Thinking about buying a used Nissan Skyline (1989–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 46 known faults for this model spanning engine, electrical, fluid leaks, and suspension. 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.
46
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$700–$2,400
Typical repair
8
Systems covered
Known Nissan Skyline faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
The banjo bolt screen on the RB25DET turbocharger oil feed line becomes partially or fully blocked by carbon deposits and sludge, starving the turbo of lubrication. This is a well-documented failure mode on high-mileage RB25 engines, particularly those with infrequent oil changes or low-quality oil use. Turbo bearing failure follows, producing shaft play, oil burning and eventual seizure.
Symptoms to notice
Blue smoke from exhaust under boost or on overrun
Whining or grinding noise from the turbocharger
Shaft play detectable by hand through the intake pipe
Oil burning smell and oil consumption increase
What to check
With the engine off and cool, check turbocharger shaft play through the intake by pressing the shaft radially — any perceptible lateral movement indicates bearing wear. Inspect exhaust for blue smoke under acceleration. Check engine oil for metallic contamination and smell of burning.
Where to look: Turbocharger oil feed banjo bolt and line, top of RB25 engine
Ask the seller
“Has the turbo oil feed banjo bolt been cleaned or replaced?”
“Any history of blue smoke or excessive oil consumption?”
“Has the turbocharger been rebuilt or replaced?”
02VQ35/VQ37 oil consumption (V35 & V36)
MinorCommonEngine $300–$3,000 to fix
The VQ V6s in the V35/V36 (and the 370GT's VQ37VHR) are known to consume oil as they age, sometimes noticeably before 150,000 km, from worn oil-control rings. Owners cite anything from a litre every 2,500 km to a litre every 1,000 km on worse examples. It is usually a manageable top-up habit, but an owner who doesn't check the level risks starving the timing chain and bearings. Blue smoke and a low dipstick are the tells.
Symptoms to notice
Oil level down between services
Blue haze on start-up or hard acceleration
Frequent top-ups
Oil light on a car run low
What to check
Check the dipstick level and colour and ask how much oil it uses per 1,000 km. Watch for blue smoke on a cold start and a throttle blip. Combine with the timing-chain check, as the two are linked.
Where to look: VQ V6 - oil-control rings / pistons
Ask the seller
“How much oil does it use between services?”
“Has it ever been run low on oil?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
ElectricalCritical
EngineCritical
Fluid LeaksCritical
SuspensionCritical
EngineCritical
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
Body & RustMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
EngineMajor
ElectricalMajor
CoolingMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
CoolingMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
BrakesMajor
EngineMinor
Fluid LeaksMinor
SuspensionMinor
EngineMinor
SuspensionMinor
EngineMinor
44 more documented faults on the Nissan Skyline
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 46 documented faults for the Nissan Skyline, the recurring problem areas are engine, electrical, and fluid leaks. A Nissan Skyline 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 Skyline?
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We've catalogued 46 known faults for the Nissan Skyline, covering engine, electrical, and fluid leaks. 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 Skyline?
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Most single repairs on the Nissan Skyline fall between $700–$2,400 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 46 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 Skyline?
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Yes. A Nissan Skyline 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.