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Nissan · Sports Car · 2007–2025 Custom Search

Nissan GT-R R35

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

Engine Overview

The Nissan GT-R R35 is available with one engine variant at 485 hp.

3.8L · Petrol· 485–570 PS
2007 2023

3.8L twin-turbo V6 hand-built in Yokohama — each engine assembled by a single Takumi master builder, nameplate inside. 570 Nm from 3,200 rpm, GR6 dual-clutch gearbox in the rear axle for perfect weight distribution. GT-R community: 2012 models are considered the most mature generation. Launch Control v1 (LC1) destroyed early gearboxes — LC2 with VDC engaged is considered safe. Strictly adhere to GR6 service intervals.

  • !! GR6 dual-clutch gearbox: solenoids failed from 80,000 km

    The GR6 DCT in the GT-R R35 is the most common weak point of the car. Solenoids fail and cause harsh shifting or gearbox failure. Nissan does not provide for rebuilding — complete replacement only.

    Symptoms: Hard jolt on gear change, gearbox gurgling or clattering, gearbox refuses to select gears, gearbox in limp mode
    3,000–8,000 $
  • !! Con rod bearings wear under high load from 150,000 km

    Con rod bearing damage can occur on highly tuned or poorly maintained GT-Rs. The stock engine tolerates this to approximately 600 hp; beyond that, forged component upgrades are required.

    Symptoms: Metallic knock from engine at full load, oil pressure drop, rough engine running at high revs
    5,000–15,000 $
  • !! Overheating during track day use

    The stock GT-R R35 cooling system is designed for occasional track use but reaches its limits under sustained circuit driving. Coolant temperatures rise quickly, causing thermal stress.

    Symptoms: Coolant temperature rises into the upper third of the gauge, power reduction via thermal management, coolant loss
    300–1,500 $

+ 11 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Control arm bushing wear (front and rear axle)

Rubber bushings on the front and rear control arms wear after 8–10 years. Affects both axles, especially the lower front control arm mounts. Creaking and thudding over cobblestones is typical.

Symptoms: Clunking and thudding at low speed over bumps, especially when cold. Wandering alignment, unstable straight-line tracking, steering flutter.
from 60,000 km
High
!Bilstein DampTronic shock absorbers leaking

The electronically controlled Bilstein DampTronic shock absorbers can start leaking after 60,000–100,000 km. A rebuild costs considerably less than OEM replacements, which run several hundred euros per damper.

Symptoms: Visible oil seepage on the shock body, deteriorated damping, body movement in corners, fault message from electronic damper control.
from 80,000 km
Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above average
32 complaints · 2007–2025
  1. 01 Electrical
    9
  2. 02 Lighting
    9
  3. 03 Fuel System
    5
  4. 04 Fuel System
    5
  5. 05 Gasoline
    5

Top Reported Issues

Electrical (9 complaints)
Lighting (9 complaints)
Fuel System (5 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 27 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan GT-R R35 (2007–2025) — 14 engine-related and 13 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Brakes, Electronics, Steering.

GT-R (VR38DETT, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: GR6 dual-clutch gearbox: solenoids failed, Con rod bearings wear under high load, Overheating during track day use. Power: 485 PS.

GT-R (VR38DETT, 2010–2016) — Be Careful: GR6 dual-clutch gearbox: solenoids failed, Con rod bearings wear under high load, Overheating during track day use. Power: 530 PS.

GT-R (VR38DETT, 2016–2023) — Be Careful: GR6 dual-clutch gearbox: solenoids failed, Con rod bearings wear under high load, Overheating during track day use. Power: 570 PS.

What to watch out for with the Nissan GT-R? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Nissan GT-R R35 have? +
The Nissan GT-R R35 has 14 known engine weaknesses and 13 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Nissan GT-R R35? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: VR38DETT (3.8L). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the VR38DETT (3.8L).
Which Nissan GT-R R35 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Nissan GT-R R35 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} 570 hp, Nismo race-tuned suspension, revised chassis, widened body. The R35 Nismo is no longer a daily driver — it's a race car with number plates. Those who know it from the track understand why Japan doesn't need other supercars.
Is the Nissan GT-R R35 worth buying used? +
The Nissan GT-R R35 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Nissan GT-R R35? +
The Nissan GT-R R35 is available with engine variants from 485 to 570 hp. Petrol: VR38DETT (3.8L).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee