The Nissan Murano is a comfortable midsize crossover SUV that has been around since the early 2000s. While known for its smooth ride and stylish design, one of the most important parts of keeping your Murano healthy is maintaining the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Unlike traditional automatics, Nissan’s CVTs require very specific fluids and capacities. Using the wrong type or amount can lead to costly problems like slipping, overheating, or even transmission failure.
In this guide, we provide a complete Nissan Murano transmission oil capacity chart across model years, along with the right CVT fluid types, real-world service insights, and recommended products to keep your SUV running smoothly.
Quick Picks – Best Fluids for Nissan Murano CVTs
- Best OEM Choice: Genuine Nissan NS-3 CVT Fluid – factory-specified fluid for 2015+ Murano with CVT8.
- Best for Older Models: Genuine Nissan NS-2 CVT Fluid – designed for 2003–2015 Murano CVT3 systems.
- Best Budget-Compatible: Valvoline CVT Full Synthetic Fluid – widely available, NS-2/NS-3 compatible alternative.
Nissan Murano Transmission Fluid Capacity Chart
Here is a breakdown of fluid capacities by Murano generation and CVT type:
| Model Years | Engine / Transmission | Full Fill Capacity | Drain & Fill Capacity | Fluid Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–2008 | 3.5L V6 / CVT3 (RE0F09A) | 10.7 quarts | ≈ 5–6 quarts | NS-2 |
| 2009–2014 | 3.5L V6 / CVT3 (RE0F09B) | 10.7 quarts | ≈ 5–6 quarts | NS-2 |
| 2015–2019 | 3.5L V6 / CVT8 (RE0F10J) | 9.3 quarts | ≈ 5–6 quarts | NS-3 |
| 2020–Present | 3.5L V6 / CVT8 | ≈ 9.3 quarts | ≈ 5–6 quarts | NS-3 |
Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Right CVT Fluid
- Check Your Model Year: Older Muranos (2003–2014) use NS-2 fluid, while newer models (2015 and later) require NS-3. Using the wrong fluid can cause transmission issues.
- Know the Difference Between Full Fill and Drain & Fill: A full fill is only required after transmission rebuilds or full flushes (~9–11 quarts). A simple drain & fill usually requires 5–6 quarts.
- OEM vs Aftermarket Fluids: Nissan strongly recommends OEM fluids. However, high-quality alternatives like Valvoline CVT fluid are widely used and often more affordable.
- Service Intervals: Nissan suggests CVT fluid service every 60,000 miles under normal use. In heavy towing or hot climates, consider every 30,000–40,000 miles.
- Signs It’s Time to Change Fluid: Shuddering, delayed acceleration, whining noises, or dark/burnt-smelling fluid are common indicators.
Detailed Product Reviews
Genuine Nissan NS-3 CVT Fluid
Best for: 2015+ Murano with CVT8 transmission.
- Factory-specified CVT fluid designed to reduce wear, maintain cooling, and improve transmission longevity.
- Tested specifically for NS-3 CVT-equipped Murano models.
- Pros: Guaranteed compatibility, excellent heat resistance, warranty-safe.
- Cons: Higher cost compared to aftermarket alternatives.
Verdict: The safest and most reliable option for modern Murano owners—worth the premium for peace of mind.
Genuine Nissan NS-2 CVT Fluid
Best for: 2003–2014 Murano with CVT3 transmissions.
- Designed for earlier-generation CVT systems used in the first and second Murano generations.
- Formulated to reduce metal-to-metal wear in belt-driven CVTs.
- Pros: OEM-approved, optimized for CVT3 transmissions.
- Cons: Limited to older vehicles—no use for newer CVTs.
Verdict: Stick with NS-2 for older models—helps keep these early CVTs performing at their best.
Valvoline CVT Full Synthetic Fluid
Best for: Murano owners seeking a cost-effective, widely available option.
- Formulated to be compatible with both NS-2 and NS-3 applications.
- Well-regarded by mechanics for affordability and reliable performance.
- Pros: Budget-friendly, widely available, proven in thousands of Nissan CVT vehicles.
- Cons: Not officially Nissan-approved; some dealers may not honor warranty with non-OEM fluids.
Verdict: A smart pick if you’re out of warranty and want to save money without sacrificing reliability.
Comparison Table – Best Fluids for Nissan Murano
| Product | Best For | Compatibility | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan NS-3 CVT Fluid | 2015+ CVT8 models | NS-3 only | Premium |
| Nissan NS-2 CVT Fluid | 2003–2014 CVT3 models | NS-2 only | Premium |
| Valvoline CVT Fluid | Budget-conscious owners | NS-2 & NS-3 compatible | Mid |
FAQ Section
- How much fluid does a Nissan Murano need for a full change? About 9.3 quarts (2015+) or 10.7 quarts (2003–2014) for a complete refill.
- How much for a drain & fill? Typically 5–6 quarts are replaced in a standard service.
- Can I use NS-2 in an NS-3 Murano? No—fluids are not interchangeable. Always use the exact type specified for your transmission.
- Do CVTs really need frequent fluid changes? Yes—CVTs are sensitive to fluid quality. Fresh fluid helps prevent shudder, overheating, and failure.
- What happens if I overfill? Overfilling can cause foaming, overheating, and poor lubrication—always fill to spec and check at proper transmission temp.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
Knowing the Nissan Murano transmission oil capacity is critical for proper service. Earlier models (2003–2014) with CVT3 use about 10.7 quarts of NS-2 fluid, while newer CVT8 models (2015 and later) require about 9.3 quarts of NS-3 fluid. A typical drain & fill service will take 5–6 quarts.
To keep your Murano running smoothly, stick with OEM Nissan CVT fluids—NS-2 for older models, NS-3 for newer ones. If you’re out of warranty and want to save, Valvoline CVT Fluid is a popular, trusted alternative. Choose the right fluid, change it regularly, and enjoy many more miles of worry-free driving.
Leave A Reply