Nissan Cefiro engines: specs, problems

Nissan Cefiro engines

The Nissan Cefiro is a Japanese business car in the Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. line. The model was produced in the period from 1988 to 2003 in the sedan and station wagon bodies in front-, rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. Translated from Spanish, the name of the car means “west wind”. In the European modification, the model was named Nissan Maxima. The car has gained popularity in Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and Russia. The third generation of the model is still being produced in Malaysia and Bangladesh.

Nissan Cefiro, 1st generation, 1988–1994

First generation Nissan Cefiro, 1988–1994

The first generation Nissan Cefiro sedan was produced from 1988 to 1994. The car was equipped with engines 2.0, 2.5 and 2.8 in combination with a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission.

Nissan Cefiro, 2nd generation, 1994–1998

First generation Nissan Cefiro, 1994–1998

Second-generation sedans and station wagons were produced from 1994 to 1998 and were equipped with 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 liter petrol engines. Transmission – 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual.

Nissan Cefiro, 3rd generation, 1998–2004

First generation Nissan Cefiro, 1998–2004

The Nissan Cefiro business class sedan was produced from 1998 to 2004. In the European market, the model was known as the Nissan Maxima.

Nissan Cefiro engines by generation

Engine	Years	Volume	Power	Fuel	Timing	Oil	Lifespan
Nissan Cefiro 1 (A31) 1988–1994
Nissan RB20	1988–1994	2.0 L	115 hp	petrol, NA / turbo	belt	4.2 L	~400,000 km
Nissan Cefiro 2 (A32) 1994–2000
Nissan VQ30DE	1994–2000	3.0 L V6	190–230 hp	petrol	chain	4 L	~350,000 km
Nissan VQ20DE	1994–2000	2.0 L V6	140–160 hp	petrol	chain	4 L	~300,000 km
Nissan VQ25DE	1994–2000	2.5 L V6	185–210 hp	petrol	chain	4 L	~330,000 km
Nissan Cefiro 3 (A33) 1998–2002
Nissan VQ25DD	1998–2002	2.5 L V6	210–215 hp	petrol	chain	4.7 L	~320,000 km
Nissan Cefiro 4 (J31) 2003–2008
Nissan VQ35DE		3.5 L V6	215–305 hp	petrol	chain	4.7 L	~400,000 km
Nissan VQ23DE	2003–2008	2.3 L V6	173 hp	petrol	chain	4 L	~320,000 km
Other Nissan Cefiro engines generation not specified
Nissan RB25	1991–2004	2.5 L R6	180–250 hp	petrol	belt	4.6–4.7 L	~400,000 km

Nissan Cefiro engine FAQ

What engines were used in the Nissan Cefiro?

Nissan Cefiro 1 (A31) (1988–1994): Nissan RB20; Nissan Cefiro 2 (A32) (1994–2000): Nissan VQ30DE, Nissan VQ20DE and Nissan VQ25DE; Nissan Cefiro 3 (A33) (1998–2002): Nissan VQ25DD; Nissan Cefiro 4 (J31) (2003–2008): Nissan VQ35DE and Nissan VQ23DE.

Which Nissan Cefiro engine is the most durable?

By rated service life the most durable Nissan Cefiro engines are: Nissan RB20 — about 400,000 km; Nissan RB25 — about 400,000 km; Nissan VQ35DE — about 400,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.

How much oil does the Nissan Cefiro engine take?

Engine oil capacity with filter: Nissan RB20 — 4.2 L (0W-30 / 5W-30 / 5W-40 / 10W-30 / 10W-40); Nissan RB25 — 4.6–4.7 L (5W-30); Nissan VQ20DE — 4 L (5W-30); Nissan VQ23DE — 4 L (5W-30); Nissan VQ25DD — 4.7 L (5W-30); Nissan VQ25DE — 4 L (5W-30); Nissan VQ30DE — 4 L (5W-30); Nissan VQ35DE — 4.7 L (5W-30, 5W-40).

Does the Nissan Cefiro have a timing belt or chain?

Timing chain: Nissan VQ20DE, Nissan VQ23DE, Nissan VQ25DD, Nissan VQ25DE, Nissan VQ30DE and Nissan VQ35DE; timing belt: Nissan RB20 and Nissan RB25. Belts must be replaced on schedule: on many engines a broken belt bends the valves.

Was the Nissan Cefiro available with a diesel engine?

No, all Nissan Cefiro engines in our database run on petrol.