What oil does a 2011 Honda Accord 3.5 L take?

The 2011 Honda Accord with the 3.5-liter V6 (J35) is specified for SAE 5W-20 engine oil, meeting current API SP (or earlier SN/SM) and ILSAC GF-6A (or GF-5) standards; the typical fill is about 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with a new filter. Full synthetic or conventional oil is acceptable, though synthetic is often preferred. In very cold climates, 0W-20 can be used for easier starts, but 5W-20 remains the primary recommendation. Always verify with the owner’s manual or the under-hood label.

Official specification and viscosity

Honda’s factory recommendation for the 2011 Accord V6 is SAE 5W-20. The grade balances cold-start flow with adequate protection at operating temperature for the J35 engine family. While Honda Genuine Motor Oil is fine, any brand that meets the required industry standards will work.

When choosing oil, look for these items on the bottle to ensure compatibility and quality:

• Viscosity: SAE 5W-20 (primary spec for this model/year)
• Certification: API SP (backward compatible with SN/SM) with the certification mark
• Energy-conserving standard: ILSAC GF-6A (GF-5 also acceptable)
• Base type: Conventional or synthetic; synthetic offers better high-temperature stability and oxidation resistance

Any oil that matches the viscosity and carries current API/ILSAC approvals will meet or exceed the engine’s needs for protection and performance.

Capacity and fill notes

The typical oil capacity for the 2011 Accord 3.5L V6 is approximately 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with a filter change, and about 4.3 quarts (4.1 liters) without. Start by adding roughly 4.0–4.2 quarts, run the engine briefly, then shut down, wait a couple of minutes, and top up to the upper mark on the dipstick. Avoid overfilling, which can aerate the oil and reduce protection.

Climate and acceptable alternatives

In very low ambient temperatures, 0W-20 can be used to improve cold cranking and oil flow at startup. Many later Honda service communications allow 0W-20 as a substitute in engines originally spec’d for 5W-20, but 5W-20 remains the baseline for this model year. If you routinely drive in sub-freezing conditions, 0W-20 is a practical, safe choice; otherwise, stick with 5W-20.

Service interval guidance

The 2011 Accord uses Honda’s Maintenance Minder, which calculates oil life based on driving conditions. Many owners see oil change reminders between about 7,500 and 10,000 miles or around 12 months, but severe driving (frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, towing, dusty roads) can shorten that window. Replace the oil filter at every oil change.

Here’s how to interpret common Maintenance Minder codes related to oil service:

• A: Replace engine oil
• B: Replace engine oil and filter, plus perform additional inspections
• 1: Tire rotation (often paired with A or B)
• 2: Replace engine and cabin air filters (less frequent, but may coincide)

Follow the Maintenance Minder’s percentage countdown and codes to time oil and filter changes appropriately for your driving conditions.

Filter and torque details

Use an OEM-quality spin-on oil filter (Honda’s 15400-PLM-A02 or an equivalent). When reinstalling components, replace the aluminum crush washer on the drain plug and use the correct torque: the drain plug typically tightens to about 29 lb-ft (39 N·m). Oil filters should be tightened by hand—lightly oil the gasket, spin on until the gasket touches, then tighten an additional 3/4 turn (roughly 9–12 lb-ft if using a torque tool). Check for leaks after the first start.

DIY change tips

If you’re changing the oil yourself, these practical steps can help ensure a clean, successful service:

• Warm the engine for a few minutes to improve oil flow, then shut it off.
• Remove the drain plug, replace the crush washer, and torque the plug properly.
• Pre-lube the new filter’s gasket and install it hand-tight (no tools needed beyond snugging).
• Add 4.0–4.2 quarts of 5W-20, start the engine, check for leaks, then top off to the dipstick’s full mark (about 4.5 quarts total with filter).
• Reset the Maintenance Minder through the instrument cluster controls.
• Recycle used oil and filters at an approved collection site.

A careful process with the right parts and torque ensures proper lubrication and long engine life.

Summary

The 2011 Honda Accord 3.5L V6 takes SAE 5W-20 oil meeting API SP (or earlier SN/SM) and ILSAC GF-6A/GF-5 standards, with a typical capacity of about 4.5 quarts when replacing the filter. Synthetic or conventional oil is acceptable. In very cold climates, 0W-20 is an acceptable alternative, but 5W-20 remains the primary spec. Follow the Maintenance Minder for service timing, replace the filter each change, and use proper torque with a new crush washer for leak-free results.

What kind of oil does a 2011 Honda Accord 3.5 take?

STP Full Synthetic Engine Oil 0W-20 5 Quart.

What kind of oil does a 3.5 L V6 take?

The recommended Toyota Tacoma oil viscosity or weight for 3rd gen models with the 3.5L V6 engine is SAE 0W-20. However, if an SAE 0W-20 oil is not available a 5W-20 oil viscosity can be used (U.S. model region recommendation).

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

It’s absolutely fine. That same engine allows up to 10W-40 in other countries / climates.

What oil type goes into a Honda Accord 3.5 L V6 2010?

Notes: ENEOS Motor Oil 5W-20 (3241-300), 1 Quart — Application temperature: temperate climate; 4.5 Quart (qt) Service fill Capacity; 5.3 Quart (qt) Initial fill Capacity. Oil Class: Standard.