2021 Nissan GT-R Problems: 5 Known Issues
2021 model year · 1,230+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,230+ owner reports, the 2021 Nissan GT-R has 5 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are GR6 Dual-Clutch Transmission Judder and Failure ($500-$20,000 repair), Steering Knuckle / Rear Axle Housing Insufficient Strength (Recall 21V402000) and Transmission Bellhousing Bearing Failure and Rattle ($2,000-$5,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is GR6 Dual-Clutch Transmission Judder and Failure with 850 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $500 to $20,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 5 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls1 recall
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Nissan Murano, INFINITI QX60, 2021 Nissan GT-R, INFINITI QX50, and Q50 vehicles. The front steering knuckle or rear axle housing may have insufficient strength due to improper heat-treatment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Nissan GT-R problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,230+ owner reports, the 2021 Nissan GT-R has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: GR6 Dual-Clutch Transmission Judder and Failure, Steering Knuckle / Rear Axle Housing Insufficient Strength (Recall 21V402000), Transmission Bellhousing Bearing Failure and Rattle. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Nissan GT-R reliable?
The 2021 Nissan GT-R has 5 known issues documented across 1,230+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: GR6 Dual-Clutch Transmission Judder and Failure and Steering Knuckle / Rear Axle Housing Insufficient Strength (Recall 21V402000) and Transmission Bellhousing Bearing Failure and Rattle. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Nissan GT-R problems?
Repair costs for known Nissan GT-R issues range from $500 to $20,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, GR6 Dual-Clutch Transmission Judder and Failure, typically costs $500-$20,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2009-2024 Nissan GT-R GR6 Dual-Clutch Transmission Judder and Failure?
The Nissan GT-R GR6 dual-clutch transmission (built by Aichi Machine Industry with BorgWarner dual-clutch components) develops judder during low-speed maneuvers, parking, and first gear takeoffs. The clutch packs wear unevenly, and the transmission control module software can cau… Repairs typically run $500-$20,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2021 Nissan GT-R Steering Knuckle / Rear Axle Housing Insufficient Strength (Recall 21V402000)?
NHTSA recall 21V402 and Nissan campaign R21A4 apply to certain 2021 GT-R vehicles. A gap in a furnace door reduced heat-treatment temperature for specified front steering knuckles and rear axle housings, leaving affected castings with insufficient hardness. A strong impact can de… Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2024 Nissan GT-R Transmission Bellhousing Bearing Failure and Rattle?
The R35's rear-mounted GR6 transaxle connects to the front-mounted VR38DETT via a driveshaft inside a cast-aluminum bellhousing. Because there is no torque tube, the engine/bellhousing move independently of the transmission, creating constant push/pull loading that wears the bell… Repairs typically run $2,000-$5,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2024 Nissan GT-R Transfer Case and Front Differential Wear?
The GT-R ATTESA-ETS Pro AWD system transfer case and front differential are high-wear items, particularly with track use. The transfer case clutch packs wear, causing vibration and reduced AWD performance. The front differential can develop whine from bearing wear. Regular fluid… Repairs typically run $500-$7,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2009-2024 Nissan GT-R OEM Brembo Cross-Drilled Brake Rotor Cracking and Warping?
The factory two-piece cross-drilled Brembo rotors crack around the drilled holes and warp under repeated hard or track use. The car's ~4,000 lb weight, heat concentration at the drill holes, and limited brake cooling cause stress cracks and thickness variation. The factory rotors… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,500. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.