Thinking about buying a used Nissan GT-R (1989–2024) in New Zealand? We've documented 14 known faults for this model spanning transmission, engine, suspension, and brakes. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
14
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$900–$5,000
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Nissan GT-R faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01GR6 dual-clutch transaxle complete failure from heat during track use
CriticalOccasionalTransmission $18,000–$40,000 to fix
The Nissan GT-R uses a GR6 dual-clutch transaxle mounted at the rear. While exceptional for road use, sustained track driving generates heat that overwhelms the factory cooling capacity, leading to clutch pack overheating, solenoid failure and ultimately complete gearbox destruction. This is extensively documented in track-day communities and by Nissan-authorised GT-R specialists. A GR6 rebuild or replacement is one of the most expensive repairs in the enthusiast car market. Many used R35s in NZ/AU carry unknown track history, making pre-purchase gearbox inspection essential.
Symptoms to notice
Shudder or harsh engagement under gentle acceleration
Gearbox warning light (ATF temp or transmission fault)
Inability to engage a gear or gear slippage under power
Burning smell from rear of the vehicle after spirited driving
Delayed or clunky shifts that worsen as the gearbox warms up
What to check
Drive the car firmly through multiple gear changes and feel for any shudder or harshness. Check for any fault codes stored in the transmission ECU. Ask whether a gearbox oil cooler has been fitted and when the transmission fluid was last changed. Look for evidence of track use.
Where to look: GR6 dual-clutch transaxle mounted at the rear of the vehicle as part of the transaxle/rear differential assembly
Ask the seller
“Has the car been driven on a circuit or racetrack?”
“Has an aftermarket gearbox oil cooler been fitted?”
“When was the transmission fluid last changed, and what fluid was used?”
“Has the gearbox ever shown a warning light or been diagnosed by a specialist?”
02Intercooler Piping Clamp Boost Leak
MajorCommonEngine $200–$700 to fix
The factory intercooler piping on both R32 and R33 GT-R uses spring-type band clamps that fatigue and lose clamping force over time. Silicone joiners crack with age. Boost leaks result in reduced power, spool lag, and may trigger lean running. Particularly common on cars where pipes have been removed for servicing and not re-clamped correctly.
Symptoms to notice
Loud whooshing or hissing under boost
Sluggish or inconsistent power delivery
Poor boost gauge readings relative to wastegate setting
Boost falling away at high RPM
What to check
Inspect all intercooler piping joiners and clamps, paying attention to the pipes between turbos, intercooler, and throttle body. Look for cracked silicone, loose worm-drive or spring clamps, and oil residue at joints indicating weeping. A smoke test by a specialist will confirm leaks not visible by eye.
Where to look: Intake piping system between twin turbos, front-mount intercooler, and throttle body
Ask the seller
“Have the intercooler pipes and clamps been replaced or upgraded?”
“Has a boost leak test been performed recently?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
TransmissionCritical
TransmissionCritical
EngineCritical
SuspensionCritical
BrakesMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
SuspensionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
SuspensionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
12 more documented faults on the Nissan GT-R
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 14 documented faults for the Nissan GT-R, the recurring problem areas are transmission, engine, and suspension. A Nissan GT-R with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Nissan GT-R?
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We've catalogued 14 known faults for the Nissan GT-R, covering transmission, engine, and suspension. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Nissan GT-R?
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Most single repairs on the Nissan GT-R fall between $900–$5,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 14 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Nissan GT-R?
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Yes. A Nissan GT-R inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.