The 2016 Rogue uses a cartridge-style oil filter mounted on top of the engine

The 2016 Nissan Rogue's oil filter is not a spin-on canister like you might find under a car. Instead, it's a cartridge filter housed in a plastic cap on the top of the engine, near the front. The filter element sits inside this cap and screws out as a single unit. This design is common on newer Nissans and requires a different removal process than older vehicles.

The cartridge filter is located on the driver's side of the engine, just behind the valve cover. You'll see a black plastic cap with a center bolt — that's your filter housing. The filter itself costs between $8 and $15, and the job takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you have the right tools and know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 Rogue has a cartridge-style filter in a plastic cap on top of the engine, not a spin-on filter underneath.
  • You will need an oil filter wrench (usually a 74mm or 86mm socket-style wrench) to remove the cap, plus a new filter element and fresh oil.
  • The filter cap is located on the driver's side of the engine near the valve cover and is accessed from above without lifting the car.
  • Draining old oil from the cartridge housing before removing the filter prevents spilling oil across the engine bay.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you open the hood: a new oil filter cartridge (Nissan part number 15208-9E00A or equivalent), fresh oil (check your owner's manual for the correct grade and quantity), an oil filter wrench sized for your Rogue's cap (usually 74mm or 86mm), a drain pan, rags or paper towels, and a jack and jack stands if you need to access the drain plug underneath.

The oil filter wrench is the most important tool. It looks like a socket with a slot or notch cut into the side, and it grips the cap so you can turn it without stripping the plastic. You can buy one for $10 to $20 at any auto parts store, or borrow one if you have a friend with Nissan experience. Do not try to remove the cap by hand or with a regular wrench — the plastic will crack.

Step-by-step removal and replacement

Start with a cold or warm engine (not hot). Open the hood and locate the black plastic filter cap on the driver's side of the engine. Place your drain pan underneath it to catch any oil that spills when you remove the cap. Fit your oil filter wrench onto the cap and turn it counterclockwise. The cap will come free with the old filter element still inside it.

Once the cap is off, pull the old filter cartridge straight out of the housing. Inspect the rubber seal (gasket) that sits at the base of the housing — if it stuck to the old filter, remove it by hand. Wipe the inside of the housing clean with a rag to remove any debris or old oil residue. This step prevents contamination of your new filter.

Take your new filter cartridge and explore a thin coat of fresh oil to the rubber gasket at its base. This helps create a watertight seal when you reinstall the cap. Insert the new filter into the housing, making sure it sits flat and the gasket is centered. Screw the cap back on by hand first, then use your wrench to tighten it snugly — do not over-tighten, as the plastic cap can crack.

Checking and refilling your oil

After the filter is installed, you're ready to refill the engine with fresh oil. Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine (usually marked with an oil can symbol) and unscrew it. Pour in the amount of oil specified in your owner's manual — the 2016 Rogue typically holds between 3.7 and 4.2 quarts depending on whether you're doing a filter-only change or a full drain-and-refill.

Replace the filler cap and start the engine. Let it run for 30 seconds to a minute so the new oil circulates through the filter. Turn off the engine and wait two to three minutes for the oil to settle back into the pan. Check your oil level using the dipstick (or the electronic gauge if your Rogue has one) and add a bit more if needed. The level should be between the minimum and maximum marks.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most frequent error is forgetting to remove the old rubber gasket from the housing before installing the new filter. If two gaskets stack on top of each other, the cap won't seal properly and oil will leak. Always inspect the housing and wipe it clean before inserting the new cartridge.

Another mistake is over-tightening the plastic cap. The threads are not metal, and cranking down too hard with the wrench will crack the cap and force you to buy a replacement housing assembly — a much more expensive repair. Tighten until snug, then stop. If oil leaks after you start the engine, you can tighten it a quarter turn more, but start conservatively.

Do not skip the oil refill step or assume the level is correct without checking. The cartridge filter holds some oil, so your level will be lower than before the change. Running the engine low on oil, even for a short time, can damage the engine.

When to replace the filter

Nissan recommends changing the oil filter every time you change the engine oil. For the 2016 Rogue, that's typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if you drive in severe conditions (frequent short trips, towing, dusty roads), or every 7,500 to 10,000 miles under normal driving. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval for your vehicle and driving habits.

If you hear a rattling noise from the engine or see an oil pressure warning light on the dashboard, the filter may be clogged or the cap may not be sealing. Stop driving and check the filter cap to make sure it's tight. If the light persists after tightening, have the system inspected by a mechanic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the oil filter without changing the oil?

Yes, you can replace just the filter without draining the engine oil. However, Nissan recommends changing them together because the filter traps contaminants that accumulate over time. If you change the filter alone, the old oil will still contain those particles. Most people do both at the same time for best engine protection.

What size wrench do I need for the filter cap?

The 2016 Rogue typically uses a 74mm or 86mm oil filter wrench. The exact size depends on your engine (2.5L or 3.5L). Check your owner's manual or call a Nissan dealer with your VIN to confirm. Auto parts stores can also tell you the right size when you buy the filter.

Is it normal for oil to drip after I install the new filter?

A few drops are normal as the old oil drains from the housing. If oil continues to drip or pools under the cap after the engine runs, the gasket may not be seated correctly or the cap may not be tight enough. Turn off the engine, let it cool, and check that the cap is snug and the gasket is centered in the housing.

Do I need to prime the filter before starting the engine?

No, the 2016 Rogue does not require filter priming. straightforward fill the engine with fresh oil, install the new filter, and start the engine normally. The oil pump will circulate oil through the filter on its own.

Where do I dispose of the old filter?

Most auto parts stores accept used oil filters for free, even if you didn't buy anything from them. Some recycling centers also take them. Do not throw the filter in the trash — it contains used oil and is considered hazardous waste in most places. Drain as much oil as possible from the old filter into your drain pan before taking it for disposal.