Nissan has recalled 15,000 Nissan Murano SUVs due to potentially defective suspension part concerns. While the Murano has always been a reliable midsize SUV, the control issue arose in the left and right-hand transverse links. These links are suspected not to have been constructed properly and can cause steering problems. 

The root cause of the problem

Talking about the recall, Nissan says, “In rare cases, the ball joint may separate from the transverse link, which may result in loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.” The Nissan Murano models in question were built between July 28, 2020, and September 16, 2020.

Kobe, the supplier, noted the problem. Nissan issued a statement describing the cause, saying, “due to an equipment issue at the Tier 1 supplier (Kobe), the billet was formed improperly during the roll form process before forging. 

The manipulator chuck, used to form the part, did not rotate 90 degrees before the required second pass, resulting in excess material being folded over or lap condition. As a result, the right and left-hand transverse links may be out-of-specification.”

Nissan Murano recalls

The Nissan Murano has seen its fair share of recalls – it has been recalled 21 times over 14 model years. The repairs done during the recalls are free and are initiated either by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or by Nissan itself. The recalls typically occur if there is a widespread safety problem.

According to Car Complaints, the most recalls for the Nissan Murano occurred in the 2003 and 2005 model years with six total recalls. 2015 and 2016 also saw high recalls, with both years having five recalls. While these recalls are painful for the owners, it is better to have the problem identified and fixed earlier than ignoring the problem and causing painful results.

The problem with traverse links 

Their primary supplier, Kobe, alerted Nissan to the problem of the links. On learning about the issue, the assembly plant inspected and replaced all the suspect Muranos. The plant first fixed all the potentially affected left-hand transverse links. Nissan then learned that the right-hand transverse links were also affected. 

Cars.com tables that Nissan claimed it is not aware of any accidents, warranty claims, or injuries related to the transverse links. Its dealers are to do a full inspection of the right and left-hand transverse links, using LOT codes to identify the affected cars. The dealers will replace any affected transverse links and perform an alignment.

2021 Nissan Murano features

The new Murano has a V6 engine with 240 lb-ft torque and 260 horsepower. The engine type is gas with a base engine size of 3.5 liters. It is a 5-seater, all-wheel drive with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission with a 23 combined MPG.

For its safety, the 2021 Nissan Murano has anti-lock brakes that increase the vehicle’s ability to turn. It also has stability control and front and side-impact airbags and overhead and knee airbags for protection in case of an accident. It also has pretensions that tighten seatbelts that automatically tighten to protect the occupant during a collision and a security system that prevents the engine from starting if the original key isn’t used.

How to know when your car has an open recall

Those who suspect their vehicles may have this problem can contact the Nissan customer service. You can check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall by visiting the NHTSA website. You will find whether your vehicle has an open recall that needs to be addressed. Plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into the website. If a recall appears, then your vehicle is among those scheduled for a recall, but if it doesn’t appear, your vehicle doesn’t have open recalls. Make sure you regularly check to see if your vehicle has a recall issued.