Nissan Engines and Transmissions
By CarWhere Research · Updated
Nissan's best-known US engines are the VQ35DE and VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6s, the 400 hp VR30DDTT 3.0-liter twin-turbo in the Z, and the hand-assembled VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin-turbo that made up to 600 hp in the GT-R. Most mainstream Nissans pair their engines with the Xtronic CVT, sold in the US since 2003.
Each page lists the engine code, displacement, output by year and application, and any engine or transmission recalls, using Nissan's own press materials, EPA listings and NHTSA recall records. The Xtronic CVT page sets out the official warranty extensions model year by model year, as the settlement administrators and Nissan state them.
Engine family overviews
- VQ 3.5L V6 engines (VQ35DE, VQ35HR): every generation compared — VQ35 is Nissan's 3.5-liter VQ-series V6.
VQ 3.5L V6
| Engine | Model years | Peak output | Known problems | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L VQ V6 (VQ35DE)Nissan VQ35DE 3,498 cc DOHC 24-valve V6, US applications 2003–2023 | 2003–2008 · 2012–2023 | 300 hp / 274 lb-ft | 1 | 1 |
| 3.5L VQ V6 (VQ35HR)Nissan VQ35HR 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 ("high revolution, high response"), US 350Z 2007–2009 and Infiniti G35 sedan | 2007–2009 · 2007–2008 | 306 hp / 268 lb-ft | 0 | 0 |
- 3.5L VQ V6 (VQ35DE) years, specs and problems — The VQ35DE is Nissan's 3,498 cc DOHC 24-valve aluminum V6.
- 3.5L VQ V6 (VQ35HR) years, specs and problems — The VQ35HR is the redesigned 3.5-liter VQ V6 that Nissan put in every 2007 350Z, rated at 306 hp and 268 lb-ft.
VR twin-turbo V6
| Engine | Model years | Peak output | Known problems | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (VR30DDTT)Nissan VR30DDTT 2,997 cc twin-turbocharged direct-injected V6 (VR series), Nissan Z 2023–present and Infiniti Q50/Q60 3.0t | 2023–present · 2016–2024 | 420 hp / 384 lb-ft | 1 | 1 |
| 3.8L twin-turbo V6 (VR38DETT)Nissan VR38DETT 3.8-liter hand-assembled twin-turbocharged V6, Nissan GT-R (R35) 2009–2024 in the US | 2009–2024 · 2017–2024 | 600 hp / 481 lb-ft | 0 | 0 |
- 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (VR30DDTT) years, specs and problems — The VR30DDTT is Nissan's 2,997 cc twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V6.
- 3.8L twin-turbo V6 (VR38DETT) years, specs and problems — The VR38DETT is the hand-assembled 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 in the R35 Nissan GT-R.
Transmission
| Engine | Model years | Peak output | Known problems | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission)Nissan Xtronic continuously variable transmission (belt-and-pulley CVT), US models 2003–present | 2003–2012 · 2012–2020 · 2020–present | — | 6 | 3 |
- Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) years, specs and problems — Nissan's Xtronic CVT uses a steel belt or chain running between two variable-diameter pulleys instead of fixed gears.
Know which engine and transmission a car was built with.
Nissan builds the same model with more than one engine, transmission and drivetrain. The CarWhere Nissan build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.
Frequently asked questions
What engine is in the Nissan Z?
The 2023-and-later Z uses the VR30DDTT 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, rated at 400 hp and 350 lb-ft, or 420 hp and 384 lb-ft in the Z NISMO. The 2007–2009 350Z used the VQ35HR and the 2003–2006 350Z the VQ35DE.
What engine is in the Nissan GT-R?
Every US GT-R from 2009 to 2024 used the hand-assembled VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6. It launched at 480 hp and finished at 565 hp, or 600 hp in the GT-R NISMO.
Which Nissan V6 is in the Murano and Maxima?
Nissan's spec sheets list the VQ35DE 3.5-liter V6 in the Murano through 2024 (260 hp) and the 2018–2023 Maxima (300 hp), both with an Xtronic CVT.
Does Nissan still use the CVT?
Yes. EPA lists the Xtronic CVT in the 2026 Altima, Sentra, Kicks and Rogue. The Pathfinder moved to a 9-speed automatic for 2022 and the Murano for 2025.
Which Nissans got a CVT warranty extension?
Official settlement pages list 84-month/84,000-mile coverage for the 2014–2018 Rogue, 2015–2018 Pathfinder, 2013–2016 Altima, 2013–2017 Sentra, 2012–2017 Versa, 2014–2017 Versa Note, 2015–2018 Murano and 2016–2018 Maxima. Nissan covers 2003–2010 CVTs for 10 years/120,000 miles.
Sources
Each engine page lists its own detailed sources. Key references across the guide:
- 2003 Nissan 350Z Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
- 2005 Nissan 350Z Coupe Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
- 2006 Nissan 350Z Coupe and Roadster Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
- 2003 Nissan Pathfinder Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
- 2004 Nissan Maxima Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
- 2006 Nissan Maxima Continues Its Six-Generation Legacy of Superior Performance — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
- 2005 Nissan Murano Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
- 2007 Nissan Murano Crossover SUV offers Performance and Economy with 3.5-liter V6, CVT Transmission — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
- 2012 Nissan Murano Specifications — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
- 2014 Nissan Murano Specifications — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
More Nissan tools
- Nissan research hub
- Nissan trim levels explained
- Nissan known issues by model
- Nissan history
- Free Nissan VIN decoder
- Nissan specs by model
- Nissan reliability
- How long do Nissan models last?
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Nissan North America, Inc. or Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.. Nissan and the model names are trademarks of their owners.