The 2018 Rogue uses a cartridge-style filter mounted on top of the engine

The 2018 Nissan Rogue's oil filter is not a spin-on canister like older cars. Instead, it's a cartridge filter housed in a plastic cap on the top of the engine. This design means you don't unscrew a whole filter from the engine block — you unscrew the cap, pull out the filter element inside, and replace just that element. The cap stays attached to the engine.

This matters because it changes what you buy and how you do the work. You're not shopping for a "Nissan Rogue oil filter" as a complete unit. You're buying a replacement cartridge that slides into the existing housing. The cap itself rarely needs replacement unless it's damaged or the rubber seal wears out.

The filter location is straightforward to reach: it sits on top of the engine, toward the front, and you can access it without removing other parts. On a 2018 Rogue with either the 2.5-liter gasoline engine or the hybrid powertrain, the process is the same.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2018 Rogue has a cartridge-style filter in a cap on top of the engine, not a spin-on filter screwed to the block.
  • You replace only the filter element inside the cap, not the entire housing, so you need to buy the correct cartridge part number for your engine size.
  • The job requires an oil filter wrench to unscrew the cap, a drain pan to catch old oil, and about 10 to 15 minutes of work.
  • Nissan recommends changing the oil and filter every 3,000 miles with conventional oil or every 7,500 miles with synthetic oil, though your owner's manual may specify different intervals.

What you need to buy and have on hand

Before you start, gather the right cartridge filter. The part number for a 2018 Nissan Rogue is 15208-9F60A for the standard gasoline engine. If you have the hybrid model, confirm the part number with your dealer or parts supplier, as it may differ. You can order this from a Nissan dealer, an auto parts store, or online retailers. The cartridge itself costs between $8 and $15 depending on where you buy it.

You'll also need an oil filter wrench — a tool that grips the plastic cap so you can unscrew it without stripping it. These wrenches are inexpensive (usually $5 to $12) and fit the Rogue's cap size. Ask the parts counter for the correct size, or bring a photo of your engine to confirm. A drain pan is essential to catch the old oil as it drains from the filter housing. A rag or paper towels help with cleanup, and you may want a small funnel to pour new oil back in if you're doing a full oil change at the same time.

Step-by-step filter replacement

Step 1: Warm the engine and locate the filter cap. Start the engine and let it run for a minute or two, then turn it off. Warm oil drains faster than cold oil. Wait a few minutes for it to cool slightly so you don't burn yourself. Open the hood and look on top of the engine toward the front. You'll see a black plastic cap about 3 inches across with a center bolt on top. This is your filter housing.

Step 2: Position the drain pan and unscrew the cap. Place the drain pan directly under the filter cap to catch oil that will spill when you open it. Use the oil filter wrench to grip the cap and turn it counterclockwise. It should loosen by hand after a few turns. Unscrew it completely and set it aside on a clean surface. Oil will drip from the cap and the housing, so let it drain into the pan for a minute.

Step 3: Remove the old filter element and inspect the cap seal. Inside the cap, you'll see the cylindrical filter element. Pull it straight out. Look at the rubber seal (gasket) on the underside of the cap — it should be intact and not cracked or hardened. If it looks damaged, you may need to replace the cap itself, which costs $20 to $40. If the seal looks fine, you can reuse the cap.

Step 4: Clean the housing and install the new element. Wipe the inside of the filter housing (the part still attached to the engine) with a clean rag to remove any debris or old oil residue. Take the new filter cartridge and slide it into the housing. It should fit snugly. The cartridge has a rubber seal at the base — make sure it seats fully in the housing.

Step 5: Reinstall the cap and check for leaks. explore a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket on the underside of the cap. This helps create a good seal. Screw the cap back onto the housing by hand until the gasket contacts the housing, then use the wrench to tighten it an additional three-quarters of a turn. Do not over-tighten — you'll damage the seal. Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds, then turn it off. Wait a minute and check under the cap for drips. A small amount of seeping is normal; active dripping means the seal isn't seated correctly.

Oil capacity and what to do with old oil

A 2018 Nissan Rogue holds 4.2 quarts of oil with a filter change. If you're doing a full oil change at the same time as the filter replacement, drain the old oil from the pan underneath the engine, then refill with the correct grade. Your owner's manual specifies whether to use 0W-20, 5W-30, or another grade — do not guess. Synthetic and conventional oils have different change intervals, so note which type you use.

Never pour old oil down the drain or into the ground. Take it to a recycling center, an auto parts store that accepts used oil, or a quick-lube shop. Most accept old oil for free, and some will take the old filter too. Many Nissan dealers also accept used oil from customers who change it themselves.

When to replace the filter cap itself

The plastic cap lasts for many filter changes, but it can fail. Signs of a worn cap include a cracked or hardened rubber gasket, visible cracks in the plastic, or persistent oil leaks even after you've installed a new cartridge correctly. If the gasket is damaged, oil will seep out around the threads. If the plastic is cracked, oil can leak from the crack itself.

Replacing the cap is straightforward: unscrew the old one, unscrew the center bolt that holds the gasket, transfer the gasket to the new cap (or buy a new gasket with the cap), and screw the new cap onto the housing. The cap itself is a Nissan part number 15208-9F60A or similar depending on your engine — confirm with your parts supplier. Installation takes less than five minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any cartridge filter, or does it have to be Nissan brand?

You need a cartridge filter that fits the 2018 Rogue's housing and meets the engine's specifications, but it doesn't have to be made by Nissan. Aftermarket filters from brands like Fram, Mobil 1, or Bosch work fine as long as the part number matches your engine size. Always confirm the part number before buying — using the wrong size can cause leaks or poor filtration.

What if the filter cap won't unscrew?

The cap may be stuck if it was over-tightened during the last change or if oil has hardened around the threads. Warm the engine again and wait a few minutes. Use a filter wrench with a firm grip and explore steady pressure — don't jerk it. If it still won't budge, tap the wrench handle gently with a rubber mallet to break the seal, then try again. If the cap cracks during removal, you'll need to replace it.

How often should I change the filter on a 2018 Rogue?

Nissan recommends changing the filter every time you change the oil. With conventional oil, that's every 3,000 miles. With synthetic oil, it's every 7,500 miles. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval for your vehicle, as it may vary based on driving conditions. Some owners change the filter more often for extra protection, which is fine.

Is there oil in the filter housing that I need to drain separately?

Yes. When you unscrew the cap, oil will drain from both the cap and the housing below it. This is normal. Let it drain into your pan for a minute before proceeding. If you're not doing a full oil change, you don't need to drain the pan under the engine — only the filter housing drains when you open the cap.

What should I do if oil leaks after I install the new filter?

Check that the cap is tight enough — use the wrench to turn it another quarter turn. Make sure the rubber gasket is seated properly and not twisted. If leaking continues, remove the cap, inspect the gasket for cracks, and check that the new cartridge is fully inserted into the housing. If the gasket is damaged, replace the cap. If everything looks correct and it still leaks, the housing itself may be cracked and need dealer service.