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Vehicle safety record

2012 Nissan Murano Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 135 complaints about the 2012 Nissan Murano with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (30) and the airbags (26). Those complaints describe 4 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in February 2012 for the pressure monitoring and regulating systems. For comparison, the 2011 has 148 and the 2013 has 74.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Murano year, for its age

#76 most complained-about 2012 vehicle

Complaints
135
Recalls
1
Crashes
4
Fires
1
Injuries
4
Deaths
0

Most common 2012 Nissan Murano problems

Share of all 135 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2012 Nissan Murano recalls 1

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems

12V0680002,983 vehicles affected

The problem
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012 murano and rogue vehicles, manufactured from november 23, 2011 through january 11, 2012. During assembly, the tire pressure monitoring system (tpms) was not activated. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 138,”Tire pressure monitoring system.”
The risk
A non-active tpms cannot warn a driver that a tire is underinflated. Underinflated tires can result in tire overloading and overheating, which could lead to a blowout and possible crash.
The fix
All of the affected vehicles are still in dealer inventory. Dealers have been instructed to activate all of the tire pressure monitoring systems.

What owners say

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135 complaints about the 2012 Nissan Murano

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 6.

SuspensionFuel system

My tire light is on a my 2012 nissian murano. It flashes at startup, with the light on, telling me I have low tire pressure. I put air evenly in all four tires. The light still remains on; how can all four TPMS go bad? I wouldn't know if i have a leak or low pressure due failed TPMS. My check engine light is on due to air/fuel ration on bank 1 sensor 1. This issue is causing poor fuel economy and filing emissions.

Filed Incident Suspension · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11758894
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the contact and the front seat passenger attempted to exit the vehicle, but all the doors failed to unlock. Additionally, the steering wheel was locked upside down. The contact stated that the engine started to overheat, and the front seat passenger had a panic attack. The contact called 911. The Fire Department arrived but was unable to forcefully open the doors. The Fire Department broke the rear passenger's side window and...

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was able to unlock the doors. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the main fuse box was blown and melted. The mechanic determined that the Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred the following morning. The contact was able to open and enter the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact was able to exit the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was able to restart. The dealer determined that a fuse in the steering column might have been blown. The dealer informed the contact that the part was no longer available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 136,161.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11742137
Fuel system

Vehicles of previous model years, this model year, and future model years have all experienced this issue. Issue was reported on thru a youTube channel in order to let the public know and understand the issue and how to fix/repair the issue. It was then discovered thru view time and the linking of the part to repair that this was a rempent issue of concern for possible recall. Issue of hesitation upon acceleration was noticed for 18 months. Vehicle was taken into dealership for diagnosis - main Nissan dealer...

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and second repair facility diagnosed the need for a new transmission. Transmission was replaced thru the second repair facility for 7500.00. Issue of hesitation upon acceleration was not repaired thru the replacement of the transmission. Owner of the vehicle researched the issue and determined it was caused by holes and degredation of the "Air-Intake-Hose" assembly. This part is a 35.00 part availalbe on Amazon and easily replaced in about 10 minutes time by the owner. The need for recall is that Nissan does not throw an error code in order to diagnose this problem. The only error code thrown is for a NEW TRANSMISSION.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11724430
Electrical system

While driving, vehicle just quits and all dashboard lights flash quickly and then the car stalls out and won't restart. This has happened 4 times now. Had battery replaced, alternator replaced for a 2nd time, sensor replaced. Now, I had the car towed to dealer who wanted to keep it for over the weekend to see if they could repeat the issue. My local mechanic had the same issue and he had to have it towed back to his shop also. This is a very dangerous situation, I've had to call 911 several times to provide...

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safety while on the side of the road. My car has only 72k and is in excellent condition. I have always maintenance the vehicle since purchasing it in 2014.....I need some help with figuring out this issue. I am a disabled senior citizen on social security and that's it! Please look into this as I have run out of solutions.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11702102
Fuel system

When accelerating from a stop vehicle does not move, with gas pedal to the floor will slowly advance or stall. Has a battery drain somewhere also.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11685503
Electrical system

The installation of Intoxalock for safety has caused the car to completely lose power while driving and it is safety device. The device drains the battery and causes complete interruption of an operable vehicle. This puts my safety at risk and other motorists. The component has had diagnostics and continues to cause safety issues. There are no warning signs during operation of the vehicle. The devices are often faulty and showed be removed from the market.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11666611
Suspension

The rear subframe has rusted through due to road salt and made the vehicle unsafe to drive

Filed Incident Suspension · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11655786
Body, doors & structure

Paint continues to chip and peel. It looks awful and Nissan won't do anything about it. It should be under the same recall as the Nissan Rogue and Infinity. It has overly devalued my car.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11595014
Airbags

I purchased 2012 Nissan Murano in Jul 2012. Recently the Airbag light is on and keeps flashing when start the car. It happened since 6 months ago. I sent my car to the local Nissan Dealer, they charged me $149 diagnostic fee + $1500 to replace the Airbag DIAG unit under the center console. After the replacement, the airbag light is still on and flashing. My car cannot pass the annual inspection because of the airbag light. It's a big safety concern. The dealer told me I need to get the passenger seat bottom sensor...

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replaced, the pars has been discontinued. I am very surprised the airbag is related safety issue, Why Nissan discontinued the parts? And I google this issue, many Nissan car owners have the same airbag light issue. This is the most common issue and related to the customer safety. Nissan should recall it. I paid more than $1500 dollar, cannot get my problem fixed. It's unacceptable!

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11583188
AirbagsWheels & tires

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the air bag control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Also, while operating the vehicle, the tire pressure monitoring system warning light activated although the tire air pressures were normal. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Incident Air bags · TiresNHTSA 11571694
Airbags

Airbags have malfunctioned. I was told the whole passenger seat needed to be replaced which costs more than the car is worth. No safety recall for this year. I know I'm not the only one with this issue.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11546583
Transmission & drivetrain

This car I purchased two months ago has the Cvt transmission in it and has proven unsafe for regular traffic let alone highway driving. It randomly "lurches" , has a loss of power and hesitates when accelerating or lane changing .

Filed Incident Power train · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11534342
Wheels & tires

The tire light stay on even after I put air in it. I don't think my tire air pressure is being monitored correctly; this is not due to an accident. This light come on all the time... before and after I put air in my tires

Filed Incident WheelsNHTSA 11529970
Body, doors & structure

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact heard a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the rear subframe was rusted. The contact was advised to contact the local dealer for assistance. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11527939
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

2012 Nissan Murano. Airbag red light always blinking plus passenger seat airbag says it's "off". Loads of similar complaints on web sites. Took to Annapolis Nilsson on Riva Road today. They were very aware of issue but said there is no recall. So both airbags will not inflate, not just passenger seat. Web complaints confirm this with actual accidents and there is no recall? Dealership said NONE of the parts including seat are available any more(I would guess because they all failed) but were told if we found the...

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parts and seat at a used parts place then the dealership would put in for a cost but there would NOT be any warranty! Really? There should be a recall on this issue, how can we get this?

Filed Incident Air bags · SeatsNHTSA 11504958
Visibility & wipers

Driver sunroof exploded while driving. Nothing impacted the glass to my knowledge. Occurred on 1/21/23, 54xxx miles on the vehicle, no previous accidents. Gloomy day approx 30F, heat on and drivers window opened about an inch. No injuries.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · VisibilityNHTSA 11503122
SteeringSuspensionWheels & tires

The progressive rattling/ shaking from the steering wheel has led to some close calls driving on multi lane roads the curve to the left at all. I've never had a single service light turn on even though steering and wheel issues were apparent. Every bump and cranny on the road is felt causing disturbance in ability to steer especially during in town driving.

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · WheelsNHTSA 11501584
Airbags

I have a 95 yrs. old Mother who I transport to appointments etc. and I am not feeling safe in our 2012 Nissan Murano due to the airbag malfunctioning. I have read numerous reports that state if there was ever an accident with these airbags that they would not potentially work or deploy and also that they could possibly release for just any reason at all and these two reasons alone are enough to know that this is a safety hazard and could cost both my Mother and myself, our lives. I have read many complaints...

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regarding these same airbags located on the passenger side of our vehicle. I am asking that this problem be resolved immediately because it is very dangerous and disturbing. Please contact me and my Mother at 937-380-7064.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11487887
Visibility & wipers

The driver side sun visor suddenly broke and is floppy, hanging down and will not stay up. This is hindering my line of vision restricting my view of the road.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11483774
Airbags

2012 Nissan murano passenger air bag light illuminating. Receiving diagnostic code b10818. Seat is not reconizing when a passenger is in seat and poses a saftey hazard to passenger. Warning lights appeared on 08/15/2022.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11481398
Airbags

Supplemental Air Bags Flashing on dashboard. Brought to Nissan dealership. Was able to stop blinking for five days. Brought back to dealership. Still there. Air bags may not expand during an accident or may activate without warning with no accident. My wife has osteoarthritis and is highly susceptible to serious injury as a result of either of the former incidents happening.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11478894
Other & unknown

Sun visor on driver and passenger sides do not stay up

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11473515
Airbags

The airbag indicator light on dash blinks once, then five rapid blinks continuously. Took to Nissan dealership for repair. Charged $135 for diagnostics. They claimed the passenger seat air bag and bottom seat cushion would need to be replaced. That if the airbag indicator light was flashing none of the airbags work. The quote for repair was $2,884.98 before taxes. This is a 2012 Nissan Murano so a very expensive repair for a safety feature on a 10 year old car. Declined the repair. Dealership claims this is...

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not a recall. It should be a recall. And why does one faulty airbag embedded in a passenger seat disable the remaining air bags? The Murano mileage is 49607. The airbag error code is B1018. Very frustrating to have a low mileage car with the airbag system inoperable and very expensive to repair. This faulty part should be repaired by Nissan free to owners to enable the safety features to operate normally.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11457375
Airbags

Passenger air bag is not working because of the seat sensor, (error code B1018 occ sensor fail). The 2012s have not been recalled, they did recall 2013 models(??). According to the blogs, this is a big problem with the 2012s. At this time dealership requested that I pay up front for the part, seat sensor $2,000.00. That was back in November 2021. Currently still waiting on the part. I have called customer service at Nissan; they were no help.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11455382
Visibility & wipers

While driving, the driver's side visor fell down and would not go back up and stay in place. I contacted the Nissan dealer about this issue and was told it was my problem to replace it. I bought my 2012 Murano used in April 2020 with 74k miles on it. The visor issue happened within the first 30 days of owning the vehicle.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11454635

Nissan Murano: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
2016108541BrakesC
20152055105Transmission & drivetrainD
2014145160Transmission & drivetrainC
201374111Transmission & drivetrainB
2012135141Transmission & drivetrainC
2011148070BrakesC
20101930111BrakesD
20096364244BrakesF
20085100Transmission & drivetrainA
All Murano years

2012 Nissan Murano vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2012 Nissan Murano

Does the 2012 Nissan Murano have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Nissan Murano: pressure monitoring and regulating systems (February 2012). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Murano?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (30), airbags (26), visibility & wipers (19).

How many complaints has the 2012 Nissan Murano had?

135 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 29, 2012 and the latest on August 23, 2026. Of these, 4 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 4 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2012 Nissan Murano a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Nissan Murano year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Nissan Murano years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2012 Nissan Murano has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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