2018 Nissan Murano Safety Report
2018 Nissan Murano: Strong Crash Ratings, but Fire Recall and Forward Collision Avoidance Glitches Noted in Complaints
AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Nissan Murano
Reliability Score
The 2018 Nissan Murano receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2018 Nissan Murano
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Nissan Murano:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake Fluid Leak / Fire Risk A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire. One complaint directly linked a vehicle fire to this recall. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction The Forward Collision Warning (FCW) light comes on, disabling cruise control or the FCW system itself, often requiring a restart to temporarily clear. |
Medium | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Back-Up Camera Display Failure The back-up camera display may not show an image, increasing the risk of a crash when reversing. |
Medium | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Transmission Shuttering/Jerking Vehicle experiences a 'jerking' or 'shutter' feeling during acceleration and at low speeds, with reports of the transmission not engaging properly. |
Medium | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Panoramic Sunroof Shattering Unexpected shattering of the panoramic sunroof glass while driving, creating a loud explosion sound. |
Medium | Rare | N/A miles |
| Electrical System Anomalies Abnormal light and energy-based behavior, excessively bright/misaligned headlights, and distorted windshield reflections, often reported after service visits. |
Medium | Occasional | 93500 miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Nissan Murano:
A significant portion of complaints fall into this category, often involving complex electrical issues, abnormal lighting, or general vehicle malfunctions that are hard to categorize.
Malfunctions where the system turns off, disables cruise control, or requires frequent resets.
Issues ranging from general electrical problems to specific lighting anomalies and system failures.
Reports of transmission 'jerking,' 'shuttering,' or not engaging properly at low speeds.
Issues related to the braking system, including the ABS actuator and the recall-related fire risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Nissan Murano
Is the 2018 Nissan Murano safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Nissan Murano received an excellent 5-star overall safety rating, with strong performance in crash tests (5-star side, 4-star frontal/rollover). However, there are safety concerns from consumer complaints, including a recall for a fire risk related to the braking system and issues with the forward collision avoidance system. One fire incident was reported and linked to the recall.
What are common problems with the 2018 Nissan Murano?
The most reported issues include malfunctions with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, transmission 'shuttering' or 'jerking' at low speeds, and various electrical system anomalies. There's also a significant recall for a brake fluid leak that can lead to an electrical short and fire, and another for a failing back-up camera display.
Has the 2018 Nissan Murano been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 Nissan Murano has been subject to two recalls. One (NHTSA ID: 18V601000) addresses a brake fluid leak that could cause an electrical short and fire. The other (NHTSA ID: 19V654000) concerns a back-up camera display that may not show an image, increasing crash risk.
Are there any fire risks with the 2018 Nissan Murano?
Yes, there is a known fire risk. A recall (NHTSA ID: 18V601000) was issued for a brake fluid leak on the circuit board that could lead to an electrical short, increasing the risk of fire. One complaint explicitly linked a vehicle fire to this recall.
How does the 2018 Nissan Murano perform in crash tests?
The 2018 Nissan Murano performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning an overall 5-star safety rating. It received 5 stars for side impact protection and 4 stars for both frontal crash and rollover resistance.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should verify that all recalls, especially the fire-related brake system recall, have been completed and be aware of reported issues with the forward collision avoidance system and transmission behavior.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Nissan Murano
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Nissan Murano. The data includes 13 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 fire incidents, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Nissan Murano an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.