2018 Nissan Altima Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

A 2018 Nissan Altima takes between 4.9 and 5.1 quarts of oil, depending on the engine.

Quick Answer

• Oil Capacity (2.5L 4-cyl): 4.9 quarts / 4.6 liters with filter
• Oil Capacity (3.5L V6): 5.1 quarts / 4.8 liters with filter
• Recommended Oil Weight: 0W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual)
• Oil Specification: API SN / API SP
• Oil Filter (2.5L 4-cyl): Nissan 15208-65F0E, Fram PH6607, Wix 51356, Mobil 1 M1-108A
• Oil Filter (3.5L V6): Nissan 15208-9E01A, Fram PH7317, Wix 51356, Mobil 1 M1-108A

Capacity by Engine Option

Oil Change Interval

Nissan recommends an oil change every 5,000 miles or 6 months for the 2018 Altima under normal driving conditions. For severe duty—which includes frequent short trips, driving in extreme temperatures, or towing—the interval should be shortened to 3,750 miles or 3 months.

Drain Plug Torque

The oil drain plug for the 2018 Nissan Altima should be torqued to 25 lb-ft (34 N·m). Always use a new crush washer to prevent leaks.

How to Change the Oil

1. Warm up the engine, then shut it off.
2. Place a drain pan under the oil pan and remove the drain plug.
3. Allow the old oil to drain completely, then replace the drain plug with a new crush washer and torque it to 25 lb-ft.
4. Move the drain pan under the oil filter and remove the old filter.
5. Lubricate the gasket on the new filter with fresh oil and install it hand-tight.
6. Refill the engine with the correct amount and type of oil.
7. Start the engine, let it run for a minute, then shut it off and check the oil level, topping off if necessary.

Common Issues / Tips

This generation of Altima is generally reliable. However, some owners have reported higher-than-average oil consumption with the 2.5L engine. It is a good practice to check your oil level every few weeks to ensure it stays within the recommended range. When selecting an oil, a full synthetic 0W-20 will provide the best fuel economy and cold-start protection.

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