Nissan GT-R problems: 4 Common Issues (Explained)

If you love driving fast and enjoy doing so with two-door coupes, you have likely heard of the Nissan GT-R. The Nissan GT-R is a world-famous super coupe that includes a turbo 6 cylinder engine to help get you where you need to go fast.

Although the Nissan GT-R is extremely popular among vehicle enthusiasts, there are a few potential problem areas that must be addressed.

Make sure to also bookmark our article about how long the Nissan GT-R models last.

1) Brake Issues

For those who love sports cars and driving fast, the Nissan GT-R may be right for you.

However, the excessive usage of the brakes on any car, especially one such as the Nissan GT-R, can weigh heavily on the vehicle’s wear and tear over time.

If you begin to notice an increase in the braking distance you require to make a full and complete stop whenever you are driving your Nissan GT-R, you may need to take a closer look and inspection at your Nissan GT-R’s brakes.

How to Resolve Brake Issues With a Nissan GT-R

If you believe your brakes require further inspection and/or a replacement, you will need to take a closer look to determine if the brake pads have any visible cracks.

You can also help to determine if your Nissan GT-R’s brakes need additional inspection by listening to your vehicle while driving it and while attempting to use the brakes. If you hear squeaking or a high-pitched sound while attempting to brake, your brakes may require an adjustment or you may require new brake pads or new brakes altogether.

Another way to tell if your Nissan GT-R may require a brake job is to consider how it feels when pressing on the brakes with your feet. If you feel a grinding or scraping, your brake pads may be worn down and may be in need of a replacement in order to prevent further damage to your existing brakes in place.

2) Condensation Within Headlights

As impressive as the Nissan GT-R is, there are manufacturer issues that may also extend to the lights and headlights of the vehicle. With the Nissan GT-R, there are some reports that the headlights in the vehicle have issues with condensation, which may be disruptive to those who live in unpredictable and/or colder climates year-round.

Noticing that your Nissan GT-R’s headlights are accumulating more condensation than normal is easy to do and can be done by observing the vehicle with the naked eye.

How do I resolve the issue of excessive condensation with my Nissan GT-R?

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to remove excess condensation from the headlights of your Nissan GT-R on your own.

If you notice that your headlights are accumulating too much condensation and water, you may need to invest in a brand new headlight set that is better for you based on where you live as well as your own headlight preferences. While you are not required to replace your headlights, it may lessen the overall effectiveness of your headlights and may put other areas of your vehicle at risk of water damage over time.

3) Engine Bearing

Another potential problem for Nissan GT-R owners is its engine.

Because the engine of a Nissan GT-R is extremely powerful, you are more likely to experience issues with the engine itself. In most cases with the Nissan GT-R, owners report hearing a bell housing rattle, which can be quite a nuisance if you are unsure of where it is stemming from or how to repair it.

Fortunately, this issue with the Nissan GT-R is not typically the fault of the driver or owner, as it is known that the Nissan GT-R has engine bearing issues due to the manufacturer itself. Most often, this fault in the engine is due to the manufacturer and a loose bearing that is attached to the vehicle’s flywheel shaft.

When the bearing is loose, it may move around the shaft, causing it to shake and vibrate, resulting in a sound that is more of a nuisance than anything else. While there are no real issues with a vibrating bearing, it can become problematic if the bearing is so worn down that it can no longer be of use inside of the car or near the engine.

How to resolve an engine bearing issue in a Nissan GT-R?

Although this issue is likely the fault of the manufacturer, you may or may not have the ability to reach out and connect with a manufacturer to repair the noise and nuisance you are experiencing free of charge. However, just about any professional and certified mechanic can help you to remove or repair any loose bearing that is inside or near the engine of your Nissan GT-R.

4) Transmission Trouble

The Nissan GT-R is not without its own set of problems, especially when it comes to its transmission.

Many classic vehicle owners and car collectors familiar with the Nissan GT-R understand the potential transmission, gearbox, and clutch issues that come along with the car due to the sheer performance that the Nissan GT-R offers. Earlier models of the Nissan GT-R are known to have more problematic control solenoids, which often lead to issues with broken down or damaged parts at an exponentially quicker rate.

With any transmission issue that involves parts that have been worn down or broken, you will require a replacement or repair.

How do I fix transmission issues experienced with the Nissan GT-R?

This one is tricky, as it is not always possible to turn to an official Nissan GT-R dealer in order to order the supplies you need.

Unfortunately, Nissan does not currently offer any gearbox supplies, which is why it is imperative to understand what you are getting into whenever you invest in a vehicle from Nissan, especially sporty coupes such as the Nissan GT-R.

Pros and Cons of the Nissan GT-R

As with any vehicle, there are pros and cons to owning a Nissan GT-R.

Understanding the pros and cons of the Nissan GT-R today can help to determine if the model is right for you and the driving abilities you envision.

5 Pros of the Nissan GT-R

There are numerous advantages to buying the Nissan GT-R, whether you are looking for a classy vehicle that can help you to get up and go quickly, or if you have a love and passion for driving fast and racing yourself.

1) Powerful Engine

One of the most attractive elements of the Nissan GT-R is its powerful engine.

The Nissan GT-R engine is a six-cylinder engine that is also turbocharged. Additionally, as of 2017, the Nissan GT-R also offers up to 467 pound-feet of torque with 565 horsepower. This sports car will get you where you need to go, and fast.

With the ability to get from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3 seconds flat, the Nissan GT-R is not a sports car for the weak or faint of heart.

2) Gas Mileage

Surprisingly, for a racing car, the Nissan GT-R holds up fairly well in terms of gas mileage.

Overall, the Nissan GT-R is measured at receiving up to 22 mpg on the highway as well as 16 mpg on traditional city roads. While this is not ideal for those interested in hybrid vehicles or extending their mileage as much as possible, it is considered above average for a sports car compared to others available on the market today.

3) Handling

If handling your sports car properly matters to you, look no further than the Nissan GT-R.

The Nissan GT-R includes an impressive traction control system that is ideal for most all weather and climates, allowing you to move around in your Nissan GT-R with ease.

In all versions of the Nissan GT-R, owners can also enjoy the benefit of adjustable shock absorbers which make cruising in the Nissan GT-R even more enjoyable, regardless of the outside terrain.

4) Weather Performance

One feature that helps the Nissan GT-R to stand out as a sports car is the ability to drive it in just about all weather and climates.

With the Nissan GT-R, you can drive easily using all-season tires.

Additionally, the Nissan GT-R is capable of handling snow, which is why it stands out among other sports cars that are available on the market. For the sports car lover that travels or that lives in a region where snow is expected, the Nissan GT-R can be the perfect choice for speed, comfort, safety, and reliability.

5) Updated Technology

With the newer versions of the Nissan GT-R, you can also take advantage of the high-tech components that are included with the vehicle. As of 2017, the Nissan GT-R includes various high-tech components that can be enjoyed anywhere, such as:

• Built-in navigation
• 8-inch touchscreen to manage smartphone and vehicle apps from one central location
• Built-in GT-R Bose sound system
• Built-in rear-view camera to manage navigation, parking, and backing up with ease

3 Cons of the Nissan GT-R

Just with any vehicle on the market, there are a few drawbacks to the Nissan GT-R, depending on the type of vehicle you are interested in and the type of driving you do regularly.

Reviewing the drawbacks of the Nissan GT-R can help you to determine if it is the perfect fit for you and your household.

1) No Manual Transmission Option

If you are in search of a vehicle that includes a manual transmission or gearbox, you will need to find an alternative vehicle to the Nissan GT-R.

Unfortunately, the Nissan GT-R only includes an automatic transmission.

It is not currently possible to have a Nissan GT-R built or customized with a manual transmission, which may not be what a car collector or racer is looking for personally. However, if you are okay with an automatic transmission, the Nissan GT-R could be a perfect choice.

2) Bumpiness

As with any sports or racing vehicle, the Nissan GT-R is similar in that it does not offer or provide a luxurious ride.

If you want to feel as though you are driving in clouds or in the air, you may be more well-suited to vehicles that include luxury sedans and family minivans.

With the Nissan GT-R, you can expect a bumpier ride than usual, especially if you are riding low to the ground or traversing through city streets and heavily populated areas.

3) Lack of Space

If you are searching for a vehicle that offers plenty of storage and seating space for additional passengers, you may want to look elsewhere other than the Nissan GT-R.

The Nissan GT-R was designed with speed and class in mind over luxury, comfort, and space. For those who are searching for a car that is quick and impressive, the Nissan GT-R delivers on all fronts.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Those who have a love for racing with style cannot get enough of the Nissan GT-R. Some have said it is a

“quick way to cover ground”,

while others claim that the Nissan GT-R is the

“ultimate street car of today”.

While the Nissan GT-R has a small share of potential problems, it provides the engine, features, and reliability that drivers crave and that racers desire.

Ultimately, the Nissan GT-R is optimal for those who enjoy everything from standard commuting to racing on the racetrack.

While the Nissan GT-R is not classified as a family vehicle, it can provide plenty of unique experiences and memories for anyone who is ready to kick their driving into high gear.

What’s the Resale Value of Nissan GT-R?

Currently, it is estimated that the Nissan GT-R will lose approximately 47% of its overall value over the first 10 years after its purchase.

While the MSRP of the Nissan GT-R ranges from $115,300 to more than $210,000 for the NISMO model, each model will lose significant value in the first decade of ownership.

However, this is no different than any other vehicle on the market today, regardless of its debut MSRP price as well as its premium prices.

For those who love going fast and want to do with class and style, the Nissan GT-R.

Although the Nissan GT-R is not without potential problems, it is a vehicle that is considered the best in its class and one that can be repaired and updated without breaking the bank throughout the years.

Please also read our article about the best and worst years of the Nissan Primera.

GO BACK: Problems for all Nissans.