Nissan Altima Oil Type by Year
The oil grade Nissan specifies for the Nissan Altima, by model year and engine, 2010–2020. Grades used across these years: SAE 0W-20, SAE 5W-30.
Source: manufacturer documents (listed below) · Updated 2026-11-05 · By CarWhere Research
| Year | Engine | Capacity (qt) | Capacity (L) | Oil type | Spec | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2.5L 4-cylinder (PR25DD) | 5.375 qt[1] | 5.1 L | SAE 0W-20 | API SN / ILSAC GF-5 | |
| 2020 | 2.0L VC-Turbo 4-cylinder (KR20DDET) | 5 qt[1] | 4.7 L | SAE 5W-30 | API SN / ILSAC GF-5 | Manual names Nissan ester 5W-30 SN or a synthetic GF-5 SN equivalent. |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cylinder (PR25DD) | 5.375 qt[2] | 5.1 L | SAE 0W-20 | API SN / ILSAC GF-5 | |
| 2019 | 2.0L VC-Turbo 4-cylinder (KR20DDET) | 5 qt[2] | 4.7 L | SAE 5W-30 | API SN / ILSAC GF-5 | Manual names Nissan ester 5W-30 SN or a synthetic GF-5 SN equivalent. |
| 2018 | 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE) | 4.875 qt[3] | 4.6 L | SAE 0W-20 | API SN | Manual names Nissan-branded 0W-20 SN or an equivalent grade. |
| 2018 | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) | 5.125 qt[3] | 4.8 L | SAE 0W-20 | API SN | Manual names Nissan-branded 0W-20 SN or an equivalent grade. |
| 2017 | 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE) | 4.875 qt[4] | 4.6 L | SAE 0W-20 | API SN | Manual names Nissan-branded 0W-20 SN or an equivalent grade. |
| 2017 | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) | 5.125 qt[4] | 4.8 L | SAE 0W-20 | API SN | Manual names Nissan-branded 0W-20 SN or an equivalent grade. |
| 2016 | 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE) | 4.875 qt[5] | 4.6 L | SAE 0W-20 | API Certification Mark | 5W-30 conventional oil listed as an alternative. |
| 2016 | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) | 5.125 qt[5] | 4.8 L | SAE 0W-20 | API Certification Mark | 5W-30 conventional oil listed as an alternative. |
| 2015 | 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE) | 4.875 qt[6] | 4.6 L | SAE 0W-20 | API Certification Mark | 5W-30 conventional oil listed as an alternative. |
| 2015 | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) | 5.1 qt*[6] | 4.8 L | SAE 0W-20 | API Certification Mark | This edition's quart figure for the V6 does not match its litre figure, so only litres are recorded. 5W-30 conventional listed as an alternative. |
| 2014 | 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE) | 4.875 qt[7] | 4.6 L | SAE 0W-20 | API Certification Mark | 5W-30 conventional oil listed as an alternative. |
| 2014 | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) | 5.125 qt[7] | 4.8 L | SAE 5W-30 | API Certification Mark | |
| 2013 | 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE) | 4.875 qt[8] | 4.6 L | SAE 0W-20 | API Certification Mark | 5W-30 conventional oil listed as an alternative. |
| 2013 | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) | 5.125 qt[8] | 4.8 L | SAE 5W-30 | API Certification Mark | |
| 2012 | 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE) | 4.875 qt[9] | 4.6 L | SAE 5W-30 | API Certification Mark | |
| 2012 | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) | 5.125 qt[9] | 4.8 L | SAE 5W-30 | API Certification Mark | |
| 2011 | 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE) | 4.875 qt[10] | 4.6 L | SAE 5W-30 | API Certification Mark | |
| 2011 | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) | 5.125 qt[10] | 4.8 L | SAE 5W-30 | API Certification Mark | |
| 2010 | 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE) | 4.875 qt[11] | 4.6 L | SAE 5W-30 | API Certification Mark | |
| 2010 | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) | 5.125 qt[11] | 4.8 L | SAE 5W-30 | API Certification Mark |
Capacities are with filter change unless noted. * Calculated from the unit the manufacturer published (1 US qt = 0.946 L). Always confirm on the dipstick after refilling.
Capacity only? See Nissan Altima oil capacity.
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model
Trim, package and production changes all move these numbers. Decode the 17-character VIN with the free VIN decoder to confirm the engine and trim, or see the federal engine and MPG specs. Shopping? Browse live inventory and what buyers actually paid.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does the Nissan Altima take?
Depending on year and engine, the owner's manuals specify SAE 0W-20, SAE 5W-30. Find your year in the table above.
Sources
- Nissan North America, 2020 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual, Technical and consumer information - Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities (PDF p. 523) (accessed 2026-11-05).
- Nissan North America, 2019 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual, Technical and consumer information - Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities (PDF p. 536) (accessed 2026-11-05).
- Nissan North America, 2018 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual, Technical and consumer information - Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities (PDF p. 434) (accessed 2026-11-05).
- Nissan North America, 2017 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual, Technical and consumer information - Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities (PDF p. 474) (accessed 2026-11-05).
- Nissan North America, 2016 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual, Technical and consumer information - Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities (PDF p. 447) (accessed 2026-11-05).
- Nissan North America, 2015 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual, Technical and consumer information - Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities (PDF p. 412) (accessed 2026-11-05).
- Nissan North America, 2014 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual, Technical and consumer information - Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities (PDF p. 399) (accessed 2026-11-05).
- Nissan North America, 2013 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual, Technical and consumer information - Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities (PDF p. 385) (accessed 2026-11-05).
- Nissan North America, 2012 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual, Technical and consumer information - Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities (PDF p. 419) (accessed 2026-11-05).
- Nissan North America, 2011 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual, Technical and consumer information - Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities (PDF p. 411) (accessed 2026-11-05).
- Nissan North America, 2010 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual, Technical and consumer information - Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities (PDF p. 405) (accessed 2026-11-05).