rear ended the car in front at about 10mph. Pedal went all the way to the floor , car slowed slightly but was unable to stop with plenty of space to do so in normal conditions. Unable to steer around it due to oncoming traffic on left and hill on right. Damage to both cars. Police responded and car…
Had brakes trouble with your 2010 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 2010 Nissan Murano?
It's a meaningful issue. 53 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 43 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 71,600 and 125,000 miles, with the median around 103,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 71,600; 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 $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?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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/2010/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.