The 2012 Nissan Murano is a midsize crossover SUV designed for drivers who want a comfortable, quiet ride with a strong V6 and a more premium feel than many mainstream SUVs. It fits well for small families and commuters who value smooth highway manners, supportive seating, and a feature-rich cabin. The 2012 model sits in the second-generation Murano (introduced for 2009), which brought a more refined interior and improved ride quality over the first generation. In the market, it competes with options like the Ford Edge, Toyota Venza, and Honda Crosstour, leaning toward comfort and style rather than off-road capability.

1) 3.5L V6 POWER: The 2012 Murano uses Nissan’s 3.5-liter V6 (VQ35 series), delivering strong acceleration for the class and confident passing power, typically paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 2) FWD OR AWD AVAILABILITY: Front-wheel drive is standard, with available all-wheel drive for improved traction in rain and snow, making it a solid all-season choice for many regions. 3) COMFORT-FOCUSED RIDE AND CABIN: The Murano is known for a smooth, quiet ride and comfortable front seats, with an upscale feel compared to many rivals from the same era. 4) TECH AND CONVENIENCE OPTIONS: Depending on trim, common equipment includes push-button start, a touchscreen-style infotainment/navigation setup, premium audio, and a power liftgate. 5) SAFETY AND PRACTICALITY: A roomy cabin for five and a wide cargo opening make it easy to load groceries or strollers, while available driver-assist features (trim-dependent) add peace of mind.

Shoppers researching 2012 Nissan Murano reliability often focus on a few repeat themes. Overall, many Muranos deliver a long service life when maintained, but there are specific systems that deserve attention. 1) CVT TRANSMISSION CONCERNS: The most discussed item in “2012 Nissan Murano problems” searches is the CVT. Some owners report shuddering, slipping, overheating behavior, or delayed engagement, sometimes appearing around 80,000–130,000 miles (varies widely by maintenance and driving conditions). Fluid condition and driving history matter a lot; neglected fluid or frequent heavy-load driving can accelerate wear. 2) TRANSFER CASE/DRIVELINE LEAKS (AWD MODELS): On AWD versions, a transfer case leak or seep can occur, sometimes noticed by a burning smell or fluid spots on the driveway, often in the 80,000–120,000-mile range. Low fluid can lead to noise and accelerated component wear if not addressed early. 3) ENGINE OIL LEAKS/SEEPAGE: The 3.5L V6 is generally robust, but age-related oil seepage from gaskets or seals can show up over time, particularly beyond 100,000 miles. Oil leaks are usually manageable if caught early, but ignored leaks can damage rubber components and create mess or odor. 4) ELECTRICAL AND COMFORT FEATURES: Owners sometimes report issues with door locks, window regulators, or infotainment/navigation glitches as the vehicle ages. These are typically nuisance problems rather than major mechanical failures, but repairs can add up.