The 2017 Rogue uses a cartridge-style oil filter located on top of the engine
The 2017 Nissan Rogue oil filter is not a spin-on canister like older vehicles. Instead, it's a cartridge filter housed in a plastic cap on the top of the engine. The filter element sits inside this cap, and you replace the entire cartridge rather than just unscrewing a metal can. This design is common on newer Nissan models and requires a different removal process than traditional filters.
The filter cap is located toward the front-left side of the engine bay when you're facing the vehicle. On most 2017 Rogues, it's a white or translucent plastic housing with a large hex nut on top. You'll need an oil filter wrench sized to fit this cap — typically a 74mm or 86mm socket, depending on trim level and engine type.
Nissan recommends changing the oil filter every time you change the oil. For a 2017 Rogue, that's typically every 3,000 miles if you use conventional oil, or every 7,500 miles with synthetic oil, though your owner's manual may specify different intervals based on your driving conditions.
Key Takeaways
- The 2017 Rogue has a cartridge-style filter in a plastic cap on top of the engine, not a traditional spin-on filter underneath.
- You will need an oil filter wrench (74mm or 86mm socket) to remove the cap; a standard wrench or pliers will not grip it safely.
- The filter element and the rubber gasket on the cap both need to be replaced during each oil change.
- Replacement filters cost between $8 and $15, and the job takes 10 to 15 minutes once you have the correct wrench.
How to locate the filter cap on your engine
Open your hood and look toward the front of the engine, slightly to the left of center. The filter cap is the white or translucent plastic cylinder with a large hex nut on its top. On some 2017 Rogues with the 2.5-liter engine, it sits near the intake manifold. On models with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, the location is similar but slightly more toward the passenger side.
If you're having trouble spotting it, consult your owner's manual — Nissan includes a diagram of the engine bay with component locations. The manual will also tell you the exact wrench size needed for your specific model year and engine type, as this can vary slightly.
Tools and parts you'll need
Gather these items before you start: an oil filter wrench (74mm or 86mm socket), a drain pan or old towels to catch spilled oil, a replacement cartridge filter for the 2017 Rogue, and a new rubber gasket (O-ring) that comes with most replacement filters. Some aftermarket filters include the gasket; others sell it separately. Check your filter packaging to confirm.
You do not need to lift the vehicle or get underneath it. The cartridge filter is accessible from the top of the engine bay, so you can work standing in front of the car. A socket wrench with a long handle or a breaker bar makes the job easier if the cap is tight, but a standard wrench will work if you have good leverage.
Step-by-step removal and replacement
First, make sure the engine is cool or has been off for at least five minutes. Warm oil can burn your hands. Place your drain pan or towels under the filter cap to catch any oil that spills when you remove it.
Use your oil filter wrench to turn the cap counterclockwise. It will be snug, so explore steady pressure rather than jerking it. Once it's loose enough to turn by hand, unscrew it the rest of the way and set it aside. Inside the cap, you'll see the old cartridge filter and a rubber gasket. Remove both and discard them.
Wipe the inside of the cap clean with a dry cloth or paper towel. Look at the rubber gasket that came with your new filter — it should be a thin ring that fits into a groove inside the cap. Install this gasket first, pressing it firmly into place. Then insert the new cartridge filter into the cap, making sure it sits flat against the bottom.
Screw the cap back onto the engine by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Once it's hand-tight, use your wrench to tighten it another three-quarter turn. Do not over-tighten; the gasket will seal properly with moderate pressure, and over-tightening can damage the plastic cap.
What filter type and brand to buy
Nissan's original equipment filter for the 2017 Rogue is part number 15208-9F60A (for most models). This is the filter Nissan installed at the factory and the one your dealer will recommend. Aftermarket brands like Fram, Mobil 1, Bosch, and Purolator all make cartridge filters that fit the 2017 Rogue and meet or exceed Nissan's specifications.
Prices for replacement filters range from $8 to $15 depending on brand and where you buy. OEM Nissan filters tend to be at the higher end of that range. Aftermarket filters are usually cheaper and perform equally well for most drivers. Check the packaging to confirm the filter is listed as compatible with the 2017 Rogue and your specific engine size (2.5L or 1.6L turbo).
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is forgetting to replace the rubber gasket. The gasket is what creates the seal between the cap and the engine. If you reuse the old gasket or forget to install a new one, oil will leak around the cap. Always replace the gasket every time you change the filter.
Another mistake is over-tightening the cap. The plastic housing can crack if you use excessive force with the wrench. Hand-tight plus three-quarter turn with the wrench is the correct torque. If you feel strong resistance, stop — the cap is tight enough.
Some owners also confuse the cartridge filter cap with other plastic caps on the engine (like the coolant overflow or power steering fluid reservoir). The oil filter cap is the largest plastic cylinder on top of the engine and has a hex nut on top. If you're unsure, check your owner's manual before you start.
When to have a professional do it
If you don't have an oil filter wrench and don't want to buy one, a quick-lube shop or dealership can change the filter for you in 15 minutes. Labor costs typically run $20 to $40 depending on location, plus the cost of the filter itself. This is often worth it if you're not comfortable working on your engine or if you lack the proper tools.
If you notice oil leaking from the filter cap after you've replaced the filter, stop driving and have it checked. A leak usually means the gasket wasn't seated properly or the cap wasn't tightened enough. Tighten the cap another quarter turn and check again. If the leak continues, remove the cap and reinstall the gasket, making sure it's fully seated in the groove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular wrench instead of an oil filter wrench?
A regular wrench will not grip the hex nut securely because the nut is too large and the wrench will slip. An oil filter wrench (socket-style) is designed to grip the cap without slipping. You can buy one for $10 to $20 at any auto parts store, and it will last for years.
How much oil will spill when I remove the filter cap?
Usually less than a cup, but it depends on how long the engine has been running and how full the oil pan is. Place a drain pan under the cap before you remove it. Some oil will drip out, but most of it stays in the engine because the filter is on top, not underneath.
What's the difference between the 2.5L and 1.6L turbo filters?
Both use the same cartridge-style cap design, but the filter element and gasket sizes are slightly different. Always check your owner's manual or the filter packaging to confirm you're buying the correct filter for your engine. Installing the wrong filter can cause oil flow problems.
Do I need to change the filter if I'm just topping off the oil?
No. The filter only needs to be changed during a full oil change. If you're just adding oil between changes, you don't touch the filter. Check your owner's manual for the recommended oil change interval for your driving conditions.
Can I reuse the old gasket if it looks fine?
No. The rubber gasket compresses and hardens over time, even if it looks intact. A used gasket will not seal properly and will leak. Always install a new gasket with every filter change. Most replacement filters include a new gasket in the box.