If you own a 2014 Nissan Altima, the single best way to keep it reliable past 150,000 miles is to follow the factory 2014 Nissan Altima maintenance schedule. These cars can rack up serious mileage, but only if oil, filters, brakes, and especially the CVT transmission get attention on time.
Model coverage
Why Your 2014 Altima Maintenance Schedule Matters
Nissan designed your 2014 Altima’s maintenance schedule to do two things: protect the engine and protect the CVT transmission. When owners stretch oil changes, skip brake fluid, or never service the transmission, problems show up as hard shifts, shuddering at low speeds, or surprise repair bills in the thousands.
What You Gain by Following the Schedule
A little discipline now prevents a lot of drama later.
More Miles, Less Drama
Staying on schedule helps your Altima easily clear 150,000–200,000 miles with its original engine and transmission.
Lower Lifetime Cost
Regular fluid and filter changes are cheap compared with a $4,000+ CVT replacement or engine repair.
Better Resale Value
A tidy stack of service records makes your car easier to sell or trade and justifies a stronger asking price.
A quick word on CVT failures
Normal vs. Severe Service for a 2014 Nissan Altima
Before you look at the chart, decide whether you drive under normal or severe conditions. Nissan’s maintenance guides for 2014-and-newer models use the same core schedule but shorten intervals if your car works harder than average.
- Normal service: Mostly highway or suburban driving, moderate climate, limited stop‑and‑go traffic, no towing.
- Severe service: Lots of stop‑and‑go or idling, frequent short trips under 5 miles, very hot or very cold climates, dusty roads, or regular towing/roof‑rack loads.
Rule of thumb
High-Level 2014 Altima Maintenance Schedule
Here’s a bird’s‑eye view of the 2014 Nissan Altima maintenance schedule based on Nissan’s 2014 Service and Maintenance Guide and common U.S. dealer intervals for 2014+ models.
2014 Nissan Altima Quick Maintenance Schedule (Normal Service)
Core items you’ll see most often. Miles and months are "whichever comes first."
| Interval | Main Services | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Every 5,000 miles / 6 months | Replace engine oil & filter; rotate tires | Some dealers still recommend 3,000–3,750 miles for lots of city driving. |
| Every 10,000 miles / 12 months | Oil & filter, rotate tires; inspect CVT fluid, brakes, lines, hoses, drive shaft boots | Good time for a multi‑point inspection. |
| Every 15,000 miles / 18 months | Oil & filter, rotate tires; replace in‑cabin microfilter | Helps keep heat and A/C strong and quiet. |
| Every 20,000 miles / 24 months | Oil & filter, rotate tires; replace brake fluid; inspect suspension, steering, exhaust, fuel & EVAP lines | Moisture in brake fluid builds over time, not just miles. |
| 60,000 miles / 72 months | Oil & filter; air filter; brake fluid; coolant inspection; CVT inspection or fluid change; spark plug check | Many owners elect a CVT drain & fill here even if not explicitly required. |
| 105,000 miles / 84–120 months | Replace spark plugs; inspect drive belts, cooling system, CVT, suspension and steering | On many Altimas, plugs are due around 105k miles. |
| 150,000 miles / 180 months | Coolant replacement (if not done sooner); full inspection of suspension, steering, brakes, CVT | At this age, condition matters more than the calendar. |
Always verify in your owner’s manual for your exact trim level and engine.
Where this schedule comes from
2014 Nissan Altima Maintenance by Mileage & Time
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months
For most 2014 Altimas, you’ll be seeing a shop about every 5,000 miles or 6 months. That visit is simple but crucial.
- Replace engine oil and filter (use the correct viscosity and API rating listed in your manual).
- Rotate tires and set pressures to the door‑jamb label.
- Visual check of brakes, suspension, CVT fluid level/condition, and for leaks or damage under the car.
Severe service tweak
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months
At roughly every 10,000‑mile mark, Nissan’s maintenance guides for 2014-and-newer models call for deeper inspections on top of your usual oil change.
- Inspect CVT fluid for color and smell; look for dark or burnt fluid and metal shavings.
- Inspect brake lines and hoses for leaks or cracks.
- Inspect brake pads, rotors, drums and linings for wear.
- Inspect drive shaft boots, axle and suspension parts, and exhaust system for damage or rust.
- Check steering gear and linkage, and front suspension ball joints for play.
Don’t ignore strange noises
Every 15,000 miles or 18 months
This interval adds a comfort item that’s easy to forget but makes the car feel newer inside.
- Replace the in‑cabin microfilter (cabin air filter).
- Inspect all exterior lights and wipers.
- Check battery condition and clean terminals if needed.
Every 20,000–30,000 miles or 24–36 months
Around the 20,000‑ to 30,000‑mile marks, you’ll see fluid and filter services that protect the braking system, engine breathing, and in many cases the transmission.
- Replace brake fluid roughly every 2 years to prevent moisture‑related corrosion and a soft pedal.
- Replace engine air filter around 30,000 miles, sooner if you drive in dusty areas.
- Have a shop inspect the CVT fluid closely; many owners elect a partial drain‑and‑fill between 30,000–60,000 miles.
Brake fluid is about time, not miles
60,000 miles / 6 years and beyond
By 60,000 miles (or about 6 years, which almost every 2014 has long since passed), it’s time to make sure the major systems are healthy.
- Full multi‑point inspection of suspension, steering, brakes, exhaust, and cooling system.
- Engine air filter replacement if not done recently.
- Brake fluid service if you’re at the 2‑year mark.
- Coolant inspection (level, freeze point, contamination). Many owners replace coolant between 75,000–100,000 miles even if it’s long‑life fluid.
- Serious look at CVT fluid; if it’s dark or smells burnt, discuss a drain‑and‑fill service with a Nissan‑savvy shop.
Spark plugs, belts, and long-term items (105,000+ miles)
Nissan’s schedule for 2014 Altimas typically calls for platinum or iridium spark plugs to be replaced around 105,000 miles. That’s also a convenient time to have belts and the cooling system inspected closely.
- Replace spark plugs around 105,000 miles (or sooner if misfires or poor fuel economy appear).
- Inspect serpentine/accessory belts for cracking or glazing; replace as needed.
- Inspect coolant hoses and radiator for leaks or swelling.
- If the car is still on its original coolant at this point, plan a coolant flush and fill.
If you’re buying a high‑mileage 2014 Altima…
CVT Transmission Care on a 2014 Altima
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is the 2014 Altima’s biggest mechanical question mark. Many last a long time; others suffer from shuddering and failures when fluid is ignored. Nissan’s written guides emphasize inspection, but experience in the field has nudged owners toward more proactive care.
CVT Care Basics for a 2014 Altima
Think of it as an investment, not an expense.
Inspection Every 10,000 Miles
Have a technician inspect CVT fluid condition at least every 10,000 miles. Fluid that’s dark brown or smells burnt needs attention.
Drain & Fill Around 30k–60k Miles
Many owners and independent shops recommend a partial drain‑and‑fill between 30,000 and 60,000 miles, then repeating on a similar cadence.
Watch Heat & Load
Extended climbing, high‑speed driving in hot weather, or towing put extra heat into the CVT. Back off the throttle if you feel it flare or shudder.
Use Only the Correct Fluid
Always use Nissan‑approved CVT fluid. Generic "universal" fluids are a common reason CVTs fail after a service.
When to avoid a CVT fluid change
Brakes, Coolant, and Other Fluids
Outside of oil and CVT fluid, your 2014 Altima has a handful of other fluids that age quietly in the background. Because the car is now more than ten years old, it’s worth resetting the clock on anything that’s still original.
Brake System
- Brake fluid: Replace every 2–3 years, regardless of mileage.
- Pads & rotors: Inspect every 10,000 miles; replace when pad thickness is low or rotors are warped.
- Parking brake: Check adjustment and cable condition, especially in rust‑belt states.
Cooling & Power Steering
- Engine coolant: Long‑life fluid, but many owners change around 75,000–100,000 miles.
- Power steering: Most 2014 Altimas use electric power steering, so there’s no fluid to service.
- Washer fluid: Top up as needed; winter‑blend fluid helps in freezing climates.
Bundle your fluid services
DIY vs. Shop: What You Can Realistically Handle
A 2014 Altima is friendly to weekend wrenching, but you don’t have to do everything yourself. The trick is knowing where DIY saves money and where professional tools and training pay off.
DIY-Friendly vs. Shop-Only Jobs
1. Easy DIY Items
Engine air filter, cabin air filter, wiper blades, and checking/topping washer fluid are all simple jobs with basic tools and a YouTube walkthrough.
2. Intermediate DIY
Oil changes and tire rotations are doable if you have jack stands, a torque wrench, and a safe place to work. Follow the torque specs in the manual.
3. Best Left to a Shop
Brake fluid flushes, CVT services, and suspension work need the right equipment and procedures. Done incorrectly, they can create expensive problems.
4. Consider a Pre-Purchase Inspection
If you’re looking at a used 2014 Altima, a pre‑purchase inspection from a trusted shop, or an expert marketplace like <strong>Recharged</strong> when you’re ready for a used EV, can reveal hidden issues and poor past maintenance.
Using Maintenance History When Buying or Selling
The maintenance schedule isn’t just a to‑do list for current owners; it’s also a powerful tool for evaluating a used 2014 Altima. When you’re staring at a stack of receipts, or a suspicious lack of them, compare what you see against the schedule in this guide.
Red Flags vs. Green Flags in a 2014 Altima’s Records
A quick read of the paperwork tells you a lot about the car.
Red Flags
- No proof of oil changes for 20,000+ miles.
- CVT never mentioned, even at 100,000+ miles.
- Repeated check‑engine or transmission codes with no clear fix.
- Uneven brake or tire wear, suggesting neglect.
Green Flags
- Oil and filter every 5,000–7,500 miles like clockwork.
- Brake fluid every few years, plus at least one CVT service.
- Plugs and coolant replaced around 100,000 miles.
- Inspection reports with "no issues" notes across multiple years.
Planning your move into an EV
Quick 2014 Altima Maintenance Checklist
At-a-Glance Checklist for Your 2014 Nissan Altima
Oil & Filter
Change every 5,000 miles or 6 months (3,750–5,000 if you drive mostly in the city or extreme conditions).
Tire Rotation & Inspection
Rotate tires at each oil change; check pressures monthly and before long trips.
CVT Fluid
Have fluid inspected every 10,000 miles; discuss a drain‑and‑fill around 30,000–60,000 miles, then as needed.
Brake System
Inspect brakes at least every 10,000 miles; change brake fluid roughly every 2–3 years.
Engine & Cabin Air Filters
Replace about every 30,000 miles (sooner in dusty regions).
Spark Plugs
Plan replacement around 105,000 miles, or earlier if you notice misfires, rough idle, or poor fuel economy.
Coolant
Inspect yearly; replace somewhere in the 75,000–100,000‑mile range or if the fluid looks contaminated.
General Inspection
At least once a year, have a shop do a full multi‑point inspection: suspension, steering, exhaust, leaks, and battery health.
2014 Nissan Altima Maintenance FAQ
Common Questions About the 2014 Altima Maintenance Schedule
Key Takeaways for Your 2014 Altima
Owning a 2014 Nissan Altima doesn’t have to mean waiting for the CVT horror stories to come true. If you stay on top of oil changes, give the transmission and brake fluid the respect they deserve, and tackle plugs and coolant as the miles climb, your Altima has every chance of being a dependable companion well past 150,000 miles.
Use this 2014 Nissan Altima maintenance schedule as your roadmap, adjust for how and where you drive, and keep your service records organized. They’ll save you headaches today, and if you decide to trade into an electric vehicle tomorrow, that history makes your Altima easier to sell and helps you step into your next car with confidence.
