The Nissan Murano is a midsize crossover SUV that debuted in the United States for the 2003 model year. It has been offered through three distinct generations, with a fourth generation arriving for the 2025 model year.
Engine timing systems can vary by engine and generation, but the Murano has maintained a consistent approach across its U.S. production history. Identifying whether the engine uses a timing belt or timing chain is necessary for maintenance planning, engine reliability, and avoiding unnecessary repair expenses.
The information below references official manufacturer service data and covers every U.S.-market Nissan Murano model year. All timing system specifications are based on OEM documentation.
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Does the Nissan Murano Have a Timing Belt or Timing Chain?
All U.S.-market Nissan Murano models use a timing chain. No model year or engine option has ever been equipped with a timing belt.
2025 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 2.0L Turbo (KR20DDET) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | New engine for 2025; chain requires no scheduled replacement. |
The 2025 Murano introduced a 2.0L turbocharged engine, replacing the previous V6. The timing chain design eliminates any belt replacement schedule, though oil quality remains critical for long chain life.
2024 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain (unchanged from 2023) |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | No scheduled chain service; consistent oil changes are essential. |
The engine and timing components carried over with no changes. A timing chain means the owner’s manual lists no mileage-based replacement interval for the timing system.
2023 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain (unchanged from 2022) |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | Chain rattling on cold start may indicate tensioner wear. |
This model year continued with the same chain-driven V6 engine. A rattling sound at startup is the most common warning sign before timing component issues become severe.
2022 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain (unchanged from 2021) |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | No timing belt exists; chain is lubricated by engine oil. |
There were no drivetrain updates for 2022. Interference engine design means that if the chain were to fail, piston-to-valve contact would cause significant internal damage.
2021 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain (unchanged from 2020) |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | Routine oil service is the primary maintenance item. |
Timing system specifications remained identical. The manufacturer relies on oil pressure and clean oil to maintain chain tensioner and guide durability.
2020 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain (unchanged from 2019) |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | Chain stretch is uncommon under normal service conditions. |
The 3.5L V6 continued unchanged. No maintenance schedule includes timing chain inspection or replacement, which reduces long-term service costs compared to a timing belt engine.
2019 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain (unchanged from 2018) |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | Metallic noise from the timing cover area warrants diagnosis. |
Engine internals stayed the same. While the chain is not a scheduled wear item, a worn tensioner can produce noticeable sound before a complete failure occurs.
2018 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain (unchanged from 2017) |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | No belt-driven camshaft timing; all timing components are metal. |
The chain-driven V6 remained the only engine choice. Consistent oil maintenance is the most important factor in reaching the intended service life of the timing chain.
2017 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain (unchanged from 2016) |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | Factory documentation lists no timing chain replacement interval. |
No mechanical updates affected the timing system. As with other third-generation Murano models, the engine relies on a single timing chain to drive the camshafts.
2016 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain (unchanged from 2015) |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | Chain durability depends on proper oil viscosity and change intervals. |
The third-generation Murano entered its second year with no engine changes. Oil-related maintenance directly influences the longevity of the chain and its guides.
2015 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | First year of third generation; timing chain requires no scheduled service. |
The redesigned 2015 Murano introduced a new platform but retained the chain-driven VQ35DE V6. Owners benefit from the absence of a timing belt replacement interval.
2014 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain (unchanged from 2013) |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | Final model year of second generation; chain carries over. |
The last year of the second-generation body style used the same V6 and timing chain. No scheduled replacement for the chain was required.
2013 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain (unchanged from 2012) |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | No timing belt service needed; clean oil supports chain life. |
Timing system specifications stayed constant. As with earlier second-generation models, the chain is not listed as a periodic maintenance item.
2012 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain (unchanged from 2011) |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | Chain noise at idle may indicate guide or tensioner wear. |
The powertrain continued without revision. A chain-driven engine avoids the risk of sudden belt breakage, but wear-related sounds should be investigated early.
2011 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain (unchanged from 2010) |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | Engine oil pressure maintains proper chain tension. |
The VQ35DE engine’s timing components remained identical. Oil changes performed at the recommended intervals are essential for chain tensioner operation.
2010 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain (unchanged from 2009) |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | No timing belt exists; the chain is a lifetime component. |
This model year carried the same engine design. The timing chain eliminates the need for a 60,000- or 90,000-mile replacement as seen with belt-driven engines.
2009 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | First year of second generation; timing chain requires no scheduled replacement. |
The second-generation Murano launched with the chain-driven VQ35DE V6. There is no mileage-based timing component service listed in the maintenance schedule.
2007 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain (unchanged from 2006) |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | Final year of first generation; timing chain carries over. |
The first-generation Murano ended with the same timing chain design it launched with. Oil maintenance remained the primary factor affecting chain life.
2006 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain (unchanged from 2005) |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | Chain system does not require periodic tension adjustment. |
No changes were made to the timing components. The chain-driven setup provides consistent camshaft timing without belt-related stretch or replacement intervals.
2005 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain (unchanged from 2004) |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | Interference engine design means chain failure causes severe damage. |
Powertrain specs remained stable. Because the engine is an interference type, any chain-related failure can lead to costly internal repairs.
2004 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain (unchanged from 2003) |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | Same timing system as first model year; no belt replacement needed. |
The timing chain design continued. Owners did not need to budget for periodic timing belt service, a common expense on belt-driven competitors of the era.
2003 Nissan Murano Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | Not applicable (lifetime chain) |
| Maintenance Notes | Debut model year; timing chain requires no scheduled service. |
The original Murano arrived with a timing chain from the start. No U.S.-market version has ever used a timing belt, establishing a consistent design philosophy across all generations.
Timing Belt vs Timing Chain on the Nissan Murano
A timing belt is a rubber-based component that synchronizes crankshaft and camshaft rotation. It operates quietly but requires replacement at defined mileage intervals to prevent sudden failure.
A timing chain is a metal chain typically housed inside the engine and lubricated by oil. It is designed for longer durability and rarely appears on a scheduled replacement list.
Maintenance costs differ substantially. Timing belt replacement is a periodic, often expensive service. A timing chain eliminates that routine expense, though oil changes become more critical to long-term reliability.
Warning symptoms also differ. A failing timing belt may snap with no warning. A worn timing chain often produces a rattling sound at startup or idle, giving advance notice before a complete break occurs.
Nissan Murano Timing System Maintenance
No Nissan Murano model year has a timing belt replacement interval. The timing chain is considered a lifetime component with no factory-recommended replacement mileage.
Pay attention to engine noises, especially a brief rattle on cold startup. This can signal a timing chain tensioner losing its ability to maintain proper tension and should be inspected.
Oil maintenance is the single most important factor for timing chain longevity. Following the manufacturer’s oil change schedule and using the correct oil viscosity keeps the chain, guides, and tensioner properly lubricated.
Timing chain inspection is only needed when symptoms appear. There is no periodic inspection interval, but any persistent metallic noise from the front of the engine requires professional diagnosis.
| Timing Belt | Timing Chain | |
|---|---|---|
| Present on Murano | No | Yes (all years) |
| Replacement Schedule | Not applicable | None (lifetime) |
| Maintenance Focus | Periodic belt replacement | Consistent oil changes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Nissan Murano have a timing belt or chain?
All Nissan Murano models use a timing chain. No model year has ever been equipped with a timing belt.
When should a Nissan Murano timing belt be replaced?
There is no replacement interval because the Murano does not use a timing belt. The chain requires no scheduled service.
Does the timing chain need maintenance on a Nissan Murano?
The chain itself requires no direct maintenance. Regular oil changes with the recommended oil grade are essential for long chain life.
Is the Nissan Murano an interference engine?
Yes, all U.S.-market Murano engines are interference designs. A broken timing chain can cause piston-to-valve contact and severe engine damage.
How much does timing belt replacement cost on a Nissan Murano?
There is no timing belt to replace. Chain-related repairs, if ever needed, are labor-intensive and can be costly.
What year did the Nissan Murano change from a belt to a chain?
The Murano never used a belt. It has had a timing chain from its first 2003 model year through the current generation.
Conclusion
Every Nissan Murano sold in the United States from 2003 through 2025 uses a timing chain. The 3.5L VQ35DE V6 powered nearly all model years, while the 2025 redesign introduced a 2.0L turbo engine, both with chain-driven camshafts. No timing belt replacement schedule exists for any Murano.
Because engine specifications can change, always confirm your vehicle’s timing system directly. Always verify timing system details using the owner’s manual or manufacturer service information before scheduling repairs.
