The 2012 Nissan Murano has six spark plugs—one for each cylinder in its 3.5-liter V6 engine.
That engine, the VQ35DE, is a 60-degree V6 with six cylinders, and it uses coil-on-plug ignition. Each cylinder relies on its own spark plug to ignite the air-fuel mixture, so the total number of plugs for this model is six.
Engine and ignition basics
The Murano’s 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) delivers propulsion through six cylinders and uses a coil-on-plug ignition system, where each cylinder has its own ignition coil and spark plug. This configuration allows individual ignition timing control for each cylinder and is common in Nissan’s mid-2010s V6 engines. The plugs are mounted along the top of the cylinder heads, with the rear plugs sometimes requiring additional access effort during replacement.
Plug location and access
The front three plugs are typically easier to reach, while the rear plugs near the firewall can be trickier. The official service procedure specifies the proper tools, sequence, and torque to avoid damaging threads or dislodging coils during replacement.
Maintenance considerations
Before replacing or inspecting spark plugs, here are practical notes for this model’s maintenance workflow.
- Six spark plugs total — one per cylinder in the V6 arrangement.
- Ignition system uses coil-on-plug coils, so plugs and coils are often addressed together during a full tune-up or when a misfire is suspected.
- Replacement interval with OEM iridium/platinum plugs is typically about 105,000 miles, but always check the owner's manual or service bulletin for the exact specification for your vehicle's current parts.
- Common wear symptoms include rough idle, misfires, reduced acceleration, and degraded fuel economy; address issues promptly to protect engine health.
Regardless of mileage, always replace the plugs with the type specified for your vehicle and ensure the ignition coils and electrical connections are secured properly to maintain optimal performance.
Summary
The 2012 Murano relies on six spark plugs—one for each cylinder of the 3.5L V6—handled by a coil-on-plug ignition system. Proper maintenance, using OEM plugs, and following the manufacturer’s replacement interval helps sustain smooth operation and efficiency.