2012 Nissan Pathfinder Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder oil type depends on the engine: the 4.0L takes 5W-30 (5.38 quarts qt with filter); the 5.6L takes 5W-30 (6.88 quarts qt with filter); the S, 4WD takes 5W-30 (5.38 quarts qt with filter); the S, RWD takes 5W-30 (5.38 quarts qt with filter); the Silver Edition, 4WD takes 5W-30 (5.38 quarts qt with filter); the Silver Edition, RWD takes 5W-30 (5.38 quarts qt with filter); the SV, 4WD takes 5W-30 (5.38 quarts qt with filter); the SV, RWD takes 5W-30 (5.38 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 4.0L: 5W-30, 5.38 quarts with filter
- 4.0L: 5W-30, 5.38 quarts with filter
- 5.6L: 5W-30, 6.88 quarts with filter
- S, 4WD: 5W-30, 5.38 quarts with filter
- S, RWD: 5W-30, 5.38 quarts with filter
- Silver Edition, 4WD: 5W-30, 5.38 quarts with filter
- Silver Edition, RWD: 5W-30, 5.38 quarts with filter
- SV, 4WD: 5W-30, 5.38 quarts with filter
- SV, RWD: 5W-30, 5.38 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L — LE, 4.0L Eng VIN A, 4WD, 4.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.38 QTS. | 5.13 QTS. | — |
| 4.0L — LE, 4.0L Eng VIN A, RWD, 4.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.38 QTS. | 5.13 QTS. | — |
| 5.6L — 5.6L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.88 QTS. | 6.50 QTS. | — |
| S, 4WD — 4.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.38 QTS. | 5.13 QTS. | — |
| S, RWD — 4.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.38 QTS. | 5.13 QTS. | — |
| Silver Edition, 4WD — 4.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.38 QTS. | 5.13 QTS. | — |
| Silver Edition, RWD — 4.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.38 QTS. | 5.13 QTS. | — |
| SV, 4WD — 4.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.38 QTS. | 5.13 QTS. | — |
| SV, RWD — 4.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.38 QTS. | 5.13 QTS. | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Pathfinder
🛞 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
10.75 quarts (10.17 L) — Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder take?
It depends on the engine: 4.0L uses 5W-30; 5.6L uses 5W-30; S, 4WD uses 5W-30; S, RWD uses 5W-30; Silver Edition, 4WD uses 5W-30; Silver Edition, RWD uses 5W-30; SV, 4WD uses 5W-30; SV, RWD uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: 4.0L holds 5.38 quarts with filter; 5.6L holds 6.88 quarts with filter; S, 4WD holds 5.38 quarts with filter; S, RWD holds 5.38 quarts with filter; Silver Edition, 4WD holds 5.38 quarts with filter; Silver Edition, RWD holds 5.38 quarts with filter; SV, 4WD holds 5.38 quarts with filter; SV, RWD holds 5.38 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?
Most 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Pathfinder?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.