Nissan GT-R Lambda Sensor Replacement Parts

Yes, every R35 Nissan GT-R sold in the UK runs a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 (VR38DETT) and is petrol-powered, so it does have lambda (oxygen) sensors as part of its exhaust and engine management system. The sensors are used by the ECU to monitor exhaust gases and maintain the correct fuel mixture, and there will be multiple sensors fitted — typically upstream and downstream of the catalytic converters. If you have been told your GT-R does not have one, double-check the fault code or diagnosis with a specialist.

The R35 GT-R has been on sale in the UK since 2009 and received a significant update for the 2017 model year (2016 production), with changes to the engine management calibration and emissions compliance. Because lambda sensors work hand-in-hand with the ECU and catalytic converter setup, a sensor from a pre-2017 car may not behave identically on a post-2017 car even if it physically plugs in. Name the generation boundary to your breaker and ask them to match the sensor to your exact registration and ECU calibration rather than assuming any R35 sensor will do.

Trim level — whether your car is a standard GT-R, Premium Edition, Track Edition, or Nismo — does not affect which lambda sensor is fitted, as fitment is determined by the engine and emissions specification rather than the trim. All UK R35 GT-Rs share the same VR38DETT engine, so the sensor position and connector type should be consistent across trims. That said, always confirm the part against your registration with the breaker, as individual cars can vary if they have had exhaust or emissions work carried out previously.

The R35 GT-R's VR38DETT has a twin-bank exhaust system with sensors fitted both before and after the catalytic converters on each bank, meaning there are typically four lambda sensors in total. Upstream (pre-cat) sensors primarily control fuelling, while downstream (post-cat) sensors monitor catalyst efficiency, and they are not interchangeable with each other even if the connector looks similar. Tell your breaker whether the sensor is nearside or offside and whether it is the pre-cat or post-cat position so they can supply the correct unit.

The R35 GT-R's UK emissions compliance changed over its production life, and sensors calibrated or matched to a Euro 5 emissions setup may not perform correctly — or could cause fault codes — on a car built to a later emissions standard. Crossing an emissions-era boundary with exhaust sensors is strong confirm-with-breaker territory; give the breaker both the donor car's registration and your own so they can check the emissions specification matches. Fitting an incorrect sensor could affect fuelling, trigger warning lights, or cause an MOT failure on emissions grounds.

Give the breaker your exact registration number and, if possible, your VIN, and ask them to confirm the donor car's registration so you can cross-reference the emissions era and ECU calibration. Because the GT-R is a relatively low-volume specialist vehicle, parts availability varies and it is worth asking whether the sensor has been tested or comes from a running car. A used sensor that has been sitting in a damp environment or has corroded threads can cause as many problems as the faulty one you are replacing, so ask about its condition and mileage before committing.