2001 Nissan Frontier Oil Type & Capacity
The 2001 Nissan Frontier oil type depends on the engine: the Desert Runner SE, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the Desert Runner SE, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the Desert Runner XE, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the Desert Runner XE, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the S/C, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the S/C, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the S/C, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the S/C, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the SE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the SE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the SE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the SE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the SE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the SE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.75 quarts qt with filter); the XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.75 quarts qt with filter); the XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the XE, 2D Pickup, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.75 quarts qt with filter); the XE, 2D Pickup, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.75 quarts qt with filter); the XE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the XE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the XE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the XE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Desert Runner SE, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- Desert Runner SE, Standard: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- Desert Runner XE, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- Desert Runner XE, Standard: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Standard: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Standard: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- S/C, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- S/C, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- S/C, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- S/C, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- SE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- SE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, Standard: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- SE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- SE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- SE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- SE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.75 quarts with filter
- XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Standard: 5W-30, 3.75 quarts with filter
- XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Standard: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- XE, 2D Pickup, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.75 quarts with filter
- XE, 2D Pickup, Standard: 5W-30, 3.75 quarts with filter
- XE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- XE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- XE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- XE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desert Runner SE, Automatic — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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). |
| Desert Runner SE, Standard — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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). |
| Desert Runner XE, Automatic — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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). |
| Desert Runner XE, Standard — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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). |
| S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Automatic — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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). |
| S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Standard — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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). |
| S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Automatic — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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). |
| S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Standard — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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). |
| S/C, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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). |
| S/C, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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). |
| S/C, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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). |
| S/C, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, Automatic — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, Standard — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Automatic — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.75 QTS. | 3.50 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, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Standard — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.75 QTS. | 3.50 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, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Automatic — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Standard — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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, 2D Pickup, Automatic — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.75 QTS. | 3.50 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, 2D Pickup, Standard — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.75 QTS. | 3.50 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, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard — 3.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 3.50 QTS. | 3.15 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). |
Complete Oil Change Bundle for 2001 Nissan Frontier
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More factory specs & repair guides for your Frontier
🛞 2001 Nissan Frontier Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2001 Nissan Frontier Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2001 Nissan Frontier Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2001 Nissan Frontier Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
11.6 quarts (10.97 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2001 Nissan Frontier take?
It depends on the engine: Desert Runner SE, Automatic uses 5W-30; Desert Runner SE, Standard uses 5W-30; Desert Runner XE, Automatic uses 5W-30; Desert Runner XE, Standard uses 5W-30; S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Automatic uses 5W-30; S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Standard uses 5W-30; S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Automatic uses 5W-30; S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Standard uses 5W-30; S/C, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic uses 5W-30; S/C, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard uses 5W-30; S/C, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic uses 5W-30; S/C, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard uses 5W-30; SE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, Automatic uses 5W-30; SE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, Standard uses 5W-30; SE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic uses 5W-30; SE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard uses 5W-30; SE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic uses 5W-30; SE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard uses 5W-30; XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Automatic uses 5W-30; XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Standard uses 5W-30; XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Automatic uses 5W-30; XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Standard uses 5W-30; XE, 2D Pickup, Automatic uses 5W-30; XE, 2D Pickup, Standard uses 5W-30; XE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic uses 5W-30; XE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard uses 5W-30; XE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic uses 5W-30; XE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 2001 Nissan Frontier?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Desert Runner SE, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; Desert Runner SE, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; Desert Runner XE, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; Desert Runner XE, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 4WD, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; S/C, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, RWD, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; S/C, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; S/C, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; S/C, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; S/C, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; SE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; SE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; SE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; SE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; SE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; SE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Automatic holds 3.75 quarts with filter; XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.4 D, Standard holds 3.75 quarts with filter; XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; XE, 2D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.3 E, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; XE, 2D Pickup, Automatic holds 3.75 quarts with filter; XE, 2D Pickup, Standard holds 3.75 quarts with filter; XE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; XE, 4D Pickup, 4WD, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; XE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; XE, 4D Pickup, RWD, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2001 Nissan Frontier?
Most 2001 Nissan Frontier 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 2001 Nissan Frontier?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2001 Nissan Frontier. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.