Nissan Altima Maintenance Schedule, 2013-2018: 5th generation (L33)

Model years on this page: 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Nissan Altima 2013-2018 at a glance

5th generation (L33) (2013-2018)

2.5L 4-cylinder QR25DE (approx. 182 hp) or 3.5L V6 VQ35DE (approx. 270 hp, available all 5th-gen years) - both on the Xtronic CVT

Oil: 0W-20 full synthetic (QR25DE) / 5W-30 (VQ35DE V6). Oil changes: 5,000 mi or 6 months (Standard Maintenance).

Quick specs - Nissan Altima 2013-2018

Engine
  • 2013-2017: 2.5L 4-cylinder QR25DE (approx. 182 hp) or 3.5L V6 VQ35DE (approx. 270 hp)
  • 2018: 2.5L 4-cylinder QR25DE (approx. 182 hp) or 3.5L V6 VQ35DE (approx. 270 hp) - final year for both
Oil type
  • 2013: QR25DE: 0W-20 (5W-30 conventional an accepted alternative per Nissan) - VQ35DE: 5W-30 (Genuine NISSAN Ester Oil recommended, 5W-30/10W-30 conventional accepted)
  • 2014-2018: QR25DE: 0W-20 (5W-30 conventional accepted) - VQ35DE: 5W-30
Oil capacity
  • 2013: QR25DE: 4-7/8 qt (4.6 L) with filter change, 4-1/2 qt (4.3 L) without - VQ35DE: 5-1/8 qt (4.8 L) with filter, 4-3/4 qt (4.5 L) without
  • 2014-2018: QR25DE: 4-7/8 qt (4.6 L) with filter - VQ35DE: 5-1/8 qt (4.8 L) with filter
TransmissionXtronic CVT (both QR25DE I4 and VQ35DE V6)
Transmission fluidGenuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 - do not substitute
CoolantGenuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue), pre-diluted 50/50

Nissan Altima 2013-2018 maintenance schedule

Each model year's source document is named under "by model year" below. A row or service that only some years have names those years.

IntervalService
Every 5,000 mi (2014-2018 - Standard Maintenance schedule) (2014-2018 only)
  • Oil & filter change
  • Tire rotation
  • Multi-point inspection (brakes, suspension, steering, exhaust) under severe-duty conditions
Every 15,000 mi or 18 months (2014-2018) (2014-2018 only)
  • Replace cabin (in-cabin microfilter) air filter
Every 20,000 mi or 24 months (2014-2018 - Standard Maintenance) (2014-2018 only)
  • Replace brake fluid
Every 30,000 mi (2014-2018 only)
  • Replace engine air filter
Every 10,000 mi (2014-2018 - normal duty) (2014-2018 only)
  • Inspect CVT fluid condition (Genuine NISSAN NS-3)
Every 60,000 mi (2017-2018 - severe duty: car-top carrier, or rough/muddy roads) (2017-2018 only)
  • Have the CVT fluid inspected for deterioration and changed if necessary - if the inspection is not done, change (not just inspect) the CVT fluid (Genuine NISSAN NS-3)
Every 60,000 mi (2014-2016 - severe duty: towing, camper, car-top carrier, or rough/muddy roads) (2014-2016 only)
  • Replace CVT fluid (Genuine NISSAN NS-3), or request dealer Consult inspection of fluid deterioration data
Every 7,500 mi (2013 only - Schedule 2/normal duty) (2013 only)
  • Oil & filter change
  • Tire rotation
  • Multi-point inspection (brakes, suspension, steering, exhaust)
Every 3,750 mi (2013 only - Schedule 1/severe duty: short trips, dusty conditions, towing, extensive idling) (2013 only)
  • Oil & filter change on the shortened severe-duty interval
Every 15,000 mi or 12 months (2013 only) (2013 only)
  • Replace cabin (in-cabin microfilter) air filter
Every 30,000 mi (2013 - Schedule 1 and 2 combined) (2013 only)
  • Replace brake fluid
  • Replace engine air filter
Every 15,000 mi (2013 - Schedule 1 and 2) (2013 only)
  • Inspect CVT fluid (Genuine NISSAN NS-3) for leaks
Every 60,000 mi (2013 - severe duty: towing a trailer, using a camper or car-top carrier, or rough/muddy roads) (2013 only)
  • Replace CVT fluid (Genuine NISSAN NS-3), or have the dealer check the fluid deterioration data with CONSULT and replace it if the reading is over 210000
Every 105,000 mi
  • Replace spark plugs (iridium-tipped) - QR25DE or VQ35DE
First at 105,000 mi/84 months, then every 75,000 mi/60 months
  • Coolant flush and refill - Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)

When to replace each part - Nissan Altima 2013-2018

The schedule above is organized by mileage. This is the same information organized by part, for when you already know what you are replacing and just need the interval.

CoolantFirst replacement at 105,000 mi/84 months; every 75,000 mi/60 months thereafter (2013 and 2020 Nissan Altima Owner's Manuals - same interval both generations)
Spark plugsIridium-tipped, replace every 105,000 mi (2014 Nissan Service and Maintenance Guide) - same interval on QR25DE and VQ35DE
Engine air filterEvery 30,000 mi (2013 Nissan Service and Maintenance Guide)
TiresRotate at every oil-change interval per the maintenance schedule; wheel nut torque 83 ft-lb (113 N-m) - confirmed identical in both the 2013 and 2020 owner's manuals
BatteryTest annually after 3 years; typical service life 3-5 years (general guidance, not an Altima-specific OEM figure)

OEM-spec parts for the Nissan Altima 2013-2018

PartFitment noteBuy
Nissan Genuine NS-3 CVT Fluid 999MP-NS300P (5 qt)Genuine NS-3 only, all Altima years 2013-2026 - Nissan warns other CVT fluids will damage the transmissionCheck price on Amazon
Compare NS-3 CVT fluid for the 2013-2018 Nissan Altima on Amazon
Nissan Genuine Blue Long Life Coolant 999MP-L25500P 50/50 (1 gal)Pre-diluted 50/50 - do not mix with other coolant typesCheck price on Amazon
Compare coolant for the 2013-2018 Nissan Altima on Amazon
Iridium-tipped spark plugs (confirm application at the parts counter)105,000-mile interval on every Altima engine (QR25DE, VQ35DE, PR25DD, KR20DDET) - confirm the exact plug for your engineCheck price on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure: ServiceSage Auto participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep our content free and up-to-date.

Nissan Altima 2013-2018 torque specs

Lug nut83 ft-lbs (113 Nm)
Oil drain plug22-29 ft-lbs (29-39 Nm)

Torque specs via WhatSizeBolt.

How to reset the oil life / maintenance light - Nissan Altima

Vehicle information display (steering-wheel arrow buttons)

  1. Ignition ON, engine off (no need to start the engine).
  2. Use the steering-wheel arrow buttons to open the vehicle information display Settings.
  3. Navigate to Maintenance, then Oil Control System.
  4. Select the reset option - do this only after the oil change is actually completed, since selecting it tells the car the service was done.

Factory Reset (clears all maintenance reminders, not just oil)

  1. From the same vehicle information display Settings menu, a "Factory Reset" option also resets the Oil Control System to its initial value alongside every other maintenance reminder - use the Oil Control System-specific reset above unless you actually want to clear everything at once.

Nissan Altima by model year

Each model year's own record: the manual its schedule comes from, and what NHTSA and the EPA list for that year.

2013 Nissan Altima

Maintenance schedule source: 2013 Nissan Service and Maintenance Guide

Recalls

NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2013 Nissan Altima:

CampaignReport dateComponent
20V3150002020-05-28latches/locks/linkages
16V9110002016-12-19air bags
16V2440002016-04-26air bags
16V0290002016-01-22latches/locks/linkages
15V6810002015-10-20air bags
15V4860002015-08-04fuel system, gasoline
15V1160002015-02-27latches/locks/linkages
14V5650002014-09-15latches/locks/linkages
14V1380002014-03-25electrical system
13V1580002013-04-24tires
13V0690002013-03-01air bags
12V4940002012-10-10steering

Owner complaints

NHTSA has 2,312 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Nissan Altima. Top component areas reported:

  • air bags: 514
  • power train: 505
  • exterior lighting: 442

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2013:

EngineTransmissionFuel
2.5 L 4 cylAuto (AV-S6)Gasoline
3.5 L 6 cylAuto (AV-S6)Gasoline

Source: NHTSA recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

2014 Nissan Altima

Maintenance schedule source: 2014 Nissan Service and Maintenance Guide

Recalls

NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2014 Nissan Altima:

CampaignReport dateComponent
20V3150002020-05-28latches/locks/linkages
16V9110002016-12-19air bags
16V2440002016-04-26air bags
16V0290002016-01-22latches/locks/linkages
15V6810002015-10-20air bags
15V4860002015-08-04fuel system, gasoline
15V1160002015-02-27latches/locks/linkages
14V1380002014-03-25electrical system

Owner complaints

NHTSA has 1,113 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Nissan Altima. Top component areas reported:

  • exterior lighting: 299
  • power train: 209
  • air bags: 208

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2014:

EngineTransmissionFuel
2.5 L 4 cylAuto (variable gear ratios)Gasoline
3.5 L 6 cylAuto (AV-S7)Gasoline

Source: NHTSA recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

2015 Nissan Altima

Maintenance schedule source: 2015 Nissan Service and Maintenance Guide (brand-wide)

Recalls

NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2015 Nissan Altima:

CampaignReport dateComponent
20V3150002020-05-28latches/locks/linkages
18V9150002018-12-19structure
17V0400002017-01-18latches/locks/linkages
16V9110002016-12-19air bags
16V2440002016-04-26air bags
16V0290002016-01-22latches/locks/linkages
15V7330002015-11-05service brakes, hydraulic
15V6810002015-10-20air bags
15V4860002015-08-04fuel system, gasoline
15V1160002015-02-27latches/locks/linkages

Owner complaints

NHTSA has 954 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Nissan Altima. Top component areas reported:

  • exterior lighting: 270
  • air bags: 177
  • power train: 161

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2015:

EngineTransmissionFuel
2.5 L 4 cylAuto (variable gear ratios)Gasoline
3.5 L 6 cylAuto (AV-S7)Gasoline

Source: NHTSA recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

2016 Nissan Altima

Maintenance schedule source: 2016 Nissan Service and Maintenance Guide (brand-wide)

Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Nissan Altima:

CampaignReport dateComponent
20V3150002020-05-28latches/locks/linkages
18V9150002018-12-19structure
17V0400002017-01-18latches/locks/linkages
16V2440002016-04-26air bags

Owner complaints

NHTSA has 553 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Nissan Altima. Top component areas reported:

  • power train: 235
  • engine: 86
  • air bags: 70

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2016:

EngineTransmissionFuel
2.5 L 4 cylAuto (AV-S7)Gasoline
2.5 L 4 cylAuto (variable gear ratios)Gasoline
3.5 L 6 cylAuto (AV-S7)Gasoline

Source: NHTSA recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

2017 Nissan Altima

Maintenance schedule source: 2017 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual and Maintenance Information

Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2017 Nissan Altima:

CampaignReport dateComponent
20V3150002020-05-28latches/locks/linkages
18V9150002018-12-19structure
17V0400002017-01-18latches/locks/linkages

Owner complaints

NHTSA has 391 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Nissan Altima. Top component areas reported:

  • power train: 133
  • air bags: 73
  • vehicle speed control: 41

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2017:

EngineTransmissionFuel
2.5 L 4 cylAuto (AV-S7)Gasoline
2.5 L 4 cylAuto (variable gear ratios)Gasoline
3.5 L 6 cylAuto (AV-S7)Gasoline

Source: NHTSA recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

2018 Nissan Altima

Maintenance schedule source: 2018 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual and Maintenance Information

Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Nissan Altima:

CampaignReport dateComponent
20V3150002020-05-28latches/locks/linkages
19V6540002019-09-12back over prevention

Owner complaints

NHTSA has 226 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Nissan Altima. Top component areas reported:

  • service brakes: 48
  • electrical system: 37
  • air bags: 36

Powertrains

EPA lists these powertrains for 2018:

EngineTransmissionFuel
2.5 L 4 cylAuto (AV-S7)Gasoline
2.5 L 4 cylAuto (variable gear ratios)Gasoline
3.5 L 6 cylAuto (AV-S7)Gasoline

Source: NHTSA recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, EPA fueleconomy.gov; fetched 2026-10-12.

More Nissan Altima maintenance schedules