5N1AZ2MH8JN1818382018 NISSAN Murano
2018 NISSAN Murano was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 15 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
Executive Summary
2018 NISSAN Murano
2018 NISSAN Murano was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 15 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
- 2 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Fire risk — park outdoors recall; Brake system recall)
- Common owner-reported issues: electrical problems
- Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
15 owner complaints filed — top areas: Other (53%), Electrical (27%), Brakes (7%). Common issues: electrical problems.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- NISSAN
- Model
- Murano
- Year
- 2018
- Trim / Series
- Wagon body style
- Body Style
- Crossover Utility Vehicle [CUV]
- Vehicle Type
- MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Drive Type
- 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 3.5L
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Assembly
- CANTON, MISSISSIPPI, UNITED STATES (USA)
- GVWR
- Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
- Base MSRP
- $31,000
Assembly Plant Quality
Nissan North America (Canton)
Builds Titan, Frontier, Armada, Murano, and Altima. Solid quality record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Fire risk — park outdoors recall
- ▸Brake system recall
- ▸1 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
2 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 2 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 2 recalls is ~71%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
NISSAN completes recalls at a fair rate (84%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~21 months.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~21 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
SummaryNissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
SummaryNissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601. In addition, this recall expands the previous population. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.Read full details...
~27% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix
RECALL DIDN'T FIX ITOwner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components
100% of complaints about "BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA" were filed AFTER recall campaign 19V654000 (2019-12-09) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.
Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.
Complaint Intelligence
15 complaints analyzed across 5 system categories
⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse
60% of complaints filed in Jul & Mar — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME15 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my Nissan Murano due to a recurring water leak caused by clogged sunroof/moonroof drain tubes. This problem has now happened for the third time, even after prior repairs by an authorized Nissan dealership. Water repeatedly enters the interior of the vehicle, soaking the carpets and interior areas. I am very concerned about mold and mildew developing underneath the carpeting and inside the vehicle because of the trapped moisture. This creates potential health concerns for passengers and affects the safety and air quality inside the car. I am also concerned about possible electrical damage from repeated water intrusion near wiring and electronic components. The ongoing leaks have caused major inconvenience, repair expenses, and concern about the long-term reliability of the vehicle. The first repair was completed by a Nissan dealership at my own expense, yet the same issue returned multiple times afterward. After researching this problem, I found that many other Nissan Murano owners have reported similar recurring drain clogging and water intrusion issues. I believe this may indicate a design defect or inadequate drainage system that should be investigated further. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this issue for potential safety risks related to mold exposure, electrical failures, and recurring water intrusion affecting Nissan Murano vehicles.
When my car gets to about 20mph the abs light comes on and stays on until I restart the car and drive it again then at 20 mph it come on again I know there are recalls on other Nissan Murano midnight edition for there abs system issues the nhtsa number is 19v807000 other numbers were r1916 and 1920 also 18v601000 my car is showing the same issues the other recalled vehicles are showing and needs to be added to the recall please contact me ty
Forward collision warning light comes on and off while driving. When the light comes on the cruise control will not work and when the light goes off I need to reset the cruise control. This started about two months ago.
The panoramic sunroof front glass on my 2018 Nissan Murano shattered unexpectedly while I was driving on the highway. Fortunately, I had the interior sliding sunshade closed, which prevented the shattered glass from falling directly onto me. The explosion sound was extremely loud — at first, I thought there had been a collision nearby or that a tire had blown out. However, I immediately felt heat and airflow inside the car, and I could hear the shattered glass movement on top of the closed interior shade. That’s when I realized something happened to my sunroof. I immediately took the next exit and pulled over to inspect the damage. There was a large hole in the sunroof and shattered glass sitting right on the interior sliding sunshade. If the sliding interior shade had been open, the glass could have caused me serious injuries. Additionally, the shock from the explosion could easily have caused me to swerve and create a dangerous accident on the highway. I also have no way of knowing whether glass fell onto the highway or struck other vehicles, which is hazardous to others. There were no construction zones, trucks, or any visible road hazards at the time of the incident. I later learned that there is a class-action lawsuit involving Nissan panoramic sunroofs for this same issue — catastrophic glass shattering allegedly caused by the use of tempered glass — and my model and year appear to be included. I filed a claim with my insurance company, brought the vehicle to Nissan dealership, and had the sunroof replaced. Since this incident, I no longer feel safe opening the sliding sunshade at all.
My car several times while driving randomly had the traction control loss light pop up randomly (dry conditions) several times through a 45 minute drive. Around the 35 minute mark it popped up again, and my car completely stalled out. My VIN is allegedly not apart of one of their recalls but it appears as if it’s the exact same issue many others had and that it should have been included with said recall.
The FCW turns off within 10 miles of driving. The FCW light clears up if the vehicle is shut off and restarted. However FCW warning comes back up and the FCW system is disabled.
During acceleration, vehicle has a jerkiness/shutter feeling throughout compartment.
The transmission shutters at low speeds and doesn’t not engage Driving in the freeway is scary
AEB light was on so we took it into the St. Augustine Nissan dealership. They told us the ABS actuator needed replaced and there are now more lights including the ABS on the dash after they were in the car. They said the part was on back order since February and that there were about 70 people ahead of us in line waiting for this part. Hearing that I decided to check for recalls and noticed there were ABS recalls on other Muranos of the same year. This also keeps cruise control from working.
Car was parked for two hours in a private parking space. Onlooker reported seeing it on fire and called 911. Car was completely destroyed by fire. Insurance company reported it was related to this recall.
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2018 Nissan Murano Submitted by: [XXX] Vehicle: 2018 Nissan Murano VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of issue: Approx. 93,500 miles Location: Albuquerque, NM Date of issue onset: [XXX] Summary of the Problem: Shortly after my vehicle was serviced at a Nissan dealership, it began exhibiting serious mechanical and electrical issues. These include: - Transmission jerking and slipping between gears - Uncommanded RPM surging while accelerating - Occasional loss of power, particularly at highway speeds - Dashboard flickering, resetting, and other electrical irregularities - Brake caliper drag and significantly reduced gas mileage Third-Party Diagnosis: A certified independent repair shop reported the following: - Transmission malfunction (needs full replacement) - Dragging brake caliper - Engine overfilled with oil - Erratic RPM behavior Despite these findings, the dealership dismissed all concerns and returned the vehicle unrepaired, with no adequate documentation of the work performed. Additional Concerns: I believe the vehicle was accessed and tampered with while at the dealership. After their service: - My dashboard and door panels were visibly unsealed or repositioned - The vehicle was held for extended periods (multiple weeks) - No paperwork was provided showing any actual mechanical repairs I have before-and-after photographs and text messages confirming this timeline and change in condition. Safety Impact: The transmission failure, RPM spikes, and braking inconsistencies make the vehicle unsafe to drive. These problems pose a significant crash risk, especially in highway traffic or while merging. I’m submitting this report to NHTSA to contribute to any ongoing investigations related to this vehicle make/model and to help prevent further consumer risk. Additional Observation – Abnormal Heat After Driving After driving the vehicle, extreme heat can be felt rising from underneath the dr INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Submitted by: [XXX] Vehicle: 2018 Nissan Murano VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of issue: Approx. 93,500 miles Location: Albuquerque, NM Date of incident onset: [XXX] ⸻ Complaint Summary: My vehicle was in the custody of a local Nissan dealership for approximately 7 to 8 weeks total across multiple visits. When it was returned to me, I noticed signs of unauthorized access and tampering. Specifically: •Dashboard components were visibly loosened or unsealed •Door panels had been opened without any repair documentation •The center console had signs of disassembly •Vehicle returned with mechanical and electrical problems not present before service No official invoice or explanation was provided for these changes, and the dealership denied any responsibility. ⸻ Safety Relevance: The unauthorized access raises serious safety concerns. Unknown modifications or hidden damage to critical systems like the dashboard, airbag wiring, and center console can create fire risk, sensor malfunctions, or structural compromise. Additionally, the lack of disclosure or documentation means there is no clear service record explaining what was accessed or modified. ⸻ Supporting Evidence: I have photographic documentation of the vehicle before and after the dealership’s custody, as well as text messages showing the extended service timeline. These documents confirm that the condition of the vehicle changed significantly while in their possession. ⸻ Requested Action: I am requesting that NHTSA review this complaint for patterns of dealership negligence, particularly involving extended service holds followed by undocumented vehicle return with altered components. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
System: Exterior Lighting / Visibility / Unknown or Other VIN: [XXX] Mileage: Approx. 93,500 Date: October 2024 Issue: After a service visit, my headlights became excessively bright and misaligned. The windshield also began reflecting light in distorted ways, especially at night or in rain. I now experience glare, light flickering, and visibility interference. This makes night driving unsafe and was not present before the dealership visit. I believe the components may have been altered or coated without my knowledge. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
System: Electrical System / Exterior Lighting / Visibility / Unknown or Other VIN: [XXX] Mileage: Approx. 93,500 Date: October 2024 Issue: My vehicle displays abnormal light and energy-based behavior after a service visit. These include daytime lighting under the door, plasma-like red beam scattering at night, and windshield arcs that reflect light unnaturally. Heat radiates through the cabin and undercarriage even after shutoff. These symptoms suggest possible aftermarket or electromagnetic system manipulation and create serious visibi INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Wanted to know if this car has been in an accident before I buy it
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 15 total NHTSA complaints filed over 2 years, with the worst year being 2025 (12 complaints).
The amber reliability line averaged 93/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 90/100 in 2025.
Notably, despite 15 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Manufacturer Extended Warranties & Special Coverage
1 known program match this vehicle — verify current eligibility with dealer using your VIN
Nissan's Jatco continuously variable transmissions (CVT) suffer from overheating, shuddering, sudden deceleration, and premature failure. Nissan extended the CVT warranty following class action lawsuits. In some cases the warranty was extended further to 84,000 miles for documented repeat-failure vehicles. A class action settlement (Ponzio v. Nissan) provided additional reimbursement rights.
Coverage eligibility depends on your VIN, original sale date, and current mileage. Always verify with an authorized dealer or manufacturer customer service — programs may have been updated since this database was compiled.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $41,239 (~$687/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Estimated Market Value
Depreciation-based estimate from original MSRP
Based on original MSRP of $31,000 with suv depreciation curve. Range reflects ±15% market variance. Actual value depends on condition, options, and local demand.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2018 NISSAN Murano — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
20% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.
- ▸Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 5N1AZ2MH8JN181838. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
NISSAN has been fined $3M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2014: Failure to file required Early Warning Reports on vehicle defects.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 5N1AZ2MH8JN181838 |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Make | NISSAN |
| Model | Murano |
| Series | Wagon body style |
| Vehicle Type | MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV) |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Crossover Utility Vehicle [CUV] |
| Doors | 4 |
| Seat Rows | 5 |
| Drive Type | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Displacement (L) | 3.5 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. |
| Assembly City | CANTON |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 5N1 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 8 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | J |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | N |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 181838 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 2 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 15 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/1/2026, 7:01:38 AM.