2012 L32 (4th generation, final year)
2012 Nissan Altima Oil Type and Capacity
The 2012 Nissan Altima takes 5W-30 engine oil, 4.9 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter Nissan 15208-9E01A (15208-65F0E also fits). Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents.
Last verified
Quick answer
2012 Nissan Altima 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE) oil
High confidence| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Allowed alternates | 10W-30 (Permitted above 0°F if 5W-30 unavailable) |
| Oil standard | API SM/SN energy-conserving, ILSAC GF-4/GF-5 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.9 qt / 4.6 L |
| Synthetic required | No (synthetic recommended) |
| OEM filter | Nissan 15208-9E01A (15208-65F0E also fits) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram PH6607, Wix 57356, Purolator L14612, Mobil 1 M1-108A |
| Change interval | 5,000 mi / 6 months (Schedule 1, most drivers); 7,500 mi / 6 months (Schedule 2, easy highway use) |
0W-20 became the factory fill in 2013, the 2012 manual still specifies 5W-30. Spin-on filter, easy access from below.
2012 Nissan Altima 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) oil
Check your manual| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil standard | API SM/SN energy-conserving, ILSAC GF-4/GF-5 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.9 qt / 4.6 L |
| Synthetic required | No (synthetic recommended) |
| OEM filter | Nissan 15208-9E01A (15208-65F0E also fits) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram PH6607, Wix 57356, Purolator L14612 |
| Change interval | 5,000 mi / 6 months (Schedule 1); 7,500 mi (Schedule 2) |
Aftermarket guides quote 4.9–5.1 qt with filter for the VQ35DE, fill to the dipstick.
Which Nissan Altima model years does this cover?
These oil specifications apply to every Nissan Altima built from 2012 through 2012 — the L32 (4th generation, final year), mid-size sedan (coupe continued separately through 2013). 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 Nissan Altima
- 2012Final year of the L32 sedan (2007–2012 design); the all-new L33 replaced it for 2013. The two-door Altima coupe continued on this platform through 2013.
2012 Nissan Altima oil: common questions
How many quarts of oil does a 2012 Nissan Altima take?
- It depends on the engine. The 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE) takes 4.9 quarts; The 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) takes 4.9 quarts, all figures include a new filter.
What kind of oil does a 2012 Nissan Altima take?
- 5W-30 meeting API SM/SN energy-conserving, ILSAC GF-4/GF-5. Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above.
Can you use a different viscosity in a 2012 Nissan Altima?
- The manufacturer also permits 10W-30 (Permitted above 0°F if 5W-30 unavailable). Anything outside that list is a decision you are making against the factory specification.
How often does a 2012 Nissan Altima need an oil change?
- 5,000 mi / 6 months (Schedule 1, most drivers); 7,500 mi / 6 months (Schedule 2, easy highway use). 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 Nissan Altima take?
- The OEM filter is Nissan 15208-9E01A (15208-65F0E also fits). Common equivalents: Fram PH6607, Wix 57356, Purolator L14612, Mobil 1 M1-108A.
Sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle, 2012 Nissan Altima (11V-371, 12V-055, 12V-494)
- Nissan parts catalog, 15208-9E01A oil filter fitment 1998–2012 Altima
- TirePressure.org, 2012 Nissan Altima placard pressures
- HID Nation, 2012 Nissan Altima bulb sizes
- fueleconomy.gov, 2012 Nissan Altima EPA ratings
- Nissan Altima Forum, 2012 vs 2013 oil viscosity (5W-30 vs 0W-20)