Two problems related to ignition have been reported for the 2009 Nissan Murano. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2009 Nissan Murano based on all problems reported for the 2009 Murano.
I recently had the opportunity to drive a 2009 Nissan Murano equipped with their "Smart key". Similarly, I also drove a 2007 Lexus GS with a "Smart key". I have found that both vehicles can be shut off and exited with while it is inadvertently left in the "park" transmission position. Although a barely audible chime rings, a driver can exit the vehicle and if the vehicle is on an incline, it can roll freely!! I am astounded that there are no "neutral safety" controls on these new vehicles. Standard key ignitions prevent the driver from releasing the key in any position except "park" . . . Not so with these new "Smart key" cars! I foresee many accidents occurring unless some correction is made in this "option". I don't understand how a government vehicle safety check would overlook this flaw.
The start/stop ignition button on my vehicle if accidentally depressed while the vehicle is in motion completely shuts down the engine and all power equipment. At first I did not realize I accidentally depressed the button while driving, I tested it several times under different circumstances and it shut the vehicle down every time. Under all driving conditions but especially highway speeds this manufacturer defect would certainly cause an accident resulting in serious injury or death. I have contacted the dealership where the vehicle was leased on July 15th with no response, I have also called Nissan consumer affairs also with no response and I have written a letter of complaint to Nissan consumer affairs with a certified copy to the center for auto safety in washington, DC. In the owners manual for my vehicle there is a printed warning not to depress the start/stop ignition button while the vehicle is in motion as it could cause an accident resulting in serious injury. This indicates to me that Nissan is aware of the problem but has done nothing to fix it and in my case never explained that this could happen. In speaking to the sales manager at the dealership he admitted he did not know that this would happen while the vehicle was in motion.