2021 Nissan Altima maintenance schedule
Every service on the 2021 Altima, with its interval and an estimated cost.
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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. | 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. | 7,500 mi / 12 mo≈ 12,000 km / 12 mo | $35–$75 | |
| Tire Rotation (2.5L)2021+ manuals list it in every 5,000 mi / 6 mo block; 2019-2020 manuals: 'Tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles'. | 5,000 mi / 6 mo≈ 8,000 km / 6 mo | $25–$50 | |
| Tire Rotation (2.0L turbo) | 7,500 mi / 12 mo≈ 12,000 km / 12 mo | $25–$50 | |
| Engine Air Filter (2.5L)Replace more often in dusty conditions. | 30,000 mi / 36 mo≈ 48,000 km / 36 mo | $20–$45 | |
| Engine Air Filter (2.0L turbo)Replace more often in dusty conditions. | 30,000 mi / 48 mo≈ 48,000 km / 48 mo | $20–$45 | |
| Cabin Air Filter (2.5L)2021+ interval. The 2019-2020 manuals say 15,000 mi / 18 mo. | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | $25–$60 | |
| Cabin Air Filter (2.0L turbo)2021+ interval. The 2019-2020 manuals say 11,250 mi / 18 mo. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | $150–$400 | |
| Brake Inspection (2.0L turbo)Safety itemSevere: inspect pads and rotors every 3,750 mi / 6 mo. | 7,500 mi / 12 mo≈ 12,000 km / 12 mo | $150–$400 | |
| CVT Fluid (inspect) (2.5L)Normal service: inspect only; no scheduled replacement. Severe: 2021+ manuals list 'Replace CVT transmission fluid' at 60,000 and 120,000 mi. 2019-2020 manuals: with a car-top carrier or on rough/muddy roads, have the dealer check CVT fluid deterioration every 60,000 mi and change if needed, or change it every 60,000 mi if not inspected. | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | $150–$250 | |
| CVT Fluid (inspect) (2.0L turbo)Normal service: inspect only. Severe: replace at 60,000 mi (2021+ manuals); 2019-2020: car-top carrier or rough roads, check deterioration or change every 60,000 mi. | 7,500 mi / 12 mo≈ 12,000 km / 12 mo | $150–$250 | |
| 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. | 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. | 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). | 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). | 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. | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | $80–$150 | |
| Drive Belt Inspection (2.0L turbo)Starts after 30,000 mi / 48 mo, then every 7,500 mi / 12 mo. | 7,500 mi / 12 mo≈ 12,000 km / 12 mo | $80–$150 | |
| Battery Inspection & ReplacementGarageHub estimateSafety item | 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.