2007 Nissan Murano Safety Review [ 2009 ]
Nissan Murano Safety Review
Safety - 9.6 (Excellent)
The 2007 Nissan Murano receives exceptional crash test scores and comes with abundant safety measures, though a rear blind spot hampers visibility. All Murano models feature the Nissan Safety Shield, which includes rigorous crash testing and over 50 standard safety features.
Accident Avoidance
The Murano comes standard with four-wheel vented anti-lock disc brakes, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and a tire pressure monitoring system. No optional safety features are available on the base S model, but on the SL and SE models buyers can add the Dynamic Control Package. It offers important driver aids including vehicle dynamic control (VDC) and a traction control system (TCS). This package requires the Touring Package.
Though safety is generally good on the Murano, several reviewers mention its hazardous blind spots, which hamper visibility. "By curving the back end and broadening the back pillar, Murano designers created a wicked blind spot that is sure to vex SUV drivers," says the Chicago Sun-Times. The Detroit Free Press reports another major safety issue with previous models: Nissan recalled 140,000 Muranos from the 2003 through 2005 model years in August 2005 because of concerns that a broken wire within the alternator could deplete power and lead to a crash.
Crash Protection
Safety features that come standard on all models include dual-stage front air bags with seat belt sensors, front-seat side-impact air bags, full-cabin curtain-style head-protection air bags, active front- and rear-seat head restraints, and an energy-absorbing steering column. All Murano models feature the Nissan Safety Shield, a comprehensive approach that includes rigorous crash testing, over 50 standard safety features, available advanced safety technologies, and child safety.
Its effectiveness could easily be inferred from the Murano's exceptional safety scores. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave 2004-2007 models a perfect rating of "Good" in frontal offset crash tests. In addition, the federal government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2006 model a perfect 5 stars for passenger and driver safety in frontal crash tests, and 5 stars for front and rear seat safety in side crash tests. NHTSA determined chance of rollover to be just 15 percent in either the FWD or AWD models. Plus, rollover sensors for the Murano's air bag system activate the air bags in the event of a pending rollover.
