1999 Nissan Altima Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (3.0 quarts)
The 1999 Nissan Altima takes 5W-30 motor oil — 3.0 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 3.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLE | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.00 QTS. | — | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| GXE, Automatic | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.00 QTS. | — | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| GXE, Standard | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.00 QTS. | — | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| SE, Automatic | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.00 QTS. | — | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| SE, Standard | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.00 QTS. | — | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| XE, Automatic | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.00 QTS. | — | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
| XE, Standard | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.00 QTS. | — | API - SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the ambient temperature is above 0Deg.F (-18Deg.C). |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Altima
🛞 1999 Nissan Altima Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1999 Nissan Altima Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1999 Nissan Altima Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1999 Nissan Altima Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.75 quarts (7.33 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1999 Nissan Altima take?
The 1999 Nissan Altima takes 5W-30 motor oil (API - SAE 5W-30), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 1999 Nissan Altima?
The 1999 Nissan Altima oil capacity is 3.0 quarts with a filter change.
How often should I change the oil in my 1999 Nissan Altima?
Most 1999 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 1999 Nissan Altima?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1999 Nissan Altima. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.