Does an Aftermarket Hitch Affect the Hands Free Liftgate on a 2024 Nissan Murano Platinum?

Updated 07/10/2026 | Published 06/28/2026

Question:

i have the 2024 Nissan Murano Platinum with the foot wave inch motion actived rear lift gate. Does this hitch interfere with the motion sensors? Does the sensor need to be removed or turned off? Thanks in advance.

asked by: John T

Expert Reply:

Hi John, that's a great question. An aftermarket hitch like part # C93MJ can affect the hands free liftgate on your 2024 Nissan Murano Platinum, but it does not require you to remove or disable the system. With virtually any aftermarket hitch, the receiver sits where the center sensor normally detects your foot, so instead of kicking directly under the middle of the bumper, you'll typically activate the liftgate by kicking to the left or right side of the receiver.

If you'd like the hands free feature to work more like it did from the factory, Nissan does offer an updated motion sensor kit that relocates the sensing zones to either side of the hitch. Your local Nissan dealership can help you order and install the correct sensor for your Murano if that's something you're interested in. For many owners, though, simply adjusting where they place their foot is all that's needed, and they continue using the hands free liftgate without any modifications.

What are you planning to use the hitch for? Are you thinking about carrying bikes, adding a cargo carrier, or towing a small trailer?

expert reply by: Heather A

murano
(click to enlarge)

Rds

7/3/2026

I put 2 hitches on 2 different nuts I’d and neither of them interfered with the hands free back door. Both hitches installed in minutes by me and a friend sitting on our backs on the floor, then lifting the hitch up with 1 hand and putting 1 bolt in with the other hand. Once you get 1 bolt started on each side, you can go back with an air wrench or socket wrench and tighten all the bolts

Heather A.

7/4/2026

@Rds Thanks for sharing your experience, Rds! It's great to hear you've installed hitches on two different Nissan vehicles and that neither one interfered with the hands-free liftgate. our tip about getting one bolt started on each side before tightening everything down is a helpful trick for anyone tackling the install themselves. What do you normally tow with your Nissan?

Rds

7/4/2026

The last 2 Murano’s, class 3 bike carriers for 2 e-bikes. Prior Nissans with etrailer class 3 hitches, I used to pull a 3500lb water ski boat

Heather A.

7/7/2026

@Rds Oh Nice! What kind of e-bikes do you have? We just got a q-life racer it's pretty nice for the price.

See All (5) Replies to Rds ∨

John T.

7/10/2026

Thanks for the information! I plan to use the hitch for our cargo rack and possibly the bike rack. We won’t be towing with it so I am not looking for a wiring adapter. Possibly a nice cap or step when the carrier is not being used! Thanks, John

Heather A.

7/10/2026

@JohnT Awesome! A cargo carrier and bike rack are exactly what I had in mind when I recommended the hitch. Since you won't be towing, you can definitely skip the wiring harness. When you're not using the hitch, we have a lot of fun hitch covers to choose from depending on your style. I'll link our full selection so you can browse, but if I had to pick a favorite, I'd go with part # 22282. I might be a little biased, but it's hard to beat! For the step, I really like the WeatherTech BumpStep, part # WT81BS1. It gives you a sturdy step for reaching a roof rack or loading gear, and it doubles as a bumper protector to help guard against those little bumps and scratches that seem to happen in parking lots. It's made in the USA, fits any 2 inch receiver, and has a 300 pound weight capacity, so it's a nice accessory to leave in the hitch when your cargo carrier or bike rack isn't installed. I hope you get lots of great adventures out of your Murano. What kind of bikes are you carrying?

Helpful Links

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