---
title: "2013-2018 Nissan Altima Oil Type: 0W-20, 4.9 qt"
description: "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."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2013-2018/oil"
updated: "2026-08-20"
---

# 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.

**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 tables 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 |

Note: 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) |

Note: 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.

- [2013 Altima](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2013)
- [2014 Altima](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2014)
- [2015 Altima](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2015)
- [2016 Altima](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2016)
- [2017 Altima](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2017)
- [2018 Altima](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2018)

## What changed during the 2013-2018 Nissan Altima

| Years | What changed |
| --- | --- |
| 2013 | Generation launch: new platform, 0W-20 oil and NS-3 CVT fluid for the 2.5, 27/38 mpg |
| 2016 | Mid-cycle refresh begins: new exterior styling and fascias, updated features; SR sport trim introduced (2.5 and 3.5) |
| 2016-2018 | Major 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. |
| 2017 | Carries over unchanged from 2016; a mid-year trim-lineup shuffle follows partway through the model year |
| 2018 | Final 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)](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2013/nissan-datsun/altima/2-5l-4-cyl-engine-code-qr25de-e/)
- [Nissan parts, 15208-65F0E oil filter fitment (parts.nissanusa.com)](https://parts.nissanusa.com/parts/nissan-oil-filter-1520865f0e)
- [Nissan OEM parts, 22401-JA01B spark plug fitment](https://nissan.oempartsonline.com/oem-parts/nissan-spark-plug-22401ja01b)
- [NHTSA recall 20V-315, hood latch (2013-2018 Altima)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20V315-7737.PDF)
- [NHTSA recall 14V-138, occupant classification system](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2014/RCONL-14V138-3030.pdf)
- [BBB AUTO LINE, Nissan CVT / Martinez class-action warranty extensions](https://bbbprograms.org/programs/dr/class-action/nissan-cvt2)
- [Nissan Altima headlight settlement (2013-2018 halogen dimming)](https://www.altimaheadlightsettlement.com/)
- [2013 Nissan Altima Sedan specifications (Nissan USA Newsroom)](https://usa.nissannews.com/en-US/releases/2013-nissan-altima-sedan-specifications)
- [TirePressure.org, 2013 Nissan Altima placard pressures](https://tirepressure.org/nissan/altima/2013)
- [fueleconomy.gov, 2013 Nissan Altima EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2013_Nissan_Altima.shtml)
- [HID Nation, 2015 Nissan Altima bulb sizes (H11 low / 9005 high)](https://www.hidnation.com/pages/2015-nissan-altima)

## Other Nissan Altima generations

- [2019-2025 Nissan Altima oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2019-2025/oil)
- [2012 Nissan Altima oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2012/oil)

Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/oil).

## More for the 2013-2018 Nissan Altima

- [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2013-2018/battery)
- [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2013-2018/tires)
- [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2013-2018/wipers)
- [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2013-2018/filters)
- [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2013-2018/bulbs)
- [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2013-2018/brakes)
- [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2013-2018/fluids)
- [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2013-2018/service-schedule)
- [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2013-2018/common-problems)
- [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2013-2018/oil-reset)
- [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2013-2018/key-fob-battery)
- [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/altima/2013-2018/specs)

Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.