--- title: "Nissan Sentra Oil Type: 0W-20, 4.4 qt" description: "How the Nissan Sentra oil specification changed from 2012 to 2025, compared generation by generation. The Nissan Sentra takes 0W-20 engine oil, 4.4 quarts with a filter change. OEM filter Nissan 15208-65F0E (spin-on). Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/oil" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # Nissan Sentra Oil Type and Capacity The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes. ## Has the Nissan Sentra oil specification changed by year? | Model years | Viscosity | Capacity | OEM filter | Interval | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [2020-2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2020-2025/oil) | 0W-20 | 4.4 qt | Nissan 15208-65F0E (spin-on) | 10,000 mi / 12 months (normal, per the owner's manual schedule); 5,000 mi / 6 months (severe service) | | [2013-2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2013-2019/oil) | 0W-20 | 4.2 / 4.75 qt | Nissan 15208-65F0E (spin-on) | 5,000 mi / 6 months (Nissan's US maintenance guide, both schedules) | | [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2012/oil) | 5W-30 | 4.1 / 4.5 qt | Nissan 15208-65F0E (spin-on) | 7,500 mi / 6 months (Schedule 2, normal); 3,750 mi / 3 months (Schedule 1, severe service) | ## Full specifications by generation The oil on a Nissan Sentra 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. - [2020-2025 Nissan Sentra Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2020-2025/oil) - [2013-2019 Nissan Sentra Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2013-2019/oil) - [2012 Nissan Sentra Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2012/oil) ## Nissan Sentra oil: common questions ### How many quarts of oil does a Nissan Sentra take? 4.4 quarts with a filter change. Fill to about 3.9 quarts, run the engine, then top up to the mark on the dipstick rather than pouring the full amount in at once. ### What kind of oil does a Nissan Sentra take? 0W-20 meeting Genuine Nissan Motor Oil 0W-20 SN or equivalent synthetic 0W-20 GF-5/GF-6 SN/SP, full synthetic (required, not merely recommended). ### Can you use a different viscosity in a Nissan Sentra? 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 Sentra need an oil change? 10,000 mi / 12 months (normal, per the owner's manual schedule); 5,000 mi / 6 months (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 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 - [2021 Nissan Sentra Owner's Manual (capacities, NS-3, bulbs, schedule, CR2032, tires)](https://www.nissan-techinfo.com/refgh0v/og/sentra/2021-Nissan-Sentra.pdf) - [NHTSA recall 23V-581, tie rod assembly, 2020-2022 Sentra](https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/NISSAN/SENTRA/recalls) - [NHTSA recalls, 2024/2025 Sentra (driveshaft 24V-304, 26V-410)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2024/NISSAN/SENTRA/recalls) - [AMSOIL lookup, 2020 Sentra 2.0L MR20DD (0W-20, drain plug 22-29 ft-lb)](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2020/nissan-datsun/sentra/2-0l-4-cyl-engine-code-mr20dd-b/) - [KBB / Car and Driver, 2020 Sentra specs (149 hp, 3,047 lb curb weight)](https://www.caranddriver.com/nissan/sentra/specs/2020/nissan_sentra_nissan-sentra_2020) - [Go-Parts, 2020-2025 Sentra rear brakes (260mm discs SV/SR, drums S)](https://www.go-parts.com/garage/brakes-rear-nissan-sentra-2020-2025) - [Nissan parts, 15208-65F0E oil filter](https://parts.nissanusa.com/parts/nissan-oil-filter-1520865f0e) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2021 Sentra EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2021_Nissan_Sentra.shtml) ## Find your exact Sentra - [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2025) - [2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2024) - [2023](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2023) - [2022](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2022) - [2021](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2021) - [2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2020) - [2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2019) - [2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2018) - [2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2017) - [2016](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2016) - [2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2015) - [2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2014) - [2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2013) - [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/2012) More Nissan Sentra guides: - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/service-schedule) - [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/common-problems) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/nissan/sentra/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.