The 2020 Murano uses Nissan's third-generation CVT (RE0F11A/JF016E), which continues to show the same fundamental weaknesses as earlier CVTs in the lineup. The VQ35DE is generally reliable, but when it fails, it fails catastrophically with bearing and piston problems that require complete rebuilds.
Symptoms: Shuddering or hesitation during acceleration, especially from stop, Whining or grinding noise from transmission, Transmission overheating warning light, Slipping between gear ratios or loss of power under load, Delayed engagement when shifting to Drive or Reverse
Fix: CVT replacement or rebuild required in most cases. Transmission oil cooler often fails first, causing fluid contamination and accelerating CVT death. Cooler replacement alone is 2-3 hours, but if CVT is damaged, you're looking at 8-12 hours for remanufactured unit installation with fluid, filter, and cooler. Extended warranty claim if under 84k mi (Nissan settlement coverage).
Symptoms: Sudden loud knocking or ticking from engine bay, Metal shavings in oil during oil change, Loss of oil pressure (oil light illuminated), Rough running, misfires, or complete engine seizure, Excessive oil consumption leading up to failure (1 qt per 1,000 mi)
Fix: When the VQ35 goes, it typically takes bearings, pistons, and crank with it. You're not rebuilding heads—you need short block minimum, often complete engine replacement. 16-20 hours labor for engine R&R, plus machine work if attempting rebuild. Most shops recommend reman long block. Oil starvation from poor maintenance or failed oil pump is usual culprit.
Estimated cost: $6,000-9,500
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle, especially with AC on, Transmission appears to 'drop' or shift position during hard acceleration, Visible cracking or separation of rubber mount material
Fix: The CVT's weight and vibration characteristics eat mounts faster than conventional automatics. Front transmission mount is the primary culprit. Replacement is straightforward: support transmission, unbolt old mount, install new. 1.5-2 hours labor. Replace both front and rear mounts at same time to avoid comeback.
Symptoms: Hard starting, especially after sitting overnight, Engine sputtering or hesitation under load, Loss of power at highway speeds, Check engine light with lean fuel codes (P0171/P0174), Fuel pump noise from tank area
Fix: Nissan uses an integrated fuel pump module with non-serviceable filter. When filter clogs (common with ethanol fuel), entire assembly needs replacement. Tank must be dropped: 3-4 hours labor. Some techs cut access panel through rear seat area to avoid full tank drop (2 hours), but warranty concerns apply.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Rear Suspension Knuckle/Bearing Assembly Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Humming or growling noise from rear, increases with speed, Clunking over bumps from rear suspension, Uneven rear tire wear, Play in rear wheel when jacked up (grab at 12 and 6 o'clock), ABS/traction control warning lights (wheel speed sensor affected)
Fix: Rear wheel bearing integrated into hub/knuckle assembly. Unlike fronts, rears cannot be pressed out—entire knuckle assembly replacement required. NHTSA recall addressed some spindle failures, but bearing wear is separate issue. 2.5-3 hours per side: disconnect trailing arms, control arms, brake, ABS sensor, press out axle, install new knuckle. Do both sides if one fails past 80k.
Estimated cost: $700-1,100
Steering Rack Internal Seal Leakage
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Power steering fluid leak visible on inner tie rod boots or rack bellows, Groaning or whining when turning at low speed, Stiff steering, especially when cold, Power steering fluid level drops repeatedly, Steering pulls to one side (if leak is uneven)
Fix: Internal rack seals fail, leaking fluid into bellows boots. Rack rebuild not practical—replacement is standard. 4-5 hours labor: subframe must be partially lowered for access, disconnect tie rods, pressure/return lines, steering shaft coupler. Alignment required after. NHTSA recall covered linkage separations, not seal leaks.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
Owner tips
CVT fluid changes every 30,000 mi are non-negotiable—Nissan says 'lifetime,' but that's 60k if you're lucky without changes
Check transmission oil cooler for seepage at every service; catching it early prevents $6k CVT job
Monitor oil consumption religiously past 60k mi; VQ35 sudden death usually gives 5-10k mi warning with consumption increase
Replace transmission mounts preemptively at 60k to prevent stress on CVT internals from excessive movement
Avoid ethanol-heavy fuel if possible; these fuel systems do not tolerate E85 or high-ethanol blends despite flex-fuel rating
Hard pass unless you're getting it under $15k with full CVT service records and pre-purchase compression test—too many expensive grenades on a timer.
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 compartment
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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.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Nissan Murano, INFINITI QX60, 2021 Nissan GT-R, INFINITI QX50, and Q50 vehicles. The front steering knuckle or rear axle housing may have insufficient strength due to improper heat-treatment.
Consequence: The steering knuckle or rear axle could deform upon impact, such as from hitting a curb, resulting in a loss of steering control, or possible wheel separation. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckle and rear axle housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2021. Nissan owners may contact customer service at 1-800-867-7669. INFINITI owners may contact customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
STEERING:LINKAGES · 21V170000
2021-03-11
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Nissan Murano vehicles. The left and/or right-hand transverse link may not have been manufactured correctly, which could result in it separating from the ball joint.
Consequence: Ball joint separation can cause a loss of vehicle control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transverse link's lot codes, and if necessary, replace them and perform a vehicle alignment, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 6, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC797.
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 2020 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.