2018-2024 Nissan Murano 3.5L VQ35DE Engine: Problems, Identification, and Used Replacement

Engine Identification: Is This the Right Part for Your Murano?

The 2018–2024 Nissan Murano uses the 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 engine. This is a durable, naturally aspirated (non-turbo) engine with an all-aluminum block and heads, known for its smooth power delivery. It uses traditional multi-point fuel injection, not direct injection.

The most crucial step in sourcing a replacement is verifying that it is the correct version for your vehicle. The single most reliable way to do this is by checking your vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).

• Check the VIN: The 4th digit of your Murano's VIN must be 'A'. This confirms your vehicle was built with this specific engine variant.

What Does NOT Interchange?

What is Included in a Used Assembly?

When buying a used engine from a professional auto recycler, it typically includes the engine block, cylinder heads, all internally lubricated parts (pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valves), oil pan, valve covers, timing covers and chain assembly, intake manifold (upper and lower plenums), fuel injection system (fuel rail and injectors), throttle body, 🎬 Watch: How to perform an idle relearn after throttle body service and harmonic balancer.

It will not include bolt-on accessories like the alternator, starter motor, A/C compressor, power steering pump, exhaust manifolds, ignition coil packs, engine control unit (ECU), or plastic cosmetic engine covers. You must transfer these from your old engine.

Common Failure Symptoms: How to Know Your Engine is Bad

Before condemning the entire engine, it's important to rule out less expensive issues like a bad alternator or starter. The following symptoms, however, often point to severe internal engine problems that require a full replacement.

• Deep Knocking Noises: A rhythmic, deep knocking sound from inside the engine that increases with RPM often indicates failed rod bearings, a sign of terminal failure.
• Metal Shavings in Oil: When changing the oil or checking the filter, finding significant metallic glitter is a clear sign of internal components grinding themselves apart.
• Catastrophic Oil Pressure Loss: A sudden and complete loss of oil pressure, confirmed with a mechanical gauge, can be caused by a failed oil pump or severe internal leaks from worn gaskets.
• Low or No Compression: If one or more cylinders have very low or zero compression, it could mean failed piston rings, a blown head gasket, or a damaged valvetrain.
• Excessive Oil Consumption with Blue Smoke: While some oil use can be normal on high-mileage engines, burning a quart every few hundred miles, accompanied by blue smoke from the exhaust, points to worn piston rings or valve seals.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Known Issues, Service Bulletins, and Recalls

While this engine is generally reliable, there are several known issues and factory communications to be aware of, especially when purchasing a used unit. As of mid-2024, there are no major safety recalls for the internal mechanical components of the 3.5L VQ35DE engine in the 2018-2024 Murano.

Community-Reported Issues on High-Mileage Engines

• Timing Chain Guide & Tensioner Wear: On engines over 100,000 miles, the plastic guides and tensioners for the timing chain can wear out. It is highly recommended to inspect these parts before installing a used engine and replace them as a preventative measure.
• Oil Leaks: The valve cover gaskets and, more critically, the rear timing cover's paper oil gallery gaskets are common leak points on older units. A gallery gasket failure can cause a catastrophic drop in oil pressure. These are best replaced while the engine is out of the vehicle.
• High-Mileage Oil Consumption: High-mileage units can consume oil due to worn piston rings, valve stem seals, or a clogged PCV baffle built into the valve covers.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

TSBs are instructions from Nissan to its dealers for addressing common problems. These are not recalls.

What Fails at Every Mileage Band

Under 60,000 Miles

Major mechanical failures are uncommon at this mileage. Owner reports from this period are more likely to involve electronic glitches with features like the forward collision sensor or infotainment system, or CVT transmission juddering/hesitation, rather than internal engine problems.

• ✓Do during install (required): Install a fresh premium oil filter and fill with 5.1 quarts of API SN/SP certified 5W-30 or 0W-20 engine oil. Fill with fresh Nissan Blue Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant.
• ✓Do during install (recommended): Replace the rear main seal, front crankshaft seal, and all accessible gaskets like valve covers and intake plenums.
• ✓Cheap insurance while the engine is out: Check the condition of the spark plugs and serpentine belt and replace if they show any signs of wear.

60,000 - 100,000 Miles

This is the range where oil consumption can become noticeable, with some owners reporting needing to add a quart every 1,000-2,000 miles due to piston ring or valve stem seal wear. Leaks from the valve cover gaskets and the front timing cover are commonly reported starting around 80,000 miles. Water pumps and thermostats can fail around the 90,000-mile mark.

• ✓Do during install (required): Replace valve cover gaskets, thermostat, and water pump. These are common failure points and are much easier to access with the engine out.
• ✓Do during install (recommended): Replace all three timing chains, guides, and tensioners. While the service life is stated to be around 150,000 miles, signs of wear like startup rattle can begin after 100,000 miles.
• ✓Cheap insurance while the engine is out: Replace the paper-style rear oil gallery gaskets with upgraded, steel-reinforced versions to prevent a future drop in oil pressure. Replace six new OEM-spec double-platinum or iridium spark plugs (e.g., NGK DILKAR7B11), all seals (front crank, rear main), and intake gaskets.

100,000 - 150,000 Miles

A distinct metallic rattle on cold starts is a classic sign of worn timing chain tensioners and guides. If ignored, this can lead to the chain skipping a tooth or breaking. The original paper oil gallery gaskets are known to fail in this mileage range, causing a significant drop in oil pressure (triggering codes P0011, P0021). Failure of the catalytic converters can also cause ceramic dust to be ingested by the engine, leading to scored cylinder walls.

• ✓Do during install (required): Perform a full timing chain service (chains, guides, tensioners) and oil gallery gasket replacement (using upgraded steel-reinforced gaskets). Replace the water pump, thermostat, valve cover gaskets, rear main seal, and front crank seal.
• ✓Do during install (recommended): Thoroughly inspect the oil cooler for contamination (if the old engine failed internally).
• ✓Cheap insurance while the engine is out: Replace all spark plugs and intake gaskets.

Over 150,000 Miles

Engines in this mileage range are susceptible to all previously mentioned issues. Oil consumption is common, and leaks are probable if gaskets haven't been replaced. The timing chain system is considered a maintenance item at this point.

• ✓Do during install (required): Assume all major wear items need replacement. Install a complete timing chain kit, oil gallery gaskets (upgraded type), water pump, thermostat, all seals, and all gaskets.
• ✓Do during install (recommended): Perform a comprehensive service, including new spark plugs, serpentine belt, and all fluids.
• ✓Cheap insurance while the engine is out: Thoroughly clean and inspect all transferred accessories and brackets.

Real Owner Experiences

Replacement Cost Comparison

The cost to replace a Nissan Murano engine varies widely based on the type of replacement unit you choose. Labor for this job is significant due to its complexity.

Repair or Replace?

Deciding whether to fix your current engine or replace it entirely depends on the specific failure and the overall health of the engine.

• Timing Chain Guide and Tensioner Wear: A typical repair costs $1,200 - $3,000. This makes sense if the rest of the engine is healthy (good compression, no oil consumption) and the noise is the primary symptom.
• Oil Leaks (Valve Covers, Rear Oil Gallery Gaskets): Valve cover gaskets are a minor repair. However, rear oil gallery gaskets are extremely labor-intensive, costing $2,100 - $3,000. This repair only makes sense if the engine is otherwise in excellent condition, and is often addressed proactively during a timing chain service.
• High-Mileage Oil Consumption: Repairing internal oil consumption issues by replacing piston rings and/or valve seals requires a complete engine teardown and rebuild, costing $2,500 - $5,500+. Given the cost of a used engine ($850-$1,600), a full replacement is almost always the more economical choice.

When Replacement is Smarter: Replacement is the smarter option when the engine has suffered catastrophic failure (like a thrown rod), has severe internal oil consumption from worn piston rings, or when the cost of multiple repairs (e.g., timing chain AND oil gallery gaskets) approaches or exceeds the cost of a lower-mileage used engine plus labor. If a head gasket has failed due to overheating, the risk of a warped cylinder head makes a complete engine swap a safer bet.

Questions to Ask Your Installer

• Have you worked on this specific VQ35DE engine in a Murano before?
• How will you ensure the torque converter is properly seated in the CVT before mating the engine and transmission to prevent pump damage?
• What is your process for bleeding the cooling system to prevent air pockets, which are common on this engine?
• Will you be replacing the rear main seal, front crank seal, and thermostat while the engine is out?
• If my original engine failed internally, do you agree we must replace the engine oil cooler to prevent contamination of the new engine?
• What is your procedure for the mandatory electronic relearns, such as the Idle Air Volume Relearn and Crankshaft Position Sensor Relearn? Do you have the appropriate bi-directional scan tool?
• How will you handle the Nissan Anti-Theft System (NATS) programming to ensure the car will start?
• Will you be inspecting the paper oil gallery gaskets behind the timing cover, and do you recommend replacing them with the upgraded metal versions?
• Can you confirm you will clean all engine-to-chassis ground connections thoroughly during reinstallation?

Installation: Critical Steps and Common Mistakes

Installing this engine is an expert-level task. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or hiring a professional, awareness of these specific challenges is key to a successful swap.

Special Tools & Programming

This is not a simple mechanical swap. Modern electronics require specific tools and procedures.

• Specialized Tools: A heavy-duty engine hoist, an engine stand, ball joint separator, axle nut sockets, and fuel/AC line disconnect tools are mandatory. Critically, Nissan specifies an Engine Support Tool (J-50246 or equivalent) for safely handling the engine during CVT separation.
• Mandatory Relearn Procedures: After installation, the vehicle will not run correctly (or at all) without several electronic relearn procedures. This requires a professional-grade bidirectional scan tool like the Nissan CONSULT-III Plus. Key procedures include:
  • Nissan Anti-Theft System (NATS) Re-marriage
  • Idle Air Volume Relearn
  • Throttle Valve Closed & Accelerator Pedal Position Relearns
  • Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Pattern Learning

Pre-Installation Checklist

Installation Gotchas and Common Mistakes

• Torque Converter Seating: The torque converter must be fully seated into the CVT transmission's front oil pump splines (typically requiring three distinct 'clicks' or drops) before bolting the engine and transmission together. Never use the bellhousing bolts to pull them together, or you will destroy the transmission's internal oil pump.
• Coolant Air Pockets: The VQ35DE is notorious for trapping air in the heater core and cooling passages. You must use a spill-free funnel or vacuum-lift refiller, elevate the front of the vehicle, open the air bleeder valve on the heater hose near the firewall, and rev the engine in short bursts to purge all air.
• AWD vs. FWD Configuration: If swapping between AWD and FWD configurations, you must transfer the lower oil pan, intermediate shaft brackets, oil pickup tube, and the power take-off unit (PTU) / transfer case from your original engine.
• Fragile Sensors: Camshaft and crankshaft position sensors are plastic and easily damaged. Remove them temporarily during the physical swap to keep them safe.
• Ground Straps: Missing or loose engine-to-chassis grounds will cause immediate sensor communication failures, erratic shifting, or damage to the ECM. Ensure all straps are thoroughly cleaned and reconnected to their exact factory locations.
• Swapping Rear Coil Pack Connectors: The wiring harness for the rear cylinder bank has very similar connector lengths. Accidentally swapping the plugs for cylinders 3 and 5 will cause a severe misfire and ruin the catalytic converters.
• Reusing Torque-to-Yield (TTY) Bolts: Reusing critical TTY bolts (like cylinder head bolts) can lead to improper clamping force and engine failure.
• Not Swapping the Correct Flex Plate: Automatic transmission flex plates can have subtle differences between model years; compare and swap the original flex plate if they do not match perfectly.

Freight & Delivery Reality

When you order a used engine assembly, it does not arrive in a cardboard box via standard parcel delivery. A complete 3.5L VQ35DE engine weighs approximately 466 lbs and measures roughly 37" x 35" x 30" before crating. It will ship as LTL (Less Than Truckload) freight strapped to a wooden pallet.

Because of its size and weight, delivery requires a freight truck equipped with a liftgate to lower the pallet to the ground. You must be present to receive the shipment. Always inspect the engine thoroughly before signing the delivery receipt. Check for any physical damage to the oil pan, valve covers, or sensors that may have occurred during transit. If you sign for it without noting damage, you lose your ability to file a freight claim.

Prior to purchasing, expect a reputable seller to conduct a pre-purchase verification interview. They will ask for your VIN to confirm the 4th digit is 'A' and verify your drivetrain layout (FWD vs. AWD) to ensure you are getting the exact match for your Murano.

Before the First Start: Priming and Fluids

When installing a used engine, you must prepare it before turning the key. A used engine has been sitting, meaning all the oil has drained into the bottom pan. Starting it dry will cause instant damage.

Mandatory New Fluids

You must install a new oil filter and fill the engine with fresh fluids before starting.

• Engine Oil: Use 0W-20 full synthetic motor oil. This is the exact weight required for the 2018-2024 Murano to keep the variable valve timing system working correctly.
• Coolant: Use Nissan Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or an equivalent 50/50 premixed coolant designed for Asian vehicles. Do not mix blue coolant with older green coolants.

Oil Priming Procedure (Crank Without Start)

You must build oil pressure before letting the engine actually run. This pushes fresh oil into the bearings and timing chain tensioners.

1. Disable the fuel system: Remove the fuel pump fuse from the fuse box. This stops fuel from entering the engine.
2. Disable the ignition system: Leave the ignition coil packs unplugged so the spark plugs cannot fire.
3. Crank the engine: Turn the key to the start position and let the starter motor spin the engine for 10 to 15 seconds.
4. Wait and repeat: Wait one minute to let the starter motor cool down. Repeat the 10 to 15-second cranking process two or three more times. Watch the dashboard for the red oil pressure warning light to turn off.
5. Reconnect and start: Plug the ignition coils back in and reinstall the fuel pump fuse. The engine is now safe to start.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)