Nissan GT-R problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The GT-R has very few documented recalls. The most significant are a 2009 steering column bearing problem (15V054) and 2021 steering knuckles or rear axle housings that may be too weak (21V402). 2019 cars also need a back-up camera software update, and a few Puerto Rico cars needed corrected labels.

CarWhere lists 4 documented GT-R issues, including 4 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

GT-R generations at a glance

Nissan GT-R generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
GT-R2009–2024Steering knuckle or rear axle housing may be too weak (recall 21V402) · Back-up camera settings can hide the rear image (recall 19V654) · Steering column bearing retainer may fracture (recall 15V054) · Puerto Rico GT-Rs may lack weight ratings on the label (recall 15V795)

GT-R problems (2009–2024)

Steering knuckle or rear axle housing may be too weak (recall 21V402) (2021)

Safety recall
Generation:
GT-R (2009–2024)
Years:
2021
Powertrain:
All

Improper heat treatment can leave the front steering knuckle or rear axle housing of certain 2021 GT-Rs, and some 2020 Muranos and Infiniti models, too weak, so a curb strike could bend it and cause a loss of steering or wheel separation. Dealers inspect and replace the parts as needed, free of charge. The 14,276 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the GT-R.

Symptoms

  • Steering pulls or wheel alignment changes after a curb strike

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 knuckle and axle housing inspection

NHTSA recall: 21V402 (2021-05-27) · 14,276 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1]

Back-up camera settings can hide the rear image (recall 19V654) (2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
GT-R (2009–2024)
Years:
2019
Powertrain:
All

2019 GT-Rs were added to a recall of many 2018–2019 Nissans whose camera display settings can be adjusted so the rear image disappears and stays off the next time the car is in reverse. Dealers update the camera software free of charge. The 1,228,830 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the GT-R.

Symptoms

  • Rear camera shows no image after display settings were changed

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 back-up camera software update

NHTSA recall: 19V654 (2019-09-12) · 1,228,830 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [2]

Steering column bearing retainer may fracture (recall 15V054) (2009)

Safety recall
Generation:
GT-R (2009–2024)
Years:
2009
Powertrain:
All

On certain 2009 GT-Rs built through April 2008, and some Infiniti EX35, FX35 and FX45 models, an out-of-round steering column tube can stress the upper bearing until its retainer fractures, adding play or causing a loss of steering. On the GT-R, dealers replace the steering column assembly free of charge. The 16,973 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the GT-R.

Symptoms

  • Play or looseness in the steering wheel

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 steering column replacement

NHTSA recall: 15V054 (2015-02-02) · 16,973 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3]

Puerto Rico GT-Rs may lack weight ratings on the label (recall 15V795) (2015–2016)

Safety recall
Generation:
GT-R (2009–2024)
Years:
2015–2016
Powertrain:
All

A small number of 2015–2016 GT-Rs built for Puerto Rico have a certification label missing the vehicle and axle weight ratings. Dealers apply a corrected label free of charge. NHTSA lists 18 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Door-jamb label lacks GVWR/GAWR figures

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 corrected label

NHTSA recall: 15V795 (2015-11-24) · 18 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4]

Related GT-R research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how a GT-R was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. 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 are the most common Nissan GT-R problems?

Documented issues are a small set of recalls: a steering column bearing retainer that may fracture on 2009 cars (15V054), steering knuckles or rear axle housings that may be too weak on 2021 cars (21V402), and back-up camera settings on 2019 cars (19V654).

Does the 2009 GT-R have a steering recall?

Yes. Recall 15V054 covers certain 2009 GT-Rs built through April 2008 whose steering column tube may be out of round. Dealers replace the steering column assembly free of charge.

Which GT-R has the knuckle and axle housing recall?

Certain 2021 GT-Rs are in recall 21V402, which also includes 2020 Muranos and some Infiniti models. Dealers inspect and replace the front steering knuckle and rear axle housing as needed.

How do I check a used GT-R for open recalls?

Enter the 17-digit VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup and ask the seller or a Nissan dealer for repair orders showing completed recall work.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. Recall 21V402: Steering Knuckle or Rear Axle Housing Can Deform — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  2. Recall 19V654: No Back-Up Camera Display Image/FMVSS 111 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  3. Recall 15V054: Steering Column Tube may be Out of Round — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  4. Recall 15V795: Certification Label Missing Information/Part 567 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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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.