Nissan gtr Problems Common Issues and Repair Costs
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Nissan GTR Problems: Common Issues and Repair Costs

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The Nissan GTR (R35) is a high-performance machine known for its incredible speed, sharp handling and all-wheel drive confidence. While it’s one of the best-value supercars ever made, it’s not cheap to run or fix when something goes wrong. This guide covers the most common Nissan GTR problems and typical repair costs in the UK.

Book inspection

1. GR6 Transmission Problems

What to look for:

  • Jerky gear changes
  • Delayed shifting
  • Transmission warning light

Cause:
The GR6 dual-clutch gearbox is complex and sensitive to oil quality. Hard launches, poor servicing or worn solenoids are the usual causes of failure.

Repair cost:

  • Gearbox oil and filter service: £300 to £450
  • Solenoid replacement: £600 to £1,200
  • Full gearbox rebuild: £3,500 to £6,000
  • Used gearbox with fitting: £5,000 to £8,000

2. Bellhousing Rattle

What to look for:

  • Rattling noise at idle
  • Sound goes away when revving
  • No change in performance

Cause:
The bellhousing on early GTRs can develop internal play, causing a metallic rattle. It’s a known weak point and is often mistaken for gearbox damage.

Repair cost:

  • Standard replacement: £900 to £1,600
  • Upgraded aftermarket housing: £1,400 to £2,000

3. Turbocharger Issues

What to look for:

  • Whistling noise under boost
  • Reduced power
  • Smoke from exhaust

Cause:
The twin turbos are reliable if well-maintained, but aggressive remapping, heat and poor oiling can wear out the bearings or seals.

Repair cost:

  • OEM turbo pair: £2,800 to £4,000
  • Refurbished turbos: £1,500 to £2,200
  • Labour for turbo swap: £800 to £1,200

4. Suspension Wear

What to look for:

  • Knocking or creaking on bumps
  • Car pulls to one side
  • Uneven tyre wear

Cause:
Heavy cars like the GTR wear suspension parts quickly. Common items include upper arms, bushes and shocks, especially on lowered or tracked cars.

Repair cost:

  • Front arm: £250 to £400
  • Bushes or drop links: £80 to £150
  • Shock absorber: £400 to £800 each

5. Cracked Alloy Wheels

What to look for:

  • Loss of tyre pressure
  • Cracks on the inside rim
  • Vibration through the steering

Cause:
The standard Rays 20-inch forged wheels are strong but not immune to damage, especially from potholes or aggressive driving.

Repair cost:

  • Weld repair: £60 to £120
  • New OEM alloy: £600 to £1,000
  • Full set aftermarket forged: £2,000 to £4,000

6. Brake Problems

What to look for:

  • Judder or vibration when braking
  • Brake fade after hard use
  • Warning light on the dash

Cause:
Warped brake discs from heat, worn pads or old brake fluid. GTRs eat brakes quickly, especially on track.

Repair cost:

  • Front discs and pads (OEM): £1,200 to £1,800
  • High-performance upgrade: £2,000 to £3,500
  • Brake fluid change: £100 to £150

7. ECU or TCM Faults

What to look for:

  • Warning lights
  • Gears not engaging
  • Car stuck in limp mode

Cause:
The ECU or transmission control module (TCM) can fail due to heat, age, or poor remapping. Software issues are common in tuned cars.

Repair cost:

  • Diagnostic scan: £80 to £150
  • Reflash or software update: £100 to £300
  • ECU or TCM replacement: £600 to £1,800

Nissan GTR Problems and UK Repair Cost Summary

ProblemSymptomsTypical Repair Cost (UK)
Transmission faultsJerky shifts, limp mode£300 to £6,000
Bellhousing rattleNoise at idle, no performance loss£900 to £2,000
Turbo issuesBoost loss, smoke£1,500 to £4,000
Suspension wearKnocking, tyre wear£80 to £800 per corner
Alloy cracksPressure loss, vibration£60 to £1,000 per wheel
Brake wearVibration, fade£100 to £3,500
ECU or TCM faultsWarning lights, shifting issues£100 to £1,800

Which GTR Models Are Most Affected?

  • Early 2009 to 2011 cars have the most transmission and TCM faults
  • 2012 to 2016 versions are more reliable but still suffer bellhousing and turbo wear
  • Post-2017 GTRs benefit from updated software and improved components but cost more to buy
  • Tuned or tracked cars wear out brakes, turbos and drivetrain parts much faster

Tip Before Buying a Used GTR

Always book a full pre-purchase inspection before buying a GTR. Services like CAREXAMER can check the transmission, bellhousing, suspension and electronics on-site anywhere in the UK. This could save you thousands in hidden repairs.

Final Thoughts

The Nissan GTR is one of the most capable performance cars ever built, but it’s also complex and costly to repair when things go wrong. Proper servicing, cautious tuning and early diagnosis are key to keeping one healthy. If you’re buying used, be sure the service history is strong and all common issues have been addressed.

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