2017 Nissan Altima Oil Capacity, Filter & Specs

The 2017 Nissan Altima takes 4.8 quarts of oil for the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and 5.1 quarts for the 3.5L V6 engine, both when changing the oil and filter. As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly service these popular midsize sedans. Keeping the oil clean and at the correct level is the single most important thing you can do to prolong the life of your Altima's powertrain.

Here is everything you need to know to perform a complete and accurate oil change on your 2017 Nissan Altima.

Quick answer

Here are the quick specifications for the most common 2017 Nissan Altima engine (the 2.5L 4-cylinder):

• Oil Capacity: 4.8 US Quarts (4.6 Liters) with a filter change.
• Recommended Oil Weight: 0W-20 (Full Synthetic highly recommended).
• Oil Specification: API SN / SP or ILSAC GF-5 / GF-6A.
• OEM Oil Filter: Nissan 15208-65F0E
• Aftermarket Oil Filters: Fram XG7317 (Ultra Synthetic), Wix 51356, Mobil 1 M1-110A.

Capacity by engine option

The 2017 Altima was offered with two different engine options. Be sure to verify which engine is under your hood before buying your oil.

Note: Nissan recommends 0W-20 for both engines to maximize fuel economy. However, 5W-30 is an acceptable alternative for the 3.5L V6 if 0W-20 is not available.

Oil change interval

Nissan's maintenance schedule for the 2017 Altima depends on your driving habits.

• Normal Duty: Replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: Replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Severe duty includes frequent short trips (under 5 miles), stop-and-go traffic, driving in dusty conditions, or extreme temperatures. Most daily commuters actually fall into the severe duty category.

Drain plug torque

• Drain Plug Torque: 25 ft-lbs (34 Nm)
• Crush Washer: Yes, the Altima uses a soft copper crush washer on the drain plug (Nissan Part # 11026-JA00A). Always replace this crush washer with every oil change. Reusing the old washer is the most common cause of a slow oil drip after a fresh oil change.

How to change the oil

1. Warm up the engine: Run the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil, which helps it drain faster and suspend contaminants.
2. Lift and secure the vehicle: Safely raise the front of the vehicle using ramps or a jack and high-quality jack stands.
3. Remove the access panel: Unbolt the plastic under-engine splash shield to access the oil pan and filter.
4. Drain the oil: Position a drain pan under the 14mm drain plug. Remove the plug and let the oil drain completely.
5. Remove the oil filter: Move your drain pan under the oil filter (located near the passenger side wheel well on the 2.5L). Unscrew the old filter.
6. Install the new filter: Apply a light coat of fresh oil to the rubber gasket of the new oil filter. Thread it on by hand and tighten it to a snug 3/4 turn past gasket contact.
7. Reinstall the drain plug: Place a new crush washer on the drain plug, thread it in, and torque it to 25 ft-lbs.
8. Fill the engine: Pour the specified amount of 0W-20 oil into the oil filler hole on top of the engine.
9. Test and check: Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds. Check underneath for any leaks. Turn the engine off, wait 5 minutes, and check the dipstick to ensure the level is at the "FULL" mark. Reinstall the plastic splash shield.

Common issues / tips

• Oil Consumption: The QR25DE 2.5L engine is generally reliable by 2017, but it can still consume a small amount of oil between changes. Make it a habit to check your dipstick every 1,000 miles, or at least every time you fill up for gas.
• Messy Filter Removal: The oil filter sits above the subframe/lower splash shields. When you unscrew it, oil tends to run down the frame rail. Use a piece of cardboard or a flexible funnel tucked under the filter housing to guide the oil directly into your pan and keep your driveway clean.
• Resetting the Maintenance Light: Don't forget to reset your maintenance minder! Navigate the menus on your steering wheel to "Settings" > "Maintenance" > "Oil and Filter" and select "Reset."

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