How much oil does a Honda Accord 3.5 L V6 take?

Most Honda Accord 3.5 L V6 engines take 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) of oil with an oil filter change, or about 4.3 US quarts (4.1 liters) without replacing the filter. This applies to Accord V6 models sold in the U.S. from 2008 to 2017; always confirm with the dipstick after filling.

Which Accords use the 3.5 L V6

Honda offered the 3.5 L V6 (J35 series) in the Accord from model years 2008–2017, in both sedan and coupe variants. The 2018 and newer Accord does not use a V6. The oil capacity is effectively the same across these J35 variants used in the Accord.

Oil capacity details

When performing a routine oil change, the service-fill capacity for the Accord’s 3.5 L V6 is 4.5 qt (4.3 L) with a new filter, or 4.3 qt (4.1 L) if you do not change the filter. Fill slightly under the full amount, run the engine briefly, then top off to the upper dipstick mark to avoid overfilling.

The following list summarizes capacities by model year range and engine variant.

• 2008–2012 Accord 3.5 L V6 (J35Z-series): 4.5 qt (4.3 L) with filter; 4.3 qt (4.1 L) without
• 2013–2017 Accord 3.5 L V6 (J35Y-series): 4.5 qt (4.3 L) with filter; 4.3 qt (4.1 L) without

These figures are service-fill amounts, not “dry” engine capacity. Small variations may occur depending on how long the oil is drained and the filter design used.

Recommended oil type and key specs

Honda specifies low-viscosity oil for these engines to optimize efficiency and cold-start protection. The safest choice today is a high-quality 0W‑20 that meets current API and ILSAC standards.

Use the quick-reference points below to choose the right oil and complete the job correctly.

• Viscosity: 0W‑20 (API SP or newer, ILSAC GF‑6A). Earlier manuals may list 5W‑20; Honda later approved 0W‑20 for these engines and it is preferred.
• Capacity with filter: 4.5 qt (4.3 L)
• Capacity without filter: 4.3 qt (4.1 L)
• Drain plug torque: 29 lb‑ft (39 N·m); replace the crush washer each service
• Oil filter installation: Lightly oil the gasket, spin on until gasket contacts, then tighten about 3/4 turn by hand (approx. 9 lb‑ft)

Using the correct viscosity and torques helps ensure proper lubrication, sealing, and longevity of the engine and components.

How to fill and verify the level

To ensure the engine is filled correctly without overfilling, follow this simple procedure.

1. Add about 4.2 qt of 0W‑20, install the new filter if applicable.
2. Start the engine, idle 30–60 seconds, then shut off and wait 2–3 minutes.
3. Check the dipstick and top up slowly toward 4.5 qt until the oil sits near the upper mark.
4. Recheck for leaks at the drain plug and filter after a short drive.

Because residual oil can vary, the dipstick is the final authority; keep the level between the marks, ideally near the top mark when warm and parked level.

Notes and exceptions

Only the 2008–2017 U.S. Accord used the 3.5 L V6; later Accords are four-cylinder only. If the engine has been rebuilt, has an aftermarket oil cooler, or you’re using a nonstandard filter, capacity may differ slightly—verify with the dipstick.

Summary

A Honda Accord 3.5 L V6 typically requires 4.5 qt (4.3 L) of oil with a filter change and 4.3 qt (4.1 L) without. Use 0W‑20 meeting API SP/ILSAC GF‑6A, torque the drain plug to 29 lb‑ft with a new crush washer, and confirm the final level on the dipstick after running the engine.

How much oil does a 3.5 L V6 need?

A 3.5L V6 engine does not have a single oil capacity; it varies significantly by vehicle make and model, ranging from approximately 4 quarts for some Chevy Impalas to over 6 quarts for Ford F-150s, while some Nissan and Honda engines require about 4.5 to 5.1 quarts. To find the exact oil amount for your 3.5L V6, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or check the oil fill cap, as this is the most accurate and reliable source of information. 
Examples of Oil Capacities by Make and Model

• Chevrolet Impala (3.5L V6): Requires around 4 to 5 quarts of oil. 
• Ford F-150 (3.5L V6): Some models, particularly EcoBoost engines, can take about 6 to 6.5 quarts of oil. 
• Honda Accord (3.5L V6): Requires approximately 4.5 quarts of oil. 
• Nissan Maxima (3.5L V6): Takes about 5.1 quarts of engine oil. 

How to Find Your Vehicle’s Specific Oil Capacity

1. 1. Check your owner’s manual: This is the most accurate and definitive source of information for your specific vehicle.
2. 2. Inspect the oil fill cap: Many manufacturers include the required oil type and sometimes the capacity directly on the oil fill cap itself. 
3. 3. Check the vehicle’s maintenance schedule: For the most accurate information, review your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the specific oil capacity and oil type recommended by the manufacturer. 

How much oil does a 3.5 L V6 Accord take?

Oil Grade: API*

Viscosity:	5W-20 (All TEMPS)
Capacity:	4.5 quarts (with filter). After refill check oil level.
Capacity:	4.2 quarts. w/of. After refill check oil level.
Torque:	29 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug)

Can I put 5W-30 instead of 5W-20 on a Honda Accord?

You can typically use 5W-30 instead of 5W-20 for a short period, but it’s best to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation, which is usually found on the oil cap or in the owner’s manual, as the engine was designed for a specific oil viscosity. Using a thicker 5W-30 oil may slightly reduce fuel economy and increase engine friction, though it could offer better lubrication or help if the engine is consuming too much 5W-20 oil. 
Why it matters

• Viscosity: . Opens in new tabThe “W” number in 5W-20 and 5W-30 indicates the oil’s flow in cold temperatures, while the second number shows its thickness at operating temperature. 
• Engine Design: . Opens in new tabHonda designs its engines with specific oil viscosities in mind for optimal performance, which includes fuel efficiency and proper lubrication. 

Potential Impacts of Using 5W-30

• Fuel Economy: . Opens in new tabYou may notice a slight decrease in fuel economy because the 5W-30 oil is thicker, requiring more energy to circulate through the engine. 
• Engine Friction and Wear: . Opens in new tabA heavier oil can increase engine friction and may affect the oil pump’s performance. 
• Engine Wear: . Opens in new tabWhile 5W-30 might provide better lubrication in some cases, the overall impact on wear depends on how the engine was originally designed. 

When to Consider 5W-30

• Temporary Solution: If you need to use 5W-30 because 5W-20 is not available, it’s generally not a major concern for a short-term situation. 
• High-Mileage Engines: Some drivers of older, high-mileage Honda engines switch to 5W-30 to help manage oil consumption issues caused by wear on engine components like piston rings. 

What to Do Next

1. 1. Check Your Owner’s Manual: Always refer to your Honda Accord’s owner’s manual to confirm the recommended oil viscosity for your specific model year. 
2. 2. Use the Recommended Oil: For long-term use, it’s best to use the oil viscosity that the engine was designed for to maintain optimal performance, fuel economy, and engine health. 

What kind of oil does a 2017 Honda Accord 3.5 take?

The recommended Honda Accord oil type is 0W-20.
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