The 2009 Skyline (V36 chassis) is generally reliable but suffers from well-documented timing chain stretch on higher-mileage examples and transmission cooling issues that can lead to premature failure if not addressed. The VQ engines are solid when maintained, but defer maintenance at your peril.
Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle lasting 3-5 seconds that worsens over time, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0011, P0021), Rough idle and loss of power under load, Metal shavings in oil if guides have disintegrated
Fix: Replace timing chains (primary and secondary), guides, tensioners, and oil pump chain while you're in there. This is a front-of-engine job requiring removal of front covers, radiator, and accessories. Budget 12-16 labor hours. Do NOT ignore the rattle — stretched chains can jump timing and bend valves.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure and Cooler Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, especially when cold, Milky or strawberry-colored ATF (coolant mixing in), External ATF leaks at cooler line connections, Overheating transmission, limp mode
Fix: The factory cooler lines corrode and leak, and the in-radiator cooler can fail internally, cross-contaminating ATF and coolant. If coolant gets into the trans, you're looking at a full flush, sometimes a rebuild. Replace cooler lines preemptively and add an external trans cooler. If contamination occurred, trans rebuild adds 18-24 hours. Preventive line replacement is 2-3 hours.
Estimated cost: $400-800 (lines only), $3,500-5,500 (if trans rebuild needed)
Lifter Tick and Valve Train Noise
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Persistent ticking from valve covers at idle, hot or cold, Noise may come and go with oil changes or temperature, No power loss initially, but can worsen to misfires if ignored
Fix: VQ engines develop lifter noise due to oil starvation or wear. Often starts with one collapsed lifter, can spread. Replacing lifters requires cam removal; figure 8-10 hours per bank if doing both sides. Use high-quality oil (5W-30) and change every 5,000 miles to slow progression. If it's just noise and not affecting performance, some owners live with it.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Head Gasket Failure (VQ35HR, less common on VQ25HR)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, especially at startup, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating or erratic temperature gauge, Oil cap shows milky residue, coolant in oil
Fix: The 3.5L is more prone to this than the 2.5L, often bank-2 (passenger side). Head gasket job requires head removal, resurfacing, new bolts, and gaskets. While heads are off, check for cracks and replace timing components if near the stretch threshold. 14-18 hours labor per side, 20+ if doing both banks.
Symptoms: Clunk or thud on shifts, especially reverse to drive, Vibration through floor and shifter at idle, Excessive driveline movement felt during acceleration
Fix: Rubber mounts tear and collapse, especially on cars driven hard. Replacement is straightforward: lift trans slightly, swap mount, 1.5-2 hours. Aftermarket polyurethane mounts last longer but add NVH. Do it when you see the symptoms; it won't strand you but makes the car feel sloppy.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Fuel Filter Clogging (if not replaced)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000+ mi
Symptoms: Hesitation or stumble under hard acceleration, Rough idle and occasional stalling, Check engine light with lean codes (P0171, P0174), Fuel pump working harder, may fail prematurely
Fix: In-tank fuel filter is often neglected because it's not in the maintenance schedule. If the car has seen poor-quality fuel or sat for long periods, the filter clogs and starves the engine. Requires dropping the tank, 3-4 hours labor. Replace pump assembly or just the filter sock depending on condition.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Owner tips
Change oil every 5,000 miles with quality 5W-30 synthetic — timing chain life depends on it
Inspect timing chain at 80k miles; listen for cold-start rattle and address immediately
Install an external transmission cooler and replace OEM cooler lines preventively by 70k miles
Avoid extended idling in hot weather; these transmissions run warm and the factory cooling is marginal
If buying used, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on timing chain noise and ATF condition — walk away if either is questionable
Buy one if timing chains and trans cooler have been done or you budget for them immediately; otherwise, it's a $4,000-6,000 surprise waiting to happen on a neglected example.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Japanese domestic market specification; verify dimensions before purchase
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Every control module on the 2007-2014 Nissan Skyline — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Audio Visual Control Unit / Navigation Unit (AV/NAV)1.5 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center dash, integrated with touchscreen (if equipped)
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus or Autel
⚠️ Base audio or navigation system. VIN coding recommended. Radio code may be required.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2009 Nissan Skyline 3.5L V6 VQ35HR and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.