The most reliable Nissan engines by the numbers
Nissan's most reliable engines come from the pre-alliance era and specific modern standouts. The VQ V6, the HR series, and proven naturally aspirated units represent Nissan engineering at its best — before cost-cutting diluted the lineup.
Complete ranking
| Rank | Engine | Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HR12DDR | 89/100 | BEST |
| 2 | VR38DETT | 89/100 | BEST |
| 3 | VQ40DE | 84/100 | BUY |
| 4 | KR15+motor e-Power | 84/100 | BUY |
| 5 | VR30DDTT | 84/100 | BUY |
| 6 | VQ37VHR | 83/100 | BUY |
| 7 | HR16DE | 80/100 | BUY |
| 8 | MR20DE | 80/100 | BUY |
| 9 | H4Dt / HR10DET (1.0 TCe 90-110, IG-T 100) | 79/100 | BUY |
| 10 | MR20DD | 78/100 | BUY |
HR12DDR — 89/100
1.2 DIG-S Supercharged I3
Found in: Micra, Micra 1.2 DIG-S, Note, Note 1.2 DIG-S
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Ignition coil short circuit can stall the engine (recall, cars built 2015-2016) — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
- Injector and intake carbon build-up (direct injection, high mileage) — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
Full HR12DDR reliability report →
VR38DETT — 89/100
VR38DETT 3.8 V6 Twin-Turbo
Found in: GT-R, GT-R 3.8T
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Bearing shells on early European cars (2008-09) - engine replaced under a Nissan campaign — severity high, typically appears around N/A
Full VR38DETT reliability report →
VQ40DE — 84/100
VQ40DE 4.0 V6
Found in: Pathfinder
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Radiator transmission-cooler crack: coolant mixes into the automatic gearbox (2005-2010) — severity high, typically appears around N/A
- Engine oil-cooler bolt can break: oil leak (recall, 2011-2012) — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
Full VQ40DE reliability report →
KR15+motor e-Power — 84/100
1.5 VC-Turbo e-Power (KR15DDT / KH5T)
Found in: Qashqai, X-Trail
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Generator failure - e-Power System Fault — severity high, typically appears around N/A
- Battery management software recall - loss of drive — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
Full KR15+motor e-Power reliability report →
VR30DDTT — 84/100
VR30DDTT 3.0 V6 Twin-Turbo
Found in: Z
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Turbocharger bearing leaks oil internally - smoke, power loss (warranty extension) — severity high, typically appears around N/A
- Accessory drive belt slips or shreds (2016-2017 cars) — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
Full VR30DDTT reliability report →
VQ37VHR — 83/100
VQ37VHR 3.7 V6
Found in: 370Z, 370Z 3.7 V6
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Oil gallery gasket failure - sudden loss of oil pressure (engines up to about 2012) — severity high, typically appears around N/A
- Oil consumption on higher-mileage engines — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
Full VQ37VHR reliability report →
Generated from EngineScope's reliability database. Reviewed by the editorial team. Methodology →