2011 Nissan Altima Oil Type & Capacity
The 2011 Nissan Altima oil type depends on the engine: the Base takes 5W-30 (5.13 quarts with filter); the Hybrid takes 0W-20 (4.88 quarts with filter); the S, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT takes 5W-30 (5.13 quarts with filter); the S, 2D Coupe, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.13 quarts with filter); the S, 4D Sedan takes 5W-30 (5.13 quarts with filter); the SL takes 5W-30 (5.13 quarts with filter); the SR, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT takes 5W-30 (5.13 quarts with filter); the SR, 2D Coupe, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.13 quarts with filter); the SR, 4D Sedan takes 5W-30 (5.13 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base: 5W-30, 5.13 quarts with filter
- Hybrid: 0W-20, 4.88 quarts with filter
- S, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT: 5W-30, 5.13 quarts with filter
- S, 2D Coupe, Standard: 5W-30, 5.13 quarts with filter
- S, 4D Sedan: 5W-30, 5.13 quarts with filter
- SL: 5W-30, 5.13 quarts with filter
- SR, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT: 5W-30, 5.13 quarts with filter
- SR, 2D Coupe, Standard: 5W-30, 5.13 quarts with filter
- SR, 4D Sedan: 5W-30, 5.13 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base — Gas | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.13 QTS. | 4.75 QTS. | — |
| Hybrid — 2.5L Eng,Gas/Electric | API - SAE 0W-20 | 4.88 QTS. | 4.50 QTS. | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 engine oil may also be used. However, SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for optimum fuel economy and optimum starting in cold weather. |
| S, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT — Gas | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.13 QTS. | 4.75 QTS. | — |
| S, 2D Coupe, Standard — Gas | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.13 QTS. | 4.75 QTS. | — |
| S, 4D Sedan — Gas | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.13 QTS. | 4.75 QTS. | — |
| SL — Gas | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.13 QTS. | 4.75 QTS. | — |
| SR, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT — Gas | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.13 QTS. | 4.75 QTS. | — |
| SR, 2D Coupe, Standard — Gas | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.13 QTS. | 4.75 QTS. | — |
| SR, 4D Sedan — Gas | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.13 QTS. | 4.75 QTS. | — |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your Altima
2011 Nissan Altima factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
8.13 quarts (7.69 L) — Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2011 Nissan Altima take?
It depends on the engine: Base uses 5W-30; Hybrid uses 0W-20; S, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT uses 5W-30; S, 2D Coupe, Standard uses 5W-30; S, 4D Sedan uses 5W-30; SL uses 5W-30; SR, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT uses 5W-30; SR, 2D Coupe, Standard uses 5W-30; SR, 4D Sedan uses 5W-30.
How much oil does a 2011 Nissan Altima take?
Capacity depends on the engine: Base holds 5.13 quarts with filter; Hybrid holds 4.88 quarts with filter; S, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT holds 5.13 quarts with filter; S, 2D Coupe, Standard holds 5.13 quarts with filter; S, 4D Sedan holds 5.13 quarts with filter; SL holds 5.13 quarts with filter; SR, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT holds 5.13 quarts with filter; SR, 2D Coupe, Standard holds 5.13 quarts with filter; SR, 4D Sedan holds 5.13 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2011 Nissan Altima?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2011 Nissan Altima. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.