One problem related to engine rattling and whining sounds has been reported for the 2003 Nissan Murano. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Nissan Murano based on all problems reported for the 2003 Murano.
I bought my 2003 Murano in January of 2008. Every time I had an oil change done I was told that I had a very low amount. The low amount was never looked at as a problem. When I was getting a recall completed I was telling the service department employee about my low oil level when I took my car every 3,000 miles. He asked if I had any oil leaks that were left on the ground when I moved my car. I let him know that I have never seen oil on the ground. I also let him know that I hear a rattling noise sometimes when accelerating from a stopped position and sometimes my car gets stuck when I try to accelerate and then after a few seconds it will zoom forward. I have almost rear ended around 6 cars. I try to let cars get a little ways in front of me if it gets stuck so I do not rear end the car in front of me. I should not have to do this. He said that the recall of the alternator would fix the issues with the car getting stuck and they would check the engine. I still have this problem today with the car getting stuck. I had an oil consumption test done every 1,000 miles and by time I made it to the 2,000 miles my oil level was low. So they never did a third oil consumption test like they said they would. Then I was told that they would need to replace the entire engine. I have seen many complaints about the same issue. I feel that the engines that were placed in the 2003 Nissan Muranos were defective and should be recalled because this could cause an accident and I have a 14 month old son in my car with me 90% of the time. Therefore not only is my life and others in cars around me in jeopardy so is my son's life. This defect should be looked into immediately because I am sure there are many other people have this same issue. There is one other issue I had where I had unlocked my doors and put my child in the car. When I went to get in the car had locked on it's own. Luckily we were at the house and had a spare key. I have learned that this issue common.