Quick answer: the 2013–2020 Nissan Pathfinder 3.5L V6 takes 5-1/8 US qt (4.8 L) of oil with a filter change. The oil grade changed: SAE 5W-30 in the 2013–2014 manuals, 0W-20 from 2015.
| Engine | Oil capacity (with filter) | Without filter | Oil type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE), 2013–2016 | 5-1/8 US qt (4.8 L) | 4-3/4 US qt (4.5 L) | 5W-30 (2013–2014), 0W-20 (2015–2016) |
| 3.5L V6 (VQ35DD), 2017–2020 | 5-1/8 US qt (4.8 L) | 4-3/4 US qt (4.5 L) | 0W-20 |
Check the year before buying oil. The 2013–2014 manuals specify SAE 5W-30 and recommend Genuine Nissan Ester Oil. The 2015–2016 manuals switch to 0W-20 (5W-30 conventional oil still allowed as an alternative), and the 2017–2020 VQ35DD engine calls for 0W-20.
Oil capacity by year
| Model year | Engine | With filter | Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | VQ35DE | 5-1/8 US qt (4.8 L) | 5W-30 |
| 2014 | VQ35DE | 5-1/8 US qt (4.8 L) | 5W-30 |
| 2015 | VQ35DE | 5-1/8 US qt (4.8 L) | 0W-20 |
| 2016 | VQ35DE | 5-1/8 US qt (4.8 L) | 0W-20 |
| 2017 | VQ35DD | 5-1/8 US qt (4.8 L) | 0W-20 |
| 2018 | VQ35DD | 5-1/8 US qt (4.8 L) | 0W-20 |
| 2019 | VQ35DD | 5-1/8 US qt (4.8 L) | 0W-20 |
| 2020 | VQ35DD | 5-1/8 US qt (4.8 L) | 0W-20 |
We read the “Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities” tables of all eight owner’s manuals.
Recommended oil type
2013–2014: engine oil with the API Certification Mark, SAE 5W-30; Nissan recommends Genuine Nissan Ester Oil.
2015–2016: SAE 0W-20; SAE 5W-30 conventional oil may be used as an alternative.
2017–2020: Genuine “Nissan Motor Oil 0W-20” (or a synthetic 0W-20).
How to reset the oil change reminder on the 2013–2020 Nissan Pathfinder
See also: Oil life reset by brand.
Nissan’s owner’s manuals handle the oil reminder from the vehicle information display: open Settings, select Maintenance, then Oil and Filter and reset the reminder. Newer models also have an Oil Control System item that resets the current oil interval; reset it only after an oil change.
Oil change tips
- A 5-quart jug plus a little extra covers one change.
- Add about 4-3/4 quarts, check the dipstick, then top up.
- Nissan lists these as approximate capacities: after refilling, run the engine, turn it off, wait more than 10 minutes and check the level with the dipstick.
Sources and how we checked
All capacities and oil grades on this page come from Nissan’s owner’s manuals, published on Nissan USA’s official manuals site (“Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities”):
- 2013 Pathfinder owner’s manual
- 2014 Pathfinder owner’s manual
- 2015 Pathfinder owner’s manual
- 2016 Pathfinder owner’s manual
- 2017 Pathfinder owner’s manual
- 2018 Pathfinder owner’s manual
- 2019 Pathfinder owner’s manual
- 2020 Pathfinder owner’s manual
If your owner’s manual shows something different, follow your manual and tell us.
Last checked: October 22, 2026.
FAQ
How much oil does a 2013–2020 Nissan Pathfinder take?
5-1/8 US quarts (4.8 L) with a filter change.
What oil does a 2013–2020 Pathfinder use?
SAE 5W-30 in the 2013–2014 manuals, 0W-20 from 2015.
Can I use 5W-30 in a 2015–2016 Pathfinder?
Yes. Those manuals allow SAE 5W-30 conventional oil as an alternative to 0W-20.
How much oil without changing the filter?
4-3/4 US quarts (4.5 L).
How do I reset the oil light on a Pathfinder?
In the vehicle information display, open Settings, then Maintenance, then Oil and Filter, and reset the reminder.
Newer Pathfinder? See the 2022–2025 Nissan Pathfinder oil type and capacity.