March 12, 2013
Murano Drivers Side Seat Breaks – TSB’s But Nissan Fails To Issue Recall
Here’s another reason not to buy Nissan and how they don’t stand behind their product. A 2006 Nissan Murano owner just wrote in about her driver’s seat breaking while driving. The frame needs to be replaced, which is a costly repair, owners reporting dealers quoting upwards of $900-$1,000.
I did some online research and found this is a common problem with many Murano owners posting online complaints. And Nissan fails to issue a recall, although according to a posting by davemunyan at the forum at nissanmurano.org, here are the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) Nissan issued on the problem:
TSB# 05043
Date of Bulletin: Mar 29, 2007
Summary: DRIVERS SEAT NOISE AND/OR ROCKS BACK AND FORTH. *SC UPDATED 04-06-07. *KBTSB# 05095
Date of Bulletin: Oct 15, 2003
Summary: DRIVER’S SEAT ROCKING/SQUEAKING. *TT
This was the same as my car, there were at least three TSB’s on my Sentra. A TSB is issued by the manufacturer when they know there is a problem, and the TSB is to help the dealers fix the problem. But for whatever reason, read costs, Nissan does not care about their customers enough to issue a recall.
davemunyan also reports the dealer originally quoted him $900 for the fix and he got them to repair it for $300. Another poster, MCowher, says he got Nissan Corp. to do a “Goodwill Repair” and fix it for free (much better than the $948 he was originally quoted).
Here is a Youtube video on how to repair yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViOSqIrrLRY (Disclaimer: I do not condone this nor do I have any knowledge to it’s effectiveness).
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation on this problem in 2008 on the 2005 Murano, but closed it in 2009 because according to them, the risk while driving could not be demonstrated. Here is the full report:
NHTSA Action Number: N/A NHTSA Recall Campaign Number:
PE08065 N/A
Make: NISSAN Model: MURANO
Manufacturer : NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Year : 2005
Component :
SEATSDate Investigation Opened : November 18, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : July 2, 2009
Summary:
THIS INVESTIGATION CONCERNS STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF THE ANCHOR/BRACKET ON THE LEFT REAR SIDE OF THE DRIVER’S SEAT. THE CONCERN IS THAT SUCH FAILURES MAY ALTER THE DRIVER’S SEATED POSITION SO AS TO REDUCE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEM OR POTENTIALLY COMPROMISE VEHICLE CONTROL. FAILURE OF THE SUBJECT ANCHOR BRACKET RESULTS FROM METAL FATIGUE AND CAUSES REARWARD TILTING OF THE DRIVER’S SEAT. THESE FAILURES USUALLY OCCUR DURING DRIVER INGRESS BUT MAY ALSO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED. THE SAFETY RELATED CONCERNS DURING ACTUAL VEHICLE USE WERE NOT VALIDATED BY THIS INVESTIGATION. WHILE THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS PROBLEM IS RELATIVELY HIGH, ONLY THREE VERY MINOR, UNDOCUMENTED INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE REPORTED INJURIES OCCURRED DURING DRIVER INGRESS, NOT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THAT THE APPARENT RISK OF COMPROMISE TO VEHICLE CONTROL HAS NOT BEEN DEMONSTRATED. INVESTIGATION ALSO DISCLOSED THAT THE APPARENT RISK OF COLLAPSE OF THE DRIVER’S SEAT BACK HAS NOT BEEN DEMONSTRATED A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT TREND WAS NOT IDENTIFIED AND THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.
Here’s some of the research showing this is a big problem with the Nissan Murano:
2006 Murano:
http://www.justanswer.com/nissan/4lp9i-2006-murano-driver-s-seat-snapped-rocking-a-recall-will-not.html
http://www.nissanmurano.org/forums/82-1st-gen-2003-2007/16393-driver-seat-broke.html
2005 Murano:
http://www.nissanmurano.org/forums/66-problems/10406-more-drivers-seat-problems.html
http://www.nissanmurano.org/forums/66-problems/2744-seat-track-replacement-3.html
http://www.nissanmurano.org/forums/66-problems/14617-drivers-seat-cheap-repair.html – has a picture of where to weld it to fix it
http://forums.nicoclub.com/2005-murano-seat-lifter-rail-broke-t470215.html
2004 Murano:
http://www.nissanmurano.org/forums/66-problems/1548-drivers-seat.html
——-
Remember, this is why you:
DON’T BUY NISSAN
BUY THE COMPETITION
——
Changing the world one post at a time. Dedicated to providing current Nissan owners with information to help them, and to all consumers to provide research in order to help them learn that you: Don’t Buy Nissan, Buy the Competition.
My aim is to give a truthful, accurate account of the four year nightmare of owning my Nissan Sentra and the stress, exhaustion, and anger I experienced dealing with Nissan Corp. and the three dealerships. If anyone I mention here or elsewhere on my blog wishes to email me with any comments on anything I say, or wishes to contradict or challenge anything I say, I will be more than happy to review any comments, to post your comments and then comment on them myself, or remove anything that I find out to be inaccurate.
THIS IS THE THE TRUTH ABOUT NISSAN AND HOW NISSAN CORP. AND THE DEALERSHIPS TREAT THEIR CAR OWNERS.
37 comments
Comments feed for this article
May 4, 2013 at 4:29 pm
Uramaraju
all most all their dealers are also frauds.
June 14, 2013 at 12:20 pm
Johan sauer
Any want to file a class action lawsuit?
September 27, 2013 at 12:40 pm
Zeak
yes I would, I just got quoted $1800 from nissan to repair sent frame and I called nissan who called me back but of course you know they wouldn’t cover it. So I rock back and forth on the road especially when I hit the breaks.
August 21, 2013 at 4:45 pm
Clarence Holmes
My transmission went out in my 2004 maxima.
October 31, 2013 at 1:02 pm
Vonda Ricciardi
Mine just broke! Lets start a class action suit, or at the very least get a recall!!!
November 26, 2013 at 8:41 pm
Lawni Peterson
Mine just broke @ 98,500. I don’t know how this is not a recall item. Shame on the NTSB and on Nissan.
November 29, 2013 at 7:57 am
Koos Botha
Nissan South Africa’s attitude the same. My 2006 seat frame snapped with a hell of an noise. no already busy negotiating or trying to get answers for almost 5 months. Had to leave the vehicle at Nash Nissan for a whole day for a report to HQ. Were called today by HQ after a e-mail to them that why no feedback only to hear that the lady that was tasked to report no longer at the dealer and the manager trying to find the detail. I promised them that I refuse to be inconvenienced again and need answers now. maybe they will get back to me next week. It’s shocking to experience this service and ignorance. this is my last Nissan product on my property. Also going to contact AA as member to see if they will assist.
NISSAN SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 30, 2013 at 10:16 am
jim topelski
2006 seat just broke at 82,000 miles. need a recall.
January 14, 2014 at 1:35 pm
Rob Smith
1/14/2014 2006 Murano seat just broke at 105,380 miles. I called Nissan dealer and Corporate and awaiting a call back from the escalation. I also sent an email to NTSB after seeing all the similar complaints o the internet.
January 28, 2014 at 7:17 am
Wanda
Hi, Texas here! My seat broke on Jan 23, 2014 while I was driving and I was startled. Yes its the left rear side of the driver seat. WOW! How can they just ignore this problem.
January 28, 2014 at 7:18 am
Wanda
Texas again, I have 125,000 miles
January 29, 2014 at 12:21 pm
Dennis
Mine broke too yesterday 2006 Murano just went through the 120K Nissan inspection and service too, less than 2 weeks ago. I haven’t called Nissan though. Driving to them on the weekend to see what the estimate is.
February 2, 2014 at 11:27 pm
Toni Barnett
My 2006 murano seat broke for the SECOND time! Had taken it to a repair shop the first time (100 bucks) it lasted about a year. They told me it would probably break again because it was such a “thin piece of metal” and it did. I was quoted $400 for a new bracket plus labor.
I also had to remove my driver side visor because it would not stay up.
I really hate these minor problems because I like the car. However, I do feel both are a safety issue.
April 7, 2014 at 2:30 pm
Melissa
Mine broke yesterday. Left rear side of the drivers seat. Almost caused me to wreck. My murano is a 2007 with 80,000 miles. Absolutely ridiculous. Also, the same day my drivers side visor will not stay up. I never use the visor, as I am too short for it to do any good, so I’m concerned with these flaws – particularly on the drivers side. How could the NHTSA and Nissan be okay with this?!?!
April 7, 2014 at 3:06 pm
Melissa
Anyone ever start a class action lawsuit? I’d be more than happy to jump on that.
June 26, 2014 at 8:05 am
Anna
Mine just broke as well 😡2006 @ 100,000
July 18, 2014 at 5:46 pm
Kurt
Mine broke as well.
Same as others here. 2004 Murano with 154,000. Drivers back left bracket.
Class action would be a good idea.
Also have issues with locks not locking or unlocking…anyone else?
July 27, 2014 at 7:03 am
Jon
Mine broke too… Drivers back left side too…
July 27, 2014 at 7:16 pm
Gwen Macias
Murano 2006-72,000-seat, left visor first then right–wait….a motor for the power window will be next…..and let’s not forget, 3 batteries
October 23, 2014 at 2:10 pm
Jim
My seat broke a few days ago. I have over 135k mile on my 2005 Murano so I guess I’m one of the lucky ones! I’ve seen plenty of posts online with breakage less then 100k miles. This is by FAR the worst vehicle I have ever owned!!!! Nissan refuses to do the right thing and the NHTSA refuses to issue a recall. A class action lawsuit is a good idea in theory but could take years to play out. Unbelievable!!!
Welding the bracket may only end up being a temporary fix though since this bracket will continue to be a weak spot in the frame construction. However, it beats the alternative price tag of $1k + from the dealership.
I’m done with Nissan!!
November 3, 2014 at 12:42 pm
David bradshaw
Mine broke too 96000 miles UK. It’s disgusting never bought Nissan before, never buy Nissan again. The Murano, you Hate to Live it.
December 28, 2014 at 11:39 pm
Tom VandeWater
Just finished putting in a $79 after market driver side seat rear bracket on a 2005 Murano with 176,000 miles on it. Took me about 5 hours to do it. I am not a mechanic but sounded better than $1000+ to have a Nissan dealer do it. It broke while my wife was operating the vehicle that we had purchased on Oahu only a week before the break. Indeed, a very dangerous defect. She is very short and her feet barely reach the pedals. When it rocked back she could easily have lost control of the car. I have personally had excellent reliability from Nissan vehicles. Driving one just short of 300,000 miles and another 220,000. This Murano is in great shape other than this unbelievable defect that Nissan is ignoring. Yes, it would be a very expensive recall due to the labor intensive dismantling of the entire seat to repair the failure, but it IS a safety issue regardless of what the NTSB might have concluded. Would be in favor of a class action suit.
December 31, 2014 at 11:08 am
Jeff M.
My 2006 Murano seat just broke at 120,000 with my daughter driving 4 young kids to our cabin. She called me from a gas station and said her seat was diagonal. Thank God there was no accident. I’m very surprised Nissan doesn’t consider this a safety issue.
January 3, 2015 at 2:38 pm
Al
mine broke Dec. 28th 2014. 2006 murano @ 118,000.
Drivers seat frame left bracket. $1690.00 quote for repair.
January 25, 2015 at 7:57 am
C
Mine just broke yesterday after I got off from work. 91,000 miles…my heart is broken, I love my Murano but Dang… another repair
January 25, 2015 at 7:59 am
Ciera
Oh is a 2006 and I have not priced the repair yet
September 2, 2015 at 11:13 am
Melissa O'Leary
Hmmmmm….Imagine that. The driver’s side seat on my 2007 Nissan Murano has broken. I have just over 100k miles. I’m not surprised to find that this a common complaint. This vehicle has been an absolute nightmare. This should be a recall. I have also had the common problem with the flimsy hoses that are pinched and rupture. I have also had problems with the steering, the power steering pump, the plastic coolant tank, the sun roof. You name it. I’ve probably replaced it. What a piece of crap. It is a nice looking vehicle with every luxury feature but I’m feeling like a sucker for purchasing this vehicle. I will never buy another Nissan nor will I ever use a Nissan dealership repair shop ever again. Total rip off.
October 5, 2015 at 4:20 pm
Ryan
Mine broke at 105k today and am totally in for a class action lawsuit. Nissan has been no help what so ever.
October 17, 2015 at 9:47 pm
Jerry
Mine just broke too. Left rear corner of drivers seat. How can Nissan ignore this . Class action lawsuit..
November 28, 2015 at 7:33 am
tasha
Mine broke wed on my 2006 left rear
December 14, 2015 at 7:56 am
Doug
2007 58,000 miles. Seat back broke, dealer made me deal with corporate. 900.00 quoted by dealer who admitted they’re well aware of issue. Lady at corp, blew me off to deal with it myself. Nissan unconcerned about consumer safety apparently. First Nissan, LAST Nissan. Where’s NTSB hiding? Class action sounds forthcoming. Consumers unite against Nissan AND NTSB.
October 5, 2016 at 4:09 pm
Jim Schutt
2006 Nissan Murano junk…. Driver side door handle broke $149… Transmission $440 and now broken driver side seat frame broke… Saved $1,000 did repair with aftermarket bracket for $80… Just junk and no recalls.,.
May 13, 2016 at 11:16 pm
Dorothy
Our 2007 broke a few months ago. Rocks and can’t use automatic seat as only one side will go up but then gets stuck. Dealer says they haven’t and many complaints and no recall. Sad. Class Action would make sense!
Dorothy
May 26, 2016 at 2:43 pm
Gus
Go figure, 2005 Murano just 58k miles, Driver’s seat drops towards the left rear, totally unsafe, feels like its just floating when going over a bump or pothole, or when turning on any direction. Bought as is however due to low mileage and extended warranty, it should be covered by manufacturer. where is the accountability?
June 27, 2016 at 4:23 pm
noel
I will NEVER buy another Nissan. My son was driving my Murano and the seat broke. Thank God he was only driving in our neighborhood. And our dealer said the same thing… $1000 + to fix it.
October 22, 2016 at 11:22 am
mikeynoodles
Mine just broke at 80,000m or 130000km. How is this not a major safety concern for the manufacturer? Last Nissan I’ll ever own, that’s for sure.
October 26, 2016 at 2:41 pm
Marc
Order this part number 87473-CA01A its the piece of the seat assembly that breaks and is only $150.00. As these Murano’s reach 400,000 miles & you complain about a car breaking…… go drive your 60,000 mile Chevy that is half way to the salvage yard.