The 2014 Murano with the VQ35DE V6 is generally reliable, but the Jatco CVT transmission remains the platform's Achilles heel, with oil cooler failures and mounting issues common after 80k miles. Engine catastrophic failures—while rare—do occur, often tied to oil consumption problems leading to bearing and piston damage.
CVT Transmission Oil Cooler Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking into radiator coolant (strawberry milkshake appearance), Overheating transmission temps on highway drives, Shuddering or slipping during acceleration, Check engine light with CVT overheat codes
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler, flush both transmission and cooling system, replace radiator if cross-contamination occurred. 4-6 hours labor if caught early; full CVT replacement needed if coolant entered transmission (10-12 hours).
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 for cooler alone; $4,500-6,500 if CVT damaged
CVT Transmission Mount Deterioration
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking noise when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle in gear, Excessive engine movement visible under hood during acceleration, Harsh engagement when coming to a stop
Fix: Replace front transmission mount (most common failure point). Requires supporting engine/trans during removal. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $350-550
VQ35DE Oil Consumption Leading to Engine Damage
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning oil smell from exhaust, consuming 1+ quart per 1,000 miles, Blue smoke on cold start or hard acceleration, Rod knock or bearing noise if oil starvation occurred, Loss of compression in one or more cylinders, Metal shavings in oil during changes
Fix: Early stages: piston ring replacement (engine out, 16-20 hours). Advanced damage requires short block or complete rebuild with new pistons, rings, bearings, and possibly crank work (25-35 hours).
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,000 rings only; $6,000-9,000 short block/rebuild
Power Steering Pressure Hose Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Power steering fluid pooling under vehicle (driver side front), Whining noise from pump, especially when turning, Heavy steering effort intermittently or when fluid low, Recall-related but older vehicles may not have been serviced
Fix: Replace high-pressure hose assembly from pump to rack. Accessible but tight workspace near exhaust. 2-3 hours labor including fluid flush.
Estimated cost: $400-650
Fuel Pump/Fuel Filter Assembly Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 110,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start condition or extended cranking before start, Loss of power or hesitation under load, Stalling during hot weather or after sitting, Fuel pressure below spec (should be ~51 psi)
Fix: Replace in-tank fuel pump assembly (includes integrated filter). Drop fuel tank or access through rear seat area if equipped. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $600-900
VQ35DE Head Gasket Failure (Both Sides)
Rare · high severity
Typical onset: 120,000+ mi
Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible external leaks, White exhaust smoke (sweet smell), Overheating with bubbling in coolant reservoir, Oil contamination with coolant (chocolate milk appearance), Misfires on multiple cylinders
Fix: Replace both head gaskets, resurface heads if warped, new head bolts, timing components while apart. 14-18 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $3,200-4,800
Owner tips
Check transmission fluid every 30k miles—should be bright red, never brown or smell burnt. Replace CVT fluid every 60k regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims.
Monitor oil level religiously every 500-1,000 miles after 80k; top off immediately if consumption detected to prevent catastrophic bearing failure.
Inspect power steering hoses annually after 80k miles—catch weeping before it becomes a leak and damages the pump.
Verify the NHTSA steering hose recall (14V-364) was completed; if not, get it done at a Nissan dealer no-charge.
Use quality 5W-30 oil and OEM or equivalent oil filters—cheap filters have been linked to accelerated VQ oil consumption.
Solid choice under 80k miles with maintenance records; approach 100k+ examples cautiously and budget $1,500-2,000 for likely CVT-related repairs within 20k miles of purchase.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Standard top post battery; located in engine bay
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Every control module on the 2011-2014 Nissan Murano — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 Integrated within BCM and IPDM-E; no standalone module
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ Key programming requires PIN code from Nissan; all keys must be present for registration; immobilizer paired with ECM and BCM
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS · 17V184000
2017-03-16
Nissan North America (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Murano and Murano Cross Cabriolet vehicles. The power steering hose clamp may not adequately secure the hose, allowing the hose to detach and leak power steering fluid.
Consequence: If the power steering fluid leaks onto a heat source such as hot engine or exhaust components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a power steering high pressure hose kit, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2014 Nissan Murano 3.5L V6 VQ35DE and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.