2021 Nissan Altima maintenance schedule
Every service on the 2021 Altima, with its interval and an estimated cost.
The 2021 Nissan Altima oil change interval is every 10,000 mi or 12 months, whichever comes first (estimated cost $35–$75). Oil Control System (OCS) vehicle: change when the oil replacement indicator shows (within 2 weeks or 500 mi); the schedule lists oil and filter at every 10,000 mi / 12 mo. If the OCS resets early or is inoperative, change within 6 months or 5,000 mi. Severe driving makes the OCS display earlier; there is no separate severe mileage.
- Spark Plugs
- 105,000mi
- ≈ 169,000km
- Engine Coolant
- 105,000mi
- ≈ 169,000km
- 84 mo
Service intervals
From the 2021 Nissan Altima schedule. Rows marked “GarageHub estimate” are not taken from the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. Check your owner's manual for those.
| Service | Every | Est. Cost | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil & Filter (2.5L)Safety itemOil Control System (OCS) vehicle: change when the oil replacement indicator shows (within 2 weeks or 500 mi); the schedule lists oil and filter at every 10,000 mi / 12 mo. If the OCS resets early or is inoperative, change within 6 months or 5,000 mi. Severe driving makes the OCS display earlier; there is no separate severe mileage.Guide How to Change Your Oil · The engine oil system: what every part does | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | $35–$75 | |
| Engine Oil & Filter (2.0L turbo)Safety itemOCS vehicle: change when the indicator shows; schedule lists oil and filter every 7,500 mi / 12 mo. If the OCS is inoperative, change within 6 months or 3,750 mi.Guide How to Change Your Oil · The engine oil system: what every part does | 7,500 mi / 12 mo≈ 12,000 km / 12 mo | $35–$75 | |
| Tire Rotation (2.5L)Listed in every 5,000 mi / 6 mo block.Guide How to Rotate Your Tires at Home · How to Choose and Use a Torque Wrench | 5,000 mi / 6 mo≈ 8,000 km / 6 mo | $25–$50 | |
| Tire Rotation (2.0L turbo)Guide How to Rotate Your Tires at Home · How to Choose and Use a Torque Wrench | 7,500 mi / 12 mo≈ 12,000 km / 12 mo | $25–$50 | |
| Engine Air Filter (2.5L)Replace more often in dusty conditions.Guide How to Replace Your Air Filter (Engine & Cabin) | 30,000 mi / 36 mo≈ 48,000 km / 36 mo | $20–$45 | |
| Engine Air Filter (2.0L turbo)Replace more often in dusty conditions.Guide How to Replace Your Air Filter (Engine & Cabin) | 30,000 mi / 48 mo≈ 48,000 km / 48 mo | $20–$45 | |
| Cabin Air Filter (2.5L)2021+ interval.Guide How to Replace Your Cabin Air Filter | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | $25–$60 | |
| Cabin Air Filter (2.0L turbo)2021+ interval.Guide How to Replace Your Cabin Air Filter | 7,500 mi / 12 mo≈ 12,000 km / 12 mo | $25–$60 | |
| Brake Fluid (2.5L)Safety itemSevere: replace every 10,000 mi / 12 mo.Guide How to Bleed Brakes (and Change Brake Fluid) | 20,000 mi / 24 mo≈ 32,000 km / 24 mo | $100–$180 | |
| Brake Fluid (2.0L turbo)Safety itemSevere: replace every 7,500 mi / 12 mo.Guide How to Bleed Brakes (and Change Brake Fluid) | 15,000 mi / 24 mo≈ 24,000 km / 24 mo | $100–$180 | |
| Brake Inspection (2.5L)Safety itemInspect brake pads, rotors, lines and cables. Severe: inspect pads and rotors every 5,000 mi / 6 mo.Guide How to Change Brake Pads: Step-by-Step Guide | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | — | |
| Brake Inspection (2.0L turbo)Safety itemSevere: inspect pads and rotors every 3,750 mi / 6 mo.Guide How to Change Brake Pads: Step-by-Step Guide | 7,500 mi / 12 mo≈ 12,000 km / 12 mo | — | |
| CVT Fluid (inspect) (2.5L)Normal service: inspect only; no scheduled replacement. Severe: 'Replace CVT transmission fluid' at 60,000 and 120,000 mi.Guide How to Change Transmission Fluid | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | — | |
| CVT Fluid (inspect) (2.0L turbo)Normal service: inspect only. Severe: replace at 60,000 mi.Guide How to Change Transmission Fluid | 7,500 mi / 12 mo≈ 12,000 km / 12 mo | — | |
| Transfer Case Fluid (inspect, AWD)AWD models only (AWD is PR25DD only). Severe (car-top carrier, rough or muddy roads): change every 20,000 mi / 24 mo.Guide How to Change Transfer Case Fluid (4x4 and AWD) | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | — | |
| Rear Differential Fluid (inspect, AWD)AWD models only. Severe: change every 20,000 mi / 24 mo.Guide How to Change Differential Fluid (Rear Axle and Front 4x4) | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | — | |
| Spark PlugsMileage only. Replace early if the gap exceeds 0.053 in (PR25DD) or 0.049 in (KR20DDET).Guide How to Change Spark Plugs · How to Choose and Use a Torque Wrench | 105,000 mi≈ 169,000 km | $100–$200 | |
| Engine CoolantFirst replacement at 105,000 mi / 84 mo, then every 75,000 mi / 60 mo. Nissan Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue).Guide How to Flush Your Coolant System | 105,000 mi / 84 mo≈ 169,000 km / 84 mo | $100–$200 | |
| Drive Belt Inspection (2.5L)Starts after 40,000 mi / 48 mo, then every 10,000 mi / 12 mo.Guide How to Replace a Serpentine Belt | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | — | |
| Drive Belt Inspection (2.0L turbo)Starts after 30,000 mi / 48 mo, then every 7,500 mi / 12 mo.Guide How to Replace a Serpentine Belt | 7,500 mi / 12 mo≈ 12,000 km / 12 mo | — | |
| Battery Inspection & ReplacementGarageHub estimateSafety itemGuide How to Replace a Car Battery (on a Modern Car) · The car battery and charging system: what every part does | 36 mo | $100–$200 |
≈ converted from the other unit and rounded.
Est. costs are US-typical, in USD.
Common questions about the 2021 Nissan Altima
How often does a 2021 Nissan Altima need an oil change?
The 2021 Nissan Altima oil change interval is every 10,000 mi or 12 months, whichever comes first (estimated cost $35–$75). Oil Control System (OCS) vehicle: change when the oil replacement indicator shows (within 2 weeks or 500 mi); the schedule lists oil and filter at every 10,000 mi / 12 mo. If the OCS resets early or is inoperative, change within 6 months or 5,000 mi. Severe driving makes the OCS display earlier; there is no separate severe mileage.
What maintenance does a 2021 Nissan Altima need?
The services not to skip on a 2021 Nissan Altima: engine oil & filter (2.5l) every 10,000 mi / 12 mo; engine oil & filter (2.0l turbo) every 7,500 mi / 12 mo; brake fluid (2.5l) every 20,000 mi / 24 mo; brake fluid (2.0l turbo) every 15,000 mi / 24 mo; brake inspection (2.5l) every 10,000 mi / 12 mo. The table above lists every service with its interval and an estimated cost.