2012 Nissan Sentra Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 Nissan Sentra oil type depends on the engine: the Base, Automatic CVT Trans takes 5W-30 (4.13 quarts qt with filter); the Base, Standard Trans takes 5W-30 (4.13 quarts qt with filter); the S takes 5W-30 (4.13 quarts qt with filter); the SE-R takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the SE-R Spec V, Trans Mfr CD RS6F52A takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the SE-R Spec V, Trans Mfr CD RS6F52H takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the SL takes 5W-30 (4.13 quarts qt with filter); the SR takes 5W-30 (4.13 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base, Automatic CVT Trans: 5W-30, 4.13 quarts with filter
- Base, Standard Trans: 5W-30, 4.13 quarts with filter
- S: 5W-30, 4.13 quarts with filter
- SE-R: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- SE-R Spec V, Trans Mfr CD RS6F52A: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- SE-R Spec V, Trans Mfr CD RS6F52H: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- SL: 5W-30, 4.13 quarts with filter
- SR: 5W-30, 4.13 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, Automatic CVT Trans — 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.13 QTS. | 3.88 QTS. | — |
| Base, Standard Trans — 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.13 QTS. | 3.88 QTS. | — |
| S — 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.13 QTS. | 3.88 QTS. | — |
| SE-R — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.50 QTS. | 4.25 QTS. | — |
| SE-R Spec V, Trans Mfr CD RS6F52A — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.50 QTS. | 4.25 QTS. | — |
| SE-R Spec V, Trans Mfr CD RS6F52H — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.50 QTS. | 4.25 QTS. | — |
| SL — 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.13 QTS. | 3.88 QTS. | — |
| SR — 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.13 QTS. | 3.88 QTS. | — |
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More factory specs & repair guides for your Sentra
🛞 2012 Nissan Sentra Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2012 Nissan Sentra Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2012 Nissan Sentra Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2012 Nissan Sentra Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.38 quarts (6.98 L) — Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2012 Nissan Sentra take?
It depends on the engine: Base, Automatic CVT Trans uses 5W-30; Base, Standard Trans uses 5W-30; S uses 5W-30; SE-R uses 5W-30; SE-R Spec V, Trans Mfr CD RS6F52A uses 5W-30; SE-R Spec V, Trans Mfr CD RS6F52H uses 5W-30; SL uses 5W-30; SR uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 2012 Nissan Sentra?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Base, Automatic CVT Trans holds 4.13 quarts with filter; Base, Standard Trans holds 4.13 quarts with filter; S holds 4.13 quarts with filter; SE-R holds 4.5 quarts with filter; SE-R Spec V, Trans Mfr CD RS6F52A holds 4.5 quarts with filter; SE-R Spec V, Trans Mfr CD RS6F52H holds 4.5 quarts with filter; SL holds 4.13 quarts with filter; SR holds 4.13 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2012 Nissan Sentra?
Most 2012 Nissan Sentra 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 Sentra?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Nissan Sentra. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.