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Nissan · Known Issues

1991 Nissan Skyline Problems: 7 Known Issues

1991 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1991 Nissan Skyline has 7 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are RB26DETT Oil Pump Drive Collar Failure (Narrow Crank Snout) ($2,500-$20,000 repair), Structural Rust: Strut Towers, Rear Arches, Sills and Boot Floor ($800-$6,000 repair) and Ceramic Turbocharger Exhaust Wheel Failure ($1,500-$6,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $20,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Skyline Engine2
  • Skyline Body/Panels1
  • Skyline Electrical2
  • Skyline Steering1
  • Skyline Drivetrain1
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine2
  • Body/Panels1
  • Electrical2
  • Steering1
  • Drivetrain1
  • FAQ

All 7 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS20022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989

On the 1989-1992 Nissan Skyline, early R32 GT-R crankshafts (built from 1989 until the design was revised in late 1992/early 1993) have a narrow oil pump drive collar with excessive clearance to the pump's inner gear. At sustained high RPM or when bouncing off the rev limiter, harmonic vibration hammers the drive against the pump gear until the gear shatters, causing instant loss of oil pressure and, in many documented cases, complete engine seizure requiring a full rebuild. Even later RB26 cranks benefit from the fix when the engine is used hard.

Common Symptoms

  • Low or fluctuating oil pressure at idle
  • Sudden drop of oil pressure to zero at high RPM
  • Loud knocking immediately after hard revving
  • Metallic debris in oil or oil filter
  • Engine seizure after rev-limiter abuse

How to Fix

During any engine-out work, have the crank snout machined and a press-fit extended crank collar (Reimax, Tomei, JUN style) installed, ideally paired with an N1 or aftermarket oil pump. The N1 pump alone does NOT fix the root cause, which is the crank drive, not the pump.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Tomei RB oil-pump drive collar TA205A-NS05A

    Machining is mandatory; confirm crank dimensions and follow the linked Tomei installation drawing.

    Kure Motorsport
  • Genuine Nissan RB26 N1 oil pump 15010-24U01

    Nissan RB-series N1 pump 15010-24U01; confirm crank/pump compatibility and required clearances.

    Dynosty

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$2,500 - $20,000

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 1989-2002 Nissan Skyline, factory twin turbos on the GT-R (and the single turbos on RB20DET/RB25DET GTS-T models) use lightweight ceramic exhaust wheels for fast spool, but the brittle ceramic shears off the shaft with age, heat cycles, detonation, rev-limiter hits, or boost much above the stock ~0.9-1.1 bar. A failed wheel kills boost instantly, dumps shards into the exhaust, and can take the turbo's bearings and seals with it, with documented cases of consequential engine damage. Only N1 and Nür special editions came with steel exhaust wheels from the factory.

Common Symptoms

  • Sudden loss of boost and power
  • Loud metallic rattle or whoosh from the turbo
  • Heavy smoke from the exhaust
  • Ceramic fragments found in downpipe or cat
  • Excessive turbine shaft play on inspection

How to Fix

Keep boost at or below roughly 0.9-1.0 bar on original ceramic turbos, and replace failed or tired units with steel-wheel rebuilds or aftermarket steel-wheel turbos (N1, Garrett, HKS, Tomei) before raising boost. Inspect for shaft play and smoke whenever turbo health is in doubt.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • HKS GTIII-2530 RB26 twin-turbo kit

    1989-1994 R32 GT-R BNR32, 1995-1998 R33 GT-R BCNR33 and 1999-2002 R34 GT-R BNR34 per inspected retailer. Requires professional installation, tuning and supporting-system/emissions review; not RB20/RB25 GTS-T and not legal for sale/use in…

    Z1 Motorsports

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $6,000

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 1989-2002 Nissan Skyline, all three Skyline generations are now 24-37 years old and were built with minimal rustproofing, so corrosion in the front strut tower seams, rear wheel arches, sills, boot floor and chassis rails is the single biggest body concern on imports. Water gets past aging boot seals and stone chips in the rear arches trap moisture, while strut-top corrosion can bulge the towers and become a structural and alignment problem. Freshly blacked-out undersides on cars for sale are a documented red flag for hidden rust repair.

Common Symptoms

  • Bubbling paint along engine-bay strut tower seams
  • Blistering on rear wheel arch lips
  • Damp carpet or standing water in the boot
  • Crusty sills and crushed/rusted jacking points
  • Fresh black underseal hiding the underbody

How to Fix

Inspect strut tower seams, inner rear arches, sills, jacking points and boot floor before purchase, and cut out and weld in new metal at the first sign of bubbling; strut tower repairs run roughly $650-850 per side and full multi-area repairs can reach several thousand dollars. Cavity-wax and underseal sound cars to stop it starting.

Typical repair cost:$800 - $6,000

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 1989-2002 Nissan Skyline, the optical crank angle sensor driven off the exhaust camshaft on RB20/RB25/RB26 engines degrades with age and heat, causing intermittent loss of timing signal. The classic pattern is an engine that runs fine cold, then cuts out, backfires or stalls as it heats up and refuses to restart until it cools; a fully dead CAS gives crank-but-no-start. The sensor's half-moon alignment drive pin can also break if the CAS is installed incorrectly, producing popping, backfiring and no-start after reinstallation.

Common Symptoms

  • Engine stalls when hot, restarts only after cooling down
  • Crank but no start
  • Sudden RPM drop with backfire
  • Misfires and rough idle that worsen with heat
  • Loud backfire after extended cranking

How to Fix

Replace the CAS with a new OEM unit (Nissan 23731-5L30A supersession fits RB20/RB25/RB26) and verify base timing afterward; confirm the half-moon drive pin is intact whenever the sensor is removed. Carry-out testing first, since ignition-harness faults can mimic CAS symptoms.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Nissan/Hitachi early Skyline CAS 23731-08U00

    Confirm original sensor body, connector, drive and production date.

    Dynosty
  • Genuine Nissan late Skyline CAS 23731-5L30A

    R34 RB25DET NEO/RB26DETT application named by the inspected listing; some late R33 builds may share it but require production-date/original-sensor confirmation.

    eBay

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $500

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 1989-2002 Nissan Skyline, the six individual coil packs and their harness sit in the hot valley between the cam covers on RB20/RB25/RB26 engines, where decades of heat cycles crack coil boots, embrittle the harness insulation and corrode crimped terminals. The classic result is a misfire that appears only under boost or load, often accompanied by an audible click as spark arcs to ground through cracked boots; arcing leaves small bubbled marks on the underside of the coil packs. Failing igniter packs (separate module on RB20/RB26) produce similar symptoms.

This issue also affects: Infiniti G37, Infiniti QX55, Infiniti QX80

Common Symptoms

  • Misfire or breakup only under boost/load
  • Rough idle and hesitation
  • Audible clicking from the engine valley as spark arcs
  • Misfire worsens as the engine heats up
  • Bubbled arc marks on the underside of coil packs

How to Fix

Test coils for 0.6-0.9 ohm primary resistance, inspect for arcing marks, and replace the set with OEM or quality aftermarket coils (Splitfire, R35-coil conversion kits) along with fresh plugs gapped to spec. Repair or replace the crispy valley sub-harness at the same time, since the harness is the culprit at least as often as the coils.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Nissan R32 RB20/RB25DE ignition coil harness 24079-01U00

    Confirm chassis, engine, connector and original harness; not a blanket RB25DET, RB26 or R34 application.

    Nissan Race Shop
  • Genuine Nissan R33 RB25DET Series 2 ignition coil 22448-25U00

    R33 RB25DET Series 2 after January 1995 production per inspected listing; six used per engine. Confirm production date, connector and original part number.

    Z1 Motorsports
  • Genuine Nissan R34 RB25DE/T NEO ignition coil 22448-AA100

    1999-2002 R34 Skyline 2.5L RB25DE/RB25DET NEO branch per inspected listing; six used per engine.

    Z1 Motorsports

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$250 - $900

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 1989-2002 Nissan Skyline, all performance Skylines of this era carry HICAS/Super HICAS four-wheel steering (hydraulic on R32, electric rack on R33/R34), and with age the rear rack seals leak, solenoids and the rear-toe control hardware fail, and the system's rear ball joints wear and introduce vague, wandering rear-end feel. Aftermarket steering wheels on a non-HICAS-compatible boss confuse the steering-angle sensor and set faults. The system is so commonly problematic that deleting it with a lock-bar kit is the accepted community fix, though a botched delete can light the 4WD/ABS warning lamps.

Common Symptoms

  • HICAS warning light on the dash
  • Vague, wandering or 'rear-steering itself' feel at speed
  • Hydraulic fluid leaking from the rear rack (R32)
  • Clunks from worn rear HICAS ball joints
  • Uneven rear tire wear

How to Fix

Run the HICAS self-diagnosis to confirm the fault, then either repair the leaking rack/solenoids and worn ball joints or fit a quality HICAS delete (lock bar plus looped or capped hydraulic lines on R32) - the route most owners choose. Ensure ground wires and the steering-angle sensor are handled correctly to avoid warning lights.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • GKTech S13/R32 HICAS lock bar HICS-LOCK

    Hydraulic-line treatment, warning strategy and alignment are separate required work; do not remove the warning bulb.

    GKTech USA
  • GKTech R33/R34 HICAS lock bar HICS-LOCK2

    Not listed for R33/R34 GT-R; retailer labels it competition-only, so confirm road legality and intended use.

    Enjuku Racing

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $1,800

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 1989-2002 Nissan Skyline, the GT-R's (and GTS-4's) ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system uses an electric hydraulic pump and a nitrogen-charged accumulator mounted near the fuel tank to pressurize the front-drive transfer clutch. With age the accumulator loses its nitrogen pre-charge and the pump and pressure switch wear out, so the system can no longer hold pressure; the car drops to rear-drive only and the 4WD warning light comes on (often logging fault code 18 for low accumulator pressure). The accumulator cannot be recharged, and an ABS fault will also trigger the ATTESA light because the systems are linked.

Common Symptoms

  • 4WD warning light on the cluster
  • ATTESA pump runs much longer than normal at startup
  • Repeated clicking from the ATTESA relay in the trunk
  • Front wheels never receive torque / no AWD engagement
  • Jerky or surging AWD engagement as pressure cycles

How to Fix

Replace the accumulator (Nissan part 41630-20U00, shared across R32-R34 GT-R) and bleed the system; replace or rebuild the pump if it no longer primes. Always check ATTESA fluid level in the trunk-mounted reservoir and pull fault codes before replacing parts.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Nissan R32/R33/R34 ATTESA accumulator canister 41630-20U00

    Confirm chassis/VIN and ATTESA configuration.

    Z1 Motorsports

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $2,500

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Skyline problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1991 Nissan Skyline has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: RB26DETT Oil Pump Drive Collar Failure (Narrow Crank Snout), Structural Rust: Strut Towers, Rear Arches, Sills and Boot Floor, Ceramic Turbocharger Exhaust Wheel Failure. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Nissan Skyline reliable?

The 1991 Nissan Skyline has 7 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: RB26DETT Oil Pump Drive Collar Failure (Narrow Crank Snout) and Structural Rust: Strut Towers, Rear Arches, Sills and Boot Floor and Ceramic Turbocharger Exhaust Wheel Failure. 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 Skyline problems?

Repair costs for known Nissan Skyline issues range from $150 to $20,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, RB26DETT Oil Pump Drive Collar Failure (Narrow Crank Snout), typically costs $2,500-$20,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1989-1992 Nissan Skyline RB26DETT Oil Pump Drive Collar Failure (Narrow Crank Snout)?

Early R32 GT-R crankshafts (built from 1989 until the design was revised in late 1992/early 1993) have a narrow oil pump drive collar with excessive clearance to the pump's inner gear. At sustained high RPM or when bouncing off the rev limiter, harmonic vibration hammers the driv… Repairs typically run $2,500-$20,000. Severity: high.

What is the 1989-2002 Nissan Skyline Structural Rust: Strut Towers, Rear Arches, Sills and Boot Floor?

All three Skyline generations are now 24-37 years old and were built with minimal rustproofing, so corrosion in the front strut tower seams, rear wheel arches, sills, boot floor and chassis rails is the single biggest body concern on imports. Water gets past aging boot seals and… Repairs typically run $800-$6,000. Severity: high.

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.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

What is the 1989-2002 Nissan Skyline Ceramic Turbocharger Exhaust Wheel Failure?

Factory twin turbos on the GT-R (and the single turbos on RB20DET/RB25DET GTS-T models) use lightweight ceramic exhaust wheels for fast spool, but the brittle ceramic shears off the shaft with age, heat cycles, detonation, rev-limiter hits, or boost much above the stock ~0.9-1.1… Repairs typically run $1,500-$6,000. Severity: high.

What is the 1989-2002 Nissan Skyline Super HICAS Rear-Steer System Aging: Leaks, Solenoid Faults and Worn Ball Joints?

All performance Skylines of this era carry HICAS/Super HICAS four-wheel steering (hydraulic on R32, electric rack on R33/R34), and with age the rear rack seals leak, solenoids and the rear-toe control hardware fail, and the system's rear ball joints wear and introduce vague, wand… Repairs typically run $300-$1,800. Severity: medium.

What is the 1989-2002 Nissan Skyline Crank Angle Sensor (CAS) Failure: Hot Stalling and No-Start?

The optical crank angle sensor driven off the exhaust camshaft on RB20/RB25/RB26 engines degrades with age and heat, causing intermittent loss of timing signal. The classic pattern is an engine that runs fine cold, then cuts out, backfires or stalls as it heats up and refuses to… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: medium.

What is the 1989-2002 Nissan Skyline ATTESA E-TS Hydraulic Pump and Nitrogen Accumulator Failure?

The GT-R's (and GTS-4's) ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system uses an electric hydraulic pump and a nitrogen-charged accumulator mounted near the fuel tank to pressurize the front-drive transfer clutch. With age the accumulator loses its nitrogen pre-charge and the pump and pressur… Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 1989-2002 Nissan Skyline Ignition Coil Pack and Engine-Valley Harness Degradation (Misfire Under Boost)?

The six individual coil packs and their harness sit in the hot valley between the cam covers on RB20/RB25/RB26 engines, where decades of heat cycles crack coil boots, embrittle the harness insulation and corrode crimped terminals. The classic result is a misfire that appears only… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.