Nissan Joins Toyota in Motor Oil Shortage Alert: What Drivers Need to Know

Nissan dealerships across the U.S. have reportedly received a service bulletin warning of a motor oil shortage, mirroring a similar alert sent to Toyota service departments earlier this week. The bulletin, obtained by a tipster, outlines significant adjustments to oil supply and pricing, just as drivers prepare for summer road trips.

Nissan’s Motor Oil Shortage: Key Details

The bulletin, addressed to Nissan service departments, states:

“We are writing to provide an important update regarding the availability of engine oil products across the Nissan network in the U.S. Due to ongoing global supply constraints impacting key raw materials and refining inputs due to the Middle East Conflict, we have been advised of reduced production capacity for most lubricant products. As a result, Nissan will be implementing the following adjustments, effective May 1, 2026.”

The bulletin specifies two critical changes:

• Allocation of Nissan Genuine Oil (including Mobil and Mobil 1 variants) will be constrained and managed at a 55% year-over-year level based on gallons purchased.
• Bulk and packaged Genuine Nissan oil supply will be limited to 55% of prior year volumes on a year-over-year basis.

Nissan has not yet responded to requests for confirmation of the bulletin’s authenticity. The document was accompanied by a FAQ, unlike Toyota’s earlier notice.

What Dealers and Customers Should Know

The FAQ clarifies that dealers are not obligated to purchase oil directly from Nissan’s supplier. They may source oil from alternative suppliers, provided it meets Nissan’s approval standards. However, any authorized service must use a Nissan-approved lubricant, whether or not it is Nissan-sourced.

This requirement serves as a warning to customers: using substandard or unapproved oil could void warranty claims. Nissan’s caution underscores the importance of adhering to manufacturer guidelines, even in the face of supply shortages.

Why Is This Shortage Happening?

At first glance, the shortage may seem puzzling, given that many modern engines require synthetic or partially synthetic motor oils. The conflict in the Middle East primarily affects traditional crude oil supplies, so why does this impact lubricants?

The answer lies in base stock—the fundamental component of motor oils. Base stock, whether referred to as one word or two, serves as the foundation for lubricants. As ExxonMobil explains:

“Base stocks are the key building blocks of lubricants and greases. A base stock is a single lubricant component produced by a single manufacturer. ExxonMobil produces and supplies them, and oil marketers or formulators mix them to make the finished products.”

In simpler terms, base stock is the “broth” of motor oil. While synthetic base stock is often chemically engineered, not all synthetic oils are entirely synthetic. Some may contain a blend of synthetic and conventional base stocks, depending on the manufacturer’s formulation.