2020 Nissan Altima Oil Capacity & Filter Specifications

The 2020 Nissan Altima takes either 5.3 quarts (5.0 liters) of oil for the 2.5L engine or 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) for the 2.0L VC-Turbo engine, both including an oil filter change.

If you are gearing up to service this midsize sedan, having the correct specifications is critical to keeping the engine—especially the advanced VC-Turbo—running efficiently. Below is your comprehensive guide to the 2020 Nissan Altima's oil capacity, oil weight, filter cross-references, and step-by-step service information.

Quick Answer

Here are the essential specifications for the standard 2020 Nissan Altima 2.5L (for the 2.0L Turbo, see the table below):

• Oil Capacity: 5.3 US quarts (5.0 liters) with filter change.
• Recommended Weight: 0W-20 full synthetic.
• Oil Specification: API SP / ILSAC GF-6A.
• OEM Oil Filter Part Number: Nissan 15208-65F0E (or 15208-65F0D).
• Aftermarket Filter Cross-References: Fram XG6607 (or TG6607), WIX 51461, Mobil 1 M1-108A.

Capacity by Engine Option

The 2020 Nissan Altima (L34 generation) is available with two distinct powertrains, each requiring different oil volumes and viscosities.

Note: Always check your engine oil dipstick after running the engine for a few minutes and letting it rest on level ground to ensure it is at the proper fill mark.

Oil Change Interval

Nissan’s recommended maintenance schedule varies based on your driving habits and operating conditions.

• Normal Duty: Replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: Replace the oil and filter every 5,000 miles or 6 months. Severe duty includes frequent short trips (under 5 miles), extensive idling, stop-and-go heavy traffic, or driving in dusty/salty environments.

As a master technician, I highly recommend sticking to the 5,000-mile interval for the 2.0L VC-Turbo engine to protect its complex variable-compression linkages and turbocharger bearings.

Drain Plug Torque

When reinstalling the drain plug, properly tightening it is essential to prevent leaks or stripping the oil pan threads.

• Drain Plug Torque: 25 ft-lbs (34 Nm).
• Crush Washer Note: The 2020 Altima uses a soft copper crush washer (Nissan Part # 11026-JA00A). You must replace this washer at every oil change. Reusing the old crushed washer is the most common cause of a slow driveway leak.

How to Change the Oil

Performing an oil change on the 2020 Altima is a straightforward process for the home mechanic:

1. Prep the Vehicle: Safely lift and support the front of the vehicle using jack stands or ramps. Ensure the car is parked on a level surface.
2. Remove the Splash Shield: Use a 10mm socket and a flathead screwdriver or clip-removal tool to remove the lower engine splash shield for access to the oil pan and filter.
3. Drain the Oil: Position your drain pan. Use a 14mm wrench or socket to remove the oil drain plug. Let the oil drain completely.
4. Replace the Filter: Relocate the drain pan under the oil filter. Use an oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the old filter. Wipe the engine mounting surface clean. Apply a light film of fresh oil to the rubber gasket of the new filter and install it hand-tight (about 3/4 turn past gasket contact).
5. Reinstall Drain Plug: Fit a new copper crush washer onto the drain plug, thread it in by hand, and torque to 25 ft-lbs.
6. Refill and Verify: Lower the vehicle. Remove the oil filler cap and pour in the appropriate amount of oil (5.3 qts for 2.5L or 5.0 qts for 2.0L). Reinstall the cap, start the engine, let it run for a minute, and check underneath for leaks. Turn off the engine, wait five minutes, and check the dipstick to ensure the level is correct.

Common Issues / Tips

• Plastic Undershield Clips: The L34 generation Altima uses a rather large lower splash shield held on by numerous plastic push-clips and 10mm bolts. The plastic clips become brittle over time. Keep a bag of spare Nissan-style push clips (easily found online) in your garage.
• VC-Turbo Specifics: If you have the 2.0L VC-Turbo, be extremely careful not to overfill the oil. The variable compression system alters the internal volume of the crankcase slightly, and too much oil can lead to excessive crankcase pressure and oil blow-by into the intake tract.
• AWD Models: For 2.5L AWD models, the transfer case and front differential components make the undercarriage slightly more crowded, but the oil pan and filter access remains generally the same as the FWD models. Just take care not to confuse the engine oil drain plug with the transmission or transfer case drain plugs.

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