Cold Air Intake for 2013-2018 Nissan Altima SV S SL SR 2.5L 4 Cylinder

⚠️ Note: Does NOT fit Nissan Altima 3.5L V6 models. Does NOT fit Nissan Altima Hybrid models. Verify your engine displacement is 2.5L before ordering.

Specifications: 

2013–2018 Nissan Altima 2.5L Cold Air Intake FAQ

Q1: What Nissan Altima models does this cold air intake fit?

A1: This Flashark cold air intake is designed for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Nissan Altima S, SV, SL, and SR models equipped with the naturally aspirated 2.5L QR25DE four-cylinder engine. Verify the engine displacement before ordering because trim names alone do not always confirm engine compatibility.

Q2: Does this intake fit a 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5L?

A2: Yes. A 2013 Nissan Altima equipped with the 2.5L QR25DE engine is included in the confirmed fitment. The kit replaces the factory airbox and intake tubing with a vehicle-specific aluminum intake pipe, high-flow cone filter, heat shield, and MAF housing.

Q3: Will this cold air intake fit a 2014 or 2015 Nissan Altima?

A3: Yes, provided the 2014 or 2015 Altima has the 2.5L four-cylinder engine. It fits compatible S, SV, SL, and SR trims, but it does not fit a 3.5L V6 or Hybrid model because those vehicles use different intake routing and engine-management components.

Q4: Does this intake fit a 2018 Nissan Altima 2.5?

A4: Yes. A 2018 Nissan Altima S, SV, SL, or SR with the 2.5L QR25DE engine is included in the listed fitment. Confirm that the vehicle has not been converted with an incompatible aftermarket MAF housing, throttle body, or custom intake arrangement.

Q5: Will this intake fit a Nissan Altima 3.5L V6?

A5: No. This intake is specifically designed for the 2.5L four-cylinder QR25DE engine and does not fit an Altima equipped with the 3.5L V6. The V6 uses different tubing dimensions, airflow requirements, throttle-body placement, and engine-bay routing.

Q6: Does this intake fit the Nissan Altima Hybrid?

A6: No. The product is not compatible with Nissan Altima Hybrid models. Hybrid vehicles use a different engine and intake configuration, so they require parts specifically designed for the hybrid powertrain.

Q7: What is included with the Flashark Altima cold air intake kit?

A7: The kit includes a powder-coated aluminum intake pipe, a high-flow dry cone filter, a steel heat shield, a CNC-machined MAF housing, multi-ply silicone couplers, stainless-steel clamps, and the required mounting hardware. It is designed as a complete vehicle-specific installation rather than a universal pipe kit.

Q8: Does a 2013–2018 Nissan Altima cold air intake require a tune?

A8: A tune is not normally required when the intake is installed correctly with the supplied 70 mm MAF housing and the original sensor is transferred as intended. The factory ECU can generally adjust to a modest airflow change. A tune may become useful if the intake is combined with major exhaust, camshaft, throttle-body, or forced-induction modifications.

Q9: Will the intake cause a P0101 code or check engine light?

A9: A properly installed intake should not automatically cause a P0101 code or check engine light. Nissan vehicles can be sensitive to MAF contamination, air leaks, incorrect sensor orientation, dirty throttle bodies, and damaged wiring. Install the MAF sensor in the correct direction, tighten every coupler, and avoid touching the sensing element.

Q10: How much horsepower can a cold air intake add to a Nissan Altima 2.5?

A10: Actual horsepower gains vary according to engine condition, ambient temperature, ECU correction, exhaust flow, and testing method. On an otherwise stock QR25DE engine, the most noticeable benefits are usually a stronger induction sound and slightly sharper throttle response rather than a large guaranteed peak-horsepower increase.

Q11: Is a cold air intake worth it on a 2.5L Nissan Altima?

A11: It can be worthwhile for drivers who want a washable filter, a smoother aluminum intake path, a sportier engine sound, and a more performance-oriented engine-bay appearance. The factory intake is sufficient for normal transportation, so this upgrade should be viewed as a modest airflow and sound improvement rather than a major standalone performance modification.

Q12: Will this intake make my Nissan Altima louder?

A12: Yes. Replacing the enclosed factory airbox with a high-flow cone filter makes the QR25DE engine’s induction sound easier to hear. Expect a deeper intake tone during acceleration and a louder rush of air at higher throttle openings. Because the 2.5L Altima is naturally aspirated, the sound is intake noise rather than turbo spool.

Q13: Will a cold air intake improve gas mileage?

A13: A fuel-economy improvement is not guaranteed. Reduced intake restriction may help efficiency under some light-load driving conditions, but speed, traffic, tire pressure, CVT condition, engine maintenance, and throttle habits have a much greater effect on MPG. More aggressive acceleration after installation can offset any potential efficiency gain.

Q14: Is the included filter washable, and does it require oil?

A14: Yes. The included red cotton-gauze filter is washable and reusable, and the product specifications identify it as a dry filter that does not require oil. Clean it when dirt begins to load the pleats, allow it to dry completely, and do not apply filter oil because excess residue could contaminate the MAF sensor.

Q15: How difficult is the intake installation?

A15: The kit is designed as a 100% bolt-on installation with no drilling, welding, or fabrication required. Most owners with basic hand tools can complete the job in approximately 60–90 minutes. Carefully transfer the factory MAF sensor, tighten all clamps, reconnect every hose, and check that the pipe and filter do not contact the radiator fan, battery, bodywork, or hot engine components.