Quick answer: the 2013–2018 Nissan Altima 2.5L takes 4-7/8 US qt (4.6 L) of oil with a filter change, and the 3.5L V6 takes 5-1/8 US qt (4.8 L). Nissan specifies SAE 0W-20; the 2013–2014 manuals list 5W-30 for the V6.
| Engine | Oil capacity (with filter) | Without filter | Oil type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE) | 4-7/8 US qt (4.6 L) | 4-1/2 US qt (4.3 L) | 0W-20 |
| 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) | 5-1/8 US qt (4.8 L) | 4-3/4 US qt (4.5 L) | 5W-30 (2013–2014), 0W-20 (2015–2018) |
The V6 oil grade changed. The 2013 and 2014 manuals specify SAE 5W-30 for the 3.5L V6. From 2015 the manuals list 0W-20 for both engines.
Oil capacity by year
| Model year | 2.5L | 3.5L V6 |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 4-7/8 US qt (4.6 L) | 5-1/8 US qt (4.8 L) |
| 2014 | 4-7/8 US qt (4.6 L) | 5-1/8 US qt (4.8 L) |
| 2015 | 4-7/8 US qt (4.6 L) | 5-1/8 US qt (4.8 L) |
| 2016 | 4-7/8 US qt (4.6 L) | 5-1/8 US qt (4.8 L) |
| 2017 | 4-7/8 US qt (4.6 L) | 5-1/8 US qt (4.8 L) |
| 2018 | 4-7/8 US qt (4.6 L) | 5-1/8 US qt (4.8 L) |
We read the “Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities” tables of all six owner’s manuals.
Recommended oil type
2.5L (QR25DE): an oil with the API Certification Mark in SAE 0W-20 (Genuine Nissan Motor Oil 0W-20 SN in the 2017–2018 manuals). The 2015 and 2016 manuals add that SAE 5W-30 conventional oil may be used as an alternative.
3.5L V6 (VQ35DE): SAE 5W-30 in the 2013 and 2014 manuals; 0W-20 from 2015.
How to reset the oil change reminder on the 2013–2018 Nissan Altima
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 covers one change on either engine.
- Add about 4-1/2 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 Altima owner’s manual
- 2014 Altima owner’s manual
- 2015 Altima owner’s manual
- 2016 Altima owner’s manual
- 2017 Altima owner’s manual
- 2018 Altima 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 2013–2018 Nissan Altima take?
The 2.5L takes 4-7/8 US quarts (4.6 L) and the 3.5L V6 takes 5-1/8 US quarts (4.8 L), with a filter change.
What oil does a 2013–2018 Altima use?
SAE 0W-20 for the 2.5L. The V6 is listed with 5W-30 in the 2013–2014 manuals and 0W-20 from 2015.
Can I use 5W-30 in an Altima 2.5?
The 2015 and 2016 manuals allow SAE 5W-30 conventional oil as an alternative to the recommended 0W-20.
How much oil without changing the filter?
4-1/2 quarts (4.3 L) for the 2.5L and 4-3/4 quarts (4.5 L) for the V6.
How do I reset the oil light on an Altima?
In the vehicle information display, open Settings, then Maintenance, then Oil and Filter, and reset the reminder.
Newer Altima? See the 2019–2025 Nissan Altima oil type and capacity.