2011 Nissan Murano suspension problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900 · see suspension across all vehicles →
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2011 Nissan Murano has a known rear subframe corrosion problem that can render the vehicle unsafe at low mileage (85K–107K miles), even in well-maintained, garaged examples. Expect potential $3,000–$4,000+ repair costs for subframe replacement; Nissan has not issued a recall for this model year despite earlier recalls on other years for the same defect.
Owners of low-mileage, well-maintained 2011 Nissan Murano models are reporting aggressive rear subframe corrosion—rust-through and structural deterioration—at 85,000 to 106,000 miles. The problem shows up as thumping, knocking, or clunking noises from the rear, especially over bumps, sometimes progressing to vehicle sway or float during braking. One owner's rear wheel collapsed in a parking lot when the lower control strut separated from the corroded subframe. Another found a bolt and bracket loose due to frame rust, creating metal-on-metal hammering sounds.
Owners emphasize the safety risk: with no warning signs until the noise appears, the subframe failure could cause wheel separation or suspension collapse at highway speed. All owners describe their vehicles as garage-kept, regularly serviced at Nissan dealers or competent independent shops, and maintained to high standards—making the early-age corrosion unexpected. Repair facilities and Nissan dealers have confirmed the corrosion is real and replacement is necessary for safe operation. Nissan has not recalled the 2011 model year despite a 2006 recall for the same defect on earlier Murano years and multiple Technical Service Bulletins dating back to 2007. Nissan Consumer Affairs declined responsibility, citing lack of a recall and out-of-warranty status. Repair cost runs $3,000–$4,000 or more for parts and labor.
Same Nissan Murano suspension reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Rear subframe corrosion and structural failure
Accelerated corrosion of the rear subframe metal, leading to rust-through, metal deterioration, and eventual structural compromise. Owners report the subframe corroded away or rusted through despite low mileage (85K–106.8K miles), garage storage, and regular maintenance. The corrosion allows bolts, brackets, and attachment points to shift or separate from the frame.
When: Low mileage: 85K–106.8K miles; typically discovered between 10–12 years of ownership (2011 model year vehicles reported in 2023). One owner noted rusting began day one of ownership and worsened each year through the warranty period.
Symptoms owners cite: Thumping or hammering noise from rear of vehicle, especially over bumps; Knocking or metal-on-metal sound from rear driver side area; Clunking noise in the rear; Rattling noise from deteriorated or separated frame pieces; Vehicle body sway or float when braking; Uncontrolled side-to-side sway when braking hard; Irregular wheel motion and bumping of detached parts; Visible corrosion, pitting, and rust-through when inspected
Repairs/costs cited: Rear subframe replacement required at cost of $3,000–$4,000+ (parts and labor). Both driver and passenger side subframes often corroded and requiring simultaneous replacement. One owner also reported front lower control arm replacement (cost several thousand dollars) at an earlier service interval. Repair shops and Nissan dealers confirmed the corrosion and necessity of replacement for safe operation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall for 2011 model year. A 2006 recall addressed the same subframe corrosion issue on earlier model years but does not extend to the 2011 model. Nissan Consumer Affairs refused responsibility because the vehicle is out of warranty and no active recall exists. One owner submitted a case to Nissan North America (Case # 48133943) with no response reported. Multiple Technical Service Bulletins issued since 2007 acknowledged the defect but no comprehensive remedy or recall followed.
Rear wheel separation / lower control strut failure
Lower control strut or rear suspension attachment points deteriorate and separate from the corroded subframe, causing the rear wheel to collapse or lose structural support. One owner reported the left rear wheel collapsed while backing into a parking area at low speed; inspection revealed the lower control strut had rotted out and separated.
When: Low mileage: under 85K miles. Occurred suddenly with no prior warning despite periodic multi-point safety inspections by the dealership.
Symptoms owners cite: Rear wheel collapse; Lower control strut rotted and separated from frame; Loss of suspension support on affected wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Both driver and passenger side lower control struts replaced due to rot-out on both sides. Cost and specific parts not detailed in narratives, but treated as critical safety repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Neither Nissan nor the dealership claimed responsibility for the failure. Despite numerous multi-point safety inspections during regular service, the deterioration was not flagged in advance.
Synthesized from 10 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 suspension problem on the 2011 Nissan Murano?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension 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 suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension 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.