2012 B16 (6th generation, final year)
2012 Nissan Sentra Oil Type and Capacity
The 2012 Nissan Sentra takes 5W-30 engine oil, 4.1 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter Nissan 15208-65F0E (spin-on). Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents.
Last verified
Quick answer
2012 Nissan Sentra 2.0L 4-cylinder (MR20DE) oil
Verified| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil standard | API SM/SN energy-conserving, with API certification mark |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.1 qt / 3.9 L |
| Synthetic required | No (synthetic recommended) |
| OEM filter | Nissan 15208-65F0E (spin-on) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram PH6607 / XG6607 (Ultra), Wix 51356, Purolator PL14612, Mobil 1 M1-108A |
| Change interval | 7,500 mi / 6 months (Schedule 2, normal); 3,750 mi / 3 months (Schedule 1, severe service) |
| Drain plug torque | 25 ft-lbs |
Owner's manual lists 4-1/8 qt (3.9 L) with filter change. Drain plug spec is 22–29 ft-lb, use a new crush washer. Conventional oil is fine; synthetic extends the comfortable interval.
2012 Nissan Sentra 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE, SE-R / SE-R Spec V) oil
Verified| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil standard | API SM/SN energy-conserving, with API certification mark |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.5 qt / 4.3 L |
| Synthetic required | No (synthetic recommended) |
| OEM filter | Nissan 15208-65F0E (spin-on) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram PH6607 / XG6607 (Ultra), Wix 51356, Purolator PL14612 |
| Change interval | 7,500 mi / 6 months (Schedule 2); 3,750 mi / 3 months (Schedule 1, severe, recommended for hard driving) |
| Drain plug torque | 25 ft-lbs |
Owner's manual lists 4-1/2 qt (4.3 L) with filter change. QR25DE has a known appetite for oil at high mileage. Check the dipstick between changes.
Which Nissan Sentra model years does this cover?
These oil specifications apply to every Nissan Sentra built from 2012 through 2012 — the B16 (6th generation, final year), compact 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 2012 Nissan Sentra
- 2012Final year of the B16 generation and the last year for the SE-R and SE-R Spec V performance trims. This file covers 2012 only; 2007–2011 cars are mechanically similar.
2012 Nissan Sentra oil: common questions
How many quarts of oil does a 2012 Nissan Sentra take?
- It depends on the engine. The 2.0L 4-cylinder (MR20DE) takes 4.1 quarts; The 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE, SE-R / SE-R Spec V) takes 4.5 quarts, all figures include a new filter.
What kind of oil does a 2012 Nissan Sentra take?
- 5W-30 meeting API SM/SN energy-conserving, with API certification mark. Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above.
Can you use a different viscosity in a 2012 Nissan Sentra?
- The factory specification is 5W-30 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 2012 Nissan Sentra need an oil change?
- 7,500 mi / 6 months (Schedule 2, normal); 3,750 mi / 3 months (Schedule 1, severe service). 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 Sentra take?
- The OEM filter is Nissan 15208-65F0E (spin-on). Common equivalents: Fram PH6607 / XG6607 (Ultra), Wix 51356, Purolator PL14612, Mobil 1 M1-108A. Torque the drain plug to 25 lb-ft. An overtightened plug strips an aluminium pan.
Sources
- 2012 Nissan Sentra Owner's Manual (capacities, tires, plugs, CVT NS-2, CR2025)
- AMSOIL lookup, 2012 Sentra 2.0L MR20DE (5W-30, 4.1 qt, drain plug 22–29 ft-lb)
- Goodyear tire fitment, 2012 Nissan Sentra by trim
- Nissan parts, 16546-ET00J engine air filter, 2007–2012 Sentra
- Nissan parts, 22401-JA01B spark plug, 2008–2012 Sentra 2.0
- CarComplaints, 2012 Sentra transmission failure reports
- fueleconomy.gov, 2012 Nissan Sentra EPA ratings