If you drive a 2019 Nissan Altima, staying on top of the factory maintenance schedule is one of the easiest ways to avoid surprise repair bills and keep resale value strong. The official 2019 Nissan Altima maintenance schedule lays out exactly when to service your engine, CVT transmission, brakes, and fluids, whether you own the 2.5L or the 2.0L VC‑Turbo model.
Quick context
The 2019 Altima introduced major updates (new platform, available all‑wheel drive, and the VC‑Turbo engine). That makes following the Nissan maintenance schedule especially important, because many shops still default to older Altima intervals that don’t always match 2019+ guidance.
2019 Nissan Altima maintenance overview
Nissan breaks 2019 Altima maintenance into two main patterns: standard (normal) and severe. On top of that, many dealers and independent shops use a simple 5,000–10,000‑mile service rhythm for oil, inspections, and filters. For 2019 specifically, Nissan also uses an oil control system that tracks driving conditions and can call for an earlier oil change if you do lots of short trips or idling.
Key 2019 Altima maintenance facts
Always confirm by VIN
Maintenance intervals can vary between the 2.5L and 2.0L VC‑Turbo engines and by region. When in doubt, confirm against your owner’s manual or Nissan’s online manuals using your VIN.
Normal vs. severe maintenance schedules
Before you worry about exact mileages, you need to decide whether you fall into the standard or severe schedule. Nissan considers your use severe if you regularly do things like short trips under 5–10 miles, heavy stop‑and‑go commuting, long idling, dusty or unpaved roads, extreme heat or cold, or commercial use such as rideshare and delivery work.
Standard (normal) service
- Mix of city and highway driving
- Trips long enough for the engine to reach full operating temperature
- Occasional traffic but not constant stop‑and‑go
- No towing, commercial use, or regular dirt‑road driving
If this sounds like you, you can typically follow Nissan’s longer intervals (for example, engine oil around every 7,500–10,000 miles if the oil control system isn’t calling for earlier service).
Severe service
- Mostly short trips (under 5–10 miles)
- Frequent heavy traffic or long idling
- Regular driving on dusty, muddy, or salted roads
- Rideshare, delivery, patrol, or other commercial use
In this case, you should treat 3,750–5,000 miles as your practical limit for oil changes and inspections, and you may want more frequent brake and CVT checks as well.
How to decide quickly
If you have to think hard about whether your driving is severe, it probably is. When in doubt, follow the shorter interval, especially on a 2019 car that’s now six years old or more.
2019 Altima maintenance schedule by mileage
Different dealers publish slightly different service menus, but most are just packaging the same Nissan requirements. Below is a practical, easy‑to‑follow overview that lines up with 2019 Altima guidance and typical dealer practices. Treat it as a baseline checklist, then adjust sooner if your oil monitor or driving style calls for it.
Core 2019 Nissan Altima maintenance schedule
Approximate intervals most 2019 Altima owners in the U.S. will see under normal, mixed driving. Always adjust based on your oil monitor and severe‑use conditions.
| Mileage / Time | Key services (all engines) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Every 5,000 miles or 6 months | Rotate tires; inspect brakes, steering, suspension, fluids, and drive belt | Many shops also change oil here if you drive in severe conditions. |
| Every 7,500–10,000 miles or 12 months | Change engine oil & filter; rotate tires; multi‑point inspection | 2019 Altima models typically require an oil change by 10,000 miles at the latest when driven normally. |
| 15,000–20,000 miles (~18–24 months) | Replace cabin (in‑cabin) microfilter; inspect brake fluid; inspect fuel and EVAP lines | Severe drivers may change brake fluid closer to the 20,000‑mile / 2‑year mark. |
| 30,000 miles (~3 years) | Replace engine air filter; inspect drive belt, steering, suspension, exhaust | Good time for a thorough under‑car inspection if you live in a rust‑prone area. |
| 40,000–45,000 miles (~4 years) | Repeat brake fluid replacement if needed; re‑inspect air and cabin filters | Many owners sync brake fluid with every other inspection visit. |
| 60,000 miles (~6 years) | Inspect or replace CVT fluid; thorough brake, steering, and suspension check | On CVT cars, many technicians recommend changing fluid around 60k instead of just inspecting, especially for severe use. |
| 75,000 miles (~7–8 years) | Repeat belt, brake, and suspension checks; consider proactive CVT service | At this age, rubber components and bushings deserve closer attention. |
| 90,000 miles (~9 years) | Full system inspection (brakes, steering, suspension, fuel, cooling) | Look for corrosion and seepage; address small leaks before they grow. |
| 105,000 miles or 7 years | Replace spark plugs; replace engine coolant; inspect or replace drive belt | This is the big tune‑up milestone for most 2019 Altima engines. |
| 120,000 miles and beyond | Repeat coolant, brake fluid, air and cabin filters, and CVT fluid as needed | From here on, follow a 30k–60k rhythm for fluids and inspections. |
Summary of common 2019 Altima maintenance items by mileage and time.
Engine‑specific differences
The 2.0L VC‑Turbo engine has its own detailed schedule in the owner’s manual, but the broad pattern above (oil, filters, coolant, plugs) is very similar. What changes is mostly the mileage spacing between some items, not the items themselves.
Oil changes, coolant, and other fluids
The 2019 Altima’s engines both use synthetic 0W‑20 oil. Nissan equips these cars with an oil control system that can illuminate a reminder light when it determines the oil is worn, but you should still track mileage and time yourself, especially on an aging vehicle.
- For most 2019 Altimas in normal use, plan on changing oil and filter every 7,500–10,000 miles or about once a year.
- If you mostly do short trips, heavy traffic, or live in very hot or cold climates, tighten that to roughly every 5,000 miles or 6 months.
- Whenever the oil replacement indicator comes on, change oil within about two weeks or 500 miles to avoid running on deteriorated oil.
- If the indicator fails or is reset incorrectly, default to no more than 6 months or 3,750–5,000 miles between changes.
Don’t ignore old oil
Running any modern direct‑injection engine on overdue or low‑quality oil can accelerate timing‑chain and turbo wear. On a 2019 Altima that’s now out of basic warranty, that’s a very expensive way to save a few dollars.
Other key fluids on the 2019 Altima
Not all of these are changed often, but neglecting them can shorten the life of the car.
Engine coolant
First change is typically at about 84 months or 105,000 miles, then about every 60 months or 75,000 miles afterward. Use the correct Nissan‑specified coolant to avoid corrosion or mixing issues.
Brake fluid
Plan on replacing brake fluid roughly every 2–3 years, or more often if you drive in hilly areas or tow. Dark, contaminated fluid can overheat and reduce braking performance.
CVT fluid
Inspect around 60,000 miles. Many owners and technicians choose to change the fluid at that point, especially under severe conditions, even if Nissan lists inspection only.
CVT transmission service on the 2019 Altima
Visitors also read...
Every 2019 Altima sold in the U.S. uses Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). CVTs are efficient, but they’re sensitive to fluid condition and heat. That’s why you’ll hear so many technicians emphasize early and regular CVT service, even if your printed schedule only says “inspect.”
Smart CVT care for your 2019 Altima
1. Aim for 60k‑mile CVT service
Have a shop familiar with Nissan CVTs inspect the fluid and consider a drain‑and‑fill around 60,000 miles. It’s much cheaper than a transmission replacement.
2. Use the correct CVT fluid
Nissan‑spec fluid (or a verified equivalent) is critical. Generic ATF can damage the CVT quickly.
3. Watch for early symptoms
Shuddering, delayed engagement, or sudden changes in RPM without speed increase can be early CVT warning signs. Don’t wait for them to get worse.
4. Avoid overheating
Heavy loads, hot weather, and long grades can overheat CVTs. If you smell hot fluid or notice a loss of power, let the car cool down and have the system checked.
Buying or selling? Ask about CVT records
Service records showing regular CVT checks and fluid changes are a strong plus if you’re buying a 2019 Altima, and a selling point if you’re trading one in or consigning it.
Brakes, tires, and other wear items
Your owner’s manual focuses on fluids and inspection points, but most of your real‑world maintenance spend on a 2019 Altima will go into brakes, tires, and suspension components as the car ages. These don’t have fixed calendar dates; they wear based on how and where you drive.
Common wear items and what to expect
Intervals are averages, inspect more often if you drive hard or in extreme conditions.
Tires
Rotate every 5,000 miles to even out wear. Many Altima owners see 30,000–50,000 miles from a set of quality all‑season tires, less if you drive aggressively or skip rotations.
Brake pads & rotors
City drivers may wear pads out as early as 25,000–35,000 miles; highway‑heavy drivers might double that. Have pads and rotors measured at each oil change, not just when you hear a squeal.
Suspension & steering
Struts, bushings, and tie‑rod ends tend to show wear from about 60,000 miles onward, sooner on rough roads. Listen for clunks and pay attention to wandering or vibration.
Battery & charging
Most original 2019 Altima batteries are already replaced or due soon. Expect 4–6 years out of a quality replacement and have it load‑tested annually.
What to do at 60,000–120,000 miles
By 2025, a typical 2019 Altima is already in the 60,000–100,000‑mile range. That’s a tipping point: cars that have followed the schedule usually keep going with modest upkeep, while neglected cars start generating big repair quotes.
Maintenance road map for higher‑mileage 2019 Altimas
Around 60,000 miles
Inspect or change CVT fluid and filter as needed.
Replace brake fluid if it’s more than 2–3 years old.
Do a full suspension, steering, and brake inspection.
Evaluate tire wear and alignment; rotate or replace as needed.
Around 90,000 miles
Repeat CVT, brake, and suspension inspections.
Plan ahead for spark plug and coolant service at roughly 105,000 miles.
Check for small oil seepage around gaskets and seals.
Address any dashboard warning lights promptly, don’t wait.
Around 105,000–120,000 miles
Replace spark plugs using the correct OEM‑grade parts.
Replace engine coolant and inspect all hoses and clamps.
Inspect drive belt and pulleys, replacing as needed.
Update cabin and engine air filters and confirm battery health.
High mileage isn’t scary if it’s documented
A 2019 Altima that shows consistent oil changes, CVT service, and 100k‑mile maintenance can be a smarter buy than a lower‑mileage car with no records. Documentation is what matters.
Used 2019 Altima buyer’s maintenance checklist
If you’re shopping for a used 2019 Altima, or thinking about trading yours, you can learn a lot by comparing the car’s service history to the schedule above. Here’s a quick checklist you can take to a pre‑purchase inspection or your next service visit.
Checklist for evaluating a used 2019 Altima
1. Confirm oil change history
Look for consistent oil changes at least every 7,500–10,000 miles (or 5,000 miles for severe use). Long gaps or missing records are a red flag.
2. Ask about CVT service
Ideally, you’ll see documented CVT fluid inspection or change around 60,000 miles. If there’s no record and the car is over that mileage, budget for service soon.
3. Check for 100k‑mile service
On higher‑mileage cars, confirm that spark plugs and coolant have been replaced. If not, use that as leverage in price negotiations.
4. Inspect brakes, tires, and suspension
Uneven tire wear, pulsing brakes, or clunks over bumps all point to deferred maintenance that you’ll end up paying for.
5. Scan for warning lights and trouble codes
Even if the dash is clear, a scan tool can reveal stored codes or history of misfires, which may indicate past neglect.
6. Get a professional inspection
A trusted mechanic, or a seller that provides a third‑party inspection report, adds confidence. When you’re stepping up from a gas car to an EV, this kind of documentation is exactly what platforms like <strong>Recharged</strong> provide with battery health; you can expect the same rigor from a good gas‑car inspection today.
2019 Nissan Altima maintenance FAQ
Frequently asked questions about 2019 Altima service
Keep your 2019 Altima or trade up?
A well‑maintained 2019 Nissan Altima can easily run beyond 150,000 miles with predictable, manageable service costs. The key is following the maintenance schedule, especially around oil changes, CVT fluid, brakes, and the big 100k‑mile services, rather than waiting for something to break. If your Altima has been cared for and you like the way it drives, catching up on a few overdue items is often money well spent.
On the other hand, if your 2019 Altima is starting to feel tired or the next round of maintenance and repairs looks expensive, this can be a smart time to compare your options. At Recharged, we focus on making the switch to a used EV straightforward, complete with transparent battery health reports, expert guidance, and flexible trade‑in options. Whether you keep your Altima and just needed the right schedule, or decide to trade it toward an electric future, having a clear service plan puts you in control.
