The Most Reliable Nissan Engine, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the engine you think is the most reliable!

Updated on May 3, 2024 06:56

Choosing the right engine can significantly impact the longevity and performance of a vehicle. For Nissan enthusiasts and potential car buyers, knowing which engines are noted for reliability can enhance decision-making and satisfaction with their purchase. That's where having a reliable ranking of Nissan engines becomes invaluable. By participating in this interactive ranking, users contribute to a dynamic list that reflects collective experiences and opinions. This crowd-sourced approach helps provide an updated perspective on which Nissan engines stand up to the demands of road and time. Your votes help others make informed decisions and steer clear of common pitfalls.

What Is the Most Reliable Nissan Engine?

1

30
votes
Nissan SR20DET

Nissan

This engine is widely considered one of the most reliable Nissan engines ever made. It is a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that was used in the Nissan Silvia and 180SX. The SR20DET is known for its high-revving capabilities and its ability to handle high boost levels.
The Nissan SR20DET is a widely acclaimed four-cylinder turbocharged engine known for its reliability and performance. It was produced by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Displacement: 2.0L

Configuration: Inline-4

Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Turbocharging: Single turbocharger

Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Nissan SR20DET in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most reliable four-cylinder engine
2

21
votes
Nissan RB26DETT

Nissan Motors

The RB26DETT is a 2.6-liter, twin-turbocharged, six-cylinder engine that was used in the Nissan Skyline GT-R. This engine is known for its high performance and reliability, and it has become a favorite among automotive enthusiasts.
The Nissan RB26DETT is a highly regarded and powerful inline-six engine that was produced by Nissan for their high-performance cars. It has gained a strong reputation among car enthusiasts for its reliability, performance, and tunability.

Engine Type: Inline-six

Displacement: 2.6 liters

Turbocharged: Yes

Maximum Power: 280 horsepower

Maximum Torque: 260 lb-ft
Nissan RB26DETT in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most reliable six-cylinder engine
- Position 9 of 10 in Most reliable engine for a car
3

32
votes
Nissan VQ35DE

Nissan Motor Company

The VQ35DE is a 3.5-liter, V6 engine that has been used in a variety of Nissan vehicles, including the 350Z, Maxima, and Altima. It is known for its smooth power delivery and reliability.
The Nissan VQ35DE is a highly regarded engine known for its reliability and performance. It is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that was developed by Nissan Motor Company. This engine is part of the VQ engine family, which has been used in various Nissan and Infiniti vehicles.

Engine Type: V6

Displacement: 3.5 liters

Valvetrain: DOHC

Fuel System: Multi-point fuel injection

Horsepower: Up to 300 HP
4

17
votes
Nissan KA24DE

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The KA24DE is a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that has been used in a variety of Nissan vehicles, including the 240SX and Altima. It is known for its durability and reliability, and it has become a popular engine for engine swaps.
The Nissan KA24DE is a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine produced by Nissan. It is renowned for its reliability and has gained popularity among Nissan enthusiasts and aftermarket tuners. The KA24DE was first introduced in the Nissan 240SX/Silvia S13 in 1989 and continued to be used in various Nissan models until 2002.

Engine Type: Inline-4

Displacement: 2.4 liters

Valvetrain: DOHC

Fuel System: Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Power Output: 140-155 horsepower
5

19
votes
Nissan VG30DETT

Nissan

The VG30DETT is a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged, V6 engine that was used in the Nissan 300ZX. It is known for its high performance and reliability, and it has become a favorite among automotive enthusiasts.
The Nissan VG30DETT is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that was developed by Nissan. It was introduced in 1987 and used in various Nissan vehicles, including the Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo and the Nissan Skyline GT-R.

Engine Type: V6

Displacement: 3.0 liters

Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged

Power Output: 300 horsepower

Torque: 283 lb-ft
6

10
votes
Nissan QR25DE

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The QR25DE is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that has been used in a variety of Nissan vehicles, including the Altima and Sentra. It is known for its durability and reliability, and it has become a popular engine for engine swaps.
The Nissan QR25DE is a four-cylinder, inline gasoline engine that was introduced by Nissan in 2000. It is known for its reliability, smooth operation, and good performance.

Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder

Displacement: 2.5 liters (2,488 cc)

Valvetrain: DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)

Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Compression Ratio: 9.6:1
7

12
votes
Nissan CA18DET

Nissan Motor Company

The CA18DET is a turbocharged, 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that was used in the Nissan Silvia and 180SX. It is known for its high-revving capabilities and its ability to handle high boost levels.
The Nissan CA18DET is a turbocharged inline-four engine known for its reliability and performance. It was developed by Nissan Motor Company and is part of their CA series of engines.

Engine Type: Inline-four

Displacement: 1.8 L (1,838 cc)

Valvetrain: DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft), 16 valves

Turbocharger: Single turbocharger

Fuel Injection: Electronic fuel injection
8

10
votes
Nissan RB20DET

Nissan Motor Company

The RB20DET is a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, six-cylinder engine that was used in the Nissan Skyline and Silvia. It is known for its high-revving capabilities and its ability to handle high boost levels.
The Nissan RB20DET is a four-cylinder, turbocharged gasoline engine that was part of Nissan's RB series. It was first introduced in 1985 and remained in production until 2002. The RB20DET is highly regarded for its combination of performance, reliability, and affordability, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and tuners worldwide.

Displacement: 2.0 L (1,998 cc)

Configuration: Inline-four

Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Turbocharger: Single turbocharger

Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
9

8
votes
Nissan VG33E

Nissan Motor Corporation

The VG33E is a 3.3-liter, V6 engine that has been used in a variety of Nissan vehicles, including the Frontier and Pathfinder. It is known for its durability and reliability, and it has become a popular engine for off-road enthusiasts.
The Nissan VG33E is a V6 engine that belongs to the Nissan VG engine family. It is a reliable and durable engine known for its smooth performance and longevity.

Engine Type: V6

Displacement: 3.3 liters

Cylinder Arrangement: V formation

Valvetrain: SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Fuel System: Multi-point fuel injection
10

7
votes
Nissan SR16VE

Nissan Motors

The SR16VE is a naturally aspirated, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that was used in the Nissan Pulsar GTI-R. It is known for its high-revving capabilities and its ability to produce high horsepower numbers without forced induction.
The Nissan SR16VE is a gasoline engine that was part of the Nissan SR engine series. It is known for its reliability and performance.

Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

Engine type: Inline-4

Displacement: 1.6 L

Valvetrain: DOHC

Variable Valve Timing: Yes

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Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable engine

Model year

Older engines may not be as reliable as newer ones due to wear and tear, design flaws, or outdated technology.
Maintenance

Engines that have been well-maintained with regular oil changes, tune-ups, and inspection are usually more reliable than those that have been neglected.
Mileage

Engines with higher mileage may be less reliable as they have undergone more wear and tear over time.
Design

Some Nissan engines may have design flaws or inherent weaknesses that make them less reliable than others.
Performance

Engines that push the limits of performance may be less reliable than those that are designed for regular use.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable Nissan engine. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or engine is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

4275 views
151 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each engine once every 24 hours. The rank of each engine is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable nissan engine

When it comes to Nissan engines, there are several options available on the market. From the popular VQ series to the powerful VK engine, Nissan has built a reputation for producing reliable and efficient engines. However, when it comes to choosing the most reliable Nissan engine, there are a few standout options. The KA24DE engine is known for its durability and longevity, making it a popular choice among Nissan enthusiasts. Another reliable option is the SR20DET, a turbocharged engine that delivers impressive performance while also being dependable. Ultimately, the most reliable Nissan engine will depend on your specific needs and preferences.