The Most Common Problems With R35 Nissan GT

While the R35 GT-R remains one of the most potent Nissan performance models ever, it however does have some notable cons.

The GT-R R35 has always been a compelling choice for enthusiasts who are looking for a high-performance speedster from Nissan. Thanks to its uniqueness, the GT-R R35 is a sports car that continues to make a strong statement in the sports car segment.

Behind the smartly-designed grille is a potent turbocharged inline-6 that makes 565 horsepower and 467 pound-feet of torque, which gives the car an impressive 60-mph sprint in just 3 seconds flat. Backing up the performance is the awesome traction control system that, combined with the all-season tires, takes on any weather condition confidently. The absence of the manual transmission does eliminate the possibility of a more engaging ride. Also, the lack of extra cabin space makes it a little less practical than its rivals.

Still, the Japanese sports car holds up fairly well when it comes to gas mileage, delivering 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway, which is considered above-average and impressive considering the GT-R heritage. And, for a performance-oriented car, the GT-R R35 doesn't shy away from technology either, with an 8-inch infotainment screen, built-in navigation, and a standard GT-R Bose sound system. But, like any car, the Nissan GT-R has its flaws.

Here are some of the potential problems that Nissan GT-R R35 fans should know about.

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One of the biggest and most common problems that Nissan GTR R35 owners often face has to do with the gearbox system.

Most owners have reported issues with control solenoids, especially in the earlier model years. The LC1 Launch Control can sometimes snap after a hard launch. Once the solenoids are faulty, they may cause some parts of the transmission to wear out faster, or in worse cases, break off. Since all this happens in the transmission system, which consists of moving parts, the freely-moving metal may accumulate and jam the solenoids – every GTR owner's nightmare. But if it hasn't already gone that far, you can avoid this situation by having the car serviced regularly. New transmission fluid should be replaced every 18,000 miles and – due to the nature of this car - before and after any racing event.

If any parts in the transmission are broken or worn out, you’ll need to repair them. Unfortunately, that's the other problem. It is repairable at some shops, but it will need really deep pockets. Also, it's unlikely that you will find parts at any dealer because the Nissan doesn't supply parts or service the GT-R R35's gearbox. Instead, if you do have a transmission problem, the brand will only replace the entire transmission. Usually, when the system detects a problem, the automatic transmission switches the car into a safe mode, giving you the option to either go through 1-3-5 or 2-4-6, which is inefficient, especially for a track car. It's quite important to know what you’re getting yourself into before buying this car.

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For a car with a powerful engine, engine problems are inevitable. While it's easy to blame it on bad driving, that's not actually the case as the Nissan GT-R is known to have engine bearing problems caused by the manufacturer itself.

Usually, this problem is caused by a loose bearing attached to the car's flywheel shaft end, which it vibrates in the casing, producing the rattling noise. As the parts wear out, the problem gets bigger, and so does the sound. It can be a huge problem if the bearing is so worn down that it can no longer be of use anywhere in the car. It can also be annoying if you’re unsure how to fix it, let alone where it's coming from.

Getting rid of the noise requires a highly skilled mechanic with special engineering skills. But on the bright side, the rattling noises are cheap to repair. Unlike the transmission problems, the rattling noise is more of a generic problem that is heard on every model at some point.

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Another major problem that plagues the Nissan GT-R R35 is the headlight condensation, which, unlike the other issues explained above, doesn't have a repair or hack. This problem particularly affects vehicles that are driven and kept in areas with colder climates all year round. However, the good side is that the problem is easy to spot. Just by looking at the headlights, you can see the water droplets inside the unit and their intensity.

The only thing you can do if the headlights develop condensation is to have the headlights replaced entirely, preferably with a headlight unit that suits your location and your headlight preferences. While it's not a requirement to invest in new headlight units, the affected headlights could become less and less effective in lighting the road ahead of you.

The Nissan GT-R has been known to deliver a wonderful and engaging performance regardless of whether you’re driving on the highway or the racetrack. It does have some transmission, condensation, and rattling issues that you need to look out for. Regular servicing should prevent a major transmission overhaul, the headlights will need replacing, and the rattling noises should only cost you a few bucks.

If you’re able to overlook the higher-end running costs, there is certainly a lot to desire here, like the aggressive design, unique tires, the sporty cabin, and more. And while it doesn't really make the cut as a family vehicle, the Nissan GT-R R35 still provides plenty of unique experiences to folks that are into high-performance driving.

Wilfred Nkhwazi is a screenwriter, actor, and sports car enthusiast from Blantyre, Malawi. He has written 2 feature films and a thriller trilogy. Choosing to attend the nation's top-ranked journalism school at the Malawi Institute Of Journalism was all part of chasing his dream of writing for Hotcars, where he pens down fast whips, celebrity collections, and everything else in between. When he isn't writing, he's either taking long drives around the city, making music or drinking hot chocolate.