NISSAN Altima
L30 / L31 (second generation) / L31 / L31 (3rd generation) / 1998-2025 / Sedan / Coupe / Sedan / Coupe (market dependent) / Sedan / Coupe (limited markets) / Sedan / Coupe (varies by market)
Year and trim selector
Choose the exact year and trim to see engine, oil and service details.
1998 NISSAN Altima KA24DE/VQ20DE (L30)
L30 / KA24DE, VQ20DE, VQ30DE (Japan only) / The 1998 Altima, second generation (L30), was offered with multiple engines depending on market: a 2.4L KA24DE inline-4 common in North America producing about 155 hp, and the 2.0L VQ20DE inline-6 or 3.0L VQ30DE V6 engine in Japan and some other markets.
1999 NISSAN Altima KA24DE/VG33E (L30)
L30 / KA24DE, VG33E / The 1999 Nissan Altima used primarily the 2.4L KA24DE DOHC I4 engine in most North American trims, with the VG33E V6 used in some base models and other markets like Canada and selected global markets.
2000 NISSAN Altima KA24DE/VQ30DE (L30)
L30 / KA24DE, VQ30DE / Base models primarily used the KA24DE 2.4L inline-4 engine, producing around 150 hp; higher trims and the coupe variant used the VQ30DE 3.0L V6 engine producing approximately 190 hp. Global markets may vary, with the KA24DE being most common worldwide.
2002 NISSAN Altima QR20DE/KA24DE (L31)
L31 / QR20DE, KA24DE, VQ35DE / 2002 Altima had multiple engines depending on market: QR20DE 2.0L inline-4 in Japan and some markets; KA24DE 2.4L inline-4 in North America base models; VQ35DE 3.5L V6 in higher trims in North America.
2004 NISSAN Altima QR25DE/VQ35DE (L31)
L31 / QR25DE, VQ35DE / 2004 Nissan Altima offered primarily with two main engines: 2.5L QR25DE inline-4 and 3.5L VQ35DE V6. The 4-cylinder was standard in most trims, while the V6 was available in higher trims like the SE. Some markets may only have the 4-cylinder.
2005 NISSAN Altima QR25DE/VQ35DE (L31)
L31 / QR25DE, VQ35DE / A 2.5L inline-4 (QR25DE) and a 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) offered depending on market.
2006 NISSAN Altima QR25DE/VQ35DE (L31)
L31 / QR25DE, VQ35DE / 2006 Altima global main engines include the 2.5L QR25DE inline-4 and the 3.5L VQ35DE V6.
2007 NISSAN Altima QR25DE/VQ35DE (L31)
L31 / QR25DE, VQ35DE / The 2007 Nissan Altima primarily came with two gasoline engines globally: the 2.5L QR25DE inline-4 and the 3.5L VQ35DE V6, with markets varying on availability.
2008 NISSAN Altima QR25DE/VQ35DE (L32)
L32 / QR25DE, VQ35DE / 2008 Nissan Altima was offered primarily with the QR25DE 2.5L I4 engine and VQ35DE 3.5L V6 engine depending on market. The QR25DE is a DOHC 16-valve inline-4 with variable valve timing; the VQ35DE is a DOHC 24-valve V6 also featuring variable valve timing.
2009 NISSAN Altima VQ35DE/QR25DE (L32)
L32 / VQ35DE, QR25DE, QR25DD, DE4F, VQ25DE / 3.5L V6 VQ35DE used in most North American models, paired with 2.5L inline-4 QR25DE or direct-injection QR25DD in select markets. Some regions had a 2.5L VQ25DE variant. Diesel engines were not offered on the global Altima in 2009.
2010 NISSAN Altima QR25DE/VQ35DE (L32)
L32 / QR25DE, VQ35DE / 2.5L I4 QR25DE and 3.5L V6 VQ35DE engines offered depending on market and trim level
2012 NISSAN Altima QR25DE/VQ35DE (L32)
L32 / QR25DE, VQ35DE, MR20DE (select markets) / 4-cylinder and V6 gasoline engines across markets, 2.5L QR25DE inline-4 common in US/Canada, 3.5L VQ35DE V6 available in North America and select other markets. Some regions offered 2.0L MR20DE inline-4.
2013 NISSAN Altima QR25DE/VQ35DE (L33)
L33 / QR25DE, VQ35DE / The 2013 Altima generally offered two gasoline engines: a 2.5L inline-4 (QR25DE) and a 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE). Engine availability varies by market.
2014 NISSAN Altima MR20DE/QR25DE (L33)
L33 / MR20DE, QR25DE, VQ35DE, VQ35HR / Multiple engines depending on market: 2.0L MR20DE I4 (some Asia markets), 2.5L QR25DE I4 (most global markets including US), and 3.5L VQ35DE/VQ35HR V6 (higher trims in US/Canada/Middle East).
2016 NISSAN Altima QR25DE/VQ35DE (L33)
L33 / QR25DE, VQ35DE / Two main engines: a 2.5L inline-4 (QR25DE) and a 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE). Powertrain varies by market with the V6 primarily seen in North America and some Gulf markets.
2017 NISSAN Altima QR25DE/VQ35DE (L33)
L33 / QR25DE, VQ35DE, MR20DD / 2017 Altima offered mainly with a 2.5L QR25DE inline-4 and a 3.5L VQ35DE V6 in North America; other markets have a 2.0L MR20DD inline-4 petrol engine variant
2020 NISSAN Altima MR20DD/QR25DE (L33)
L33 / MR20DD, QR25DE, VC-Turbo (variable compression engine code VC-T) / The 2020 Nissan Altima was offered with multiple engines depending on market: a 2.5L inline-4 (MR20DD or QR25DE depending on market) and in North America a 2.0L VC-Turbo variable compression turbocharged inline-4 engine.
2022 NISSAN Altima QR25DE/VC-Turbo VR30DDTT (L34)
L34 / QR25DE, VC-Turbo VR30DDTT / 2022 Altima offers two main engines globally: a 2.5L naturally aspirated inline-4 (QR25DE) commonly for North America and other markets, and a 2.0L VC-Turbo variable compression inline-4 (VR30DDTT) in select trims/markets.
2024 NISSAN Altima KR20DDT/VQ35DE (L34)
L34 / KR20DDT, VQ35DE / The 2024 Nissan Altima is offered primarily with two engines globally: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (KR20DDT) and a 3.5-liter V6 (VQ35DE) available mainly in North America. Other markets may have different availability; the 2.0L turbo is most common worldwide.
2025 NISSAN Altima MR20DD/VC-Turbo L26T (L34)
L34 / MR20DD, VC-Turbo L26T / The 2025 Nissan Altima is offered with two main powertrain options globally: a 2.0L naturally aspirated inline-4 (MR20DD) and a 2.0L variable compression turbocharged inline-4 (VC-Turbo L26T), with market-specific availability variations.
Engine codes by year
| Year | Trim | Engine codes | Displacement | Fuel system |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | technical-profile | KA24DE, VQ20DE, VQ30DE (Japan only) | 2389 cc (KA24DE), 1998 cc (VQ20DE), 2960 cc (VQ30DE) | Multi-point fuel injection |
| 1999 | technical-profile | KA24DE, VG33E | 2389 cc (KA24DE) / 3275 cc (VG33E) | Multi-Point Fuel Injection |
| 2000 | technical-profile | KA24DE, VQ30DE | 2349 cc (KA24DE), 2960 cc (VQ30DE) | Multi-point fuel injection |
| 2002 | technical-profile | QR20DE, KA24DE, VQ35DE | 1998cc (QR20DE), 2389cc (KA24DE), 3498cc (VQ35DE) | Multi-point fuel injection |
| 2004 | technical-profile | QR25DE, VQ35DE | 2488 cc (QR25DE), 3498 cc (VQ35DE) | Multi-point fuel injection |
| 2005 | technical-profile | QR25DE, VQ35DE | 2488 cc (inline-4), 3498 cc (V6) | Sequential multi-port fuel injection |
| 2006 | technical-profile | QR25DE, VQ35DE | 2488 cc (QR25DE), 3498 cc (VQ35DE) | Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) |
| 2007 | technical-profile | QR25DE, VQ35DE | 2488 cc (QR25DE), 3498 cc (VQ35DE) | Multi-point fuel injection |
| 2008 | technical-profile | QR25DE, VQ35DE | 2488 cc (QR25DE), 3498 cc (VQ35DE) | Multi-point fuel injection |
| 2009 | technical-profile | VQ35DE, QR25DE, QR25DD, DE4F, VQ25DE | 2.5L (2495 cc), 3.5L (3498 cc) | Multi-point fuel injection with VQ35DE; direct injection available on QR25DD variant |
| 2010 | technical-profile | QR25DE, VQ35DE | 2495 cc (I4), 3498 cc (V6) | Sequential multi-port fuel injection |
| 2012 | technical-profile | QR25DE, VQ35DE, MR20DE (select markets) | 2488 cc (QR25DE), 3498 cc (VQ35DE), 1997 cc (MR20DE) | Electronic fuel injection, multi-point |
| 2013 | technical-profile | QR25DE, VQ35DE | 2.5L (2495 cc) or 3.5L (3498 cc) | Multi-port fuel injection |
| 2014 | technical-profile | MR20DE, QR25DE, VQ35DE, VQ35HR | 2.0L, 2.5L, or 3.5L | Multi-point fuel injection |
| 2016 | technical-profile | QR25DE, VQ35DE | 2488 cc (QR25DE), 3498 cc (VQ35DE) | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| 2017 | technical-profile | QR25DE, VQ35DE, MR20DD | 2495 cc (QR25DE), 3498 cc (VQ35DE), 1997 cc (MR20DD) | Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI) for QR25DE and VQ35DE, Direct Injection for MR20DD in some markets |
| 2020 | technical-profile | MR20DD, QR25DE, VC-Turbo (variable compression engine code VC-T) | 2.0L and 2.5L inline-4 variations; 1997 cc for VC-Turbo and 2488 cc for 2.5L engines | Direct injection (VC-Turbo), Multi-point fuel injection (2.5L NA) |
| 2022 | technical-profile | QR25DE, VC-Turbo VR30DDTT | 2488 cc (QR25DE), 1998 cc (VR30DDTT) | Multi-point fuel injection (QR25DE), direct injection + turbocharging (VR30DDTT) |
| 2024 | technical-profile | KR20DDT, VQ35DE | 1998 cc (2.0L) / 3498 cc (3.5L V6) | Direct fuel injection with turbocharger (2.0L); Multipoint fuel injection (V6) |
| 2025 | technical-profile | MR20DD, VC-Turbo L26T | 1997 cc (MR20DD), 1998 cc (VC-Turbo L26T) | Direct fuel injection with dual injectors (VC-Turbo) and port injection (MR20DD) |
Oil capacity by engine
| Year | Engine codes | Oil type | Oil capacity | Fluid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | KA24DE, VQ20DE, VQ30DE (Japan only) | SAE 5W-30 API SG or higher | Approximately 4.2L service-fill with filter change (KA24DE); consult specific market manual for VQ engines | Nissan Matic-D or equivalent |
| 1999 | KA24DE, VG33E | 5W-30 engine oil | Approximately 4.2 liters (4.4 US quarts) with filter change - service-fill volume, includes oil filter | Use Nissan Matic-D or equivalent automatic transmission fluid |
| 2000 | KA24DE, VQ30DE | SAE 5W-30, API SJ or higher | 4.2 liters including filter (service-fill oil capacity with filter change) | Matic D fluid for automatic transmission |
| 2002 | QR20DE, KA24DE, VQ35DE | SAE 5W-30 synthetic recommended in most markets | Approximately 4.4 L (service fill including filter) for VQ35DE; around 4.2 L for QR20DE and KA24DE; check market-specific manuals | Nissan Matic J or equivalent |
| 2004 | QR25DE, VQ35DE | SAE 5W-30, API Grade SL or higher | Approx. 4.4 liters (engine oil with filter change) for QR25DE; approx. 5.1 liters for VQ35DE | Nissan Matic J fluid for automatic |
| 2005 | QR25DE, VQ35DE | SAE 5W-30, API SL or higher | 4.2L with filter change (service-fill volume approximate for QR25DE; varies slightly by engine and market) | Nissan Matic S or equivalent |
| 2006 | QR25DE, VQ35DE | API SM or higher, SAE 5W-30 | Approximately 4.2 qt (engine oil and filter change) for QR25DE; service-fill including filter noted for North American market. | Nissan Matic-K or equivalent |
| 2007 | QR25DE, VQ35DE | API Grade 5W-30 (consult local manual for climate variations) | Approximately 4.9 L service-fill with filter change for QR25DE; around 5.4 L for VQ35DE (exact varies by market) | Nissan Matic J or D (market dependent) |
| 2008 | QR25DE, VQ35DE | SAE 5W-30, synthetic preferred for heat resilience | Approx. 4.4 US qt (4.2 L) including filter for QR25DE; VQ35DE similar, exact values vary by market. Refer to owner's manual for service-fill capacity and filter change notes. | Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 for CVT; ATF Matic J for automatic |
| 2009 | VQ35DE, QR25DE, QR25DD, DE4F, VQ25DE | SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 engine oil meeting API SM or newer | Approximately 4.8 liters (5.1 US quarts) including oil filter change, service-fill specification for V6 VQ35DE | Nissan Matic S or equivalent automatic transmission fluid as per market |
| 2010 | QR25DE, VQ35DE | SAE 5W-30 engine oil meeting API SM or higher | Approximately 4.2L including filter (service fill with oil filter change) | Nissan CVT NS-2 fluid for CVT; Matic J for automatic gearbox |
| 2012 | QR25DE, VQ35DE, MR20DE (select markets) | SAE 5W-30, API SN or higher | Approx. 4.2 L with filter (QR25DE), includes service fill volume and filter change note | Nissan CVT fluid NS-3 or equivalent for CVT models; ATF Matic S or equivalent for 6-speed automatic |
| 2013 | QR25DE, VQ35DE | SAE 5W-30 synthetic or conventional depending on climate and usage | Approx. 4.9 L (including filter) for 2.5L QR25DE; filter change recommended with oil service | Nissan CVT fluid NS-2 for CVT; ATF Matic S for 6-speed automatic |
| 2014 | MR20DE, QR25DE, VQ35DE, VQ35HR | SAE 5W-30 synthetic recommended; refer to owner's manual per market | Approx. 4.2 L (includes filter change) for 2.5L QR25DE; varies slightly by engine | Nissan Matic S CVT fluid (for CVT), ATF (Type J) for 6-speed auto |
| 2016 | QR25DE, VQ35DE | SAE 5W-30 API SM or higher, synthetic preferred | Approximately 4.2 L (4.4 US quarts) including filter for QR25DE; service fill including oil filter | Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 for CVT; Nissan Matic S for 6-speed auto |
| 2017 | QR25DE, VQ35DE, MR20DD | SAE 5W-30 conventional or synthetic motor oil meeting Nissan standards | Approximately 4.2 liters service-fill including oil filter for QR25DE; varies by engine; oil filter change required with oil top-up | Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 for CVT models; standard ATF for 6-speed auto |
| 2020 | MR20DD, QR25DE, VC-Turbo (variable compression engine code VC-T) | Nissan Genuine SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil | Approx. 4.2 liters including filter; service-fill with oil filter replacement | Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 |
| 2022 | QR25DE, VC-Turbo VR30DDTT | SAE 0W-20 synthetic recommended for both engines | Approx. 4.3 L service-fill with filter change (QR25DE), approx. 4.2 L service-fill with filter (VR30DDTT) | Nissan CVT NS-3 recommended for CVT; specific DCT fluid for 7-speed |
| 2024 | KR20DDT, VQ35DE | SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic engine oil depending on climate | Approx. 4.2 L (service fill with oil filter change) for 2.0L turbo; approx. 5.1 L for V6 | Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid for CVT, ATF-DW1 or equivalent for 7-speed automatic |
| 2025 | MR20DD, VC-Turbo L26T | Fully synthetic 0W-20 or 5W-30 depending on climate; refer to owner's manual | Approximately 4.2 liters service-fill including oil filter change for MR20DD; filter change recommended at each oil service | Nissan CVT NS-3 fluid recommended |
Technical specifications
- Engines: KA24DE, VQ20DE, VQ30DE (Japan only), VG33E, VQ30DE, QR20DE, VQ35DE, QR25DE, QR25DD, DE4F, VQ25DE, MR20DE (select markets)
- Transmissions: 5-speed manual (available primarily with KA24DE), 4-speed automatic, Nissan Matic-D or equivalent, 5-speed manual (available in some trims and markets), Use Nissan Matic-D or equivalent automatic transmission fluid, 5-speed manual available on KA24DE engine trims, 4-speed automatic available on most trims, Matic D fluid for automatic transmission
- Tire sizes: 205/65 R15, 215/60 R16 depending on trim and market, P195/65R15, P205/60R15, P205/60R16 (V6 models), P205/60R16, P215/55R16 depending on trim and market, P205/65R15, P215/60R16, P225/50R17 (V6 SE)
- Bolt pattern: Verify by exact trim and wheel package
- Wheel torque: Verify by VIN and wheel package
- Battery: Verify by engine, market and equipment package
Fluids and service data
- Engine oil: SAE 5W-30 API SG or higher / 5W-30 engine oil / SAE 5W-30, API SJ or higher / SAE 5W-30 synthetic recommended in most markets
- Transmission fluid: Nissan Matic-D or equivalent / Use Nissan Matic-D or equivalent automatic transmission fluid / Matic D fluid for automatic transmission / Nissan Matic J or equivalent
- Coolant: Approximately 7.5L / Approximately 7.0 liters / 8.3 liters / Around 8.5 L including radiator and engine block
- Brake fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 / DOT 3 / DOT 3 or DOT 4 depending on market / DOT 3 or 4 (consult owner's manual for exact type)
Known problems
- Timing chain tensioner noise (KA24DE)
- Transmission shifting hesitation on automatics
- Head gasket issues rare but possible on VQ engines
- Timing belt wear on VG33E V6
- Intake manifold cracking (VG33E) causing coolant leaks
- Transmission fluid leaks on automatics
- Timing chain noise and wear on KA24DE
- Throttle sensor issues on VQ30DE
- Transmission shifting concerns on high mileage automatics
- Head gasket leaks on KA24DE under harsh conditions
- Timing chain stretch on early QR20DE versions
- Ignition coil failure on VQ35DE