The 2015 Murano pairs Nissan's reliable VQ35DE V6 with the problematic CVT8 (Jatco JF011E/RE0F10A) transmission—a combo that makes the CVT the platform's Achilles heel. While the engine itself is durable, catastrophic CVT failures overshadow everything else on these crossovers.
CVT Transmission Catastrophic Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Shuddering or jerking during acceleration, especially 15-40 mph, Whining or grinding noise from transmission, Hesitation when accelerating from stop, Transmission overheating warnings, Sudden loss of power or failure to move
Fix: CVT replacement is the only real fix once internal damage occurs. Remanufactured unit swap runs 8-12 hours labor. Fluid changes every 30k miles can delay but not prevent failure on high-mileage units. Nissan extended warranty to 84k mi/7 years on some VINs but 2015s are aging out.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
CVT Transmission Oil Cooler Failure/Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: CVT fluid puddles under vehicle (reddish fluid), Transmission running hotter than normal, Burnt CVT fluid smell, Low fluid warnings if equipped
Fix: External cooler or cooler lines develop leaks, contaminating CVT fluid. Requires cooler replacement and complete CVT fluid flush. Labor is 3-5 hours depending on cooler location and accessibility. Critical to catch early before low fluid damages CVT internals.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
ABS Module/Pump Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: ABS, VDC, and traction control warning lights illuminated, Loss of ABS function (hard pedal stops), Brake pedal pulsation at low speeds, Codes C1130, C1113, or similar ABS pump/module faults
Fix: ABS hydraulic control unit fails internally—multiple recalls exist but don't cover all failures. Replacement requires module coding/programming. 2-3 hours labor for R&R and programming. Some units can be rebuilt but most shops replace.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800
Transmission Mounts Collapse
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting into drive or reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in gear, Rocking motion during acceleration/deceleration, Visible engine/trans movement in engine bay
Fix: Fluid-filled transmission mounts fail, especially front mount. Common wear item on CVT-equipped Nissans due to vibration characteristics. Replacement is straightforward, 1.5-2.5 hours labor for both front and rear mounts.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Occupant Classification System (OCS) Sensor Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Passenger airbag light flashing or staying on, Airbag system warning on dash, Passenger airbag incorrectly shows off with adult in seat, Code B1063 or B1422
Fix: Seat-mounted occupant sensor fails (subject to recall 18V-334 but not all affected). Requires passenger seat removal and sensor mat replacement. 2-3 hours labor. Must be recalibrated after installation. Critical safety item—airbag may not deploy.
Estimated cost: $600-1,100
Engine Oil Consumption (VQ35DE)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Low oil warning between changes (burning 1+ quart per 1,000 mi), Blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Fouled spark plugs, Carbon buildup on intake valves
Fix: Piston ring wear or valve stem seals allow oil consumption. Minor cases manageable with more frequent top-offs. Severe cases need engine teardown for rings/seals (20-30 hours labor) or short block replacement. VQ35DE is generally reliable but high-milers develop this issue.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
Owner tips
Change CVT fluid every 30,000 miles with Nissan NS-3 fluid—not lifetime despite what the manual says. This is THE critical maintenance item.
Inspect CVT cooler lines and external cooler annually for seepage starting at 50k miles.
Monitor oil level every 1,000 miles after 80k—VQ35DE can develop consumption suddenly.
If ABS warning lights appear, diagnose immediately—multiple safety recalls exist and some get extended coverage.
Skip it unless you're getting a screaming deal and can budget for a CVT replacement—this generation's transmission is a ticking time bomb that overshadows an otherwise competent crossover.
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 battery location in engine bay
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Control Modules — 2015 Nissan Murano
Every control module on the 2015-2017 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP · 19V807000
2019-11-08
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601. In addition, this recall expands the previous population. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: If the ABS warning light remains illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP · 18V601000
2018-09-07
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number on the ABS actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP · 16V636000
2016-09-02
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 19, 2016 and equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control, 2015-2017 Murano vehicles manufactured August 22, 2014, to August 19, 2016 and equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control, and 2015-2016 Murano Hybrid vehicles manufactured August 22, 2014, to July 19, 2016. The affected vehicles have Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps that may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal electrical circuit board.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak onto the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS Actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION · 16V244000
2016-04-26 · EA15004
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · 15V364000
2015-06-10
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Murano vehicles manufactured December 4, 2014, to March 17, 2015. These vehicles are equipped with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) actuators which may have contamination in the solenoid valves, potentially affecting the valves' ability to completely close and allow a build up of hydraulic brake pressure, or fully open and allow the hydraulic brake pressure to completely drop.
Consequence: Under some driving conditions, when the ABS is activated, the malfunctioning ABS actuator could cause a loss of vehicle stability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ABS actuator, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 13, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Vehicle Info — 2015 Nissan Murano
Performance
Horsepower
260hp
Torque
240lb-ft
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
21mpg
Highway
28mpg
Combined
24mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Seating
5seats
EPA class
Midsize Station Wagons
Wiper blades
Third generation (Z52) Murano. Standard hook-type attachment for all positions.
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 2015 Nissan Murano 3.5L V6 VQ35DE and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.