The vehicle lurches while driving slowly in low gears. While accelerating from low speed, there is a sudden loss of propulsion causing a safety risk. Merging into traffic when the vehicle loses power is an example.
2016 Nissan Murano powertrain problems
moderate 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 13 powertrain 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 powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Twelve 2016 Murano owners report severe powertrain failures—transmission refusal to engage, transfer case grinding and lockup, and cruise-control power loss—starting as early as 35,000 miles and demanding $5,500+ repairs. Nissan service has dismissed or ignored complaints, and warranty often won't cover replacement transmission once you exceed coverage.
The complaints focus on three interconnected transmission/transfer case failure patterns. First, owners report sudden loss of drive in which the vehicle refuses to move despite being shifted into Drive or Reverse—sometimes preceded by grinding noise or wheels locking up sensation at highway speed. Repair costs run $5,500 for transmission replacement, yet failure starts around 43,000 to 89,000 miles, often outside factory warranty.
Second, transmission fluid leaks and structural cracks develop. One owner found a cracked transmission casing during routine oil change at 62,000 miles; another reported burning smell and inner/outer seal failure requiring $1,200 in repairs. Third, owners describe power-loss events: cruise control suddenly dropping speed while engine over-revs, or acceleration bogging down after potholes and curb cuts—some lasting over 16 seconds from 0–60 mph, creating passing and merging hazards.
Torque converter grinding and transfer case grinding-then-lockup failures also appear in the record. Notably, owners report visiting dealerships repeatedly without resolution, with service staff dismissing concerns as normal behavior or refusing to repair due to absence of diagnostic codes. One owner bought the vehicle used and discovered a transmission leak shortly after, while another purchased a Murano flagged with a "do not sale" sticker but was sold it anyway.
Same Nissan Murano powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission loss of drive / no movement in gear
Transmission fails to engage; vehicle will not move in Drive, Reverse, or Neutral despite shifter input. Some owners report grinding noise before failure. One owner experienced wheels locked up sensation at highway speed.
When: 43,000–89,000 miles; one case at 35,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: No movement when shifted into Drive or Reverse; Grinding noise during gear shifts and acceleration; Loss of propulsion/power while driving; Intermittent lurching or sudden loss of acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required; costs cited at $5,500. One owner reports mechanics diagnosed transaxle failure; another had transmission replaced at 89,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan warranty representatives involved in transfer case repair. One dealer told owner failure was 'normal.' No other recalls or TSBs mentioned by owners.
Transfer case failure / grinding and loss of drive
Transfer case develops grinding noise on deceleration and acceleration, progresses to complete loss of power transmission. Vehicle immobilized on roadway; required specialized towing.
When: Discovered during routine dealer inspection; progressive failure
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise when coming to a stop; Grinding noise on acceleration; Vehicle wheels locked up sensation at 45 mph; Complete loss of vehicle movement in all gears
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced with used transfer case per dealership. Oil leak from transfer case also noted in one complaint, requiring replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty representatives involved; part deemed responsible and repair completed (used transfer case installed).
Transmission fluid leak / cracked casing
Transmission develops structural cracks in casing, causing fluid leaks. Leaks discovered during oil changes or routine maintenance. Owner reports burning smell associated with leaks.
When: 62,000 miles (cracked casing); December 2023 oil change (seal leak)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leak visible at maintenance; Burning smell while driving; Inner and outer seal failure
Repairs/costs cited: Inner and outer seals replacement quoted at $1,200. Cracked transmission casing is structural failure, not impact damage per owner.
Torque converter failure / grinding and abnormal sound
Torque converter produces grinding sound and vibration during acceleration. Mechanic diagnosis indicates damage, though dealership assessed it as insufficient to warrant replacement.
When: 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding sound from engine/transmission; Vibration while accelerating; Engine over-revving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership deemed torque converter damage insufficient for replacement. Certified mechanic recommended transaxle replacement (repair not completed).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure.
Loss of power / speed at cruise control
Vehicle loses speed and power while locked in cruise control at highway speeds. Engine over-revs while vehicle slows dangerously. Occurs repeatedly over several incidents.
When: Highway driving; multiple occurrences (7+ times reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of speed and power while in cruise control; Engine over-revving (RPM spike from 1,600 to over 4,500 while speed drops); Vehicle slowing from 74 mph to 58 mph without driver input; No diagnostic trouble codes present
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer visited over 7 times; no repair completed due to absence of diagnostic codes.
Traction control / acceleration lag after road irregularities
Traction control system engages excessively and restricts acceleration after driving over road irregularities (potholes, curb cuts). Restriction occurs whether traction control is on or off, suggesting separate electronic/engine throttle issue.
When: From purchase (May 2016); ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Severe acceleration lag after hitting potholes or curb cuts; 0–60 mph acceleration takes over 16 seconds; Engine bogging down and loss of responsive throttle; Occurs at both cold and hot engine starts
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed. Nissan technician test-drove vehicle and reported behavior is 'supposed to happen' due to traction control design.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan technician confirmed problem occurs by design; Nissan reportedly unresponsive to owner's concerns.
Unwanted lunge / sudden acceleration at low speed
Vehicle unexpectedly lurches forward while approaching a stop or driving slowly in low gears. Occurs intermittently with no warning lights.
When: 35,000 miles; during slow-speed driving and deceleration
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lunges forward without throttle input; Lurching/jerking while accelerating from low speed; Sudden loss of propulsion causing safety risk (especially during merge); Intermittent, no warning indicators
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated failure is 'normal' and no repair needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no action taken.
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that water was leaking into the front driver’s side of the vehicle. Additionally, the engine was making a grinding sound and vibrating while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle also had an oil leak from the transfer case. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer who replaced the transfer case however, the leak recurred approximately a…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2016 Nissan Murano?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 13 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 13 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 58,211 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.