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Nissan Skyline Hybrid common problems: what to check before you buy

Credov's researched list of the 6 faults the Nissan Skyline Hybrid is known for (2014–2022), 6 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 Hybrid

DAS steering heavy or locked

Safety risk

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.

Sources: 1 2 3

Electric brake booster fault

Safety risk

2014–2015 · VQ35HR · hybrid · Brakes

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.

Sources: 1 2 3

Auto gearbox stuck in 3rd

Costly if missed

VQ35HR, VR30DDTT · Gearbox

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.

Sources: 1 2 3

Hybrid dry clutch slips

Costly if missed

2014–2022 · VQ35HR · hybrid · Hybrid and EV

What to look for: Check the engine joins in smoothly from electric drive with no jerk, flare or clutch fault code.

Why it matters: A slipping dry clutch gets worse over time, and the gearbox has to come out to fit a new clutch disc, a major and costly repair.

Sources: 1 2 3

Hybrid battery wears out

Costly if missed

2014–2022 · hybrid · Hybrid and EV

What to look for: Check the battery gauge rises and falls normally and EV-only running has not become weak or short.

Why it matters: A worn hybrid battery is very costly to replace, and used or rebuilt packs are hard to find for this model.

Sources: 1 2 3

Electric air-con compressor fails

Costly if missed

2014–2022 · hybrid · Interior and air con

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.

Sources: 1 2

Got a question about a Nissan Skyline Hybrid? 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.

Other Nissan models

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.