How Long Do Nissan Muranos Last?

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The Nissan Murano is a crossover SUV that has been around since 2002. It has decent performance and has been tried and tested by thousands of people.

As of writing this article, it is exactly two decades old. Although it is a solid vehicle, how long do Nissan Muranos last is something that is often asked.

The maximum mileage that this SUV can achieve is 200000 miles. That is considerably less for an SUV, and it is surely lesser than most of its competition.

This article will cover everything related to the longevity of the Murano. From the vehicle to its parts, their lifespan will be discussed.

This article will also compare Nissan’s offering with its top competitors. So, I suggest that you strap in for the ride. Without any further ado, let’s begin!

What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A Nissan Murano?

Do you know what is high mileage for a Nissan Murano? If you don't, read my in-depth guide to know the answer

As the introduction mentioned, the expected mileage for the Murano is around 200000 miles.

This is worse than many SUVs on the market, as they can touch the 250000 or even the 300000-mile mark.

There is no reason for this apart from the fact that it has been built this way. You must not forget that 200000 miles is still plenty of mileage.

If you are one to drive at an average American rate of 15000 miles annually then the Murano will easily last for more than a decade. It can go for up to 12 years, which is not bad.

Does Nissan Murano Last Longer Than Other Similar Vehicles?

This competition is going to get interesting. As promised, I will now be pitting Nissan Murano against its competition.

Instead of comparing features, I will be focusing solely on longevity, reliability, and the number of complaints.

1. Nissan Murano Vs. Chevrolet Equinox

The first SUV that I will be compared to the Nissan Murano is the Chevy Equinox. This SUV is a solid one and is regarded by many people.

Let’s see how it holds up against Nissan’s offering:

  • Although Chevy Equinox came into the market three years later than Nissan Murano, it has collected more complaints than Murano.
  • With only 800 complaints, Nissan completely decimates the 2000+ issues reported for Chevrolet’s offering.
  • Once again, the Nissan Murano wins in the reliability section. This means that it has a lower chance than the Chevy Equinox of getting a critical failure during its lifespan.
  • This drives down annual maintenance costs too.
  • The Chevy Equinox and the Nissan Murano go head to head in this final round. It was already discussed that Nissan’s SUV could be driven for 200000 miles.
  • Well, Chevy’s SUV can be driven for the same number too. So, there is no winner in this round, and it is a tie.

Although the Chevy Equinox is a decent SUV, it looks like an unfair comparison when you compare it to the Nissan Murano.

The Murano is in a league of its own. If you had to choose between the two, I recommend opting for the Nissan Murano.

2. Nissan Murano Vs. Honda Passport

If you are looking for an SUV for its looks alone, I would recommend opting for the Honda Passport. It has a stunning design and is loved by thousands of people.

Let’s see if it is only for the looks or if it is practical too:

  • The Honda Passport was in production from 1993 to 2002. It was discontinued and then revived in 2018. So, it does not make sense to compare the complaints.
  • The Honda Passport has had 80 complaints while the Nissan Murano is at 800. It is honestly not a fair comparison.
  • Although it was close, Nissan Murano took the lead in this round. Let me give you a sense of how close it is.
  • I compared the 2022 models of both SUVs. The Nissan Murano scored an 86 out of a 100, while the HOnda Passport scored an 83. Both of these results were taken from JDPower.
  • The Honda Passport has been designed to last for 200000 miles.
  • Like the Nissan Murano, this number could be pushed with extra maintenance, but this is the average mileage for this SUV. It is a tie once again in this round.

As you can see, both of these SUVs have been designed to compete with each other. It was a tie in both rounds, and the final one was extremely close.

Although I would suggest settling for the Nissan Murano, you cannot go wrong with the Honda Passport.

3. Nissan Murano Vs. Ford Edge

Another great-looking SUV that is being put up against the Nissan Murano is from Ford. The Ford Edge is a high-quality SUV that is pretty solid. It is a direct competitor to Murano.

Let’s see which one takes the lead over here:

  • The Ford Edge was announced in 2007. It was released five years later than the Nissan Murano, and it has still managed to gather more complaints than it.
  • The total number of complaints, according to CarComplaints.com, is hovering around the 2000 mark. So, it is a clear win for the Nissan Murano.
  • The Nissan Murano once again beats its competition. According to JDPower, the Murano has scored a comfortable 86 out of a 100 while the Ford Edge has scored an 80. So, Nissan’s offering comfortably beats it in this round.
  • More SUVs cannot cross the 200000-mile mark than one could guess.
  • The Ford Edge is, once again, another SUV that goes head to head with the Nissan Murano when it comes to lifespan.

The Nissan Murano leaves this final competitor in the dust once again. It is a solid SUV and is extremely reliable too.

If you have to choose between the two, I would suggest opting for the Murano.

Life Expectancy Of Nissan Murano Car Parts

The lifespan of a vehicle is directly dependent on the type of hardware and parts it uses.

This section of the article will detail the longevity of those parts, so you can have a better look at which ones of them may need replacement or repair in the future.

Average Lifespan Of Nissan Murano Brake Pads

As the SUV is not expensive, the Nissan Murano does not use special brake pads.

This does not mean that they are bad. They can last anywhere from 30000 to 70000 miles, which is pretty decent.

Looking at this figure from another perspective, a set of brake pads will work for two years, at a minimum, and can go for more than four years if they are not used extensively.

You may be wondering about the difference between the two numbers. Well, this is mainly due to differences in driving techniques.

The people who need to change the brake pads are those who brake excessively. Ones that can touch the 70000-mile mark don’t apply brakes at the last second.

If you feel like the brakes are not as efficient as they once were, then you should get the pads replaced as soon as possible.

It should be a force of habit to get them replaced at the 60000-mile mark, even though they have some life.

Average Lifespan Of Nissan Murano Battery

The Nissan Murano uses a traditional 12V battery. It is not special, which means it will last just as long as batteries that come preinstalled in other vehicles.

So, you can expect the battery of your Murano to last around 3 to 5 years. Because replacements are not expensive, a maximum five-year lifespan is pretty decent.

There will come a time when you may need to replace the battery on your Nissan Murano. Well, you should choose carefully.

I would suggest settling for an AGM battery because it is better than a traditional lead-acid one.

The major difference between it and the others is that it does not require maintenance. So, you can just install it and forget it.

Replacement batteries start from $70 and can cross the $300 mark.

I would suggest investing more money as AGM batteries do not come cheap. Cheaper ones also tend to last for a shorter period.

Average Lifespan Of Nissan Murano Tires

The lifespan of the tires of the Nissan Murano is directly dependent on how you drive your car and what terrain you drive on.

If you are looking for an average figure, then you can expect the stock tires of the Murano to last around 50000 miles.

If you drive at the average American rate of 15000 miles annually, you will get more than three years out of them.

When it comes to replacements, you will be bombarded with options.

Options can be as cheap as $150 and go as high as $350. This is the price range in which most people buy. There might even be sportier options out there.

Yes, these figures are for single tires only! They may cost well over $500, which is simply uneconomical for most people.

Average Lifespan Of Nissan Murano Transmission

Unlike some other SUVs on the market designed to go a long way, but their transmission is not, this is not the case with the Nissan Murano.

According to my research, the transmission has been designed to last anywhere from 130000 to 180000 miles. That is pretty decent.

Although it does not go as long as the vehicle’s lifespan, it is close enough.

So, if you are worried about the Nissan Murano requiring a major transmission repair during its lifespan, then the chances of that happening are low.

If you have to get that done, then the lifespan of the SUV will also be extended by a few thousand miles.

Transmission repair and replacements are not cheap. In the case of the Murano, or any other vehicle, you can expect a cost of well over a thousand dollars. This cannot be avoided.

Average Lifespan Of Nissan Murano Spark Plugs

We have almost reached the end of this list. The spark plugs on the Nissan Murano are nothing special.

Although there is not enough information out there, the chances are that the plugs are platinum ones.

That puts their expected mileage around 60000 miles. They will last you for four years, which is decent. When it comes to buying replacements, there are a lot of options out there.

I would suggest looking up the part number of your current plugs and purchasing the exact model.

The reason for this is that then you will not have to worry about mismatching hardware. It should also be remembered that all plugs need to be changed at the same time.

If you only do so with the faulty one, chances are another one may be due to failing soon.

Average Lifespan Of Nissan Murano Key Fob

There has never been a key fob of a vehicle that I have reviewed that has a short lifespan.

The trend continues with the Nissan Murano. In the case of this vehicle, the fob has been built to last.

What this means is that it will be able to last through thick and thin. The only thing that you need to worry about is the battery. It is expected to last for around three to four years.

That is a long time! When it comes to replacing the battery, it is incredibly cheap.

It will probably cost you around a few dollars. That is amazing considering the fact that it can be used for a few years.

But when you talk about replacing the key fob, the story takes a turn. Official numbers are anywhere from $125 to $400, which is not acceptable.

Instead, you should opt for an independent service that will do the same thing for under $100.

What Is Good Mileage For A Used Nissan Murano?

If I were you, I would not buy a Nissan Murano that has been driven before.

The reason for this is that it has a comparatively short lifespan.

Even if you buy one that has only 100000 miles on the odometer, you will not be able to drive it for more than a few years.

If you are looking to get one for the long term, then you should definitely opt for a new one.

If you really are looking for a used one, then you should only get one that has a maximum of 100000 miles on the odometer.

A sweet deal will be if you get one that has been driven for less than 80000 miles.

How To Increase How Long Your Nissan Murano Last

The Nissan Murano is a traditional gasoline-based vehicle. So, that means many different steps can be taken to ensure that it reaches its advertised 200000 miles without any issues.

Let me list down some of the common steps that can be taken to achieve that number:

  • The first thing that you should do with any new vehicle is to rust-proof it. As all cars are susceptible to rusting, the Nissan Murano is no exception.
  • This means it will start developing a rusting issue after being driven for more than 100000 miles. What you can do is keep the vehicle clean and use rust-resistant coatings.
  • Maintenance is also something that should be done with the Nissan Murano. It is extremely important as it can help in extending the lifespan of the vehicle.
  • In the case of the Nissan Murano, you should make sure to change the oil and other fluids in a timely manner.
  • The final thing that can improve the longevity of the Nissan Murano is how it is driven. It is an SUV and should not be treated as a sports car.
  • What this means is that sudden braking and acceleration can result in the engine’s life being shortened.

These are some of the major steps that can be taken to ensure that the Nissan Murano can be driven for as long as possible.

Nissan has made a solid SUV, and it is definitely capable of a lot. If it is driven with care, it will provide users with a memorable experience.

Problems That Limit The Life Of Your Nissan Murano

Although the Nissan Murano has been proven to be a more reliable SUV than its competitors, it still has its fair share of problems.

This section of the guide will give you an overview of them:

1. Soft Brakes

This issue is a serious one as it results in the brakes becoming too soft. They don’t lose their efficiency.

What this means is that they can be pressed easily, which will lead to unintentional braking. This can result in a serious accident.

2. Airbag Issues

Airbag issues were also reported with the Nissan Murano.

The system is unreliable and can deploy without any warning, which is quite dangerous. This is a problem you should be aware of.

3. The EVAP System

The EVAP system of the Nissan Murano is also known to clog over time. This can result in gas spills which are simply not good. Fuel will splashback when the tank is being filled up.

These are some of the more serious issues that owners of the Nissan Murano have had to face over its lifespan of two decades.

It is a reliable SUV, but when it comes to it, it can cause many issues.

Related: Nissan Murano Starting Problems

What To Look For When Buying A Nissan Murano

If you are in the market for a used Nissan Murano, then there are a few things that you should look after.

Although it is against my recommendation to go for a used one, I want to make sure that you don’t make a decision that you will come to regret.

The things that should be checked are:

  • Rust.
  • Mileage.
  • Number of owners.
  • Condition of the interior.
  • Drive quality.
  • Model number.

These are things that are essential to check. In case of mileage, you should not get one that has been driven for more than 100000 miles.

Checking for rust is important too, as it can severely reduce the SUV’s lifespan.

Related: Best And Worst Years For Nissan Murano

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is The Nissan Murano A Reliable Car?

Yes, it is. The Nissan Murano was compared with its top three competitors, and when talking about the reliability, it won every single time.

The difference was slim at times, but it was clear enough that the Nissan Murano was a clear winner.

So, if you are looking for an SUV that will not cause too many issues, the Murano is your best bet.

Q2. Does Nissan Murano Have A Lot Of Problems?

No, it does not. It has had some major problems over the years, but they were not widespread.

Some of the common problems, which were already discussed in this guide, are:

  • Failure of the airbag system.
  • Blockage in the EVAP system.
  • Brakes becoming too soft.

These issues are serious, and they can not only result in serious accidents, but the EVAP issue will prevent your car from being taken on the road.

Q3. Is It A Good Idea To Buy A Used Nissan Murano?

No, it is not. Unless you can buy one that has lesser than 80000 miles on it, you are not getting a good deal, regardless of the fact that you may be getting a good deal.

So, I would suggest spending more money and buying a brand new one. It will have lesser issues and will also last longer.

Q4. Does Nissan Murano Rust Easily?

There is no denying that there have been rusting issues with the Nissan Murano.

But most of the cases that have been reported occurred after the SUV had been driven for more than five years. This is a typical distance after which rusting may start on any vehicle.

Q5. Is Nissan Murano Expensive To Maintain?

The maintenance cost of the Nissan Murano is just shy of the average of other vehicles in its class. The average for all SUVs is $521, while the Muranos sits at $507.

Although by a little bit the Nissan Murano is indeed better than many vehicles in this regard. It is not that expensive as $500 annually is not a bad number.

Conclusion

So, how long do Nissan Muranos last? The answer is 200000 miles. It was also given at the start of the article.

If you managed to stick around to get more information, then I can assure you that you will not find a more detailed article out there.

I have covered everything, from reliability to how Nissan’s offering holds up against the competition. This is the ultimate buying guide for the Murano.

I hope this article helped you get the information you were looking for, and I hope it helped you in deciding if the Nissan Murano is worth your time or not.