The Three Frequent Nissan VR30DDTT Engine Issues. The Nissan VR30DDTT engine was introduced in December 2015 and was first used in the Infiniti Q50 in 2016. Its 3.0L dual turbo V6 engine provides plenty of power and performance. The VR30 engine is offered in 300 or 400 horsepower versions on all vehicles. The VR30DDTT’s economical and powerful design helped it make Ward’s 10 Best Engines list in 2017 and 2018. Unfortunately, no engine is perfect, and this is no exception. In this post, we address a few typical difficulties with the Nissan VR30DDTT engine as well as dependability, specs, performance and more.
What Vehicles Make Use of the Twin Turbo VR30?
Infiniti and Nissan cars using VR30DDTT engines include:
- From 2016 to the present, the Infiniti Q50
- From 2017 till the present, the Infiniti Q60
- From 2019 till the present, Nissan Skyline (non-US)
- Nissan Z Prototype 2022
In overseas countries, Nissan Skyline models are identical to the Infiniti Q50. There are currently only a few cars that employ the VR30 engine, but expect the list to grow. The planned 2022 Nissan Z Proto will feature a twin turbo 3.0L V6.
Nissan VR30DTT 3.0L V6 Specifications
VR denotes the Nissan engine family, while 30 represents the engine’s 3.0L displacement. The first D stands for DOHC, and the second stands for direct cylinder fuel injection. Finally, the VR30’s dual turbo architecture is represented by the TT. It differs from the VR38DETT designation used in the Nissan GT-R. Because the VR38 engine employs multi port fuel injection, the engine code is an E. However, the chart below illustrates a few significant specifications for the Nissan VR30DDTT engine:
These are very standard specifications for current high-performance engines. A 3.0L twin turbo engine appears to be the winning formula, following in the footsteps of great engines such as the N54, 2jz, and others. The aluminum head and block contribute to the VR30’s light weight. Its DOHC design with variable cam timing (VCT) allows the engine to produce plenty of power and torque.
Another wonderful technology that enhances performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions is direct injection (DI). Unfortunately, DI has a few shortcomings that we’ll go over as one of the common VR30DDTT engine issues. Regardless, the fact is that the Nissan VR30 has a strong design and excellent overall performance.
*One thing to keep in mind is that the RS400 (Red Sport 400) versions come standard with 400hp and 350tq. The silver sport variants have 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Both engine options are available on all models. A noteworthy distinction is that 400hp VR30 engines employ a second water pump.
VR30 Dual Turbo Tuning Possibility
We’ll keep this article brief because we’ll have a detailed tutorial for VR30DDTT bolt-on performance mods soon. Of course, being a twin turbo engine, there is some untapped potential. It also looks that the engines are underpowered from the start. Yet, a tune and some basic bolt-ons may take the VR30 3.0L twin turbo engine to new heights.
It’s still a new engine, so only time will tell how well it will handle more power. Further testing and development are also required to determine what they are genuinely capable of in the long run. A tune and bolt-ons, however, can boost the VR30 engine to 425+whp and 450+wtq.
Nissan VR30DDTT Engine Issues
Among the most prevalent issues with the Nissan / Infiniti VR30DDTT engine are:
- The drive belt
- Carbon accumulation
- Injectors for gasoline
We’ll go through these difficulties in detail throughout the rest of this essay. However, it is necessary to include some quick housekeeping notes. We may not specify every time, but these are among the most typical faults. That doesn’t mean they’re widespread in the actual sense of the term. Rather, these are some of the most prevalent areas where things go wrong.
So far, the Nissan VR30DDTT engine has proven to be quite dependable. There were some problems to work out in the early days after its debut, as with any engine. However, the VR30 is still a relatively new engine, thus long-term dependability is unknown. In the end of this piece, we’ll return to the topic of dependability. For the time being, let’s dive right in and look at the usual VR30DDTT engine issues listed above.
1) Problems with the VR30 3.0L Dual Turbo Drive Belt
The auxiliary belt or serpentine belt is another name for the drive belt. It’s one of the more common Nissan VR30DDTT engine troubles. Nonetheless, these difficulties should have been rectified in the long run by now. Infiniti did publish a service bulletin in response to this VR30 failure, and it does not appear to be a widespread issue on current engines. It primarily affects Infiniti Q50 and Q60 cars from 2016 and 2017.
We normally avoid mentioning these sorts of failures since all new engines are prone to minor design defects. Luckily, Nissan and Infiniti were quick to remedy the VR30DDTT drive belt concerns. It’s nevertheless worth mentioning because serpentine belt failure can lead to a slew of other problems.
The main issue is that the drive belts are slipping off the pulley. When this happens, you’ll notice a decrease of power, engine lights, and so on. It can also cause the engine to overheat, resulting in additional damage. Again, 2018+ VR30DDTT machines should not have drive belt problems, although it is not impossible. If you have a 2016 or 2017 engine and the drive belt has not been fixed, it is best to look into it as soon as possible.
Symptoms of a Nissan 3.0 Twin Turbo Drive Belt
The following are some signs of drive belt/serpentine belt difficulties on the Nissan VR30 engine:
- Belt squeaking/noisy
- Many dash lights
- Problems with A/C or Heat
- Power outage
- Overheating
You may only hear the strange sounds before the belt totally falls off the pulley or fails. Keep an ear out for a screaming and noisy drive belt. Otherwise, if the Infiniti VR30DDTT belt fails, you will most likely notice the symptoms right away. Many lights, including the check engine light, will most likely illuminate. If you continue to drive the engine, you will experience power reduction and overheating.
Replacement VR30DDTT Drive Belt
Nissan and Infiniti should reimburse the cost of repairs because issue was addressed with a service bulletin. Yet, a service bulletin is not always a recall or an extended warranty. We recommend checking to make sure this is taken care of before the VR30DDTT’s warranty expires. Outside of warranty, chances are they’ll still pay the repair, but it’s best to be safe than sorry.
2) Carbon Build-Up Issues in Nissan VR30DDTT
We’re back to talking about carbon buildup. Because the Nissan VR30 engines are still relatively new, this is unlikely to be a prevalent issue. Yet, carbon build-up occurs in practically every direct injection engine at some point. It’s something to think about in the long run for the VR30DDTT 3.0L V6 engine.
Natural oil blow-by occurs in all engines. This oil then enters the intake ports, where it can adhere to intake valves and generate carbon deposits. It’s a non-issue with port injection since fuel is going through the intake ports and valves. Many modern engines, such as the VR30 twin turbo, use direct injection. Because fuel enters the cylinder directly, there is no flow over the valves.
This causes carbon buildup on intake valves and ports over time. DI is a fantastic technology in and of itself, and we’ll gladly accept the trade-off of improved fuel economy, emissions, and performance. In any case, expect carbon build-up to become an issue on the VR30DDTT somewhere between 80,000 and 120,000 miles.
Signs of VR30 Carbon Buildup
A few indicators of excess carbon build-up on the Nissan / Infiniti VR30 engine are:
- Misfires
- Idle time
- Stuttering or hesitancy
- Power outage
As carbon deposits accumulate, they begin to limit airflow into the cylinders. This can cause misfires, a harsh idle, and stuttering or hesitation while accelerating. Power loss is a significant symptom since less airflow equals less power. Therefore, detecting power loss is quite difficult. Carbon buildup worsens gradually over 50,000+ miles, so it’s not an abrupt loss of power.
It’s also worth noting that some DI vehicles go their entire lives without being serviced for carbon buildup. There are rarely any concerns of further difficulties or breakdowns happening owing to carbon buildup. However, once enough build-up has occurred, it causes drivability and performance concerns. This is something that most people wish to avoid when using a high-performance engine like the VR30DDTT.
Blasting Nissan VR30DDTT Walnut
Cleaning carbon deposits from intake valves and ports with walnut blasting is often the preferred method. A heavy duty shop-vac and walnut medium shells are used in the procedure. Much of the expense required is linked to labor since the intake manifold must come off to access intake valves.
Walnut blasting the VR30DDTT engine costs roughly $20-30 in walnut media shells for the do-it-yourself crowd. Because of the labor, it can cost $300-600 at a repair shop. Nevertheless, it’s a small issue in the broad scheme of things, and some VR30 engines will probably spend their entire careers without walnut blasting.
Failures of the VR30DDTT 3.0 V6 Fuel Injectors
Another typical issue with the Nissan VR30DDT 3.0 V6 engine is fuel injector failure. A service bulletin is also available to handle fuel injector issues. Some attribute this to modifications, tunes, and the use of E85 fuel mixtures. Nonetheless, multiple failures have occurred on entirely factory VR30 twin turbo engines.
Failures appear to be caused by metallic debris from the Factory fuel rail. This suggests that the fuel rail could still produce similar issues with VR30DDTT aftermarket injectors. As a result, the underlying fuel rail problems must be addressed.
To address these issues, Nissan and Infiniti released a redesigned OEM fuel rail. This should suffice as a long-term remedy. Knowing that Nissan is aware of the issues, we can presume that the factory-installed VR30 engines are also being repaired. In other words, it looks that this is just another little kink that all modern engines have.
This article goes into greater detail and may be a useful resource for individuals interested in learning more about VR30DDTT injector problems.
Related : The Four Frequent Nissan QR25DE Engine Issues
Symptoms of a Nissan VR30 Fuel Injector
The following are the symptoms of fuel injector and/or fuel rail difficulties on the Nissan VR30DDTT 3.0L twin turbo engine:
- P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306 are the fault codes.
- Engine light on
- Idle time
- Misfires
- Inadequate performance
Examine the error codes if you see any symptoms that point to VR30 fuel injector problems. If you’re experiencing misfires, the check engine light may illuminate. Of course, a lack of proper fuel flow might result in a variety of additional symptoms. Poor idle, stuttering, and poor overall performance on the 3.0L twin turbo V6 may indicate a fuel injector problem.
VR30DDTT 3.0L Fuel Injector Replacement
We couldn’t find the complete service bulletin, but it’s out there someplace. Nissan and Infiniti are aware of these difficulties with the VR30DDTT fuel injectors. As a result, they’ll most likely assist and cover any concerns. If you must spend out of pocket, make sure you find the most recent OEM gasoline rails.
Furthermore, aftermarket or replacement OEM injectors will not always cure the underlying problem. If there is still junk in the fuel rail, any replacement injectors will be promptly removed.
Nissan VR30DDTT Reliability
Is the Nissan VR30DDTT 3.0 V6 engine reliable? Indeed, we believe this engine is overall dependable. But, because the VR30 has only been around for around 6 years, it’s always difficult to say. With any new engine, there are always hiccups and imperfections to iron out. The dual turbo 3.0L V6 has had its fair share of issues to iron out.
But, the VR30DDTT’s age also works in its favor when it comes to dependability. Some typical faults do not manifest themselves until engines are 6-8 years old and have traveled 100,000 miles or more. All engines are also prone to their fair share of breakdowns with that kind of age and miles, though.
Yet, the VR30 has shown to be a reliable engine in its short existence. Utilize high-quality oils, change fluids on schedule, and address issues as they arise. If you follow these steps, you should have an enjoyable and reliable experience with the Nissan VR30DDTT engine.
Summary of VR30DDTT Common Engine Issues
The VR30 twin turbo engine from Nissan and Infiniti is an interesting and promising engine. It produces 300-400hp out of the box and has even more potential with a few bolt-on upgrades. VR30DDTT engines provide an excellent overall blend of performance, efficiency, and dependability. Yet, no engine is perfect and that applies to the VR30 V6 engine too.
Drive belts and fuel injectors are two prevalent VR30DDTT issues. They are most likely the result of early design flaws that took some time to iron out. Nissan/Infiniti were quick to address the issues and devise solutions, which is encouraging. Otherwise, carbon buildup is simply a disadvantage of what we consider to be a wonderful technology.
Nonetheless, it is still a new engine. In the next years, we should have a clearer idea of the VR30DDTT 3.0L V6 engines’ long-term durability. For the time being, all signals point in the correct way. The Nissan VR30 engines provide an appealing combination of performance, dependability, and efficiency.
