The 2013 Murano with the VQ35DE V6 is generally reliable mechanically, but the CVT transmission and specific engine oil consumption issues define its problem profile. Most examples survive well past 150,000 miles if the CVT is maintained religiously, but catastrophic CVT failure and severe oil consumption can turn this SUV into a money pit.
CVT Transmission Failure and Overheating
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Shuddering or jerking during acceleration, especially 15-40 mph, Whining or grinding noise from transmission, Hesitation or delayed engagement when accelerating, Overheating transmission warning light, Slipping or loss of power under load
Fix: Nissan CVTs of this era are notorious for premature failure. Internal belt and pulley wear leads to shuddering, then complete loss of drive. Transmission cooler failure accelerates death. Replacement CVT with 3-year warranty is typical fix, 8-12 hours labor. Fluid changes every 30k miles can extend life but won't always prevent failure.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
Excessive Oil Consumption (VQ35DE)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning 1+ quart every 1,000-2,000 miles, Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or acceleration, Low oil warning light between changes, Fouled spark plugs, Rough idle or misfire codes
Fix: Piston ring design and cylinder glazing cause oil to burn past rings. Nissan had a TSB but no recall. Minor cases just need frequent top-offs. Severe cases require engine rebuild with updated rings and honing, or short block replacement. 18-24 hours labor for proper rebuild. Some owners live with it and add oil weekly.
Estimated cost: $4,000-6,500
Transmission Oil Cooler and Line Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking near radiator, Pink or red fluid under vehicle, Transmission overheating, Sudden loss of gears or slipping, Milky transmission fluid (coolant contamination)
Fix: Factory CVT cooler integrated into radiator can rupture, allowing coolant and CVT fluid to mix—this kills the CVT within days. External line corrosion also common. Must replace cooler AND flush CVT immediately if contamination occurs, often too late. Preventive external cooler install recommended. Cooler replacement: 3-4 hours.
Estimated cost: $800-1,500
Front Strut Mount and Bearing Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking noise over bumps from front end, Knocking when turning steering wheel while stopped, Steering feels loose or vague, Uneven tire wear on inside edges
Fix: Upper strut mounts and bearings wear prematurely, especially in cold climates. Causes alignment issues and noise. Replace mounts in pairs with alignment afterward. 2.5-3.5 hours labor for both sides including alignment.
Estimated cost: $600-900
Power Steering Hose Leaks
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Power steering fluid leak, often high-pressure line near pump, Whining or groaning when turning, Heavy steering effort intermittently, Low fluid warning or squealing at startup
Fix: High-pressure PS hose and connections crack and seep, particularly at crimped fittings. NHTSA recall covered some, but many still fail outside recall scope. Replace hose and flush system, 1.5-2 hours labor. Ignoring it kills the pump.
Estimated cost: $300-600
Exhaust Manifold and Catalytic Converter Failure
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise from engine bay, louder when cold, Check engine light with P0420/P0430 catalyst efficiency codes, Exhaust leak smell in cabin, Failed emissions test
Fix: Exhaust manifolds crack at welds, and cats deteriorate internally. Often need both banks replaced together. Aftermarket manifolds available but OEM lasts longer. 4-6 hours labor per bank depending on access and stud condition.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,500
Buy only if transmission has documented fluid changes and oil consumption is minimal—budget $1,500-2,000 reserve for eventual CVT or engine work, and walk away if either is already showing symptoms.
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.