Whether you daily a Sentra, road trip in a Rogue, tow with a Frontier, or you’re that person with a GT-R who babies the car in the garage under a cover, the 12-volt battery is what actually starts the engine (or wakes up the systems, in the case of hybrids and the LEAF). The wrong battery can mean dim headlights at idle, auto start-stop errors, or premature alternator stress. This guide breaks down Nissan-compatible battery sizes, best battery tech for different trims (including start-stop / Idle Stop), how much you should expect to spend, and what actually matters when comparing specs. When you’re shopping, you can jump straight into live listings like Group 35 AGM batteries, 51R AGM / enhanced flooded options, and Group 27F truck batteries.
Table of Contents
- Quick Picks for Nissan Owners (By Use Case)
- Top Battery Types for Nissans (What to Choose & Why)
- Nissan Model-Specific Buying Tips
- Nissan Battery Fitment Cheat Sheet (Most-Common Sizes)
- Spec Targets: CCA, RC, and Warranty
- Best Car Battery Brands for Nissan & Where-to-Buy
- Nissan Car Battery Installation Guide (DIY or Shop)
- Nissan Car Battery Maintenance & Longevity
- Signs You Need a New Battery
- Contact Nissan Customer Service & Support
Quick Picks for Nissan Owners (By Use Case)
-
Daily driver (Altima, Sentra, Rogue) with no start-stop:
A solid Flooded / Lead-Acid or Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB) with good Reserve Capacity. Most use
Group 35.
Typical spend: ~$120–$200 Flooded, ~$160–$240 EFB -
Newer Nissan with Idle Stop / start-stop (some Altima SR/VC-Turbo, Rogue, Pathfinder, etc.):
Choose EFB at minimum, AGM if available. Do not downgrade from AGM/EFB to a basic flooded battery or you’ll get battery warnings early.
Check
Group 35 AGM
and
Group 35 EFB.
~$170–$320 -
Electronics-heavy / short-trip / winter climate (heated seats, full infotainment, dashcam always on):
AGM chemistry wins for recharge speed, vibration resistance, and cold cranking performance.
Browse high-CCA AGM.
~$200–$350 -
Frontier / Titan / towing / off-road:
Higher-capacity truck battery (often Group 24F / 27F) with high Reserve Capacity and strong vibration resistance. AGM is preferred for trucks that see washboard/off-road use.
Group 27F truck AGM.
~$200–$350 -
Versa / small engine / budget-first:
Group 51R is common. A quality flooded 51R is usually enough if you’re in a mild climate. In colder regions or if you run accessories while parked, consider an AGM 51R upgrade.
51R AGM options.
~$110–$220 -
GT-R / 370Z / Z (performance weekend car):
High-CCA AGM is ideal for cars that sit between drives. AGM tolerates storage and delivers strong cranking even after light parasitic draw from alarms / ECUs.
Performance Group 35 AGM.
~$220–$350 -
LEAF (12-volt accessory battery):
The LEAF still uses a 12-volt battery to power control modules. Choose AGM/electrolyte-sealed to avoid spill risk and handle deep cycling.
AGM 12V choices.
~$160–$260
Weize Platinum AGM Battery BCI Group 24F Automotive Battery, 120RC, 710CCA, 36 Months Warranty, Dimensions 10.75" L x 6.81" W x 8.98" H
Weize Platinum AGM Battery BCI Group 35 Automotive Battery, 100RC, 650CCA, 36 Months Warranty, Dimensions 9.06" L x 6.89" W x 8.82" H
Weize Platinum AGM Battery BCI Group 47-12v 60ah H5 Size 47 Automotive Battery, 100RC, 680CCA, 36 Months Warranty, Dimensions 9.52" L x 6.89" W x 7.48" H
Top Battery Types for Nissans (What to Choose & Why)
| Type | Good For | Why It Matters | Price Range | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flooded / Lead-Acid | Older / base trims without start-stop (Versa, older Sentra, older Altima) | Lowest upfront cost, adequate cranking power in normal climates | ~$100–$180 | Group 35 flooded |
| EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) | Nissan trims with Idle Stop / eco idle systems | Stronger cycling than basic flooded, better recovery when the engine shuts off at lights | ~$150–$240 | Group 35 EFB |
| AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) | Premium trims, SUVs with big load, trucks, performance cars, cold climates | Spill-proof, higher CCA, vibration resistant, charges fast after short trips, better with dashcams / sound systems | ~$190–$350 | AGM Group 35 |
| AGM Deep-Cycle / High RC | Off-road Frontier/Titan with winch, light bars, fridge cooler, inverter, etc. | High Reserve Capacity (RC) so electronics run longer engine-off without dipping voltage too low | ~$230–$400 | 27F AGM truck batteries |
Nissan Model-Specific Buying Tips
-
Nissan Altima (2.5 / VC-Turbo):
Most modern Altimas use Group 35. For trims with Idle Stop or heavy accessories (heated seats, Bose audio), AGM gives stronger cold starts and voltage stability. Expect ~$180–$260 for AGM.
See Altima Group 35 AGM options. -
Nissan Sentra:
Commonly Group 35 or Group 51R depending on generation. If you’re mostly city-driving with short trips, AGM helps recharge fast. Budget flooded replacements start around ~$120–$160.
Shop Sentra 51R. -
Nissan Versa:
Usually Group 51R with lower CCA from the factory. You can upgrade to an AGM 51R for stronger cranking and better resistance to sitting unused. ~$110–$220 depending on chemistry.
Browse 51R AGM. -
Nissan Rogue / Rogue Sport:
Typically Group 35. Crossovers tend to idle with HVAC, phone charging, and full infotainment, so Reserve Capacity matters. Look for higher RC ratings (130+ minutes is nice). ~$170–$300.
Rogue-ready AGM 35. -
Nissan Pathfinder / Murano:
Larger V6 SUVs usually want higher CCA and often step up to Group 24F or 35 depending on year. If you tow, aim for AGM. ~$200–$320.
Group 24F AGM. -
Nissan Frontier:
Older trucks often run Group 24F, newer ones may use 27F/24F depending on trim. Off-roaders with winches/LED bars should consider an AGM truck battery for vibration resistance. ~$200–$350.
Frontier-friendly AGM. -
Nissan Titan:
Full-size truck power draw (big V8, towing, trailer brake controllers) = big battery. Group 27F is common. Look for high RC and 700+ CCA. ~$230–$350.
Titan Group 27F. -
Nissan Z / 370Z / 350Z / new Z:
Performance cars hate low voltage. If the car sits, go AGM and consider a battery maintainer. ~$200–$300 for a premium AGM.
Z-compatible high-CCA AGM. -
Nissan GT-R:
Extremely sensitive to voltage dips. Always run high-quality AGM with high CCA. Don’t cheap out. ~$250–$400. -
Nissan LEAF:
Even though propulsion is high-voltage, the LEAF still needs a healthy 12-volt to boot the car’s control systems. Choose AGM for deep-cycle tolerance. ~$160–$260.
Nissan Battery Fitment Cheat Sheet (Most-Common Sizes)
| Nissan Model | Typical Group Size | Recommended Tech | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Versa / Versa Note | 51R | Flooded (budget) or AGM 51R (upgrade) | Reversed terminals (the “R” matters) |
| Sentra | 35 or 51R (varies by year) | EFB or AGM if equipped with Idle Stop | Check tray height clearance before switching group |
| Altima | 35 | AGM strongly recommended for start-stop / turbo | Look for 600+ CCA in colder regions |
| Maxima | 35 / 24F (varies by generation) | AGM for luxury features & audio draw | High RC helps with accessories at idle |
| Rogue / Rogue Sport | 35 | EFB or AGM | Compact SUV loads HVAC + infotainment at stoplights |
| Murano | 24F or 35 | AGM ideal for V6 and seat heaters | Check clamp style before buying 24F |
| Pathfinder | 24F / 35 | AGM if towing or with rear-seat entertainment | Consider higher RC for camping / tailgating |
| Frontier | 24F (some) / 27F (some) | AGM if off-road / winch / light bars | Truck vibration can kill cheap flooded batteries early |
| Titan | 27F | AGM truck battery | Look for 700+ CCA and high RC |
| 370Z / Z | 35 | AGM performance battery | Holds voltage better if the car sits in storage |
| GT-R | 35 (premium AGM) | AGM only | High CCA + stable voltage is critical for ECUs |
| LEAF (12-volt system) | 51R / 35 (varies by year) | AGM sealed | Needs deep-cycle tolerance more than raw CCA |
Spec Targets: CCA, RC, and Warranty
RC: Reserve Capacity
Tech: Flooded / EFB / AGM
- CCA: Choose a battery that meets or beats Nissan’s original CCA spec. In cold/snow climates, aiming +50 to +100 CCA above stock helps winter starts.
- RC (Reserve Capacity): Higher RC means your Nissan can run lights, blower fan, phone chargers, etc., with the engine off for longer before voltage sags. SUVs and trucks benefit here.
- Technology: If your trim shipped with EFB or AGM (common on start-stop or high-load trims), don’t downgrade. Downgrading shortens lifespan and may throw battery/charging warnings.
- Warranty: Target a battery with at least a 36-month free replacement period, or the strongest version available in your region. Longer warranties often track better internal build quality.
- Terminal orientation & group size: Nissan uses group sizes like 35, 51R, 24F, 27F. The “R” means reversed terminals; buy the wrong orientation and your cables simply won’t reach.
Best Car Battery Brands for Nissan & Where-to-Buy
| Brand Tier | Why People Choose It | Best Use Case | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGM Premium Lines (often advertised as “Platinum”, “Extreme”, “X2”, etc.) | High CCA, long RC, long warranties, strong against vibration | Titan/Frontier towing, GT-R/Z performance, cold climate commuters | AGM truck/27F |
| EFB Mid-Tier | Made for start-stop, cheaper than AGM | Modern Rogue / Altima / Pathfinder with Idle Stop | Group 35 EFB |
| Standard Flooded (economy) | Lowest cost, decent for mild climates and simple cars | Older Versa, Sentra, base Frontier without many add-ons | 51R budget |
- Local parts store / dealership: Good if you want installation included and core disposal handled for you. You’ll pay a little more.
- Online (Amazon, etc.): Great for comparing CCA, RC, and warranty terms side-by-side. You can often filter by group size like
Group 35 AGM for Nissan
or
51R AGM for Versa/Sentra. - Warehouse clubs: Usually strong warranty value, but selection may be limited to common Nissan group sizes (35, 24F, 27F).
How to Check Freshness & Authenticity
- Date code: Every battery has a manufacture date stamp or sticker. Fresher is better. Aim for under 3 months old when you buy.
- Visual check: No bulging sides, no acid residue, no corrosion on posts, no cracks in the case.
- Labels & serials: Reputable batteries have clean, consistent branding and barcodes. Suspicious relabeled or sanded cases are a red flag.
- Voltage at pickup: A healthy new 12-volt AGM usually sits around 12.7–12.9 V at rest. Ask them to meter it if you’re in-store.
Car Battery Warranty Tips
- Look for “free replacement” coverage, not just prorated credit. The free replacement window is the meaningful part.
- Keep the receipt or the digital order confirmation from Amazon. You’ll need it for warranty swaps.
- Some premium AGM truck batteries include a 3-year (36-month) free replacement. That’s excellent for Nissan Titan / Frontier owners who work the truck hard.
- If a shop installs the battery, ask if labor is included in warranty or just the part.
ACDelco Gold 48AGM (88864541) 36 Month Warranty AGM BCI Group 48 Battery
Weize Platinum AGM Battery BCI Group 24F Automotive Battery, 120RC, 710CCA, 36 Months Warranty, Dimensions 10.75" L x 6.81" W x 8.98" H
Lithium Car Starting Battery, BCI Group Size 49 / H8-L5
Nissan Car Battery Installation Guide (DIY or Shop)
- Turn engine off, remove key/fob from the car, and open the hood. For LEAF, power the vehicle OFF fully.
- Take a picture of the battery area so you remember cable routing, brackets, sensors, and any plastic covers (especially on newer Nissans with battery monitoring modules).
- Loosen and disconnect the negative (-) terminal first. Tuck it out of the way so it can’t spring back and touch the post.
- Loosen and disconnect the positive (+) terminal. Some Nissans have a red protective cap you’ll need to flip up.
- Remove the hold-down clamp or bracket. Keep all hardware; you’ll reuse it.
- Lift the old battery straight up and out. They’re heavy; use two hands. Avoid tipping if it’s a flooded battery.
- Clean the tray and inspect for corrosion. If there’s white/green crust on the cable ends, clean with a battery terminal brush or a mix of baking soda + water (wear gloves and eye protection).
- Drop in the new battery in the same orientation (terminals must land where the cables can actually reach). Nissan uses specific terminal orientation (51R vs 51, etc.), so don’t force the cables to stretch across the case.
- Reinstall and tighten the hold-down. The battery shouldn’t slide or rock. Movement kills batteries in trucks and SUVs.
- Reconnect the positive (+) cable first and tighten it snugly.
- Reconnect the negative (-) cable last and tighten it.
- Start the vehicle. Check for dash warnings. On newer Nissans with Intelligent Charging or battery sensors, you may briefly see a charging system message that clears after a short drive as the ECU relearns.
- Dispose of / recycle the old battery properly. Most parts stores will take it and may even give you a “core charge” refund.
Nissan Car Battery Maintenance & Longevity
- Short-trip driving kills batteries. If you only drive 5–10 minutes at a time, your alternator/charging system never fully tops up the battery. Take a longer (20–30 min) drive once in a while or use a smart maintainer.
- Keep terminals clean and tight. Corrosion raises resistance, which forces the alternator to work harder.
- Secure the hold-down bracket. Vibration is battery enemy #2 (heat is #1). Trucks and SUVs especially need a snug clamp.
- Avoid leaving accessories on with engine off. Blower fan, headlights, subwoofer, cooler in the cargo area — all of that drains RC. If you tailgate or camp, consider a higher RC AGM.
- Storage tip for weekend cars (Z, GT-R): Use a battery maintainer/tender instead of just starting the car and letting it idle. Idling doesn’t recharge as well as actually driving under load.
Signs You Need a New Battery
- Slow crank / sluggish start, especially first thing in the morning
- Lights or infotainment flicker when you turn the key or hit the start button
- Battery / charging system warning light or repeated Auto Start-Stop “not available” messages
- Visible swelling/bulging on the battery case (overheating or internal damage)
- Your multimeter shows resting voltage consistently below ~12.4 V after sitting overnight (for AGM, below ~12.5 V)
- Battery is 4+ years old in a hot climate or 5+ years old in a mild climate — you’re living on borrowed time
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MOTOPOWER MP00205A 12V 800mA Automatic Battery Charger, Maintainer, Trickle and Desulfator
Contact Nissan Customer Service & Support
- Nissan Customer Care / Hotline: Your regional Nissan support line can confirm warranty coverage on the 12-volt battery (some new-vehicle warranties cover premature failure). You can also start at the official Nissan Customer Service page for phone and email support.
- Nissan Dealer / Service Department: They can test CCA, perform a load test, and check for alternator or DC/DC converter issues (for hybrids / LEAF). Use Nissan’s official service locator at Nissan Service Dealer Search to book an appointment with an authorized shop.
- Owner’s Manual / Service Manual: The manual for your exact model year lists the OEM battery group size, minimum CCA, and sometimes even the recommended tech (Flooded vs EFB vs AGM). You can download it from Nissan’s Manuals & Guides page or search “Nissan [Your Model] owner manual battery CCA”.
- Dealer Locator: Use Nissan’s official dealer locator for the nearest authorized service center if you want an OEM-spec replacement and installation.
Nissan Car Battery FAQs
Can I upgrade from a standard flooded battery to AGM in my Nissan?
Yes, in most Nissan models AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) is considered an upgrade over a basic flooded lead-acid battery. AGM can handle higher electrical loads, recovers faster after short trips, and tolerates deep discharge better. The main rule is that you can go from flooded → AGM, but you should not downgrade from AGM → basic flooded in a Nissan that has start-stop, high accessory demand, or sensitive voltage monitoring. Downgrading can trigger charging system warnings or shorten service life.
Do I need a special battery for start-stop in my Nissan?
If your Nissan is equipped with idle stop/start or an energy management system that shuts off the engine at traffic lights, you should be using at least EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery), and in some trims AGM is recommended. Do not replace an OE EFB or AGM with a cheaper regular flooded battery just to save money — it usually fails early, struggles to restart the engine under load, and can lead to dash warnings in heavy traffic.
How long should a Nissan car battery last?
Most Nissan batteries last around 3–5 years in normal conditions. If you mostly do short trips (which never fully recharge the battery), drive in very hot climates, or sit with headlights / A/C / audio on while parked, lifespan can drop to 2–3 years. A Nissan that gets regular highway runs, proper charging voltage, and a higher-quality AGM or EFB battery can sometimes see 5+ years.
How much is a Nissan car battery?
For many common Nissan models, a standard flooded replacement battery is usually about $100–$170. An EFB (often required for start-stop) tends to land in the $150–$240 range. A high-spec AGM — which is popular for higher electrical load, winter reliability, or premium audio — is often ~$180–$300. Larger group sizes with higher Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) and longer Reserve Capacity sit at the upper end of those ranges.
What size battery does my Nissan need?
You need to match the physical case size (also called the group size, like Group 35, Group 24F, 51R, H5, H6, etc.), make sure the terminals are on the correct side, and meet or exceed the original Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating. The exact group size can vary by model (Altima vs Rogue vs Frontier), so the fastest way to confirm is to read the label on the current battery or check the owner’s manual before ordering a replacement.
When should I replace the battery instead of just recharging it?
Replace the battery if you’re seeing slow crank after sitting overnight, repeated low-voltage readings below about 12.4V even after a long highway drive, or random electrical weirdness like radio resets, flickering interior lights, or warning lights that briefly appear on startup and then disappear. At that point, the plates are usually sulfated and it’s more practical to install a new battery than keep jump-starting.
Does warranty matter when choosing a Nissan battery?
Yes. Look for a clear free-replacement period (commonly 24–36 months) instead of only a long pro-rated warranty. A stronger free-replacement warranty usually means the manufacturer expects the battery to survive heat, vibration, and start-stop cycling without early failure. For Nissans with higher electrical demand (modern infotainment, cameras, heated seats, etc.), paying a little more for a battery with a better warranty often prevents mid-winter surprises.
ACDelco Gold 48AGM (88864541) 36 Month Warranty AGM BCI Group 48 Battery
Weize Platinum AGM Battery BCI Group 24F Automotive Battery, 120RC, 710CCA, 36 Months Warranty, Dimensions 10.75" L x 6.81" W x 8.98" H