Nissan Skyline common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 21 faults the Nissan Skyline is known for (2007–2016), 19 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
Known problems on the Nissan Skyline
Wheels not straight when centred
Safety risk
2014–2015 · Suspension and steering
What to look for: Check the front wheels point straight when you centre the steering wheel after restarting with the wheels turned.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 3822 (10 June 2016) covers 8,892 Skyline (DAA-HV37), 2,664 (DAA-HNV37) and 120 (DBA-YV37) built 25 Jan 2014 to 18 Dec 2015. The notification states the start-up setting program in the Direct Adaptive Steering system is inappropriate, so if the car is parked with the wheels turned and then started the steering angle is miscalculated, the wheel position and the wheel angle no longer agree, the car does not…
What to look for: Smell for fuel at cold start, and look for wet or dark staining where the fuel hose meets the fuel pump.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 4658 (7 February 2020) covers 5,659 Skyline (DBA-YV37) fitted with the 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine, built 20 Nov 2014 to 10 Aug 2017. The notification states the fuel hose material is inappropriate and degrades early with heat, and that fuel can then seep from the connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and the low-pressure fuel hose when the engine is started cold.
What to look for: At start-up check for a power steering or chassis warning, then confirm the wheel is centred and holds a line.
Why it matters: The first-generation system (2014-2016 builds) is worst; Infiniti revised the control logic from 2016. Repairs range from software and recalibration to steering modules or actuators costing several thousand dollars.
What to look for: Check the brake pedal is firm, does not sink, and braking is smooth with no grabbing or surge.
Why it matters: A failing electric brake booster reduces braking performance, which is a safety risk, and the pedal sensor is not sold separately so the whole booster has to be replaced.
What to look for: Look around the water pump with a torch for coolant staining or a loose bolt, and check the coolant level.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 3887 (16 September 2016) covers 1,330 Skyline (DBA-ZV37) and 150 (DBA-YV37) built 26 May 2014 to 4 March 2015. Nissan's remedy is to replace the water pump heat shield fixing bolt with a part that stops the piston backing out, and to replace the water pump free of charge if the lever has already broken.
What to look for: Check the indicators flash both ways every time over twenty or more stalk flicks, and self-cancel after a turn.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 2550 (11 June 2010) covers 12,079 Skyline (DBA-V36), 1,991 (DBA-NV36) and 4,666 (DBA-PV36) built 25 Oct 2006 to 21 June 2007. The notification states the fixed-contact board in the combination switch was polished incorrectly, the contact surface is rough, wear debris from using the indicators builds up on it, and the contact then fails to conduct so the indicators stop working.
What to look for: Start the car and check the ABS, VDC and SLIP warning lights go out within a few seconds.
Why it matters: US owners of 2006 G35 sedans and coupes reported ABS module burnout with replacement units of US$1,400-2,100 and long waits for parts. Used or rebuilt units are the usual NZ fix.
What to look for: Lock and unlock the car several times, starting it each time, and check for a flashing amber key light.
Why it matters: It fails to release, so the car will not start, or the steering stays locked, often intermittently at first. The same part fails often on the 370Z (about 65 US complaints for 2009 alone) and the G37, with repairs about US$700-1,400.
What to look for: Check the dash for a flashing airbag light and confirm the passenger airbag-off indicator is not stuck on.
Why it matters: JDM Skylines use a simpler system on some grades, but any V36 with a flashing airbag light should be treated the same way. The related Fuga/M35 and later Q50/Q60 show the same type of fault.
What to look for: Drive through every gear and check it does not get stuck in 3rd or flag a limp-mode warning.
Why it matters: The same gearbox in the Q50 has dozens of US complaints of exactly this (about 45 for 2015 alone), and G37 owners report valve body and speed sensor replacement. Repair is a valve body or sensor, or a gearbox.
What to look for: Press the clutch pedal several times and check it returns fully, without sticking to the floor.
Why it matters: There were about 25 US complaints for the 2009 370Z alone, with repeat failures within 10,000-20,000 km of replacement, and G37 owners report the same. The gearbox has to come out, so it is usually done with a clutch.
What to look for: Drive through every gear and check it does not get stuck in 3rd or flag a limp-mode warning.
Why it matters: About 20 complaints for 2014 and 45 for 2015 Q50s, typically 90,000-185,000 km, with valve body or gearbox replacement at US$2,500-10,000. The 200GT-t uses a Mercedes gearbox instead.
What to look for: Check for white or blue exhaust smoke on start-up and after idling, and feel for a sudden limp mode.
Why it matters: US complaints for 2017-2019 Q50s and Q60s with this engine are mostly at 70,000-230,000 km, some earlier, and Infiniti extended turbo warranty cover on US cars to 10 years / 120,000 miles. A pair of turbos costs about US$6,000-9,000; oil starvation from a failing turbo can take the engine with it.
What to look for: Check for low oil pressure, P0011/P0021 codes, and ticking or rattling from the front timing cover at idle.
Why it matters: Running on low oil pressure risks chain and bearing damage, and the repair is a major front-of-engine job costing thousands of dollars.
What to look for: Run the air-con on max cold with the engine on and stopped and check it stays cold throughout.
Why it matters: The electric air-con compressor is an expensive part with few rebuilt units available, and a seized unit can spread debris through the whole system.
What to look for: Shine a torch through each headlight lens to tell outer coating haze from a milky inside haze.
Why it matters: Hazed or peeling lenses cut beam output at night and can fail a WoF, and inside haze cannot be polished out, so the lens or the whole headlight unit may need replacing.
What to look for: Check the steering wheel spokes for flaking coating and the rim at 9/3 o'clock for peeling leather.
Why it matters: The steering wheel is the first thing a buyer touches, so visible peeling or wear undermines confidence in the car even though it is purely cosmetic, and a used wheel or re-trim is an added cost.
Got a question about a Nissan Skyline? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
Also check on every car
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.