2023 Nissan Frontier — Oil Capacity & Filter

The 2023 Nissan Frontier with the 3.8L V6 (VQ38DD) takes 5.4 quarts (5.1 liters) of 0W-20 engine oil with a filter change.

Quick answer

• Capacity (with filter): 5.4 qt (5.1 L)
• Recommended viscosity: 0W-20 full synthetic
• Oil specification: API SP, ILSAC GF-6 (or Genuine Nissan 0W-20 equivalent)
• Oil filter:
  • OEM: Nissan 15208-65F0E (confirm latest supersession with dealer)
  • Aftermarket cross-refs: Fram XG7317 (Ultra), Wix 51356, Mobil 1 M1-110A

Capacity by engine option

Oil change interval

• Normal service (light commuting, highway, mild climate): up to 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
• Severe service (frequent short trips, towing/hauling, idling, dusty/off‑road, extreme temps): every 5,000 miles or 6 months. Off‑roaders and frequent towers should also inspect the oil sooner; time is as important as mileage.

Tip: Always follow the dash maintenance reminder if equipped and verify intervals in your owner’s manual based on your usage profile.

Drain plug torque

• Engine oil drain plug torque: 25 lb‑ft (34 N·m)
• Crush washer: Replace the aluminum drain plug gasket at every service to prevent seepage. Nissan uses a specific gasket for this pan—consult your Nissan parts counter with your VIN for the correct washer part number.

How to change the oil

1. Warm the engine 3–5 minutes, then shut off and set the parking brake. If equipped with skid plates, remove the oil service access panel per the truck’s trim (e.g., Pro‑4X).
2. Place the truck safely on level ground with jack stands or ramps as needed.
3. Position a drain pan under the oil pan. Remove the drain plug and crush washer; let the oil fully drain.
4. Install a new crush washer and torque the drain plug to 25 lb‑ft.
5. Spin off the oil filter. Lightly oil the new filter’s gasket; install hand‑tight plus 3/4 turn (or to the filter maker’s spec). No need to pre‑fill the filter—allow the pump to prime it on start‑up.
6. Add 5.0 quarts of 0W‑20, then pause and check the dipstick. Top off gradually to about 5.4 quarts total.
7. Start the engine, idle 30–60 seconds, and check for leaks at the plug and filter.
8. Shut down, wait 5 minutes, recheck the dipstick, and adjust to the full mark without overfilling.
9. Reset the maintenance reminder in the cluster.

Common issues / tips for the 2022–2024 Frontier (D41)

• Skid plate access: Pro‑4X and certain packages include skid plates. There’s an access door for the drain plug/filter area—remove and reinstall carefully to avoid stripped hardware.
• Filter size choices: The OEM Nissan filter footprint corresponds to the common 7317/6607 family. Many owners prefer the slightly longer “7317” size (e.g., M1‑110A, XG7317, Wix 51356) for a bit more media area; clearance is typically adequate on the Frontier. Stick with a quality filter that meets OEM fit and bypass valve specs.
• Direct‑injection considerations: The VQ38DD uses direct injection. Use high‑quality fuel and change oil on time to limit fuel dilution and deposits. If you do many short trips or extended idling, follow the severe‑service interval.
• Oil level accuracy: The sump is modest. Overfilling can cause aeration; underfilling risks starvation off‑road or on steep grades. Fill to the dipstick full mark after the hot check and let the level stabilize.
• Gasket care: Replacing the drain plug gasket every service prevents the common slow seep that can appear a few thousand miles after reusing a crushed washer.
• Warranty note: Keep receipts and log mileage/date; use oil meeting API SP/ILSAC GF‑6 and a compatible filter to protect warranty coverage.

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