2015 Nissan Altima Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

The 2015 Nissan Altima takes 4.8 quarts (4.6 liters) of oil for the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, or 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) for the 3.5L V6 engine, when performing a standard oil and filter change. As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve serviced countless fifth-generation Altimas, and regular oil maintenance is the absolute best way to ensure your QR25DE or VQ35DE engine reaches high mileage without timing chain or bearing issues.

Below is your complete quick-reference guide for servicing the 2015 Nissan Altima engine oil.

Quick answer

• Oil Capacity: 4.8 quarts (2.5L) or 5.1 quarts (3.5L) with filter change.
• Recommended Weight: 0W-20 (Full Synthetic is highly recommended for both engines). 5W-30 is an acceptable alternative for the V6 in warmer climates.
• Oil Specification: API SN / ILSAC GF-5 (or newer, such as API SP / ILSAC GF-6A).
• OEM Oil Filter: Nissan Genuine Part # 15208-65F0E (or older 15208-65F0D).
• Aftermarket Filters: Fram XG6607 (Ultra Synthetic), Wix 51365, Mobil 1 M1-108A.

Capacity by engine option

Depending on which trim of the 2015 Altima you are driving, your capacity and preferred viscosity will vary slightly.

Note: Always check your dipstick after running the engine for a few minutes to ensure the oil level rests perfectly at the top dot/hash mark.

Oil change interval

Nissan engines utilize timing chains that are highly dependent on clean oil for lubrication and hydraulic tensioner operation.

• Normal Duty: Replace oil and filter every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, idle extensively, or drive in dusty environments, reduce the interval to 3,750 miles or 3 months.

Even if you use premium extended-life full synthetic oil, I strongly advise against going beyond 5,000 miles on these specific Nissan powerplants to prevent premature timing chain wear.

Drain plug torque

• Torque Spec: 25 ft-lbs (34 Nm).
• Wrench Size: 14mm socket or box wrench.
• Crush Washer: You must replace the copper crush washer (Nissan Part # 11026-JA00A) every single time you remove the drain plug. Reusing the old washer is the most common cause of slow driveway drips.

How to change the oil

1. Warm it up: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to warm the oil, allowing it to drain faster and carry away more suspended contaminants.
2. Lift and support: Safely raise the front of the vehicle using a hydraulic jack and secure it on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a hydraulic jack.
3. Drain the oil: Locate the 14mm drain plug on the oil pan. Position your catch pan, remove the plug, and let the oil drain completely.
4. Replace the filter: Locate the oil filter (accessed from the passenger side wheel well area for the 2.5L). Remove it using a filter wrench. Lubricate the rubber gasket of the new filter with clean oil and spin it on hand-tight (about 3/4 of a turn past first contact).
5. Reinstall drain plug: Install a new crush washer on the drain plug and torque it to 25 ft-lbs.
6. Refill and verify: Pour in the required amount of 0W-20 oil. Start the engine, check under the car for leaks, then shut it off. Wait three minutes and check the dipstick to confirm the level is correct.

Common issues / tips

• Don't drain the CVT by mistake! One of the most common DIY mistakes on the Altima is confusing the transmission fluid pan with the engine oil pan. The engine oil pan is further forward and typically black steel. The CVT pan is larger, flat, and silver. Draining the CVT fluid and then adding 5 quarts of oil to an already full engine will cause catastrophic damage to both components.
• Accessing the filter: On the 2.5L engine, the oil filter is tucked up behind a plastic splash shield near the right front tire. Turning the steering wheel all the way to the right before you jack up the car gives you much better access to this shield and the filter.
• Check your oil regularly: The 2.5L QR25DE engine is known to occasionally consume a small amount of oil between changes as it ages. Get into the habit of checking the dipstick every second or third gas station fill-up.

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