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What Oil Does a Nissan Altima Take? The Exact Spec by Engine

Most newer Altimas take 0W-20 full synthetic and hold about 5.1 quarts, but the right answer depends on your exact engine, not just the model year. Here is the full chart from 2002 to 2024.

0W-20 (2013+ 2.5L) 5W-30 (older / V6) ~5.1 quarts Full synthetic

⚡ The short answer

0W-20 full synthetic, about 5.1 quarts, for most Altimas built 2013 and newer. If you drive a 2013-2024 Altima with the 2.5L four-cylinder (engine code QR25DE), the spec is 0W-20 full synthetic and roughly 5.1 quarts with a new filter. Older 2.5L models from 2002 to 2012 and the 3.5L V6 generally call for 5W-30. The safest move is always to read the oil filler cap, since the weight is stamped right there.

So when someone asks "what oil does a Nissan Altima take," the honest answer is "it depends on the engine." Nissan switched the 2.5L from 5W-30 to 0W-20 starting with the 2013 redesign to chase better fuel economy and CAFE numbers. Two Altimas in the same parking lot can take different oil if one is a 2010 and one is a 2015. Below is the exact breakdown so you buy the right jug the first time.

📋 Nissan Altima oil chart by year and engine

This table covers the common North American Altima engines. Capacities are with a filter change and are approximate, always verify on the dipstick after filling.

YearsEngineOil WeightCapacity (w/ filter)Type
2019-20242.5L QR25DE (4-cyl)0W-20~5.1 qtFull synthetic
2019-20202.0L KR20DDET VC-Turbo0W-20~5.1 qtFull synthetic
2013-20182.5L QR25DE (4-cyl)0W-20~4.9 qtFull synthetic
2013-20183.5L VQ35DE (V6)5W-30~5.1 qtSynthetic recommended
2007-20122.5L QR25DE (4-cyl)5W-30~4.9 qtSynthetic blend OK
2007-20123.5L VQ35DE (V6)5W-30~5.4 qtSynthetic recommended
2002-20062.5L QR25DE (4-cyl)5W-30~4.6 qtConventional/blend
2002-20063.5L VQ35DE (V6)5W-30~4.5 qtConventional/blend

Notice the pattern: 2013 is the dividing line for the four-cylinder. Before that, 5W-30. From 2013 on, 0W-20. The V6 stayed on 5W-30 for its entire run because it was tuned for that viscosity, not fuel-economy targets.

🧩 How to confirm the exact spec for your car

Charts get you 95 percent of the way there, but a few Altimas were sold in cold-climate or fleet trims with slightly different recommendations. Confirm yours in under two minutes:

  1. Read the oil cap. Pop the hood and look at the plastic oil filler cap on top of the engine. The viscosity, "0W-20" or "5W-30," is molded right into it.
  2. Check the owner's manual. The maintenance section lists both the weight and the capacity in quarts. If you do not have the paper copy, Nissan posts manuals by year on their owner portal.
  3. Match the engine code. The four-cylinder is QR25DE (2.5L); the V6 is VQ35DE (3.5L); the turbo is KR20DDET (2.0L). The engine matters more than the badge on the trunk.
  4. Verify on the dipstick. After you fill, run the engine 30 seconds, wait two minutes, then check. The level should sit between the two marks, never above the top one.

If your Altima is burning oil between changes or you are seeing a low-oil light, the grade is not your problem, a worn engine is. A timing-related rattle on the 2.5L can throw a P0011 camshaft timing code, and chronic consumption often shows up alongside a P0014. If you are chasing those, start with our engine burning oil walkthrough before you just keep topping off.

Not sure why your Altima is using oil or knocking?
Get ranked causes, parts, and labor estimates for your exact year and engine.
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⚠ Common oil mistakes Altima owners make

Putting 5W-30 in a 0W-20 engine

This is the number-one mistake on 2013+ cars. The QR25DE relies on thin 0W-20 to flow instantly through tight variable valve timing passages and the chain tensioner on cold starts. The thicker 5W-30 flows slower when cold, can knock fuel economy down by 1 to 2 percent, and over time may contribute to timing-chain wear. One emergency tank will not kill it, but do not make it a habit.

Overfilling past 5.1 quarts

The 2.5L holds right around 4.9 to 5.1 quarts. Dumping a full 6-quart jug in without checking the dipstick overfills it, which can aerate the oil and push it past seals. Pour about 4.5 quarts, then top to the mark.

Stretching the interval too far on the turbo

The 2.0L VC-Turbo runs hotter and shears oil faster than the naturally aspirated 2.5L. Treat 5,000 miles as the ceiling on that engine, not the 7,500 some shops quote. Turbos are unforgiving of dirty oil.

Skipping the filter

Some quick-lube places will top off without swapping the filter. Always change the filter every oil change, the capacity numbers above assume a fresh one.

🕐 How often to change the oil

On full synthetic, the practical window for most Altimas is 5,000 to 7,500 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. Nissan's normal-service schedule allows up to 7,500 miles, but their "severe" schedule, which applies to far more drivers than people think, drops it toward 3,750 to 5,000 miles.

You are in severe service if you do any of these regularly:

  • Mostly short trips under 5 miles, so the oil never fully heats up
  • Stop-and-go city traffic or ride-share driving
  • Towing, or driving in dusty or extreme-cold conditions
  • Lots of idling

If that is you, aim for 5,000 miles and you will keep the timing chain and tensioner happy. A consistent change schedule is the single cheapest thing you can do to keep a QR25DE out of the shop. Wondering whether a quoted oil-change or related repair price is fair? Run it through our quote checker before you pay.

❓ Frequently asked questions

What oil does a Nissan Altima take?
Most modern Nissan Altimas (2013 and newer, with the 2.5L QR25DE engine) take 0W-20 full synthetic oil and hold about 5.1 quarts. Older 2.5L models (2002-2012) and the V6 3.5L typically call for 5W-30. Always confirm with the cap and your owner's manual, since the spec follows the engine, not just the year.
How many quarts of oil does a Nissan Altima take?
The 2.5L four-cylinder Altima holds roughly 4.9 to 5.1 quarts with a filter change. The 3.5L V6 holds about 5.1 to 5.4 quarts. The 2019+ 2.0L VC-Turbo holds about 5.1 quarts. Fill to the upper mark on the dipstick, do not overfill.
Can I use 5W-30 instead of 0W-20 in my Altima?
It is not recommended on engines specced for 0W-20. The thicker 5W-30 can reduce fuel economy slightly and, more importantly, may starve the tight variable valve timing and chain tensioner passages on the QR25DE in cold starts. Use the weight printed on the oil cap. In an emergency one tank of the wrong grade will not destroy the engine, but switch back at the next change.
How often should I change the oil in a Nissan Altima?
With full synthetic, every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or once a year is a safe interval for most driving. Nissan's maintenance schedule lists up to 7,500 miles under normal conditions, but short trips, towing, and stop-and-go traffic count as severe service and push the interval down to around 3,750 to 5,000 miles.
Does the Nissan Altima require full synthetic oil?
The 2013+ models that call for 0W-20 effectively require full synthetic, because that grade is only sold as synthetic. The 2.0L VC-Turbo and most V6 builds also do best on full synthetic. Older 5W-30 four-cylinders can run a synthetic blend, but full synthetic gives better protection and longer intervals for only a few dollars more.

✅ TL;DR

  • 2013-2024 2.5L (QR25DE): 0W-20 full synthetic, ~5.1 qt.
  • 2019-2020 2.0L VC-Turbo: 0W-20 full synthetic, ~5.1 qt, change by 5,000 miles.
  • 2002-2012 2.5L and all 3.5L V6: 5W-30, ~4.5 to 5.4 qt.
  • Interval: 5,000 to 7,500 miles; 5,000 if you do short trips or city driving.
  • Always confirm the weight on the oil cap and the level on the dipstick.