Nissan Altima Oil Capacity & Oil Type
TL;DR
Capacity varies by engine generation, roughly 4.8 to 5.4 US quarts with filter - check your engine code before buying oil.
Oil capacity by engine, not just by model year
The Nissan Altima has been built with several different engines over the years, and the oil sump size changed along with them. Quoting a single number for the whole nameplate leads to overfilling or underfilling, so match the figures below to the engine code stamped on your engine block or listed on the underhood emissions sticker, not just the model year.
Engine oil capacity and viscosity table
| Engine code / years | Capacity with filter (L / US qt) | Viscosity |
|---|---|---|
| QR25DE 2.5L I4 (2002-2012, L31/L32) | 4.5 L / 4.8 qt | 5W-30 |
| QR25DE 2.5L I4 (2013-2018, L33) | 4.5 L / 4.8 qt | 0W-20 (5W-30 acceptable alternative) |
| VQ35DE 3.5L V6 (2002-2018, all generations) | 4.8 L / 5.1 qt | 5W-30 |
| PR25DD 2.5L I4 (2019-2023, L34) | 5.1 L / 5.4 qt | 0W-20 |
| KR20DDET 2.0L I4 VC-Turbo (2019-2023, L34) | 4.7 L / 5.0 qt | 5W-30 |
Why the number changes between generations
Even though the 2.5-liter four-cylinder kept a similar displacement for two decades, Nissan revised the block, oil pan and cooling passages several times. The 2019-and-later 2.5L is internally a different engine (factory code PR25DD) from the earlier QR25DE, and it holds noticeably more oil. Never carry over a figure from an older Altima generation onto a newer one that shares the same displacement label.
Where to get the exact figure for your car
The most reliable source is always your own vehicle, because trim-specific options and running changes within a model year can shift small details. Check, in order of preference:
- The oil specification sticker on the underhood emissions/VECI label
- Your owner's manual, in the maintenance or capacities section
- The engine oil filler cap, which usually lists the viscosity grade
- A Nissan dealer parts or service department, using your VIN
If you cannot find your engine code, a Nissan parts counter or a VIN decoder can confirm it in under a minute.
Summary
| QR25DE 2.5L (2002-2012) | 4.5 L / 4.8 qt, 5W-30 |
|---|---|
| QR25DE 2.5L (2013-2018) | 4.5 L / 4.8 qt, 0W-20 |
| VQ35DE 3.5L V6 (2002-2018) | 4.8 L / 5.1 qt, 5W-30 |
| PR25DD 2.5L (2019-2023) | 5.1 L / 5.4 qt, 0W-20 |
| KR20DDET 2.0L Turbo (2019-2023) | 4.7 L / 5.0 qt, 5W-30 |
| Best source to confirm | Underhood sticker or owner's manual |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Nissan Altima: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
How much oil does a Nissan Altima 2.5L need with a filter change?
It depends on the generation: the 2002-2018 QR25DE 2.5L engines take about 4.8 US qt (4.5 L), while the redesigned 2019-2023 PR25DD 2.5L engine takes about 5.4 US qt (5.1 L). Check your underhood sticker to confirm which engine you have before buying oil.
What oil viscosity does the Altima 2.0L VC-Turbo use?
The 2019-2023 2.0L VC-Turbo (engine code KR20DDET) is specified by Nissan for 5W-30 synthetic oil, with a capacity of roughly 5.0 US qt (4.7 L) including the filter.
Does the V6 Altima take different oil than the four-cylinder?
The VQ35DE 3.5L V6 (offered through 2018) uses 5W-30 like most four-cylinder Altimas of its era, but its sump holds more oil, roughly 5.1 US qt (4.8 L) with a new filter, versus about 4.8 US qt for the contemporary QR25DE four-cylinder.
Is it safe to just use the capacity listed for my Altima's model year online?
Only if the source also names your specific engine code. Because Nissan changed engines within some model-year ranges and reused displacement labels across generations, the safest confirmation is the oil capacity sticker under the hood or the capacities table in your owner's manual.