The 2018 Murano uses Nissan's third-generation CVT (Jatco JF016E/RE0F10E), which has significant durability issues at higher mileage. The VQ35DE V6 itself is generally solid, but the frequency of catastrophic engine rebuild jobs in the repair data suggests pre-ignition and bearing failures are not uncommon, likely tied to oil system contamination and marginal oiling under stress.
CVT Transmission Failure (RE0F10E)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Juddering or shuddering on acceleration, especially from a stop, Whining or grinding noise during highway cruising, Transmission overheating warning on dash, Loss of power or inability to accelerate (limp mode), Fluid turning dark brown or smelling burnt before scheduled interval
Fix: CVT replacement is the only real fix once shuddering or slipping begins; fluid changes and software updates may delay but rarely cure. Reman or used CVT swap runs 12-16 hours labor plus core charge. New from dealer exceeds cost of vehicle value at this age.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure / Contamination
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid mixed with coolant (strawberry milkshake in overflow tank), Transmission slipping or delayed engagement after cooler breach, Engine overheating if coolant loss is severe, CVT failure shortly after coolant intrusion
Fix: Cooler located in radiator end-tank; breach allows cross-contamination that destroys the CVT. Requires radiator replacement, full CVT flush (or replacement if already damaged), and all coolant system purge. 8-10 hours labor if caught early, doubles if CVT is cooked.
Estimated cost: $1,800-6,500
Engine Bearing and Pre-Ignition Damage
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Knocking or rattling on cold start that persists beyond 30 seconds, Loss of oil pressure at idle (gauge drops, warning light flickers), Metallic ticking that increases with RPM, Metal shavings in oil during change, Sudden catastrophic failure with rod through block
Fix: VQ35DE suffers from oil system sludge buildup if maintenance is neglected, starving bearings. Some units show pre-ignition (LSPI) damage to rings and pistons. Rebuild requires 20-28 hours labor: rod bearings, mains, rings, honing, possibly pistons. Short block swap is 18-22 hours. Used engine with low miles is often more economical.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,500
Transmission Mount Failure (Front and Rear)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking on gear changes (especially reverse to drive), Vibration at idle in gear with brake applied, Excessive engine movement visible when accelerating hard, Steering wheel vibration during throttle tip-in
Fix: CVT and engine mounts use fluid-filled bushings that tear or leak. Front mount requires subframe partial drop on AWD models; rear mount is straightforward. Replace both at same time to avoid comebacks. 2.5-4 hours labor depending on AWD vs FWD.
Estimated cost: $600-1,100
Backup Camera and AVM Module Failure
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Backup camera shows 'unavailable' or black screen, Around View Monitor (AVM) shows distorted or frozen image, Intermittent camera function, works when cold but fails when hot, Camera lens fogging internally
Fix: Camera modules fail from moisture intrusion or internal board corrosion. NHTSA recall 20V-134 covers some units but not all failure modes. Replacement camera is 1.5 hours labor; AVM control module is 2 hours and requires programming. Check for open recall first.
Estimated cost: $400-1,200
ABS Module and Brake Booster Issues
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: ABS and VDC warning lights on dash, Hard brake pedal, increased stopping distance, Brake pedal pulsing during normal stops (not ABS activation), Hissing sound from brake booster area, Loss of power assist, heavy pedal effort
Fix: ABS actuator/pump assembly fails internally; Nissan TSB covers some units but many are out of warranty. Booster diaphragm ruptures cause vacuum loss and hard pedal. ABS module replacement is 3-4 hours, booster is 2.5 hours. Both are dealer-level programming jobs.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Owner tips
CVT fluid changes every 30,000 mi using Nissan NS-3 fluid can extend transmission life, though not guaranteed to prevent failure
Check transmission cooler and radiator for cross-contamination at every coolant service; catching it early saves the CVT
Use quality full-synthetic 0W-20 and change every 5,000 mi to prevent oil sludge and bearing starvation on the VQ35DE
Inspect motor mounts annually on AWD models; early replacement avoids driveline stress and component damage
Run NHTSA recall search before purchase; open ABS and camera recalls are common and dealer-fixable at no cost
Pass unless you find one with documented CVT replacement and meticulous oil change records under 80,000 miles—this platform has too many expensive catastrophic failures for a 2018 model year to recommend as a used buy.
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
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2018-2022 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.
📍 Behind rear bumper, center, above hitch receiver area
🔧 Autel MaxiSys or Launch X431
⚠️ Sensor calibration automatic on drive cycle; front and rear sensors managed by single module
Power Window Master Switch (PWMS)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Driver door, integrated with master window switch assembly
🔧 Self-relearn procedure
⚠️ Auto-up/down window positions require relearn procedure after replacement
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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 19V654000
2019-09-12
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
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 2018 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.