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Nissan · Sports Car · 2007–2025

Nissan GT-R R35

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Engine Overview

The Nissan GT-R R35 is available with one engine variant at 485 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

3.8L · Benziner· 485–570 PS Engine Change
2007 2010
Be Careful 14 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2010 2016
Be Careful 14 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2016 2023
Be Careful 14 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Nissan 3.8L (Benziner, 485–570 PS) comes with 3 different engines: VR38DETT (2007–2010, Be Careful) und VR38DETT (2010–2016, Be Careful) und VR38DETT (2016–2023, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 3.8L!

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
Ad Control arm bushing R35 GT-Rcontrol arm bushing R3554500-JF00A55045-JF00A
 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
Ad Bilstein DampTronic R35Shock absorber R35 GT-R24-193245 Bilstein24-193221 Bilstein
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
32 complaints · 2007–2025
Electrical
9
Lighting
9
Fuel System
5
Fuel System
5
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} 486 hp twin-turbo V6, AWD traction like glue, DCT gearbox that shifts faster than any human. The GT-R R35 humiliated everything expensive when it launched in 2007 — Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari 430. The frightening part: it still does.
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