Nissan Versa Oil Capacity & Oil Type
TL;DR
Gen 1 Versa (2011-2019, HR16DE): about 3.5 L / 3.75 US qt with filter, 5W-30. Gen 2 Versa (2020-present): about 4.1 L / 4.3 US qt with filter, 0W-20 (gasoline-market spec) - Brazil flex-fuel versions should be double-checked against the local manual.
Nissan Versa Oil Capacity and Viscosity by Generation
This guide treats the Versa sedan sold in Brazil and across Latin America as the primary subject, since that is where the nameplate remains in production today. The Versa has been built in two distinct generations there, and each uses a different version of Nissan's 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, so the correct oil capacity depends on which one your car has.
Confirm Your Exact Spec First
Oil capacity and the exact viscosity grade can vary by production year, transmission, and whether your engine runs on the region's flex-fuel (gasoline/ethanol) blend. Before adding oil, check the sticker on the underside of the hood or on the oil filler cap, and cross-reference the owner's manual that matches your car's VIN. That placard and manual - not a generic web page - are the authoritative source for your specific vehicle.
Generation 1 (2011-2019) - 1.6L HR16DE
The first-generation Versa sedan sold in Brazil and other Latin American markets used the naturally aspirated 1.6L HR16DE four-cylinder, paired with a 5-speed manual or Xtronic CVT. Service-data sources documenting this engine consistently list an oil capacity with filter of approximately 3.5 liters (3.75 US quarts), using 5W-30 oil.
Generation 2 (2020-present) - 1.6L HR16DE/HRA0
The redesigned Versa introduced for the 2020 model year carries an updated 1.6L engine (identified in service data as HR16DE/HRA0), mated to a CVT. Oil-change data for this engine lists a capacity with filter of approximately 4.1 liters (4.3 US quarts), with 0W-20 specified in gasoline-market documentation. Because the Brazilian Versa runs a flex-fuel (gasoline/ethanol) calibration, verify the viscosity grade against your local owner's manual - some flex-fuel calibrations specify 5W-30 instead of 0W-20.
| Engine code / years | Capacity with filter (L / US qt) | Viscosity |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6L HR16DE (2011-2019, Gen 1) | approx. 3.5 L / 3.75 US qt | 5W-30 |
| 1.6L HR16DE/HRA0 (2020-present, Gen 2, gasoline-market data) | approx. 4.1 L / 4.3 US qt | 0W-20 (verify locally - some flex-fuel calibrations use 5W-30) |
Why the Numbers Differ
The two generations do not share an engine block or oil pan design, so it is not accurate to apply one figure across all Versa model years. If your car falls outside the ranges above, or you are unsure which generation you own, the safest step is to read the figure directly off your engine bay placard or owner's manual rather than relying on a single online source.
Summary
| Primary market covered | Brazil / Latin America Versa sedan |
|---|---|
| Gen 1 years | 2011-2019 |
| Gen 1 engine | 1.6L HR16DE |
| Gen 1 capacity with filter | approx. 3.5 L / 3.75 US qt |
| Gen 2 years | 2020-present |
| Gen 2 engine | 1.6L HR16DE/HRA0 |
| Gen 2 capacity with filter | approx. 4.1 L / 4.3 US qt |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Nissan Versa: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
How much oil does a Nissan Versa take with a filter change?
It depends on the generation. First-generation Versa sedans (2011-2019) with the 1.6L HR16DE engine take approximately 3.5 liters (3.75 US quarts) with filter. Second-generation Versa sedans (2020-present) with the updated 1.6L engine take approximately 4.1 liters (4.3 US quarts) with filter. Confirm on your under-hood placard before filling.
Does the Brazilian flex-fuel Versa need different oil than the gasoline-only version sold elsewhere?
The engine hardware is closely related, but flex-fuel calibrations running on ethanol blends sometimes call for a different viscosity than the gasoline-market spec (for example 5W-30 instead of 0W-20). Always check the oil filler cap or owner's manual for your specific Brazilian-market Versa rather than assuming the gasoline-market figure applies.
Where is the authoritative oil spec for my exact Versa?
Check three places: the sticker on the underside of the hood, the label near the oil filler cap, and the owner's manual that matches your vehicle's VIN. These reflect the exact engine, transmission, and market calibration of your car, which a general guide cannot guarantee.
Can I use 5W-30 instead of 0W-20 in my Versa if that is what my manual for a similar year specifies?
Only if your owner's manual or under-hood placard lists 5W-30 as an approved alternative for your specific engine and market. Viscosity recommendations are tied to the exact engine calibration and climate conditions Nissan validated for your region, so substituting without confirming the approved grade is not recommended.