The 2019 Murano uses Nissan's CVT (Jatco-built) paired with the proven VQ35DE V6. While this is a later-generation CVT with improved fluid cooling, transmission degradation remains the dominant concern, and the frequency of engine rebuild-related jobs in the data suggests potential oil dilution or consumption issues that can escalate if ignored.
CVT Transmission Overheating and Premature Wear
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Shuddering or jerking during acceleration, especially from 20-40 mph, Whining or grinding noise that changes with vehicle speed, Hesitation or delayed throttle response, Check engine light with codes P0845, P17F0, or transmission temp warnings
Fix: CVT replacement is the only reliable long-term fix once internal damage occurs. Fluid changes every 30k and external cooler installation can delay but not prevent. Expect 8-12 labor hours for R&R, plus fluid and programming.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Red ATF fluid pooling under vehicle, typically driver's side front, Transmission running hotter than normal, Low fluid level warning or erratic shifting if fluid loss is significant
Fix: Cooler lines corrode at crimped fittings or crack at flex points near subframe. Replace both lines as a set, not just the leaking one. 2-3 labor hours plus fluid refill and relearn procedure.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Excessive Oil Consumption / Fuel Dilution Leading to Engine Damage
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil level dropping a quart or more between changes (5,000 mi intervals), Blue smoke on cold start or under load, Fuel smell in oil, oil level rising instead of dropping, Rough idle, misfires, loss of power, Check engine light with misfire codes or lean/rich condition codes
Fix: VQ35DE can develop piston ring wear or fuel injector issues causing gas to wash cylinder walls. Rings alone: 18-24 hours. If bearings are damaged from diluted oil, short block or complete rebuild required: 25-35 hours. Diagnosis critical—compression and leakdown tests first.
Estimated cost: $3,500-8,500
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk or thud when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle that worsens with AC on, Excessive engine movement visible when accelerating hard
Fix: Front and rear transmission mounts fatigue from CVT operation. Hydraulic-filled mounts leak and collapse. Replace both at once. 2-3 labor hours with subframe support required.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Backup Camera Fogging or Moisture Intrusion
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Blurry or foggy backup camera image, especially in humid or cold weather, Intermittent camera failure or black screen, Water droplets visible inside camera lens housing
Fix: Camera housing seal fails, allowing moisture in. Nissan issued a recall (NHTSA #19V-669) for this, but coverage may have expired. Replacement camera with updated seal takes 0.5-1.0 hour. Check if recall still applies before paying out of pocket.
Estimated cost: $200-400
Fuel Filter Clogging (if equipped with serviceable filter)
Rare · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000+ mi
Symptoms: Hard starting, especially when engine is hot, Loss of power under load or at highway speeds, Engine stumbling or stalling, Fuel pump whining louder than normal
Fix: Most 2019 Muranos have in-tank lifetime filters, but if model has inline serviceable filter, replace it. If in-tank, filter clogging means fuel pump module replacement. 1.5-2.5 hours depending on access.
Estimated cost: $300-800
Owner tips
Change CVT fluid every 30,000 miles with Nissan NS-3 fluid—not lifetime despite what the manual says. This is the single most important preventive step.
Monitor oil level every 1,000 miles if vehicle has over 60k. Top off immediately if low and investigate cause—don't wait for the next oil change.
Consider aftermarket transmission cooler if you tow, live in hot climate, or see fluid temps above 200°F on a scan tool.
If buying used, get a pre-purchase inspection with CVT health check (fluid condition, temp behavior, shudder test). Walk away if fluid is dark brown or burnt-smelling.
Buy only if CVT has documented fluid service history and passes a thorough test drive; budget $5k-7k for eventual transmission replacement regardless—it's when, not if.
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 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.
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
20mpg
Highway
28mpg
Combined
23mpg
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 2019 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.