1996 Nissan Altima Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (4.0 quarts)
The 1996 Nissan Altima takes 5W-30 motor oil — 4.0 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 4.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLE, RE4F04A | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | 3.75 QTS. | — |
| GLE, RE4F04V | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | 3.75 QTS. | — |
| GXE, Automatic, RE4F04A | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | 3.75 QTS. | — |
| GXE, Automatic, RE4F04V | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | 3.75 QTS. | — |
| GXE, Standard, RS5F50A | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | 3.75 QTS. | — |
| GXE, Standard, RS5F50V | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | 3.75 QTS. | — |
| SE, Automatic, RE4F04A | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | 3.75 QTS. | — |
| SE, Automatic, RE4F04V | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | 3.75 QTS. | — |
| SE, Standard, RS5F50A | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | 3.75 QTS. | — |
| SE, Standard, RS5F50V | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | 3.75 QTS. | — |
| XE, Automatic, RE4F04A | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | 3.75 QTS. | — |
| XE, Automatic, RE4F04V | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | 3.75 QTS. | — |
| XE, Standard, RS5F50A | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | 3.75 QTS. | — |
| XE, Standard, RS5F50V | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | 3.75 QTS. | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Altima
🛞 1996 Nissan Altima Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1996 Nissan Altima Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1996 Nissan Altima Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1996 Nissan Altima Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
8.25 quarts (7.8 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1996 Nissan Altima take?
The 1996 Nissan Altima takes 5W-30 motor oil (API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F)), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 1996 Nissan Altima?
The 1996 Nissan Altima oil capacity is 4.0 quarts with a filter change, or 3.75 quarts without changing the filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1996 Nissan Altima?
Most 1996 Nissan Altima owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Nissan recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1996 Nissan Altima?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1996 Nissan Altima. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.