2008 Nissan Murano Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
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Quick Facts · 2008 Nissan Murano
- Has 1 NHTSA recall on record — the most notable involves the air bags.
- Outscores the 2007 Nissan Murano by 3 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.
- The system most likely to surface first: transmission (cvt) (critical severity).
The 2008 Nissan Murano at a glance
- Is the 2008 Nissan Murano reliable?
- Autojunket rates the 2008 Nissan Murano 68/100 (grade C+), categorized as moderate risk. A comfortable and stylish crossover, but the critical CVT flaw demands extreme vigilance.
- Should I buy a used 2008 Nissan Murano?
- Autojunket recommends reading the full reliability report before buying a 2008 Nissan Murano. While the Murano's V6 engine and comfortable ride are attractive, the almost guaranteed eventual failure of its CVT makes it a high-risk purchase. Only consider this vehicle if you have a confirmed service history of diligent CVT fluid changes, a thorough pre-purchase inspection confirms CVT health, and you have a s…
- Which Nissan Murano years are the most reliable?
- Best model years to buy: 2015-2018 (later generations with improved CVT designs). Years to avoid: 2003-2014 (first two generations with most problematic CVTs).
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Nissan Murano?
- The top failure points on the 2008 Nissan Murano are Transmission (CVT) (typically around 60,000-120,000 miles), Front Suspension Components (typically around 75,000-120,000 miles), Electrical - Power Window Motors (typically around 80,000-140,000 miles). Autojunket's full report includes repair-cost ranges and inspection checklists for each.
- At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Nissan Murano?
- The first major mileage danger zone for the 2008 Nissan Murano is around 30,000. Early Maintenance Zone — At this mileage, the vehicle is relatively new, but it's crucial to ensure basic services like oil changes and tire rotations are performed. This is also a good point to consider the first CVT fluid drain and fill, contrary to Nissan's l…
Every answer is generated from real repair, recall, and ownership data — full breakdown in the report.
Read the full free reportShould You Buy the 2008 Nissan Murano?
The 2008 Nissan Murano offers appealing style and a strong V6, but its notorious Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) places it firmly in the 'proceed with caution' category. While other components hold up reasonably well, the high probability of a costly CVT failure means a thorough pre-purchase inspection is non-negotiable for any prospective owner.
While the Murano's V6 engine and comfortable ride are attractive, the almost guaranteed eventual failure of its CVT makes it a high-risk purchase. Only consider this vehicle if you have a confirmed service history of diligent CVT fluid changes, a thorough pre-purchase inspection confirms CVT health, and you have a s…
Best Model Years
2015-2018 (later generations with improved CVT designs)
Years to Avoid
2003-2014 (first two generations with most problematic CVTs)
Biggest Strengths
- Smooth and powerful VQ35DE V6 engine
- Comfortable ride and spacious interior
- Distinctive styling that still holds up
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2008 Nissan Murano, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The Xtronic CVT (RE0F09A) is prone to overheating, shuddering, and complete failure. Symptoms include loss of power, erratic shifting, or a complete inability to move. This is often due to internal component wear, fluid degradation, and…
Common wear of front lower control arm bushings and strut mounts leads to clunking noises, reduced ride quality, and uneven tire wear. While not catastrophic, it's a frequent and noticeable issue that affects handling.
Failure of power window motors, particularly on the driver's side, is a common nuisance. It typically manifests as slow operation, grinding noises, or complete inoperability of the window, often requiring full motor replacement.
2008 Nissan Murano Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2008 Nissan Murano most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Early Maintenance Zone
At this mileage, the vehicle is relatively new, but it's crucial to ensure basic services like oil changes and tire rotations are performed. This is also a good point to consider the first CVT fluid drain and fill, contrary to Nissan's l…
Critical Maintenance Zone
This mileage marks a critical point for the CVT. If not already done, a full CVT fluid exchange (not just a drain and fill) is absolutely vital to try and stave off premature failure. Other common wear items like brakes and tires may nee…
Elevated Risk Zone
The risk of CVT issues significantly increases here. Be highly attuned to any signs of transmission hesitation, shuddering, or unusual noises. Suspension components like control arm bushings and struts often begin to show significant wear.
High Risk Zone
At this mileage, a Murano without a prior CVT replacement is living on borrowed time. Major CVT failure is a distinct possibility. Other components like engine mounts, alternators, and accessory belts may also require replacement.
2008 Nissan Murano Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2008 Nissan Murano on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$450-700
Moderate Repairs
$600-1,800 occasionally (suspension, minor electrical)
How Long Does the 2008 Nissan Murano Last?
Focus heavily on CVT service records and performance. Vehicles with over 80,000 miles and no documented CVT fluid changes carry a significantly higher risk of impending failure; avoid them unless you're prepared for a transmission swap.
What 2008 Nissan Murano Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Smooth and responsive V6 engine power
- Comfortable and quiet cabin on long trips
- Distinctive, curvaceous styling that stands out
- Good cargo capacity with rear seats folded
Common Frustrations
- Persistent anxiety over potential CVT failure
- Relatively poor fuel economy for its class
- Some cheap-feeling interior plastics that scratch easily
- Visibility issues due to thick pillars and small rear window
Who Should Buy the 2008 Nissan Murano?
Best For
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking luxury features (with caveats)
- Mechanically inclined individuals willing to manage CVT risks
- Those who prioritize comfortable highway cruising over aggressive driving
Not Ideal For
- Anyone seeking worry-free, long-term reliability
- First-time car buyers with limited repair budgets
How the 2008 Nissan Murano Compares to Rivals
While offering a more upscale feel than some competitors, the 2008 Murano's reliability is significantly hampered by its CVT, placing it below segment leaders like the Toyota Highlander and Honda CR-V in overall long-term dependability.
More Reliable Than
- Jeep Compass (early models)
- Dodge Caliber
- Saturn Vue (VTI CVT models)
Comparable To
- Ford Edge (first generation, some early transmission issues)
- Hyundai Santa Fe (first generation, general aging)
NHTSA Recalls
1 recall on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS
NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CONTROL UNITS. A VARISTOR IN THE OCS CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU).
What breaks on the 2008 Nissan Murano?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
Autojunket OSC · OSC Transfer
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Nissan Murano by Year
Compare AutoScores across nearby years of the Nissan Murano. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by AutoScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2008 Nissan Murano
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Where the 2008 Nissan Murano report beats Carfax + CR
Carfax tells you if it crashed. Consumer Reports rates the whole nameplate. Autojunket tells you what will actually break on this specific year — and how to negotiate it.
Year-specific reliability score
Common problems + repair costs
Mileage danger zone map
AI negotiation script + walk-away price
Single report price
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Comparisons
Sell your 2008 Nissan Murano for what it's actually worth.
Log every service on your Nissan Murano. When it's time to sell, hand the buyer a signed PDF — every receipt, mileage-verified, close the deal at your price.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
- Snap-a-receipt AI log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Shareable buyer view link
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