2015-2024 Nissan Murano Radiator Support: Decoding the Critical 2019 Part Split
This guide covers the two different radiator supports used on the 2015-2024 Murano, why they don't fit the 2025+ models, and how to buy a good used one.
- The radiator support for a 2015-2024 Murano will NOT fit a 2025+ model due to a complete generational redesign.
- There is a critical part split in June 2019; you must verify your vehicle's production date to get the correct support.
- The support is made of composite plastic, so when buying used, inspect carefully for hairline cracks and broken mounting tabs.
- Replacement is a complex, professional-level job requiring removal of the entire front end and evacuation of the A/C system.
Generation Change: Why This Part Does NOT Fit 2025+ Murano Models
Critical Compatibility Warning: The 2025 Nissan Murano marked the beginning of a new generation, featuring a completely different body and a new 2.0L turbocharged engine. As a result, radiator supports for the 2015-2024 Murano (third generation) are NOT compatible with 2025 or newer models. Always verify your vehicle's model year before purchasing.
Symptoms of a Damaged Radiator Support
A radiator support is a structural component that does not fail from normal wear and tear. Damage is almost always the result of a front-end collision or a significant impact. Because the support holds so many other parts, symptoms of damage are often seen in the alignment and function of those components.
- Poor Body Panel Alignment: The most common symptom is inconsistent or wide gaps between the hood, fenders, and front bumper. You may find the hood is difficult to close or doesn't sit flush with the fenders.
- Hood Latch and Headlight Issues: A bent support can cause the hood latch to misalign, making it hard to open or secure the hood. Headlights may also be aimed incorrectly, as their mounting points are attached to the support.
- Engine Overheating: If the support is severely damaged, it may not hold the radiator in the optimal position for airflow. This can reduce cooling efficiency and lead to the engine running hot, especially in traffic or at low speeds.
- Rattling or Clunking Noises: A broken or loose radiator support can cause the radiator, condenser, or other attached parts to vibrate and make noise.
Buying a Used 2015-2024 Murano Radiator Support
Since this part is only damaged in accidents, buying a quality used OEM part from an undamaged vehicle is a smart way to save money. However, there are critical details you must verify to get the correct part.
The Critical 06/2019 Production Date Split
Nissan changed the radiator support for the Murano mid-way through the 2019 model year. It is essential to know your vehicle's production date to order the correct part. You can find this date on the sticker inside the driver's side door jamb.
| Vehicle Production Date | Model Years Covered | OEM Part Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 – June 2019 | 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, Early 2019 | 62500-5AA1A (replaces 62500-5AA0A) |
| From June 2019 – 2024 | Late 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 | 62500-5AA1B |
Pro Tip: The earlier support (up to 06/2019) fits both the standard 3.5L V6 and the rare 2.5L 4-cylinder Hybrid model offered in 2016.
Physical Inspection Checklist
The Murano's radiator support is a large, complex piece made primarily of composite plastic. When inspecting a used part, look carefully for hidden damage.
- Check for Hairline Cracks: On plastic supports, impact can cause small, spiderweb-like cracks that are easy to miss. Pay close attention to all corners and mounting points for the headlights and frame rails.
- Inspect All Mounting Tabs: Carefully check every tab, clip receiver, and bolt hole. These small plastic features are often the first to break, even in a minor impact. Ensure none are broken, bent, or stressed (indicated by white discoloration in the plastic).
- Verify Straightness: Lay the support on a flat floor to check for any warping or twisting. Even a slight bend can make aligning the fenders and hood impossible.
- Look for Previous Repairs: Avoid any parts that show signs of plastic welding or epoxy repairs. These are never as strong as the original material and will likely fail.
Why Used OEM is Often Better Than New Aftermarket
While new aftermarket supports are available and cheaper than new OEM, a used OEM part is often the better choice for body repairs. A genuine Nissan part that has been carefully removed from a donor vehicle guarantees perfect alignment for headlights, fenders, the bumper, and the hood latch. Aftermarket parts can sometimes have slight variations in shape or mounting hole locations, leading to hours of extra labor trying to make panels fit correctly.
Replacement Overview & Difficulty
Replacing the radiator support on a 2015-2024 Murano is a professional-level job. It is not recommended for beginners.
- Difficulty: 5 out of 5
- Process: The job requires the complete removal of the front bumper cover, 🎬 Watch: How to remove the front bumper cover grille, headlights, and the bumper reinforcement bar. The cooling system must be drained to remove the radiator and fan assembly. 🎬 See this helpful tip for removing the radiator
- A/C System Evacuation: The A/C condenser is mounted to the radiator support. To remove the support, the A/C system's refrigerant must be professionally evacuated first, and then recharged after the new part is installed. It is illegal and dangerous to release refrigerant into the atmosphere.
Cost of Replacing a Murano Radiator Support
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM | $600 - $900 |
| New Aftermarket | $280 - $505 |
| Used OEM | $200 - $400 |
| Shop Labor | $500 - $800 |
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
As of early 2026, there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Nissan or the NHTSA related to the radiator support for the 2015-2024 Murano. This is a structural part that is not expected to fail under normal operating conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I drive with a broken radiator support?
It is not recommended. If the damage is minor, the vehicle may be drivable for a short distance. However, a significantly broken support cannot securely hold the radiator, headlights, or hood latch, making the vehicle unsafe. A loose radiator can lead to engine overheating, and misaligned headlights are a safety hazard at night.
Is the radiator support the same for all trim levels (S, SV, SL, Platinum)?
Yes. For the 2015-2024 generation, the radiator support is the same across all trim levels. The only compatibility factor is the production date split in June 2019.
Does the radiator support include the side support brackets?
No, the main radiator support is typically sold as a single large assembly. Smaller metal side support brackets that connect the main support to the fenders or frame are often sold separately. Always confirm with the seller what is included.
Do I need to get my car's frame measured after replacing the radiator support?
If the damage was severe enough to require replacing the radiator support, it is highly recommended to have a body shop measure the frame and unibody attachment points. The radiator support bolts directly to the front frame rails, and if they are even slightly out of alignment, the new support and all attached body panels will not fit correctly.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 62500-5AA1A 62500-5AA0A 62500-5AA1B F25205AAMA F25215AAMA
Material: Primarily Polypropylene (PP) Plastic / Composite
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Nissan Murano:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Generation Change: Why This Part Does NOT Fit 2025+ Murano Models
- Symptoms of a Damaged Radiator Support
- Buying a Used 2015-2024 Murano Radiator Support
- The Critical 06/2019 Production Date Split
- Physical Inspection Checklist
- Why Used OEM is Often Better Than New Aftermarket
- Replacement Overview & Difficulty
- Cost of Replacing a Murano Radiator Support
- Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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