Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34)

1989-2002 / Coupe / Japan

All Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34) problems All workshop issues

Common Drivetrain

HICAS Malfunction

Symptoms

HICAS warning light on the dashboard. Rear-end instability at speed, vague rear-end feel, or the rear appearing to steer independently of the front.

Cause

The R32 and R33 use a hydraulic HICAS system with a rear steering rack actuated by a hydraulic pump. Hose leaks, pump failure, and rack seal failure are common. The R34 uses an electronic HICAS system that is more reliable but still develops faults in the electric motor and sensor circuitry.

Fix

Many owners choose to delete HICAS rather than repair it.

A HICAS delete kit ($200-400) replaces the rear steering rack with fixed-length tie rods, eliminating the system entirely.

This is widely regarded as an improvement for spirited driving and track use.

If you want to retain HICAS, a full system overhaul costs $1,000-2,500.

Cost mentioned in fix

$200-400$1,000-2,500

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// More Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34) problems

Other known issues

Common Drivetrain

ATTESA E-TS Faults

ATTESA warning light on the dashboard. The car may default to rear-wheel drive only, losing the all-wheel-drive functionality that defines the GT-R's handling character.

Common Drivetrain

Gearbox Synchro Wear

Grinding or crunching when shifting, particularly into 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gear. Worse when cold or on quick shifts.

Minor Engine

Oil Pump Drive Collar Failure (R32, R33, CRITICAL)

The engine loses oil pressure instantly and without warning. The oil pressure gauge drops to zero, the engine seizes within seconds. Total engine destruction.

Critical Engine

Ceramic Turbo Wheel Failure (All Models)

Loss of boost on one or both turbochargers. In severe cases, ceramic wheel fragments are ingested by the engine, causing catastrophic damage to the cylinders and pistons.

Critical Engine

CAS (Crank Angle Sensor) Failure

Engine misfire, loss of power, intermittent cutting out, or complete no-start. The misfire may be random or consistent, and can come and go.

Critical Engine

Head Gasket Failure

Coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, overheating, milky oil, and/or combustion gases in the coolant (detectable with a block tester).

View all 16 Skyline GT-R (R32 / R33 / R34) problems