DecodedCars2009 Nissan GT-R
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe AWD
- Engines
- 3.8L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 16 city / 21 hwy
- Length
- 183.5 in
- Curb weight
- 3,836 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints13 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 116 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 17% below the 2009 subcompact car average of 21.6 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 34 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Nissan GT-R is a subcompact car offered with a 3.8L 6-cyl turbo engine and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,836 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 21 highway), 17% worse than the 2009 subcompact car average of 21.6 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
Trims, performance & features
Built in: Tochigi, Kaminokawa
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2009 GT-R configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe AWD | 183.5 in | 74.8 in | 53.9 in | 109.4 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,836 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT-R | 3.8L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | -17% | $4,550 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Nissan GT-R under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Nissan GT-R (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Toyota Corolla | 30 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2009 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2009 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Honda Accord | 25 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2009 Toyota Camry | 34 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2009 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (1)
Steering › Column · Feb 2, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V054000 · 16,973 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2008 Infiniti EX35 vehicles equipped with the power tilt/telescope option included in the premium package, manufactured June 29, 2007, to April 25, 2008, 2009 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2007, to April 16, 2008, and 2009 Nissan GT-R vehicles manufactured March 14, 2007, to April 25, 2008. The steering column outer tube may not be round, resulting in extra stress being applied to the upper steering bearing. This stress may cause the bearing retainer to fracture, creating extra play in the steering wheel or a possible loss of steering.
- Risk
- Extra play in the steering wheel or a loss of steering may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft on the Infiniti EX35, FX35, and FX45 vehicles, and will replace the steering column assembly on the Nissan GT-R vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 9, 2015. Infiniti owners may contact customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan owners may contact the GT-R hotline at 1-866-668-1487.
Not every 2009 Nissan GT-R is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Nissan GT-R buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Exterior Lighting — 4 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 22,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Nissan GT-R. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other GT-R years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 GT-R | 18 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 GT-R | 18 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 GT-R | 18 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 GT-R | 18 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 GT-R | 18 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2018 GT-R | 18 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 GT-R | 18 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2016 GT-R | 19 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2015 GT-R | 19 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2014 GT-R | 19 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 GT-R | 19 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2012 GT-R | 19 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →