The 2017 Murano uses Nissan's controversial Jatco CVT7 transmission paired with the VQ35DE V6. While the engine itself is generally reliable, the CVT and related cooling system are the platform's Achilles heel, with catastrophic failures occurring far too often between 60,000-120,000 miles.
Symptoms: Shuddering or jerking during acceleration, especially 15-40 mph, Delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive, Whining or grinding noise from transmission, Sudden loss of power or 'limp mode' with check engine light, CVT fluid overheating warnings on dash
Fix: CVT replacement is the only real fix once internal damage occurs. Nissan extended warranty to 84k miles on some units, but many fail just beyond that. Remanufactured CVT swap takes 8-12 hours labor. Fluid changes every 30k miles can help but won't prevent defective units from failing.
Symptoms: Milky or strawberry-colored CVT fluid on dipstick, Transmission overheating warnings, White smoke from exhaust after mixing coolant into CVT, Coolant loss with no external leaks, Sudden transmission failure after cooler breach
Fix: The internal trans cooler in the radiator can rupture, allowing coolant and CVT fluid to cross-contaminate. This kills the CVT almost immediately. Requires radiator replacement, CVT fluid flush (if caught early), or full CVT replacement if contamination caused internal damage. 6-14 hours labor depending on damage extent.
Estimated cost: $800-5,000
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting into Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle, Visible engine/trans movement when accelerating hard, Metallic knocking over bumps
Fix: The front and rear CVT mounts deteriorate from the constant heat and stress of the CVT. Front mount is particularly prone. Replacement is straightforward but requires supporting the drivetrain. 2-3 hours labor for both mounts.
Estimated cost: $400-700
ABS Module / Traction Control Malfunction
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: ABS, VDC, and traction control warning lights illuminated, Loss of ABS function during braking, False activation of stability control on smooth roads, Brake pedal pulsation at low speeds
Fix: The ABS pump/module assembly can fail internally or develop corrosion issues. This is the subject of multiple NHTSA recalls but some failures occur outside recall parameters. Requires ABS module replacement and bleeding. 2-3 hours labor plus programming.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
VQ35DE Engine Oil Consumption / Piston Ring Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 1,000-2,000 miles), Blue smoke from exhaust on cold start or acceleration, Fouled spark plugs, Low oil pressure warnings if neglected, Check engine light with P0300-series misfire codes
Fix: Some VQ35 engines develop piston ring sealing issues leading to severe oil burning. If caught early, top-end work with new rings may suffice (18-24 hours). Advanced cases with cylinder scoring need short block replacement (25-35 hours). This is less common than CVT issues but expensive when it happens.
Estimated cost: $3,500-7,500
Fuel Gauge Sender / Fuel Pump Assembly Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Erratic or inaccurate fuel gauge readings, Fuel gauge stuck on empty or full, Intermittent no-start or stalling when fuel tank below 1/4, Whining noise from rear of vehicle
Fix: The in-tank fuel level sender or pump assembly can fail. Requires dropping the fuel tank. 3-4 hours labor. Often just the sender but sometimes the entire pump module needs replacement.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Owner tips
Change CVT fluid every 30,000 miles with Nissan NS-3 fluid only—never 'lifetime' fluid claims
Monitor transmission cooler and radiator condition closely; inspect CVT fluid color regularly for any pink/milky contamination
Check oil level every 1,000 miles if engine has over 80k—VQ35 oil consumption can escalate quickly
Keep detailed service records if under extended CVT warranty—Nissan will deny claims without proof of fluid changes
Hard pass unless you find one with full CVT replacement documentation under 50k miles and get an extended warranty—the CVT failure rate makes this a financial gamble most DIY-ers will lose.
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 configuration; battery located in engine bay
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
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.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
21mpg
Highway
28mpg
Combined
24mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Midsize Station Wagons
Wiper blades
Same generation. No changes to wiper specifications.
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 2017 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.