2012–2016 MD/UD (5th generation)
2012–2016 Hyundai Elantra Oil Type and Capacity
The 2012–2016 Hyundai Elantra takes 5W-20 engine oil, 4.2 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter Hyundai/Kia 26300-35505 (spin-on; supersedes 26300-35504). Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents.
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Quick answer
2012–2016 Hyundai Elantra 1.8L 4-cylinder (Nu, G4NB) oil
Verified| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-20 |
| Allowed alternates | 5W-30 (Acceptable in all temperatures per Hyundai fluid chart) |
| Oil standard | API SN / ILSAC GF-5 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.2 qt / 4 L |
| Synthetic required | No (synthetic recommended) |
| OEM filter | Hyundai/Kia 26300-35505 (spin-on; supersedes 26300-35504) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram PH3675 / XG3675A (Ultra), Wix 51372 / 57060XP, Purolator L14459 |
| Change interval | 7,500 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,750 mi (severe service) |
| Drain plug torque | 29 ft-lbs |
The Nu family is a different engine design from Hyundai/Kia's Theta II (which had the widely publicized bearing-failure/engine-fire recalls). Nu issues are milder but real; see common problems.
2012–2016 Hyundai Elantra 2.0L 4-cylinder GDI (Nu, G4NA) oil
High confidence| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-20 |
| Allowed alternates | 5W-30 (Acceptable in all temperatures per Hyundai fluid chart) |
| Oil standard | API SN / ILSAC GF-5 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.2 qt / 4 L |
| Synthetic required | No (synthetic recommended) |
| OEM filter | Hyundai/Kia 26300-35505 (spin-on) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram PH3675 / XG3675A (Ultra), Wix 51372 / 57060XP, Purolator L14459 |
| Change interval | 7,500 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,750 mi (severe service) |
| Drain plug torque | 29 ft-lbs |
Direct-injection version of the Nu engine used in the sportier trims and the related GT hatchback/Coupe.
Which Hyundai Elantra model years does this cover?
These oil specifications apply to every Hyundai Elantra built from 2012 through 2016 — the MD/UD (5th generation), compact sedan (also sold as coupe 2013–2014 and gt 5-door hatchback through 2016 on the related ud platform). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2012–2016 Hyundai Elantra
- 2012MD generation launch (sedan only)
- 2013Elantra Coupe and Elantra GT (UD platform hatchback) join the lineup with the 2.0L Nu GDI available; Elantra Sport sedan trim added
- 2014Facelift: revised front/rear fascias, new wheel designs
- 2015–2016Sedan carries over largely unchanged in its final two years before the AD redesign; GT hatchback continues into 2017 on the related UD platform after the sedan moves to AD
2012–2016 Hyundai Elantra oil: common questions
How many quarts of oil does a 2012–2016 Hyundai Elantra take?
- It depends on the engine. The 1.8L 4-cylinder (Nu, G4NB) takes 4.2 quarts; The 2.0L 4-cylinder GDI (Nu, G4NA) takes 4.2 quarts, all figures include a new filter.
What kind of oil does a 2012–2016 Hyundai Elantra take?
- 5W-20 meeting API SN / ILSAC GF-5. Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above.
Can you use a different viscosity in a 2012–2016 Hyundai Elantra?
- The manufacturer also permits 5W-30 (Acceptable in all temperatures per Hyundai fluid chart). Anything outside that list is a decision you are making against the factory specification.
How often does a 2012–2016 Hyundai Elantra need an oil change?
- 7,500 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,750 mi (severe service). Short trips, towing, extended idling, and dusty or very cold conditions all put the vehicle on the severe-service side of that interval.
What oil filter does a 2012–2016 Hyundai Elantra take?
- The OEM filter is Hyundai/Kia 26300-35505 (spin-on; supersedes 26300-35504). Common equivalents: Fram PH3675 / XG3675A (Ultra), Wix 51372 / 57060XP, Purolator L14459. Torque the drain plug to 29 lb-ft. An overtightened plug strips an aluminium pan.
Sources
- AMSOIL lookup, 2012 Elantra 1.8L oil spec/capacity
- AMSOIL lookup, 2014 Elantra 2.0L GDI oil spec/capacity
- PR Newswire, 2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe 2.0L GDI 'Nu' engine specs (173 hp)
- NHTSA recall 23V-651, ABS module internal leak / fire risk
- NHTSA recall 15V-871, ESC unintended braking
- NHTSA recall 13V-115, side curtain airbag bracket
- Hyundai Nu Engine class-action settlement overview, BBB National Programs
- Hyundai Motor America press release, 2022 Engine II litigation settlement
- fueleconomy.gov, 2013 Elantra EPA ratings (all trims)
- Edmunds, 2013 Elantra specs (curb weight, fuel tank)
- Hyundai/Kia OEM oil filter 26300-35505 fitment listing
- wheel-size.com, Elantra MD/UD OE tire and wheel fitments
