Nissan Murano Problems

And the car industry is not immune from being saddled with these potentially damaging problems.Apart from Ford's recent problems with brake hoses and brake booster valves on E-Gas Falcons the other ‘big two’ carmakers have had their fair share of recalls.Holden has had five recalls for its VE Commodore and Statesman range since its introduction in 2006, involving things like fuel vapor lines, fuel lines and defective valves on LPG cars.ToyotaToyota had a range of recalls for its Camry, HiLux, RAV4, Yaris and LandCruiser over the past three years. Most, like a headlight dimmer switch on a Camry, have been minor. Others, like the potential fire hazard stemming from a poorly installed insulator pad on a Yaris, raised alarm bells among some customers.NissanLast week Nissan was forced to recall 11,743 Maximas and 4972 Muranos because of a vibrating air intake in the engine bay.AudiEven the luxury German brands are not immune. Last year Audi had to recall its TT for a piece of rear side trim in its cars that unless fixed, could potentially injure passengers.Mercedes-Benz This year Mercedes-Benz has recalled its M-Class off-roader for a possible glitch in its electric rear hatch. It was also forced to recall S-Class sedans fitted with active body control because of problems with the front lower ball joints on its suspension. On some high-mileage vehicles, the front suspension could fracture on rough roads. Faulty left and right windows in the Viano van also required the replacement.BMWOf the German carmakers, BMW has fared better. It has not had a official government recall since 2006.Volvo Volvo has had three recalls this year of its S80, XC70, V70 and new XC60 for engine cooling fan problems and windscreen wiper problems with the S80 and XC70.JaguarJaguar, once widely ridiculed for its poor quality cars, has come a long way over the past few years. Jaguars these days have no less, or no more, problems with recalls than some of the other luxury brands. Last year it experienced some minor problems with the XF range involving wiring and rear seatbelts.In all cases, recalls by carmakers are handled quickly and responsibly. If you want to check out whether your vehicle has had a recall, go to www.recalls.gov.au

Four-wheel drives look great bashing through the bush, but they're not so attractive cruising our city streets, as most do. When that reality struck home at car central the boffins hit on the idea of prettying up their box-like creations to make them more appealing to city slickers.Cars like the Nissan Murano were the result; cars with decent four-wheel drive systems that didn't look out of place in town.MODEL WATCHThe Murano comfortably slotted into the crossover scene alongside cars like the Toyota Kluger, Holden Adventra and Ford Territory, but took the concept to a higher level.It looked even less like a clunky four-wheel drive than any of its rivals, with a slinky, wraparound shape that clearly set it apart.Housed within the swept back sheetmetal was the same sweet 3.5-litre V6 that powered many Nissan models, most notably the 350Z sports car.In the Murano it boasted 172kW at 6000rpm and 318Nm at 3600rpm.The smooth revving V6 is a revelation after some of the clunky old nails that lurk under the bonnets of some of the Nissan's rivals. Backing up to the V6 was a CVT continuously variable belt-drive transmission that offered variable drive without the usual steps of a fixed ratio transmission, but at the same time it had a manual shift option that mimicked a six-speed for a more normal drive feel. Final drive was through all four wheels using a version of Nissan's intelligent All Mode 4x4 system as used on the Pathfinder.The system has two settings, Auto and Lock, the former a set and forget deal that operates as a front-wheel drive for most of the time, but when sensors find wheel slippage drive is sent to the rear axle as needed.In Lock the system is permanently locked in four-wheel drive mode to handle more demanding conditions.The ride is smooth courtesy of independent suspension all round, ABS controls disc brakes at each corner and the steering is power-assisted. Rear vision is limited by the curvy shape and drivers have to be cautious when changing lanes or reversing.IN THE SHOPCarsGuide has received no complaints about the Murano, which suggests owners are a contended lot.Nissan service agent Jerry Newman is so impressed by them that he drives one himself. He also services a number of Muranos and says they are very reliable and don't have any issues worth reporting. Regular servicing is crucial and it's important to check potential purchases for a service record before buying.IN A CRASHANCAP hasn't tested the Murano, but with a comprehensive array of safety gear, including ABS brakes EBD electronic brake distribution, BA emergency brake assistance, head, side and curtain airbags, plus electronic stability control it would be expected to achieve a high star rating if tested.AT THE PUMPThe official fuel consumption for the Murano was 12.3L/100km, which would seem a relatively accurate guide given that CarsGuide road tester was able to get 12.7L/100km in road test conditions. Nissan recommended PULP for the Murano, but have approved it for E10.RAY BOUGHT ONERay Williams is very happy with the ride, comfort and fuel consumption of his Murano Ti, but is concerned about an intermittent vibration at the bottom of the windscreen that the dealer has not been able to fix, and a weep from the transfer case which appears to be a common complaint."I am concerned the transfer case weep could become a major and expensive issue after the warranty runs out."NISSAN MURANO - 2005-2008Price when new: $51,990 to $60,490Engine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol; 172 kW/318 NmTransmission: CVT, all-wheel driveEconomy: 12.3 L/100 kmBody: 5-door wagonVariants: ST, Ti, Ti-LVERDICTGood looking, well equipped wagon with a great engine.COMING UPDo you own or have you owned a Mitsubishi Outlander? Share your experience with other Carsguide readers by sending comments via e-mail to grah.smith@bigpond.com or write to Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.

The Murano was a revelation in the SUV market when it first hit town back in 2004. It was a four-wheel drive wagon designed for people who preferred to look good driving around town than getting down and dirty.NEWThe new model launched in 2009 built on the same theme, but turned in a more luxurious direction. While it was an evolution of the first model, every panel on the new one was new, the grille and headlights were new, so too was the interior.It came in two versions, the ST starter car and the fully fruited Ti. The ST came with stability control, ABS brakes, with electronic brake distribution and emergency brake assistance, six airbags, a full-sized spare wheel, air, cruise, power seats, six-speaker CD sound, MP3, and a trip computer.Had you stepped up to the Ti you would have also got sat-nav, reversing camera, power folding rear seats, power tailgate, driver's seat memory, keyless entry, premium Bose sound with 11 speakers, Bluetooth, rain-sensing wipers, roof rails and fog lights.Weighing nearly 1800 kg and 4.8 metres long the Murano was large, a factor for anyone planning to use it in the city. It wasn't particularly quick off the mark and its size became evident when you had to park it.For all that it drove well, the wonderful 3.5-litre Nissan V6 always a joy to drive. In the Murano it boasted 191 kW and 336 Nm, enough to move it along at a steady clip while returning a claimed 10.9 L/100 km. There was just the one transmission on offer; that was a CVT, while the final drive was through all four wheels as needed.The CVT was rated an improvement over previous attempts at the quirky transmission, and there were six pre-set change points that made it feel more like a normal gearbox. A high driving position and good vision in all directions aided navigation around town, and with its light steering it was relatively easy to park.On the open road the Murano was benign rather than engaging, but it was comfortable and poised if lacking in agility and response.NOWGenerally the Murano is a solid and sound car that gives little trouble. The V6 engine is a jewel and widely acclaimed for its smoothness and performance, and mechanics say it's a reliable unit that rarely causes any concern providing it's serviced as recommended.The downside is the fuel consumption, which is high around town, where the weight really comes into play. Servicing is at 10,000 km intervals and missing, or delaying them is a recipe for an expensive disaster.While the engine is sound the CVT needs a thorough check to make sure all is well. CVTs have been around for a long time, but it's only relatively recently that they have been widely used. The reason is simple, it's taken many years of development to get them to a point they could be released to the general public.But even then they can give trouble, so they need to be carefully assessed before any cash changes hands. Drive the car in as many different situations as possible, at high speed, low speed, walking speed, taking off quickly, slowly, accelerating fast, accelerating steadily. All the time observe for any shuddering, jerkiness, reluctance to move, or any clunks or other noises that seem out of place.Nissan recommends the CVT oil be changed every 100,000 km and it's not to be missed. With the servicing so important it's vital that a check is made of the service record of any car under consideration for purchase. A few minutes spent checking the service record of a car could save thousands of dollars down the track.The Murano only has a braked towing rating of 1500 kg, so it's not a car to consider if you want to tow anything heavy, like a large caravan. The trade gives the Murano a big tick of approval, saying little goes wrong with them as long as they are serviced according to the recommended schedule.SMITHY SAYSIf you want a large, comfortable, stylish town wagon go no further.Nissan Murano 2009-2011Price new: $45,990 to $55,890Engine: 3.5-litre V6, 191 kW/336 NmTransmission: CVT, 4WDEconomy: 10.9 L/100 kmBody: 4-door wagonVariants: ST, TiSafety: ESP, ABS, six airbagsCOMING UPDo you own a Toyota Tarago? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.

And there is likely to be more of it so with all the top resorts reporting big falls of crisp fresh white stuff, enthusiasts are dusting of their ski gear and talking snow talk.Carsguide this week takes a look at some of the newer off-roaders and others we think are some of the more desirable partners in snow.NISSAN DUALIS Price: From $28,990IT is a big seller overseas, but the compact Dualis has been slow to take off with buyers here.But it is a competent snow companion. It's not too big, nor too small, has composed on road manners and reasonable soft-road ability.In keeping with the current crop of smaller off-roaders, the Dualis has a wagon-style design, upright driving position and cabin that will swallow a decent amount of gear.The rear seats split fold 60/40 and the four-wheel drive system has a lock function that splits drive 50/50 front and rear when the going gets tough at lower speeds.The Dualis is powered by a 102kW/198Nm 2.0-litre four that delivers acceptable, but not outstanding performance.The Ti gets standard stability control, six airbags and heated leather front seats.Tick: Compact styling.Cross: Still relatively unknown. VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN Price: From $33,990THE Tiguan is essentially a grown up Golf and takes on all the attributes of its smaller brother, adding all-wheel drive into the mix with a choice of 2.0-litre petrol or turbo-diesel engines.It's slightly longer than the Golf and comes with the 4Motion Haldex all-wheel drive system.There is no low range but the Tig will get you out of most trouble in the snow.One of the impressive things about this off-roader is its handling. Anyone familiar with the Golf will be perfectly at home.Like all VW's the Tiguan is well equipped and gets standard stability control, six airbags and optional hill-descent system.Roof rails are standard and you will need them for a luggage pod because boot space is limited. However, the rear seats do fold almost flat. If you specify leather, the front seats are heated.Tick: Badge and handling.Cross: Luggage space and firm ride. SUBARU FORESTER Price: From $30,990LIKE the previous model, the Forester is a top seller and popular among skiers.The new-generation wagon answers the criticism of limited luggage and rear seat legroom by being bigger and even more practical.However, by growing 90mm in wheelbase and up in overall size the Forester has lost some of that on-road precision that marked the previous model as a standout. Some aspects of the cabin, like the dashboard execution, are not of the quality we expect from Subaru either.Pluses are its size and 2.5-litre boxer four cylinder engines. Subaru build quality is generally good too, as is the constant all-wheel drive system.The Forester has a five-star crash rating and raft of safety features that includes anti-skid brakes, stability control and brace of airbags. Manual Foresters get hill-start assist, which stops the car rolling backwards while first gear is engaged.Tick: It's a Subbie.Cross: Soggy SUV feel. RENAULT KOLEOS Price: From $29,990TO dismiss the Koleos as just a French car over the top of Nissan mechanicals is missing the point.The Koleos is well executed, solid and safe. It has six airbags, stability control and hazard lights that come on after an emergency stop.The "All-Mode 4x4i" all-wheel drive versions also get hill-start assist and hill-descent control.In auto mode, the torque split between the front and rear is automatically determined by the amount of available grip.Entry models are two-wheel drive while all-wheel drive buyers get a choice of the smooth Renault-sourced 2.0-litre dCi turbo diesel or 2.5-litre Nissan-sourced petrol four cylinder.There's plenty of room. The rear centre armrest is removable to allow skis to be pushed through and there are storage bins under the front seats and rear floor.Like the Tiguan, the range topping models with leather get heated front seats.Tick: Better looking than an X-Trail.Cross: Renault badge. AUDI Q5 Price: From: $59,900IT seems that just about any vehicle Audi launches at the moment is a sellout.The Q5 is one of them.Smaller than a Q7, the Q5 has the same off-road attributes in a smaller sharply styled package with good luggage space via the 40/20/40 split rear seats and optional cargo barrier that separates luggage.Two petrol and two turbo diesels are available and the S-tronic seven-speed gearbox contributes to good fuel figures.Audi's permanent quattro all-wheel drive system splits torque 40/60 front and rear, which gives the car relatively neutral handling.For those looking for something bigger, there's the A6 Allroad and the Q7.Unfortunately Audi is becoming just like its German rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz when it comes to equipment.Tick: Space and diesel.Cross: Expensive options. FORD TERRITORY Price: From $39,490THE Territory has just undergone a recent update to bring it into line with the rest of the Ford range.However, the cabin remains largely the same, and that's not a bad thing. It's good for a family and has seven-seater capacity.The Territory's cabin is well thought out and there is lots of storage space.Buyers have a choice of four AWD models or three rear-drive models.Stability control is standard, as are four airbags and anti-skid brakes.The TS and Ghia four-wheel drive models get seven seats as standard. Mum and Dad will also appreciate the standard DVD player in the Ghia.The reversible rear-load floor and compartment for storing wet items is handy.Tick: Practical and good looking.Cross: Getting on despite update. VOLVO XC60 Price: From $57,950THE XC60 is one of the best handling Volvo wagons around and one of the most attractive.The new City Safety feature is more than just a gimmick. The system applies the brakes if you are about to rear-end another car in low-speed situations up to 30km/h.Other Volvo strengths are the lane change warning system and blind-spot warning system. Volvo seats are renown for their comfort. 40/20/40 split rear seat is practical.There is a choice of either the 2.4-litre D5 turbo-diesel, which is about to be upgraded to a twin-turbo for better economy and efficiency, or the 3.0-litre turbo petrol six.Tick: Styling and equipment.Cross: Rattly diesel. LEXUS RX350 Price: From $81,900.THE RX350 has grown slightly, which translates into more interior room.This wagon, like all Lexus models, is packed with equipment that is optional on its rivals like satellite navigation, power rear hatch and rear reversing camera.The Sports Luxury gets active headlights that follow the curve of the road, plus a heads-up display.The safety package consists of stability control with cooperative steering function (VSC+), traction control, anti-skid brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.There is also, hill-start assist, 10 airbags and a first-aid kit.The rear seats split 40/20/40 and there is a wet-storage area in the luggage load floor. Thule luggage pods are also available.Tick: Standard equipment.Cross: Looks bloated. MAZDA CX9 Price: From $51,990It looks big and feels big but once under way, the CX9 shrink-wraps around you.It's well sorted on the road, has a host of safety gear and with seven seats, has plenty of room for the family.The cabin quality is better than the CX9 too.The 204kW/366Nm 3.7-litre V6 has plenty of poke but slurps petrol like a celebrity lining up for a free drink during Melbourne Cup week.The 60/40 split fold rear seats can be released from the luggage area.Tick: Rear seating, quality.Cross: Fuel economy. TOYOTA PRADOPrice: From $48,600THE Prado is the ideal family load-lugger if you need serious space and room for the family.It comes with eight seats and long-range fuel tank of 180 litres.The full-time 4WD system has a low-range setting for heavy off-roading.However only the higher spec Prados get standard stability control, anti-skid brakes, hill-descent control and six airbags as standard so it pays to check the fineprint.GXL, VX and Grande buyers get foglights and roof rails with satellite navigation and height-adjustable air suspension standard only on the top-of-the-range Grande.Tick: Standard and GX lack standard safety gear.Cross: Clunky styling. NISSAN MURANO Price: From $45,990THE previous-generation Murano was a sleeper.In a lineup dominated by the Navara and Patrol, it never really stood out other than a competent family wagon and its soft curves alienated many potential buyers.But Nissan hopes to change that with the new-generation Murano.The styling is sharper, the 191kW/336Nm 3.5-litre V6 a sweet engine that delivers good fuel economy. The packaging is good. The automatic All Mode 4x4-i all-wheel drive system can distribute torque on demand to where its needed.The luxury Ti gets all the fruit, from navigation system to heated front seats, reversing camera, automatic rear hatch and Bose sound system. The 60/40 split rear seats on both the ST and Ti can be flipped forward from the back of the car.Tick: Engine, equipment.Cross: Cheese-cutter grille. RANGE ROVER SPORT Price: From $90,900THE Range Rover brand has a strong following and is the preferred luxury chariot for seriously well-heeled snowgoers.Like the bigger Range Rover the Sport gets the nifty "Terrain Response" off-road system which means you just have to twist the switch to get the required off-road mode.The Range Rover Sport has real off-road capability but we don't think too many owners would ever go bush bashing in the leather-line luxury off-roader, particularly with the stylish 20-inch wheels available some models.The 65/35 split rear seats also have folding cushions and the full-size spare is easily accessible under the car. However, some of the bigger wheel/tyre options make do with a spacesaver.Tick: Luxury.Cross: Reliability.