2012 Nissan Altima Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 Nissan Altima oil type depends on the engine: the Base takes 5W-30 (4.88 quarts qt with filter); the S, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT Trans takes 5W-30 (4.88 quarts qt with filter); the S, 2D Coupe, Standard Trans takes 5W-30 (4.88 quarts qt with filter); the S, 4D Sedan takes 5W-30 (4.88 quarts qt with filter); the SL takes 5W-30 (4.88 quarts qt with filter); the SR, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT Trans takes 5W-30 (5.13 quarts qt with filter); the SR, 2D Coupe, Standard Trans takes 5W-30 (5.13 quarts qt with filter); the SR, 4D Sedan takes 5W-30 (5.13 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base: 5W-30, 4.88 quarts with filter
- S, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT Trans: 5W-30, 4.88 quarts with filter
- S, 2D Coupe, Standard Trans: 5W-30, 4.88 quarts with filter
- S, 4D Sedan: 5W-30, 4.88 quarts with filter
- SL: 5W-30, 4.88 quarts with filter
- SR, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT Trans: 5W-30, 5.13 quarts with filter
- SR, 2D Coupe, Standard Trans: 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 — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.88 QTS. | 4.50 QTS. | — |
| S, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT Trans — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.88 QTS. | 4.50 QTS. | — |
| S, 2D Coupe, Standard Trans — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.88 QTS. | 4.50 QTS. | — |
| S, 4D Sedan — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.88 QTS. | 4.50 QTS. | — |
| SL — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.88 QTS. | 4.50 QTS. | — |
| SR, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT Trans — 3.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.13 QTS. | 4.75 QTS. | NISSAN recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Engine Oil. |
| SR, 2D Coupe, Standard Trans — 3.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.13 QTS. | 4.75 QTS. | NISSAN recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Engine Oil. |
| SR, 4D Sedan — 3.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.13 QTS. | 4.75 QTS. | NISSAN recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Engine Oil. |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Altima
🛞 2012 Nissan Altima Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2012 Nissan Altima Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2012 Nissan Altima Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2012 Nissan Altima Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
8.13 quarts (7.69 L) — Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2012 Nissan Altima take?
It depends on the engine: Base uses 5W-30; S, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT Trans uses 5W-30; S, 2D Coupe, Standard Trans uses 5W-30; S, 4D Sedan uses 5W-30; SL uses 5W-30; SR, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT Trans uses 5W-30; SR, 2D Coupe, Standard Trans uses 5W-30; SR, 4D Sedan uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 2012 Nissan Altima?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Base holds 4.88 quarts with filter; S, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT Trans holds 4.88 quarts with filter; S, 2D Coupe, Standard Trans holds 4.88 quarts with filter; S, 4D Sedan holds 4.88 quarts with filter; SL holds 4.88 quarts with filter; SR, 2D Coupe, Automatic CVT Trans holds 5.13 quarts with filter; SR, 2D Coupe, Standard Trans holds 5.13 quarts with filter; SR, 4D Sedan holds 5.13 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2012 Nissan Altima?
Most 2012 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 2012 Nissan Altima?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Nissan Altima. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.