Japanese supercar icon with legendary performance and surprising reliability for its class. The hand-built VR38DETT engine is robust when maintained properly, but the GR6 dual-clutch transmission is the Achilles heel - particularly on 2009-2011 models. Expect high consumable costs (tires €1,900/set, brakes €950-1,500), expensive repairs when things break, and premium insurance. Buy the newest year you can afford - 2012+ models received critical transmission improvements. Avoid cars with launch control abuse or undocumented modifications.
Shift fork failure, solenoid problems, clutch pack wear - 2009-2011 most affected · more· less
The GR6 dual-clutch transmission is the most problematic component on early GT-Rs. 2009-2011 models suffer from worn shift pistons causing premature shift fork breakage, weak retaining clips that pop off causing catastrophic failure, and clogged internal filters leading to clutch pressure issues. Nissan made critical improvements in 2012+ with updated solenoid caps and revised shift forks. Transmission fluid must be changed every 18,000 miles (36,000 on later models), or every 3,000 miles if track-driven. Full transmission replacement at dealer costs €16,000-20,000. Specialist shops can rebuild for €7,000-10,000.
Bellhousing rattle€1,500 - €2,500
Shaft bearings damage aluminum housing, typically occurs around 40,000-50,000 km · more· less
The most common GT-R problem. The bellhousing connects engine to rear-mounted transmission. Without a torque tube design, the drivetrain experiences push-pull forces that wear the shaft bearings, eventually causing them to rattle in the damaged aluminum housing. Rattle is audible at idle and low speeds. Nissan quotes 20+ labor hours for replacement, but specialists can do it by dropping the subframe instead of removing the entire engine. Upgraded aftermarket housings with steel inserts (€900-1,300 plus labor) provide a permanent fix with 5-year warranties up to 1,600 hp.
Brake rotor cracking€1,350 - €2,200
OEM drilled rotors crack around holes, especially with track use or spirited driving · more· less
The GT-R's 3,800+ lb weight and high performance demands significant brake capacity. Factory Brembo drilled rotors develop cracks around the drilled holes, particularly with track or aggressive use. OEM replacement: front €650-900/pair (380mm for 2009-2011, 390mm for 2012+), rear €500-700/pair. Aftermarket 2-piece slotted rotors from DBA or similar run €650-900 per axle and include replaceable rings, reducing future costs. Complete brake service with rotors and pads at specialist: €1,350-2,200. Brake pads alone cost €950-1,500 installed.
Steering lock failure (2009-2010)€500 - €1,200
Electronic steering lock unit fails to unlock, car won't start - recalls completed on most · more· less
2009-2010 models use faulty steering lock units (ESCL Revision A/B/C) with excessive oil from manufacturing causing electrical failure. When failed, steering wheel remains locked and car cannot start. Nissan issued voluntary service campaign to replace units with Revision D or later - this is covered under warranty/recall. Check with dealer using VIN to verify recall completion. UK customers sometimes face difficulty getting warranty coverage. DIY bypass: remove steering lock fuse (deletes security feature). Replacement lock unit: €55 for updated version that deletes lock functionality.
Shock absorber leaks€1,800 - €2,500
Bilstein dampers leak oil, especially rears on early models after 60,000-120,000 km · more· less
GT-R uses sophisticated electronically-controlled Bilstein dampers. Rear shocks are particularly prone to oil leaking/misting on 2011 and earlier models. Each OEM Bilstein shock costs €350-450, but total replacement including labor runs €6,900-7,100 at specialists due to electronic system complexity and dealer-level diagnostics required. Aftermarket Bilstein B4 replacements available for €350-450 each. Early models most affected - later production years show improved reliability.
Gauge cluster LED burnout€200 - €500
Dashboard LEDs fail on fuel gauge and other gauges, especially 2009-2010 models · more· less
Very common on all R35s, particularly 2009-2010 models. LEDs burn out in speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge causing dim or dead areas. Nissan extended warranty to 6 years for 2009-2010 models only - later years not covered despite identical parts. DIY repair: remove cluster, replace all LEDs (PLCC2 or PLCC4 type) with slightly brighter aftermarket ones - 23 LEDs for main gauges, 30 total including gear display. Parts €30-50, labor 1-2 hours. Professional repair services: €200-350 including shipping. Dealer replacement of entire cluster: €500+.
Headlight condensation€1,500 - €3,000
Design flaw with headlamp vents and seals allows moisture inside, can damage ballast · more· less
Common issue due to design flaw with headlight vents/seals. Water droplets visible inside lens. Cannot be disassembled for cleaning - requires replacement if severe. OEM headlight assembly: €1,200-1,500 per side. Ballast: €250, bulb: €125. Often covered under warranty if still applicable. DIY temporary fix: remove small 5-watt bulb on top of housing, turn on headlights to warm up, blow air through bulb hole to clear condensation. Permanent DIY fix: heat headlight in oven, separate lens from housing, reseal with proper sealant. Front bumper must be removed for replacement.
Tire wear€1,900 - €2,400
Dunlop run-flats wear quickly - rear tires can wear out in 12,000-15,000 km with spirited driving · more· less
GT-R comes with Dunlop SP Sport MAXX GT600 DSST run-flat tires: 255/40RF20 front, 285/35RF20 rear. Full set costs €1,900 at Tire Rack, but dealers charge €2,400+ installed. Rear tires wear significantly faster - can be worn at 12,000 km with aggressive driving. Budget €400-600 per tire at dealers, €350-400 through online retailers. Non-runflat alternatives like Michelin Pilot Super Sport save money: €1,550 for full set installed. Consider ordering online for savings - Canadian retailers offer 2 sets of Dunlops for under €1,800 including shipping.
High performance means high costs, but reliability is excellent when properly maintained
The GT-R R35 is remarkably reliable for a supercar, especially 2012+ models. The hand-built VR38DETT engine is robust and many examples exceed 160,000 km without major powertrain work. However, the GR6 transmission on 2009-2011 models requires careful attention, and consumables (tires, brakes) wear rapidly due to the car's weight and performance. Budget appropriately - this is not a cheap car to own despite strong reliability.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Complete service history
Must have documented oil changes every 6,000 miles/6 months and transmission fluid every 18,000-36,000 miles. Missing service history is a red flag.
Tires and brakes
Check for uneven tire wear (indicates alignment issues or abuse), inspect rotors for cracks around drilled holes, measure brake pad thickness.
Cold start inspection
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for bellhousing rattle at idle and low speeds. Any rattle indicates imminent €1,500-2,500 repair.
Extended test drive
Minimum 30-45 minutes including varied speeds and conditions. Transmission issues often only appear when hot. Perform full-lock turns at low speed to check for juddering.
Diagnostic check
Essential: dealer diagnostic with Nissan Consult 3 tool to check transmission temps, launch control usage count, VDC off events, and perform clutch relearn. Abnormally high counts indicate abuse.
Specific for this vehicle
Check model year and avoid early 2009 models
2009 had the worst reliability. 2012+ models have critical transmission improvements. Buy newest you can afford.
Transmission operation and diagnostic report
Have specialist or dealer pull transmission data: temps above 248°F indicate abuse, high launch control count is red flag. Perform 3-point turns - hesitation or flashing indicates worn actuators.
Listen for bellhousing rattle
Start cold, let idle for several minutes. Metallic rattle from rear indicates worn bellhousing bearings - budget €1,500-2,500 repair.
Inspect shock absorbers for oil leaks
Look at rear Bilstein dampers closely for oil misting or leaking. Common on early models. Replacement costs €1,800-2,500.
Check gauge cluster for LED failures
Test all dashboard illumination. Look for dim spots on fuel gauge, tachometer, speedometer. Very common issue.
Inspect headlights for condensation
Look for water droplets inside lens. Can damage ballast (€250) and indicates seal failure. Replacement €1,500-3,000 per side if severe.
Verify steering lock recall completion (2009-2010)
Contact Nissan with VIN to confirm steering lock replacement under recall campaign. Critical for early models.
Check for modification evidence
Look for catalytic converter removal (staining at exhaust), aftermarket ECU tuning, return-to-stock signs. Undocumented modifications void warranties and indicate possible abuse.
Inspect brake rotors for cracks
OEM drilled rotors crack around holes with age/use. Small cracks acceptable, excessive cracking means imminent replacement (€1,350-2,200).
Check paint thickness and body panels
Early models had thin paint. Check for accident damage, particularly on expensive carbon fiber parts if equipped.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Steering lock unit failure (2009-2010)Verify completed with VIN
EVAP system leak (2009 built before Dec 2008)Check if applicable
Gauge cluster LED burnout (2009-2010)Extended warranty 6 years
ECM reprogram for cold start misfire (2013)Voluntary emission campaign
Launch control warranty settlement (2009)Class action resolved
Contact Nissan dealer with VIN to verify all recalls and service campaigns completed. Most critical is steering lock replacement for 2009-2010 models. Note: TSBs vary by country and are not the same for US/Japan/UK.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years/60,000 km)Expired on all 2008-2021 models
Powertrain warranty (5 years/100,000 km)Expired on most models
Gauge cluster LED warranty extension6 years for 2009-2010 only
All R35 GT-Rs are now outside original factory warranty. Extended warranties may be available through Nissan or third parties, but carefully review coverage exclusions - many exclude wear items and abuse-related failures. GT-R specialist shops often provide warranties on rebuilt transmissions and other major work.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.