2013–2018 L33 (5th generation)
2013–2018 Nissan Altima Oil Type and Capacity
The 2013–2018 Nissan Altima takes 0W-20 engine oil, 4.9 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter Nissan 15208-65F0E. Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents.
Last verified
Quick answer
The 2013–2018 Nissan Altima (2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE)) takes 0W-20 engine oil, 4.9 quarts with a filter change (OEM filter Nissan 15208-65F0E). Other engines differ. See the table below.
2013–2018 Nissan Altima 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE) oil
Verified| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 0W-20 |
| Allowed alternates | 5W-30 (Permitted if 0W-20 is unavailable; 0W-20 preferred, return to it at the next change) |
| Oil standard | API SN energy-conserving / ILSAC GF-5 (GF-6A acceptable) |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.9 qt / 4.6 L |
| Synthetic required | No (synthetic recommended) |
| OEM filter | Nissan 15208-65F0E |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram PH6607 / XG6607 (Ultra), Wix 57356, Purolator L14612, Mobil 1 M1-108A |
| Change interval | 5,000 mi / 6 months (Schedule 1, most drivers); Schedule 2 allows longer for easy highway use |
Some quick-lube charts round to 4.5–5.0 qt; Nissan lists 4-7/8 qt (4.6 L) with filter. Nissan recommends but does not require synthetic. 0W-20 is effectively synthetic anyway.
2013–2018 Nissan Altima 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) oil
Check your manual| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Allowed alternates | 0W-20 (Later VQ35DE applications list 0W-20, go by your own year's manual spec page) |
| Oil standard | API SN energy-conserving / ILSAC GF-5 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 5.1 qt / 4.8 L |
| Synthetic required | No (synthetic recommended) |
| OEM filter | Nissan 15208-65F0E |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram PH6607, Wix 57356, Purolator L14612 |
| Change interval | 5,000 mi / 6 months (Schedule 1) |
Aftermarket guides quote 4.9–5.4 qt with filter, fill to the dipstick. The 2013 owner's manual specifies 5W-30 for the 3.5 while the 2.5 gets 0W-20.
Which Nissan Altima model years does this cover?
These oil 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 oil: common questions
How many quarts of oil does a 2013–2018 Nissan Altima take?
- It depends on the engine. The 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE) takes 4.9 quarts; The 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) takes 5.1 quarts, all figures include a new filter.
What kind of oil does a 2013–2018 Nissan Altima take?
- 0W-20 meeting API SN energy-conserving / ILSAC GF-5 (GF-6A acceptable). Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above.
Can you use a different viscosity in a 2013–2018 Nissan Altima?
- The manufacturer also permits 5W-30 (Permitted if 0W-20 is unavailable; 0W-20 preferred, return to it at the next change). Anything outside that list is a decision you are making against the factory specification.
How often does a 2013–2018 Nissan Altima need an oil change?
- 5,000 mi / 6 months (Schedule 1, most drivers); Schedule 2 allows longer for 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 2013–2018 Nissan Altima take?
- The OEM filter is Nissan 15208-65F0E. Common equivalents: Fram PH6607 / XG6607 (Ultra), Wix 57356, Purolator L14612, Mobil 1 M1-108A.
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)