⚙️Transmission Fluid
Nissan Maxima Transmission Fluid
Find the correct transmission fluid type and capacity for your Nissan Maxima. Covers automatic and manual transmissions for all years.
Quick Answer
The Nissan Maxima transmission fluid type depends on your transmission — automatic models typically use ATF WS, Dexron, or manufacturer-specific fluid. Manual transmissions use gear oil. See the year breakdown below.
2018-2023
2018-2023Automatic Fluid TypeATF WS, Dexron VI, or manufacturer-specific (varies)
Auto Drain & Fill3.5 - 4.0 quarts
Auto Total Capacity7.0 - 12.0 quarts
Manual Fluid Type75W-90 gear oil or MTF (if equipped)
Manual Capacity2.0 - 3.0 quarts
Change Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles (auto), 30,000 - 60,000 (manual)
Notes
- →Use ONLY the manufacturer-specified fluid — wrong ATF can damage the transmission
- →Check transmission fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature
- →Many modern transmissions are "sealed" — fluid checks require removing a fill plug underneath
- →Dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates overheating — change immediately
2012-2017
2012-2017Automatic Fluid TypeATF WS, Dexron VI, or manufacturer-specific (varies)
Auto Drain & Fill3.5 - 4.0 quarts
Auto Total Capacity7.0 - 12.0 quarts
Manual Fluid Type75W-90 gear oil or MTF (if equipped)
Manual Capacity2.0 - 3.0 quarts
Change Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles (auto), 30,000 - 60,000 (manual)
Notes
- →Use ONLY the manufacturer-specified fluid — wrong ATF can damage the transmission
- →Check transmission fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature
- →Many modern transmissions are "sealed" — fluid checks require removing a fill plug underneath
- →Dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates overheating — change immediately
2006-2011
2006-2011Automatic Fluid TypeDexron III/VI or manufacturer-specific ATF
Auto Drain & Fill3.0 - 4.0 quarts
Auto Total Capacity7.0 - 12.0 quarts
Manual Fluid Type75W-90 gear oil
Manual Capacity2.0 - 3.0 quarts
Change Interval30,000 - 60,000 miles
Notes
- →Use ONLY the manufacturer-specified fluid — wrong ATF can damage the transmission
- →Check transmission fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature
- →Dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates overheating — change immediately
2000-2005
2000-2005Automatic Fluid TypeDexron III/VI or manufacturer-specific ATF
Auto Drain & Fill3.0 - 4.0 quarts
Auto Total Capacity7.0 - 12.0 quarts
Manual Fluid Type75W-90 gear oil
Manual Capacity2.0 - 3.0 quarts
Change Interval30,000 - 60,000 miles
Notes
- →Use ONLY the manufacturer-specified fluid — wrong ATF can damage the transmission
- →Check transmission fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature
- →Dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates overheating — change immediately
1994-1999
1994-1999Automatic Fluid TypeDexron III/VI or manufacturer-specific ATF
Auto Drain & Fill3.0 - 4.0 quarts
Auto Total Capacity7.0 - 12.0 quarts
Manual Fluid Type75W-90 gear oil
Manual Capacity2.0 - 3.0 quarts
Change Interval30,000 - 60,000 miles
Notes
- →Use ONLY the manufacturer-specified fluid — wrong ATF can damage the transmission
- →Check transmission fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature
- →Dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates overheating — change immediately
1988-1993
1988-1993Automatic Fluid TypeDexron III/VI or manufacturer-specific ATF
Auto Drain & Fill3.0 - 4.0 quarts
Auto Total Capacity7.0 - 12.0 quarts
Manual Fluid Type75W-90 gear oil
Manual Capacity2.0 - 3.0 quarts
Change Interval30,000 - 60,000 miles
Notes
- →Use ONLY the manufacturer-specified fluid — wrong ATF can damage the transmission
- →Check transmission fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature
- →Dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates overheating — change immediately
1982-1987
1982-1987Automatic Fluid TypeDexron III/VI or manufacturer-specific ATF
Auto Drain & Fill3.0 - 4.0 quarts
Auto Total Capacity7.0 - 12.0 quarts
Manual Fluid Type75W-90 gear oil
Manual Capacity2.0 - 3.0 quarts
Change Interval30,000 - 60,000 miles
Notes
- →Use ONLY the manufacturer-specified fluid — wrong ATF can damage the transmission
- →Check transmission fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature
- →Dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates overheating — change immediately
1981-1981
1981-1981Automatic Fluid TypeDexron III/VI or manufacturer-specific ATF
Auto Drain & Fill3.0 - 4.0 quarts
Auto Total Capacity7.0 - 12.0 quarts
Manual Fluid Type75W-90 gear oil
Manual Capacity2.0 - 3.0 quarts
Change Interval30,000 - 60,000 miles
Notes
- →Use ONLY the manufacturer-specified fluid — wrong ATF can damage the transmission
- →Check transmission fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature
- →Dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates overheating — change immediately
Frequently Asked Questions
- What transmission fluid does a Nissan Maxima use?
- The Nissan Maxima transmission fluid type depends on the year and transmission. Automatic transmissions use ATF WS, Dexron VI, or manufacturer-specific fluid. Manual transmissions use 75W-90 gear oil. See below for your specific year.
- How much transmission fluid does a Nissan Maxima take?
- A drain-and-fill on the Nissan Maxima automatic transmission typically takes 3.5-4.0 quarts. The total system capacity is 7-12 quarts. For a complete fluid exchange, you'll need the full capacity amount.
- How often should I change transmission fluid in my Nissan Maxima?
- Change your Nissan Maxima automatic transmission fluid every 60,000-100,000 miles under normal conditions. For severe duty (towing, mountain driving, hot climates), change every 30,000-60,000 miles.
- Does the Nissan Maxima have a transmission dipstick?
- Many 2010+ Nissan Maxima models have sealed transmissions with no dipstick. Fluid level is checked via a fill plug underneath the vehicle. Older models typically have a traditional dipstick under the hood.