2024 Nissan Altima Oil Capacity, Weight, & Filter Specs

The 2024 Nissan Altima takes 5.3 quarts (5.0 liters) of 0W-20 oil for the standard 2.5L engine, or 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) of 0W-20 oil for the 2.0L VC-Turbo engine, with both capacities including a new oil filter. As an ASE-certified master technician, I can't stress enough how important it is to use the correct oil and filter on modern engines, especially with Nissan's variable compression technology.

Below is your complete, quick-reference guide to servicing the oil on your 2024 Nissan Altima.

Quick answer

• Oil Capacity: 5.3 quarts (5.0 L) for the 2.5L; 5.0 quarts (4.7 L) for the 2.0L VC-Turbo.
• Recommended Weight/Viscosity: 0W-20 (Full Synthetic is highly recommended).
• Oil Specification: API SP / ILSAC GF-6A.
• OEM Oil Filter: Nissan 15208-65F0E (or 15208-65F0D).
• Popular Aftermarket Filters: Fram PH6607 (or XG6607), Mobil 1 M1-108A, Wix 51365.

Capacity by engine option

The 2024 Altima is offered with two different powertrains. Ensure you know which engine is under your hood before buying your oil.

Note: Always double-check your dipstick after running the engine and letting it sit for a few minutes. Capacities are approximate dry-fill measurements.

Oil change interval

Modern Nissans have a built-in maintenance minder, but relying on mileage benchmarks is still a widely accepted best practice.

• Normal Duty: Every 10,000 miles or 12 months. This applies if you mostly do highway driving in moderate climates without excessive idling.
• Severe Duty: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months. You fall into this category if you drive in heavy stop-and-go traffic, take frequent trips under 5 miles, drive in extremely dusty conditions, or live in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations. Given the sensitivity of modern timing chains and turbochargers, I strongly recommend the severe duty schedule for most drivers.

Drain plug torque

• Torque Spec: 25 ft-lbs (34 Nm).
• Crush Washer: Nissan uses a copper crush washer on their drain plugs. Do not reuse the old washer. It is designed to deform once to create a seal. Reusing it is the number one cause of drain plug leaks. Grab a bag of replacement washers from the dealer or your local parts store before starting the job.

How to change the oil

1. Warm up the engine: Let the car run for a few minutes to get the oil warm (but not scalding hot) so it drains faster and suspends contaminants.
2. Lift and secure the vehicle: Safely raise the front end using ramps or a jack and jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a hydraulic jack.
3. Drain the oil: Remove the 14mm drain plug and let the oil drain completely into a catch pan.
4. Replace the filter: Locate the oil filter (usually accessible from underneath, near the passenger side of the oil pan). Remove it, wipe the mounting surface clean, and install the new filter after lubricating its rubber gasket with a dab of fresh oil. Tighten it by hand until snug, plus a quarter turn.
5. Reinstall drain plug: Fit a new copper crush washer onto the drain plug and torque to 25 ft-lbs.
6. Refill and check: Lower the vehicle, pour in the required amount of 0W-20 oil, and start the engine for 30 seconds to fill the new filter. Turn off the engine, wait 5 minutes, and check the dipstick to ensure the level is at the top dot.
7. Reset the maintenance light: Navigate through your steering wheel controls to the maintenance menu on your dash to reset your oil life monitor.

Common issues / tips

For this current generation of Altima, keep the following in mind:

• VC-Turbo Sensitivity: If you have the 2.0L Variable Compression Turbo, do not skimp on oil quality or push your drain intervals. The variable compression linkage relies heavily on clean, high-quality oil to actuate smoothly. Sludge buildup here can lead to catastrophic failure.
• Direct Injection: Both engines utilize direct fuel injection. Because fuel isn't washing over the intake valves, changing your oil frequently helps reduce the crankcase vapors that lead to carbon buildup on the intake valves.
• Plastic Undertray: Be prepared to remove or maneuver around the plastic splash shield under the engine. Take care not to strip the plastic push-clips or 10mm bolts when reinstalling it.

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