Failure of the automatic open/close rear hatch. Requires excess force to manually open and close
2016 Nissan Murano electrical problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
When does it fail?
Of the 10 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 Nissan Murano, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: This 2016 Murano shows a pattern of serious electrical failures—random engine stalls while driving with no warning, melting seat heater connectors (fire hazard per Nissan's own service bulletin), and ABS system failures. Dealers often can't reproduce stalls or refuse warranty repairs despite known defects.
The 2016 Murano electrical system shows multiple independent failure modes. Owners report random engine stalls without warning lights or codes—happening 5-10 times over six months at speed with no predictability. Restarts occur only after parking and restart procedures. Dealers consistently cannot replicate or identify the cause.
The heated driver's seat harness is a documented fire hazard: owners smell burning/melting plastic when the heater operates, and visually confirm melted connectors under the seat. Nissan issued service bulletin EL18-035 (January 2019) with fire-hazard warnings and replacement instructions, yet dealers refuse to perform the repair without customer payment (estimates over $300).
ABS actuator failures trigger warning lights alongside false front-radar obstruction warnings with no actual obstruction. One owner's vehicle fell outside Nissan's stated recall serial-number range despite identical failure mode.
Alternator failure at 129,000 miles caused battery and navigation warnings, then stalling. Rear hatch buttons and door locks operate intermittently. The pattern suggests systemic electrical issues extending beyond individual components—multiple owners note dealers cannot diagnose root causes and offer no solutions.
Same Nissan Murano electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalls without warning while driving
Engine shuts down randomly during operation with no warning lights or diagnostic codes available. Vehicle typically restarts after being shifted to Park and put through normal stopping procedures. Owners report this occurs at speed with no predictability.
When: Between 5-10 occurrences over 6-12 months; one case at 19,000 miles when ABS motor also failed
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power while driving in traffic; No warning lights prior to stall; Random shutdowns at speed; Vehicle restarts after parking procedures
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to replicate; no confirmed repairs attempted. One vehicle diagnosed with failed ABS motor (not repaired due to recall serial number mismatch).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V636000 exists for ABS/service brakes, but manufacturer stated serial number fell outside recall range. TSB EL18-035 / NTB19-004 (dated 17 Jan 2019) addresses seat harness fire hazard but not engine stalling.
Heated/climate-controlled seat electrical harness failure and fire hazard
Electrical harness connector under driver's seat overheats and melts the plastic connector and seat control unit. Owners report burning/melting plastic smell when seat heater is engaged. Connector can reach temperatures high enough to create fire risk.
When: Occurs during use of heated seat system; timing varies
Symptoms owners cite: Burning or melting plastic smell when seat heater operates; Visibly melted connector under seat; Seat heater stops functioning; Heat buildup in electrical connector
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of defective connector required. One owner reported dealer estimate over $300 for repair labor. Owners must disconnect harness as workaround.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan issued TSB EL18-035 / NTB19-004 (dated 17 January 2019) with 15-page service bulletin detailing melted connector hazard, required connector replacement, and instructions for dealers to bill Nissan via primary part line claim. Despite bulletin issuance, dealers report refusing free repair and demanding customer payment.
ABS system and front radar sensor failures
ABS warning light and front radar unavailable warning lights illuminate. Multiple owners report ABS actuator failure. Front radar shows obstruction warnings despite no actual obstruction present. Issues appear related to electrical system malfunction.
When: Varies; one case around 19,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illumination; Front radar unavailable/obstruction warnings; ABS actuator failure reported
Repairs/costs cited: ABS motor/actuator replacement needed. One owner noted front radar is integrated with ABS system. Dealers report electrical portions not covered under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V636000 issued for ABS/service brakes. Manufacturer stated some serial numbers fall outside recall range despite identical failures. TSB EL18-035 addresses seat harness but not ABS actuator failure.
Alternator failure
Alternator fails, causing navigation and battery warning lights to illuminate followed by vehicle stall. Roadside assistance determined replacement was necessary.
When: At approximately 129,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Navigation system warning light illuminates; Battery warning light illuminates; Vehicle stalls during driving
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement needed; AAA identified this on roadside.
Intermittent rear hatch and door lock button failures
Rear hatch open/close button and outside door lock buttons work intermittently. Related to broader electrical system issues affecting multiple vehicle functions.
Symptoms owners cite: Rear hatch button does not respond consistently; Outside door lock buttons operate intermittently; Requires excess force to manually open/close rear hatch
Heated seat control module failure
Driver's seat heating control module fails. Owners report fire hazard concerns following research into this failure mode.
Symptoms owners cite: Heated seat stops functioning
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB EL18-035 / NTB19-004 addresses this defect across 2015-2019 Muranos and 2016-2019 Titans.
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 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 electrical problem on the 2016 Nissan Murano?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 59,065 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2016/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.