2013–2018 L33 (5th generation)
2013–2018 Nissan Altima Fluid Types and Capacities
Which transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid the 2013–2018 Nissan Altima takes, with capacities and the specifications each one has to meet. Transmission: Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid ONLY (RE0F10E family; 'CVT8' on the 3.5). Simple drain & fill takes ~3.5–4 qt; total fill ~8.6 qt (3.5L). Do not substitute NS-2 or generic ATF, wrong fluid kills these units.. Coolant: Nissan Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue, 999MP-L25500P pre-mixed); ~8 qt (2.5L), ~9.5 qt (3.5L). First change 105k mi/84 months, then every 75k mi/60 months..
Last verified
2013–2018 Nissan Altima fluid guide
High confidence| System | Fluid type & capacity |
|---|---|
| Coolant | Nissan Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue, 999MP-L25500P pre-mixed); ~8 qt (2.5L), ~9.5 qt (3.5L). First change 105k mi/84 months, then every 75k mi/60 months. |
| Transmission | Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid ONLY (RE0F10E family; 'CVT8' on the 3.5). Simple drain & fill takes ~3.5–4 qt; total fill ~8.6 qt (3.5L). Do not substitute NS-2 or generic ATF, wrong fluid kills these units. |
| Brake fluid | DOT 3 brake fluid |
| Power steering | None (electric power steering) |
Plain washer fluid; no special spec
Which Nissan Altima model years does this cover?
These fluids specifications apply to every Nissan Altima built from 2013 through 2018 — the L33 (5th generation), mid-size sedan. 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 2013–2018 Nissan Altima
- 2013Generation launch: new platform, 0W-20 oil and NS-3 CVT fluid for the 2.5, 27/38 mpg
- 2016Mid-cycle refresh begins: new exterior styling and fascias, updated features; SR sport trim introduced (2.5 and 3.5)
- 2016–2018Major facelift: new fascias and hood, SR sport trim added (2.5 and 3.5), available Predictive Forward Collision Warning and Emergency Braking. Mechanical service specs (oil, filters, wipers, battery) carry over.
- 2017Carries over unchanged from 2016; a mid-year trim-lineup shuffle follows partway through the model year
- 2018Final year for the L33 and for the 3.5L V6 Altima
2013–2018 Nissan Altima fluids: common questions
What transmission fluid does a 2013–2018 Nissan Altima take?
- Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid ONLY (RE0F10E family; 'CVT8' on the 3.5). Simple drain & fill takes ~3.5–4 qt; total fill ~8.6 qt (3.5L). Do not substitute NS-2 or generic ATF, wrong fluid kills these units.. Transmission fluid specifications are not interchangeable. Friction modifiers differ between them, and the wrong fluid causes shudder long before it causes failure.
What coolant does a 2013–2018 Nissan Altima use?
- Nissan Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue, 999MP-L25500P pre-mixed); ~8 qt (2.5L), ~9.5 qt (3.5L). First change 105k mi/84 months, then every 75k mi/60 months..
What brake fluid does a 2013–2018 Nissan Altima take?
- DOT 3 brake fluid.
Sources
- AMSOIL product lookup, 2013 Altima 2.5L QR25DE (0W-20, 4.9 qt)
- Nissan parts, 15208-65F0E oil filter fitment (parts.nissanusa.com)
- Nissan OEM parts, 22401-JA01B spark plug fitment
- NHTSA recall 20V-315, hood latch (2013–2018 Altima)
- NHTSA recall 14V-138, occupant classification system
- BBB AUTO LINE, Nissan CVT / Martinez class-action warranty extensions
- Nissan Altima headlight settlement (2013–2018 halogen dimming)
- 2013 Nissan Altima Sedan specifications (Nissan USA Newsroom)
- TirePressure.org, 2013 Nissan Altima placard pressures
- fueleconomy.gov, 2013 Nissan Altima EPA ratings
- HID Nation, 2015 Nissan Altima bulb sizes (H11 low / 9005 high)
