Nissan's supercar killer, hand-built by master technicians (Takumi) at the Tochigi plant. The VR38DETT engine is remarkably robust for its power output, and the GT-R remains one of the most capable performance cars ever produced. Discontinued in Europe in 2022 due to noise regulations but still holds strong residual values.
Extremely robust VR38DETT engine
Supercar performance, sports car price
GR6 transmission repairs are costly
High consumable costs (tires, brakes)
Buy if: You want a reliable daily-drivable supercar with complete service history and can budget for high consumable costs.
Avoid if: You cannot afford surprise transmission or turbo repairs in the €3,000-8,000 range, or the car has been tracked without documentation.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
Common Problems
Pressure sensors and solenoids fail, clutch packs wear prematurely especially on pre-2012 cars · more· less
The GR6 dual-clutch transmission is the GT-R's most expensive weak point. On pre-2012 (CBA) models, pressure sensors are notorious for failing and reading incorrectly, causing transmission faults and limp mode. Clutch seals on these early cars are prone to tearing, preventing proper clutch engagement. Shift fork pistons also wear prematurely on 2009-2011 cars. Solenoid replacement at a specialist costs €2,500-4,000. If clutch packs need replacement, expect €4,000-6,000. Full transmission rebuild at a specialist runs €6,000-8,000; dealer replacement can reach €15,000+. Regular transmission fluid changes every 25,000-30,000 km are critical for prevention. Post-2012 (DBA) models are significantly improved but not immune.
Shaft bearings in the transmission bellhousing wear, causing audible rattle at idle · more· less
This is the most widespread R35 issue. The transmission bellhousing contains shaft bearings that wear over time, producing a distinctive rattling noise at idle and low speeds. It affects cars of all model years, typically appearing between 40,000-80,000 km. The rattle itself is not immediately catastrophic, but a severely worn bellhousing can eventually cause damage to surrounding components. Aftermarket upgraded bellhousings with hardened steel inserts and improved bearings cost €800-1,200 for the part. Total repair including removal and reinstallation runs €1,500-3,000 at a specialist. Some owners live with the rattle for years without progression.
Paint bubbling on aluminium doors near mirrors and along edges due to galvanic corrosion · more· less
The R35's doors are aluminium, and the area around the wing mirror mounting point is particularly susceptible to galvanic corrosion. Moisture collects under the mirror arm where a seal is inadequate, causing the aluminium to corrode from within and paint to bubble. Early production cars (2009-2013) are most affected, but this can occur on any year. Repair involves stripping and respraying the affected panel, typically €400-800 per door. Nissan covers this under a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty, though owners report the claims process can take months. Some owners also report underbody corrosion on subframes, which is more serious and can cost €1,500-3,000 to address.
Turbo seals degrade over time, causing exhaust smoke and loss of boost pressure · more· less
The stock IHI turbos on the VR38DETT are generally robust, but the oil seals can degrade at higher mileages (typically 100,000+ km) or on cars that have seen track use. Symptoms include blue/white exhaust smoke on startup or under boost, and gradual loss of boost pressure. Replacing both turbo seals requires turbo removal, costing approximately €2,000-3,000 at a specialist. If the turbo internals are damaged, a pair of OEM replacement turbos plus installation runs €4,000-5,000. Cars that are driven gently with regular oil changes rarely experience this issue before 120,000 km.
Backlight LEDs in gauge cluster overheat and fail, leaving dim or dark sections · more· less
The R35's instrument cluster generates excessive heat, causing the backlighting LEDs to burn out prematurely. The speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge can develop dim patches or go dark entirely. Nissan issued a TSB covering this for 6 years from the original purchase date. Professional repair services that replace all LEDs cost €200-400. The entire cluster contains 23-30 LEDs depending on whether the gear display is included. DIY repair is possible for those comfortable with soldering, bringing the cost down to under €50 in parts. Full cluster replacement through Nissan can cost €800+.
Rubber boost pipes split and intercooler end tanks separate from cores, causing power loss · more· less
The rubber intercooler pipes that connect the twin turbos to the intercoolers can split or crack with age, particularly on 2009-2010 models. The foam-sleeved pipe from the twin turbo connection to the intercooler is most susceptible. Additionally, the intercooler end chambers can separate from the fins due to corrosion and thermal cycling. Symptoms include hesitation, power loss, and the car running rich. Replacement silicone hose kits cost €200-400. If the intercooler core itself has failed, aftermarket replacements run €800-1,500 per side. Boost leak testing during a pre-purchase inspection can identify this issue.
Over-oiled steering lock unit prevents engine from starting, covered by voluntary recall · more· less
On 2009-2011 models, the steering lock unit was over-oiled during factory assembly. The excess oil can migrate to the Body Control Module, preventing the engine from starting. This was addressed by Nissan through voluntary service campaign P3208, which replaced the steering lock assembly free of charge. If you are buying a 2009-2011 car, verify this has been completed. On unrecalled cars, the fix costs €300-800 including the replacement unit and programming. Once replaced, the issue does not recur.
Rubber bushings in the front suspension wear prematurely, causing vague steering · more· less
The factory rubber bushings in the front lower control arms are known to wear faster than expected, typically between 50,000-80,000 km. Symptoms include vague steering feel, mild clunking over bumps, and uneven tire wear. OEM replacement bushings cost approximately €200-300 for the set, with 3-4 hours of labor. Many owners upgrade to polyurethane or spherical bearing alternatives from brands like SPL or Whiteline, which last longer but transmit more road noise. Total cost with installation runs €400-1,000 depending on parts choice.
Robust engine, but complex transmission requires specialist care
The VR38DETT engine is the GT-R's strongest asset, with many examples exceeding 150,000 km without major issues when maintained. The GR6 transmission is the primary concern, particularly on pre-2012 cars where solenoid and clutch failures are more common. Bellhousing rattle affects nearly all examples to some degree and is the most widespread but least catastrophic issue. The key to reliable GT-R ownership is regular transmission fluid changes, using a GT-R specialist rather than a general garage, and avoiding cars with track history unless fully documented. Post-2012 models are significantly improved in transmission reliability.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Steering lock unit over-oiled during assembly (2009-2011 models, campaign P3208)
Verify completed
Crankshaft bearing alloy defect (early 2009 LHD cars, Europe)
Verify completed
Steering knuckle deformation under high load (production Aug-Oct 2020)
Verify completed
Takata airbag inflator replacement (various model years)
Verify completed
Contact Nissan with the VIN to verify all recalls and service campaigns have been completed. The steering lock campaign (P3208) is particularly important for 2009-2011 models. The crankshaft bearing recall only affected early left-hand-drive European cars from April-June 2009.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / 100,000 km)
Expired on most used GT-Rs
Anti-corrosion warranty (12 years)
May still apply for door corrosion claims
Extended warranty availability
Limited options due to performance car classification
Most used GT-Rs are well outside their 3-year factory warranty. The 12-year anti-corrosion warranty may still cover door corrosion on 2013+ cars. Extended warranty options for the GT-R are limited and expensive due to its high-performance nature. Always verify warranty status with a Nissan dealer using the VIN.
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.