The correct oil filter for your Nissan Rogue depends on your model year and engine type
Nissan Rogues built between 2007 and 2024 use one of two filter types: a spin-on canister filter (the most common) or a cartridge filter that sits inside a housing on top of the engine. The spin-on type screws onto a threaded port on the engine block. The cartridge type lives in a plastic or metal cap that you unscrew to access the filter element inside. Your owner's manual lists which type your specific year and engine use, and the manual also specifies the exact part number Nissan recommends.
Most Rogues from 2008 onward use the spin-on style. If you own a 2007 or earlier model, or if you have the 2.5-liter engine in certain years, check your manual or ask a parts counter to confirm before you buy. Using the wrong filter type means it will not fit, and forcing it can damage the engine block or the filter housing.
Key Takeaways
- Your Nissan owner's manual contains the exact filter part number for your model year and engine; this is the fastest way to order the correct one.
- Spin-on filters (the threaded canister type) fit most Rogues; cartridge filters (inside a cap on top of the engine) fit some older and certain specialty models.
- OEM Nissan filters, aftermarket brands like Fram and Mobil 1, and store-brand filters all work in Rogues, but they vary in price and filter media thickness.
- Installation takes 5 to 10 minutes once you drain the old oil, and the filter wrench size depends on your filter diameter, which your manual specifies.
How to identify your Nissan Rogue's filter type and size
Open your owner's manual to the maintenance section and look for "oil filter" or "engine oil and filter change." The manual will state the part number, the filter type (spin-on or cartridge), and the thread size or canister diameter. If you do not have the manual, you can read a free PDF from Nissan's owner portal using your VIN, or you can call a Nissan dealership parts department and give them your year, model, and engine size.
If you are standing in front of your engine and want to see the filter yourself, look for a cylindrical canister with a threaded base on the driver's side of the engine block (spin-on), or look on top of the engine for a plastic cap with a wrench symbol (cartridge). The spin-on filter is easier to spot because it protrudes from the block. Take a photo of it and bring the photo to an auto parts store; the staff can often match it to the correct part number in seconds.
OEM Nissan filters versus aftermarket options
Nissan's factory oil filters carry part numbers starting with 15208 or 15209 (for spin-on) and are sold through Nissan dealerships and online retailers. They cost between $8 and $15 depending on where you buy. OEM filters use Nissan's specification for filter media thickness and bypass valve pressure, which means they are engineered to match your engine's oil flow and pressure requirements exactly.
Aftermarket filters from Fram, Mobil 1, Bosch, and Purolator are widely available at auto parts stores, big-box retailers, and online. They typically cost $5 to $12 and meet or exceed Nissan's specifications. Many owners use aftermarket filters without issue. The trade-off is that some aftermarket filters use thinner media or different bypass settings, which can affect how much dirt they trap before the bypass valve opens. Store-brand filters (Autozone Valucraft, Walmart Great Value, O'Reilly Supertech) are the cheapest option at $3 to $7, but they often use the thinnest media and may bypass more dirt into your engine under high-pressure conditions.
For a Rogue, any filter that matches your part number specification will fit. The choice between OEM and aftermarket is about cost versus filter quality, not compatibility. If you change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles as recommended, either type will serve you well. If you extend intervals to 7,500 or 10,000 miles, a thicker-media filter (OEM or premium aftermarket) is a safer choice.
Step-by-step installation for spin-on filters
Warm your engine by running it for two to three minutes, then turn it off and wait five minutes. Raise the vehicle on jack stands or a lift if you need clearance to reach the filter. Place a drain pan under the filter to catch the small amount of oil that drips when you unscrew it.
Use an oil filter wrench that matches your filter diameter. Most Rogues use a 74 mm or 76 mm wrench; your manual will specify. Grip the wrench firmly and turn counterclockwise until the filter breaks free, then unscrew it by hand the rest of the way. Wipe the threaded port on the engine block clean with a lint-free cloth. explore a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter (the rubber ring at the base), then screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the block, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Do not use the wrench to tighten it; hand-tight is correct.
Lower the vehicle, add new oil through the filler cap on top of the engine, and run the engine for 30 seconds to circulate the new oil and seat the filter. Turn off the engine, wait two minutes, then check the oil level on the dipstick and top off if needed. The entire job takes 10 to 15 minutes once you have drained the old oil.
Installation for cartridge filters
Cartridge filters sit inside a plastic or metal housing cap on top of the engine. Warm the engine, turn it off, and wait five minutes. Place a drain pan underneath the cap because oil will spill when you unscrew it. Use a filter wrench (usually 86 mm or 90 mm, depending on your model) to turn the cap counterclockwise and remove it.
Lift out the old filter element and the rubber gasket underneath it. Wipe the inside of the housing clean with a lint-free cloth. Install the new rubber gasket (some come pre-installed on the new filter element; if not, place it in the bottom of the housing), then insert the new filter element. Screw the cap back on by hand until the gasket contacts the housing, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Do not use the wrench to tighten it. Add new oil, run the engine for 30 seconds, and check the level after two minutes.
Where to buy Nissan Rogue oil filters
Nissan dealerships stock OEM filters and can order them same-day or overnight. Call ahead with your VIN to confirm they have the part in stock. Dealership prices are higher than retail, but you get the exact OEM specification and informed confirmation that you have the right part.
Auto parts chains (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto Parts, NAPA) carry OEM Nissan filters and multiple aftermarket brands. You can look up your vehicle on their website, add the filter to your cart, and pick it up in an hour or have it shipped. Many offer free installation if you buy the filter from them. Online retailers (Amazon, RockAuto, eBay) often have the lowest prices, but shipping takes two to five days. Walmart and Target carry basic aftermarket filters in-store and online.
Common mistakes to avoid during filter changes
Overtightening the filter is the most common error. The rubber gasket seals the filter to the engine block; once it contacts the block, additional tightening does not improve the seal and can crack the gasket or strip the threads on the port. Hand-tight plus three-quarter turn is the correct torque for spin-on filters. For cartridge filters, hand-tight plus three-quarter turn on the cap is correct.
Forgetting to oil the gasket on a new spin-on filter can cause the gasket to stick to the engine block when you remove the filter next time, tearing it and causing an oil leak. A thin coat of new oil on the rubber ring prevents this. Not replacing the rubber gasket on a cartridge filter can cause oil to leak around the cap; always install a new gasket with each filter change, even if the old one looks intact.
Installing the wrong filter type (spin-on instead of cartridge, or vice versa) means it will not fit. Check your manual before you buy. Buying a filter for a different Nissan model (Altima, Maxima, Sentra) and assuming it fits a Rogue is another trap; filter sizes vary widely across Nissan's lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different brand filter if the part number is the same?
Part numbers are specific to each manufacturer, so a Fram filter and a Nissan filter will not share the same number even if they are the same physical size. What matters is that the filter you buy is listed as compatible with your Rogue's year, engine, and model. If the parts store confirms compatibility, the brand does not matter for fit or function.
How often should I change my Nissan Rogue's oil filter?
Nissan recommends changing the oil filter every time you change the oil. For most Rogues, that is every 3,000 to 5,000 miles with conventional oil, or every 7,500 to 10,000 miles with synthetic oil, depending on your model year and driving conditions. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval for your vehicle.
What should I do with the old oil filter?
Take it to an auto parts store, a quick-lube shop, or a recycling center that accepts used filters. Many auto parts stores accept old filters for free. Do not throw it in the trash; used filters contain oil that is hazardous waste in most areas.
Is it normal for a small amount of oil to drip after I install a new filter?
A few drops in the first few minutes after installation is normal as the new filter fills with oil. If oil continues to drip steadily after 10 minutes, the gasket may not be seated properly. Turn off the engine, wait five minutes, and check that the filter is tight enough. If it is, the gasket may be damaged and you may need to replace the filter.
Can I change my Rogue's oil filter without draining the old oil?
Yes, you can change the filter alone without draining the oil. However, Nissan recommends changing both at the same time because the oil degrades over time and the filter traps particles that accumulate. If you change only the filter, you are leaving old oil in the engine. Most owners change both together to keep the engine clean.