Nissan 3.5L VQ V6 (VQ35DE): years, specs & known problems

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The VQ35DE is Nissan's 3,498 cc DOHC 24-valve aluminum V6. Nissan rated it at 287 hp in the 2003 350Z and 240 hp in the 2003 Pathfinder, and it later powered the Murano, Quest and Altima 3.5 at 260–270 hp. Its final US application, the 2018–2023 Maxima, made 300 hp and 261 lb-ft.

Nissan's press materials name the VQ35DE in the 2003 Pathfinder, the 2003–2006 350Z and the Maxima, Murano, Quest, Pathfinder and Altima 3.5 spec sheets of the 2010s. Every spec sheet lists the same basics: 3.5 liters (3,498 cc), dual overhead cams, an aluminum block and heads, and 95.5 × 81.4 mm bore and stroke. In front-drive and AWD Nissans it sits transversely, and in the Murano and most later applications it is paired with the Xtronic CVT.

Output depends on the application. The 2003 350Z launched at 287 hp and 274 lb-ft, and for 2006 manual Zs moved to 300 hp. Crossovers and minivans of the 2010s ran a 260 hp, 240 lb-ft tune, the 2016 Altima 3.5 made 270 hp, and the 2018–2023 Maxima topped the range at 300 hp. In the 350Z the engine was replaced for 2007 by the redesigned VQ35HR, and in the 2017 Pathfinder by the direct-injected VQ35DD. Some mid-2000s Nissan releases call the Maxima and Murano engine simply the VQ 3.5-liter without printing the code; those ratings are listed below as Nissan published them.

3.5L VQ V6 (VQ35DE) at a glance

Nissan VQ35DE 3,498 cc DOHC 24-valve V6, US applications 2003–2023: model years, fuel and peak Nissan-published output by version
EngineModel yearsFuelPeak hpPeak torque (lb-ft)Documented problemsRecalls
2003–2008: 350Z, Pathfinder, Maxima and Murano (240–300 hp)2003–2008Gasoline30027411
2012–2023: Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Altima 3.5 and Maxima (260–300 hp)2012–2023Gasoline30026100

CarWhere lists 1 documented problem and 1 NHTSA recall for the 3.5L VQ V6 (VQ35DE), each with a source. Part of the VQ 3.5L V6 engines (VQ35DE, VQ35HR) family.

2003–2008: 350Z, Pathfinder, Maxima and Murano (240–300 hp)

The first US applications. Nissan names the VQ35DE in the 2003 Pathfinder and the 350Z; its Maxima and Murano releases of the period describe the same-size VQ-series 3.5-liter DOHC V6.

2003–2008: 350Z, Pathfinder, Maxima and Murano (240–300 hp) specifications

2003–2008: 350Z, Pathfinder, Maxima and Murano (240–300 hp): design facts (2003–2008)
SpecificationValue
Engine codeVQ35DE[1]
Layout3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6[4]
Valve timingContinuously Variable Valve Timing Control (CVTCS) with a reworked intake port design in the 350Z[1]
Redline, 2006 350Z7,000 rpm with the manual, 6,600 rpm with the automatic[6]
Block, 2003 PathfinderAluminum block; 100,000-mile tune-up interval[2]
Transmission, 2003 Pathfinder4-speed automatic[2]
Transmission, MuranoXtronic CVT, standard[5]

2003–2008: 350Z, Pathfinder, Maxima and Murano (240–300 hp) horsepower and torque by year

2003–2008: 350Z, Pathfinder, Maxima and Murano (240–300 hp): Nissan-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2003350Z287274[1]
2003Pathfinder240265[2]
2004Maxima265255[3]
2005350Z287274[4]
2005350Z 35th Anniversary and TrackNissan lists 300 hp for these two models; torque not stated300—[4]
2005Murano245—[5]
2006350Z (6-speed manual)300260[6]
2006350Z (5-speed automatic)287274[6]
2006MaximaRatings per SAE J1349 JUN1995265255[7]
2007Murano240244[8]

"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.

Which vehicles have the 2003–2008: 350Z, Pathfinder, Maxima and Murano (240–300 hp)?

Models and model years offered with the 2003–2008: 350Z, Pathfinder, Maxima and Murano (240–300 hp)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Nissan 350Z2003–2006Coupe from 2003, Roadster from 2004; replaced by the VQ35HR for 2007
Nissan Pathfinder2003Nissan's 2003 kit names the VQ35DE
Nissan Maxima2004–2006Nissan calls it the VQ 3.5-liter in these releases
Nissan Murano2003–2007EPA lists a 3.5L V6 with CVT from 2003; Nissan's 2005 kit says the engine is derived from the VQ series

2003–2008: 350Z, Pathfinder, Maxima and Murano (240–300 hp) problems and what to check

Intake air ducts may shrink and separate, stalling the engine (2003–2007 Murano) (2003–2007)

Moderate

On 2003–2007 Muranos, the intake air ducts that connect to the intermediate resonator can age, shrink and pull away from the resonator as the engine moves, which can stall the engine. Nissan recalled the vehicles in 2009 and dealers inspect and repair or replace the parts free of charge.[9]

Symptoms

  • Stalling
  • Rough idle or check-engine light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the intake duct inspection

Program: NHTSA safety recall 09V169 (free inspection and repair at Nissan dealers)

2003–2008: 350Z, Pathfinder, Maxima and Murano (240–300 hp) recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the 2003–2008: 350Z, Pathfinder, Maxima and Murano (240–300 hp) (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
09V1692009-05-192003–2007 Nissan Murano362,891 vehiclesIntake air ducts connected to the intermediate resonator may separate as the engine moves because the duct material ages and shrinks, which can stall the engine. Dealers inspect and repair or replace the parts free of charge.

2012–2023: Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Altima 3.5 and Maxima (260–300 hp)

Nissan's 2010s spec sheets name the VQ35DE in the Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Altima 3.5 and Maxima, all with an Xtronic CVT. Crossovers and the Quest use a 260 hp tune; the 2016 Altima 3.5 makes 270 hp and the 2018–2023 Maxima 300 hp.

2012–2023: Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Altima 3.5 and Maxima (260–300 hp) specifications

2012–2023: Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Altima 3.5 and Maxima (260–300 hp): design facts (2012–2023)
SpecificationValue
Engine codeVQ35DE[21]
Displacement3.5 L (3,498 cc; 214.0 cu in)[18]
Bore × stroke95.5 × 81.4 mm[18]
Layout60-degree V6, DOHC, aluminum block and heads, transverse[21]
TransmissionXtronic CVT (Maxima: Xtronic with manual shift mode and D-Step logic)[20]
2012–2014 Maxima listingNissan's spec sheet lists the engine as VQ35 (290 hp, 261 lb-ft)[11]
2017 Pathfinder changeReplaced by the direct-injected VQ35DD (284 hp)[22]
EPA listing, 2023 Maxima3.5 L V6, AV-S7[23]
Last MaximaEPA lists no 2024 Maxima[24]

2012–2023: Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Altima 3.5 and Maxima (260–300 hp) horsepower and torque by year

2012–2023: Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Altima 3.5 and Maxima (260–300 hp): Nissan-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2012Murano260240[10]
2012MaximaSpec sheet lists the engine as VQ35290261[11]
2013Pathfinder260240[12]
2014Murano260240[13]
2014Quest260240[14]
2016Pathfinder260240[15]
2016Altima 3.5270251[16]
2017Quest260240[17]
2018Maxima300261[18]
2020Murano260240[19]
2023Maxima300261[20]
2024Murano260240[21]

"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.

Which vehicles have the 2012–2023: Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Altima 3.5 and Maxima (260–300 hp)?

Models and model years offered with the 2012–2023: Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Altima 3.5 and Maxima (260–300 hp)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Nissan Murano2012–2024Spec sheets for 2012, 2014, 2020 and 2024 list the VQ35DE; the 2025 Murano switched to a 2.0L turbo
Nissan Pathfinder2013–2016VQ35DD from 2017
Nissan Quest2014–2017
Nissan Altima 3.52016Spec sheet confirmed for 2016
Nissan Maxima2018–20232018 and 2023 spec sheets list the VQ35DE

3.5L VQ V6 (VQ35DE) issues by model

The same engine shows up on these known-issues pages, with model-specific details.

Related Nissan research

Confirm a car really has the 3.5L VQ V6 (VQ35DE).

The engine a Nissan left the factory with is part of its build record. 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.

Nissan build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What cars have the VQ35DE engine?

Nissan names the VQ35DE in the 2003–2006 350Z, the 2003 Pathfinder and, in the 2010s, the Murano (through 2024), the 2013–2016 Pathfinder, the 2014–2017 Quest, the Altima 3.5 and the 2018–2023 Maxima. Mid-2000s Maxima and Murano releases describe the same-size VQ 3.5-liter without printing the code.

How much horsepower does the VQ35DE make?

It depends on the car. Nissan rated it at 287 hp and 274 lb-ft in the 2003 350Z, 300 hp in 2006 manual Zs, 260 hp and 240 lb-ft in the Murano, Pathfinder and Quest, 270 hp in the 2016 Altima 3.5 and 300 hp with 261 lb-ft in the 2018–2023 Maxima.

What is the difference between the VQ35DE and VQ35HR?

The VQ35HR replaced the DE in the 2007 350Z. Nissan says about 80% of its major parts were redesigned, including a taller, ladder-frame block, a higher 7,500 rpm rev limit, variable exhaust cam timing and a 10.6:1 compression ratio, for 306 hp versus 287–300 hp in the DE-powered Z.

Is the VQ35DE the same as the VQ35DD in the newer Pathfinder?

No. Nissan's spec sheets switch the Pathfinder from the VQ35DE (260 hp, 240 lb-ft) for 2016 to the direct-injected VQ35DD for 2017, rated at 284 hp. Both displace 3,498 cc.

Was the VQ35DE ever recalled?

The best-known engine-bay recall on a VQ35DE vehicle is 09V169, which covered 362,891 2003–2007 Muranos whose intake air ducts can shrink and separate from the resonator, stalling the engine. Dealers inspect and repair the parts free of charge; check any VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Sources

Ratings are Nissan-published figures as cited; descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs appear only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. 2003 Nissan 350Z Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  2. 2003 Nissan Pathfinder Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  3. 2004 Nissan Maxima Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  4. 2005 Nissan 350Z Coupe Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  5. 2005 Nissan Murano Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  6. 2006 Nissan 350Z Coupe and Roadster Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  7. 2006 Nissan Maxima Continues Its Six-Generation Legacy of Superior Performance — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  8. 2007 Nissan Murano Crossover SUV offers Performance and Economy with 3.5-liter V6, CVT Transmission — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  9. Recall 09V169: INTAKE AIR DUCTS/RESONATOR — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  10. 2012 Nissan Murano Specifications — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  11. 2012 Nissan Maxima Specifications — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  12. 2013 Nissan Pathfinder Specifications — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  13. 2014 Nissan Murano Specifications — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  14. 2014 Nissan Quest Specifications — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  15. 2016 Nissan Pathfinder Specifications — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  16. 2016 Nissan Altima Specifications — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  17. 2017 Nissan Quest Specifications — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  18. 2018 Nissan Maxima Specifications — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  19. 2020 Nissan Murano Specifications — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  20. 2023 Nissan Maxima Specifications — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  21. 2024 Nissan Murano Specifications — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  22. 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Specifications — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  23. 2023 Nissan Maxima: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. 2024 Nissan Maxima: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov

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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.