NISSAN MURANO · model year

2012 NISSAN MURANO

165 NHTSA complaints, 5 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2012NISSANMURANO carries 165 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 5 crashes, 1 fire, 6 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 MURANO is power train with 30 filings, followed by air bags (26) and unknown or other (23). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 54 investigation files overlapping the 2012 MURANO, and 5 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

165
Complaints
5
Crashes
1
Fires
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
2012 NISSAN MURANO — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2012 NISSAN MURANO. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

165 filings

Crashes Reported

5 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN30
AIR BAGS26
UNKNOWN OR OTHER23
ENGINE13
SERVICE BRAKES12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11
VISIBILITY/WIPER10
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY8
STEERING5
STRUCTURE:BODY4
SUSPENSION4
SEATS3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
WHEELS2
VISIBILITY1

Recalls (1)

12V06800022/02/2012

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

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 SAFE

Recent Complaints

20251130ELECTRICAL 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 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.

20250906FUEL/PROPULSION 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.

20250906UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

20250612ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:SENSOR

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.

20250421UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

20250421SUSPENSION

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

20240618STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

20240415AIR BAGS

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 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!

20240213AIR BAGS

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.

Mileage: 90,000

20240213TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

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.

Mileage: 90,000

20230926AIR BAGS

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.

20230725POWER TRAIN

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 .

20230725UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 .

20230702WHEELS

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

20230620STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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.

Mileage: 130,000

20230201AIR BAGS

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 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?

20230201SEATS

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 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?

20230123UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

20230123VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

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.

20230113STEERING

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.

Compare 2012NISSANMURANO to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 5 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2012 NISSAN MURANO have?
The 2012 NISSAN MURANO has 165 NHTSA complaints, 5 crashes, 1 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2012 NISSAN MURANO?
The 2012 NISSAN MURANO received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2012 NISSAN MURANO?
Yes, the 2012 NISSAN MURANO has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 NISSAN MURANO?
The most-complained component for the 2012 NISSAN MURANO is POWER TRAIN with 30 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include AIR BAGS and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2012 NISSAN MURANO safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2012 NISSAN MURANO has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.