Almost every Altima engine we sell is a QR25DE, and almost every one of those is replacing a QR25DE that burned oil until it seized. That is the honest shape of this market. The useful thing to know is that Nissan revised the QR25DE repeatedly between 2002 and 2018 — the pre-cat, the pistons and the oil control rings all changed — so the model year of the donor matters a great deal more than it would on most engines.
Nissan Altima Used Engines — engine options by generation
| Years |
Engine |
Family / VIN code |
Notes |
| 1993–1997 (U13) |
2.4L I4 |
KA24DE |
Twin cam, timing chain, durable |
| 1998–2001 (L30) |
2.4L I4 |
KA24DE |
Last of the KA series |
| 2002–2006 (L31) |
2.5L I4 |
QR25DE |
Early version — pre-cat and head gasket issues |
| 2002–2006 (L31) |
3.5L V6 |
VQ35DE |
240 hp, timing chain |
| 2007–2012 (L32) |
2.5L I4 |
QR25DE |
Revised, CVT paired |
| 2007–2012 (L32) |
3.5L V6 |
VQ35DE |
270 hp |
| 2013–2018 (L33) |
2.5L I4 |
QR25DE |
Further revised — the best of the family |
| 2013–2018 (L33) |
3.5L V6 |
VQ35DE |
Final year 2018 |
| 2019–current (L34) |
2.5L I4 |
PR25DD |
Direct injection — not a QR25DE substitute |
| 2019–2020 (L34) |
2.0L turbo |
KR20DDET |
VC-Turbo, variable compression |
How to pick the right one
Give us the model year, not just "2.5 Altima". A 2003 QR25DE and a 2015 QR25DE share a name and very little else once you get to the pistons, the rings and the knock sensor location. The other split to watch is 2019 onward: the PR25DD is direct injected and will not run on the QR25DE harness, so a 2018 engine is not a drop-in for a 2019 car despite the identical displacement. On V6 cars, confirm it is a VQ35DE and not the VQ35HR used elsewhere in the Nissan range.
What usually fails on these engines
The early QR25DE fails in a specific sequence worth understanding before you buy: the pre-catalytic converter in the exhaust manifold breaks down, the ceramic is drawn back into the cylinder through a leaking exhaust valve guide, and the abrasive dust scores the bores. The result is heavy oil consumption and then a seizure. If you are replacing one, replace the exhaust manifold and pre-cat at the same time or the new engine will go the same way. We bore-scope every QR25DE and will not list one with visible scoring.
What ships with every unit
-
Compression and leak-down tested before it is listed, with the test sheet in the box.
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VIN matched fitment — send us your VIN and we confirm the engine code against your vehicle before the order ships.
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Written warranty on every engine, with labour coverage available.
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Free freight anywhere in the lower 48, shipped on a pallet to a commercial address or a terminal.
Related reading: Nissan QR25DE 2.5L engine guide, Nissan VQ35DE 3.5L V6 engine guide, all engine guides.
Nissan Altima used engines - frequently asked questions
Which engines did the Nissan Altima use?
Across 1993 to today the Nissan Altima was built with 2.4L I4, 2.5L I4, 3.5L V6 and 2.0L turbo. The table above lists which one belongs to each generation, with the engine family and VIN character that identifies it.
How do I know which engine is in my Nissan Altima?
The eighth character of the VIN encodes the engine on almost every US vehicle, and that is the only reliable way to settle it - two cars of the same year and trim can carry different engines. Send us the VIN and we check the engine code against your vehicle before anything ships.
Will an engine from a different year fit my Nissan Altima?
Give us the model year, not just "2.5 Altima". A 2003 QR25DE and a 2015 QR25DE share a name and very little else once you get to the pistons, the rings and the knock sensor location.
What usually fails on these engines?
The early QR25DE fails in a specific sequence worth understanding before you buy: the pre-catalytic converter in the exhaust manifold breaks down, the ceramic is drawn back into the cylinder through a leaking exhaust valve guide, and the abrasive dust scores the bores. The result is heavy oil consumption and then a seizure.
What comes with a used Nissan Altima engine?
Every engine is compression and leak-down tested before it is listed and the test sheet ships in the box. Fitment is VIN matched before the order goes out, every engine carries a written warranty with labour coverage available, and freight is free anywhere in the lower 48.
