Review: Nissan Z51.I Murano (2009-11)

Overview

Released in January 2009, the Nissan Z51 Series I (Z51.I) Murano was a five-seat, all-wheel drive SUV. Manufactured in Kyushu, Japan, the Z51 Murano was powered by a 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine (Nissan’s VQ35DE) that was mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with six preset ratios for sequential gearshifting. The Z51 Murano range consisted of ST and Ti variants.

VQ35DE engine

The 3.5-litre VQ35DE engine had an aluminium block and heads, four valves per cylinder, double overhead cams, variable valve timing, forged steel connecting rods, a microfinished one-piece forged crankshaft, low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons and a high-flow tuned induction system. The engine also required premium (95 RON) unleaded petrol. For the Z51 Murano, the engine was upgraded with greater cooling efficiency and reduced internal friction.

Dimensions and body

Compared to its Z50 Murano predecessor, the Z51 Murano was 65 mm longer (at 4835 mm) and 15 mm taller (1700 mm, though 1730 mm for Ti variants), but had the same width (1880 mm) and wheelbase length (2825 mm). Furthermore, the Z51 Murano achieved a 45 per cent increased in torsional stiffness, a 95 per cent improved in front lateral stiffness and a 75 per cent reduction in interior noise and vibration levels; the latter was achieved through improved aerodynamics, additional sound insulation and revised engine mounts.

Suspension and steering

The Z51 Murano had MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension and speed-sensitive steering.

AWD system

The Z51 Murano was fitted with Nissan’s ‘All Mode 4×4-i’ all-wheel drive system which utilised an electronically-controlled coupling and an electromagnetic clutch. In normal conditions, drive was primarily directed to the front wheels. However, at speeds of up to 80 km/h, the system would operate in a predictive mode that sought to anticipate wheel spin based on throttle position and engine torque. Beyond 80 km/h, the system would only react to actual (rather than anticipated) wheelspin. At all speeds, up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque could be redirected to the rear wheels. There was also a ‘Lock’ mode which enabled a 50:50 front:rear torque split at speeds of up to 30 km/h.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Z51 Murano included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Z51 Murano had 320 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs and 308 mm by 16 mm vented rear discs.

Features: Murano ST and Ti

Standard features for the Murano ST included 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/65 R18 103H tyres, a six speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary input, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, 60/40 split and flat folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift lever, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, three 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Murano Ti added an eleven speaker Bose sound system (including two subwoofers) with MP3/WMA capability, satellite navigation with 3D maps and a seven-inch colour screen, reversing camera (with predictive path technology), Bluetooth connectivity, heated front seats, front fog lights, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, power folding rear seats, proximity key with push-button start, a power adjustable steering column, driver’s seat and steering wheel memory settings, power operated tailgate, auto-dimming rear view mirror, a rear cargo cover, luggage net and black roof rails.

March 2010: Murano update

In March 2010, the Z51 Murano underwent a minor update: the ST variant gained Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with steering wheel controls and a proximity key with push-button start; the Ti was also equipped with a twin-panel powered glass sunroof as standard.

Related links

Review: Nissan Z51.II Murano (2011-14)

Overview

Released in September 2011, the Nissan Z51 Series II (Z51.II) Murano introduced additional features and a subtle facelift. Visually, the Z51.II Murano could be identified by its new grille, bumper, head and tail-lights, roof rails and multi-spoke alloy wheels. The range, however, was unchanged.

Features

Compared to its Z51.I predecessor, standard features for the Murano ST were extended to include an eleven speaker Bose sound system (including two subwoofers) with MP3/WMA capability, 2GB hard drive and seven-inch colour display, heated front seats, reversing camera, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers and rear privacy glass.

The Murano Ti was further equipped with a new satellite navigation system with a 9GB hard drive and USB/iPod connectivity.

February 2014: Murano update

In February 2014, safety equipment for the Murano Ti was extended to include the following:

• Blind Spot Warning: provided a sound alert and a ‘warning indicator’ in the door mirror to warn drivers of vehicles in their blind spots;
• Lane Departure Warning: provided an audible warning and a display indicator if the driver were to drift out of their lane without indicating; and,
• Moving Object Detection: would provide visual and audio alerts of moving objects behind the vehicle when reversing.

Standard features for the Murano Ti were also extended to include 20-inch alloy wheels and, for the satellite navigation system, an Integrated Traffic Monitoring function (i.e. live traffic updates).

Brochures

• Brochure: Nissan Z51 Murano (September 2011)
• Brochure: Nissan Z51 Murano (January 2013)
• Brochure: Nissan Z51 Murano (February 2014)

Related links

• Specifications: Nissan Z51.II Murano (January 2013)
• Nissan News: Nissan Murano With New Safety Technologies (February 2014)
• Wikipedia.org: Nissan Z51 Murano

Recalls: Nissan Z51 Murano

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Nissan Z51 Murano

2013-15 Nissan Z51 Murano: loss of power steering assistance

In March 2017, a recall was issued for Nissan Z51 Murano vehicles that were manufactured from November 2013 to February 2015. Over time, the high-pressure power steering hose could separate due to incorrect clamp fittings and cause power steering fluid to leak. If this occurred, the driver may need to exert greater steering effort due to the loss of power steering assistance; if the power steering fluid leaked onto a heat source, it could lead to a fire. The recalled Nissan Z51 Murano vehicles had VINs in the range JN1TANZ51A0025546 to JN1TANZ51A0026011 (PRA 2017/15983).

Problems and faults: Nissan Z51 Murano

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Nissan Z51 Murano: won’t start due to electronic steering column lock (ESCL)

Due to a defect in the Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL), the Nissan Murano’s push-button ignition may not work – this is a common problem for circa 2008-11 Nissan vehicles with the ‘Intelligent key’.

To prevent theft, the purpose of the ESCL is to keep the steering wheel locked until the ‘Intelligent key’ is in range of the vehicle. Once the ‘Intelligent key’ is in range, the steering wheel is supposed to unlock. In some cases, however, the ESCL does not detect the ‘Intelligent key’. To fix, the ESCL has to be replaced.

Nissan Z51 Murano: other problems and faults

• Knocking noises from the rear of Nissan Murano AWD vehicles may be due to a faulty electric coupler assembly for the rear driveshaft.
• The rear view display may not work when reversing, requiring a relay and bracket to be replaced.
• A faulty fuel-level sensor may result in the fuel gauge not providing a full reading after refueling.
• For Nissan Murano models with satellite navigation systems, the radio may not cycle through the presets or the display may freeze – these problems require the software to be upgraded.
• If the tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment ceases to work, the motor likely requires replacement.
• For Murano models fitted with a sunroof, the shade may be hard to open or may not open fully; if so, an improved shade was subsequently introduced and can be installed.

Released in January 2009, the Nissan Z51 Series I (Z51.I) Murano was a five-seat, all-wheel drive SUV. Manufactured in Kyushu, Japan, the Z51 Murano was powered by a 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine (Nissan’s VQ35DE) that was mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with six preset ratios for sequential gearshifting. The Z51 Murano range consisted of ST and Ti variants… Read full Nissan Z51 Murano review

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Images: Nissan Z51.II Murano (2011-14)

Released in September 2011, the Nissan Z51 Series II (Z51.II) Murano introduced additional features and a subtle facelift. The Nissan Z51.II Murano could be identified by its new grille, bumper, head and tail-lights, roof rails and multi-spoke alloy wheels. The Murano range, however, was unchanged.

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