Nissan Altima · 2012–2025
Nissan Altima Oil Type and Capacity
The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes.
Last verified
Has the Nissan Altima oil specification changed by year?
| Model years | Viscosity | Capacity | OEM filter | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2025 | 0W-20 | 5.4 / 5.6 qt | Nissan 15208-65F0E | 5,000 mi / 6 months (Schedule 1, most drivers); Schedule 2 stretches to ~7,500–10,000 mi for easy highway use |
| 2013–2018 | 0W-20, 5W-30 | 4.9 / 5.1 qt | Nissan 15208-65F0E | 5,000 mi / 6 months (Schedule 1, most drivers); Schedule 2 allows longer for easy highway use |
| 2012–2012 | 5W-30 | 4.9 qt | Nissan 15208-9E01A (15208-65F0E also fits) | 5,000 mi / 6 months (Schedule 1, most drivers); 7,500 mi / 6 months (Schedule 2, easy highway use) |
Each row links to the full specification for that generation, including trim-by-trim breakdowns and the part numbers. Where engines within a generation differ, that page separates them.
Full specifications by generation
The oil on a Nissan Altima is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers.
2019–2025 Nissan Altima
L34 (6th generation) · Mid-size sedan (FWD; AWD available with 2.5L) · Oil & filter
2013–2018 Nissan Altima
L33 (5th generation) · Mid-size sedan · Oil & filter
2012 Nissan Altima
L32 (4th generation, final year) · Mid-size sedan (coupe continued separately through 2013) · Oil & filter
Nissan Altima oil: common questions
How many quarts of oil does a Nissan Altima take?
- It depends on the engine. The 2.5L 4-cylinder direct-injection (PR25DD) takes 5.4 quarts; The 2.0L VC-Turbo (KR20DDET variable-compression) takes 5.6 quarts, all figures include a new filter.
What kind of oil does a Nissan Altima take?
- 0W-20 meeting API SN/SP energy-conserving / ILSAC GF-5/GF-6A. Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above.
Can you use a different viscosity in a Nissan Altima?
- The factory specification is 0W-20 and no alternate grade is listed for this engine. Modern variable-valve-timing hardware is sized around the specified viscosity, so substituting a thicker oil is not a free choice.
How often does a Nissan Altima need an oil change?
- 5,000 mi / 6 months (Schedule 1, most drivers); Schedule 2 stretches to ~7,500–10,000 mi 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 Nissan Altima take?
- The OEM filter is Nissan 15208-65F0E. Common equivalents: Fram PH6607 / XG6607 (Ultra), Wix 57356, Purolator L14612. Torque the drain plug to 25 lb-ft. An overtightened plug strips an aluminium pan.
Sources
- Nissan USA Newsroom, 2019 Altima specifications (oil capacities, weights, fuel tank)
- AMSOIL product lookup, 2019 Altima 2.5L PR25DD (0W-20, 5.4 qt, drain plug 22–29 ft-lbs)
- NHTSA recall 25V-437, VC-Turbo engine bearings
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle, 2019 Nissan Altima (18V-922, 19V-235, 19V-316, 19V-654, 23V-628)
- Nissan parts, 16546-6CA0A engine air filter fitment (2019–2025 Altima)
- Nissan parts, 22401-6LD1C spark plug (2019–2025)
- TirePressure.org, 2019 Nissan Altima placard pressures
- fueleconomy.gov, 2019 Nissan Altima EPA ratings
- Cars.com, Nissan drops VC-Turbo from 2025 Altima
- Goodyear tire lookup, 2019 Altima OE sizes by trim
Find your exact Altima
Jump to a model year for the engines it offered, what changed, and the problems documented against it: