The VQ37VHR is widely reported by the community as notorious for consuming oil at an abnormal rate. Users report needing to top up between oil changes, and in severe cases Nissan has covered engine replacements under goodwill. This is the single most discussed mechanical concern with this engine.
Oil level drops significantly between oil changes
Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or under load
Low oil warning light illuminating before next scheduled service
DIY: Easy to monitor, complex to fix
Internal Water Pump Failure Risk€800-2,500 · 80,000-160,000 kmHIGH
The VQ37VHR locates the water pump inside the engine, driven by the timing chain. Unlike external pumps, failure can lead to internal coolant contamination and significant collateral engine damage. Community members note this design causes concern due to the difficulty and cost of replacement.
Unexplained coolant loss with no visible external leak
Overheating warnings
Coolant mixing with oil (milky oil on dipstick)
Coolant smell from engine bay without visible source
NHTSA complaints include reports of the steering wheel locking and the vehicle being unable to start. This is an electrical/mechanical steering lock issue documented on the Z34 chassis.
NHTSA complaints document cases where the fuel gauge reads incorrectly (showing fuel remaining when tank is near empty), causing unexpected engine shutdown while driving. This is a safety concern in traffic.
Engine cuts out while fuel gauge shows remaining fuel
Fuel gauge reading inconsistency
Vehicle stalls on busy roads
DIY: Moderate
Airbag / Electrical System Warning Lights€100-500 · 10,000-100,000 kmMODERATE
Multiple NHTSA complaints report persistent airbag warning lights, particularly the passenger airbag occupancy sensor. This is an electrical issue affecting the supplemental restraint system.
NHTSA complaints note the dashboard surface becomes grey, sticky, and reflective over time, creating a glare hazard on the windshield. This is a cosmetic and minor safety issue shared across several Nissan models of this era.
Sticky or tacky dashboard surface
Grey discolouration of dashboard
Windshield glare caused by dashboard reflection
DIY: Easy
Seat Belt Retraction Failure€100-400 · 50,000-150,000 kmLOW
NHTSA complaints report that both driver and passenger seat belts fail to retract easily, which is a passive safety concern during normal use.
Seat belt does not retract after release
Belt requires manual assistance to retract
Sluggish belt retraction
DIY: Easy
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Buying Checklist
Check oil dipstick level and note the difference between current mileage and last oil change — any drop over 4,000 km indicates active oil consumption
Warm up the engine fully and inspect for blue smoke from the exhaust at idle and during rev blips
Perform a full OBD-II scan including SRS/airbag module and check for any stored or pending fault codes
Ask for documented coolant service history and inspect coolant reservoir for any oily residue or milky contamination suggesting internal water pump seepage
Test both front seat belt retractors and check dashboard surface for stickiness or grey discolouration that may cause windshield glare
Listen for timing chain rattle on cold start — any metallic rattling before oil pressure builds is a red flag requiring immediate chain and guide inspection
Service Reality
Community oil interval6,000 km
Oil specification5W-40 full synthetic (community preference, e.g. Liqui Moly 5W-40)
Est. ownership cost (2yr)€800–2,000/year depending on mileage, oil consumption severity, and whether internal water pump or timing chain work is required
Real fuel consumptionNo data
Also Found In
Nissan 370Z Roadster (Z34)Nissan GT-R (VR38DETT is separate, but VQ37VHR in related Infiniti applications)Infiniti G37 (VQ37VHR variant)Infiniti Q60Infiniti Q50 (early)Infiniti FX37Infiniti EX37Infiniti M37
Buying Advice
The VQ37VHR is a fundamentally strong and long-lived V6 that has powered the 370Z reliably into high mileage territory, but oil consumption is a real and well-documented issue that every buyer must assess before purchase — check the dipstick obsessively and establish a baseline immediately after buying. The internal water pump design is the biggest structural risk on high-mileage examples; budget for its preventive replacement alongside any timing chain service around 100,000 km. There are zero official recalls, which is a genuine positive, but the NHTSA complaint log reveals real-world electrical and fuel sender gremlins worth checking via a pre-purchase scan. A well-maintained 370Z with honest oil consumption history is still a rewarding buy — just go in with eyes open and a willingness to check fluids frequently.
Parts People Buy
Liqui Moly 5W-40 Full Synthetic Engine OilLink unavailable
VQ37VHR Timing Chain Kit with Water PumpLink unavailable