2020 Nissan Murano: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Strong comfort and safety, but automatic-emergency-braking false activation is the notable owner complaint; the CVT remains the long-term watch item. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2020 Nissan Murano ranged from $31,730 to $43,930 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Strong comfort and safety, but automatic-emergency-braking false activation is the notable owner complaint; the CVT remains the long-term watch item.
Sources (2)
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/nissan-murano-buying-guide
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/murano
Known issues
-
Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation ("phantom braking"), the system can brake hard for overpasses, shadows, or with no obstacle present.
occasional · 8 NHTSA complaints · other
-
Residual CVT concern, much improved over earlier generations but the chronic Nissan continuously-variable-transmission failure risk still warrants an extended warranty.
isolated · transmission
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=murano…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=murano…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=murano…
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/nissan-murano-buying-guide
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Comfortable, quiet, upscale cabin with supportive "zero-gravity" seats, a standout for long-distance comfort.
- Smooth, torquey 260-hp 3.5L V6 delivers confident highway passing power.
- Strong crash-test results and, on later years, generous standard safety tech; ranks among the most reliable Murano years in owner-reliability surveys.
- Distinctive styling and solid used-market value for an upscale midsize crossover.
Cons
- V6-only with no hybrid or four-cylinder, so fuel economy is mediocre for the class.
- Soft, comfort-tuned handling, relaxing but not engaging to drive.
- Seats only five, no third-row option, and cargo/towing capacity trail some midsize-SUV rivals.
- The CVT automatic is the chronic reliability risk and the main reason to budget for an extended warranty.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | $31,730 | discontinued | — | — |
| SV | $35,360 | $41,670 | — | — |
| SL | $39,880 | $46,760 | — | — |
| Platinum | $43,930 | $49,800 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2020-nissan-murano-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/nissan-murano-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($31,730). Higher trims started higher (up to $43,930), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2020 loses roughly another 28% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/nissan-murano/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $500–550/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,000–2,100/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/murano
- insurance.comhttps://www.insurance.com/vehicles/nissan-insurance/nissan-murano-car-insurance
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2020 Nissan Murano have?
Documented issue patterns include: Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation ("phantom braking"), the system can brake hard for overpasses, shadows, or with no obstacle present; Residual CVT concern, much improved over earlier generations but the chronic Nissan continuously-variable-transmission failure risk still warrants an extended warranty. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2020 Nissan Murano reliable?
Strong comfort and safety, but automatic-emergency-braking false activation is the notable owner complaint; the CVT remains the long-term watch item.
How much did the 2020 Nissan Murano cost new?
Between $31,730 and $43,930 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Nissan Murano expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $500–550/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.