Lug Nut Torque Specs for 15 Popular Car Brands

Wrong lug nut torque is one of the most common and most avoidable mistakes in home car maintenance. Too loose, and a wheel can work itself off over time, especially after the first few hundred miles post-installation. Too tight, and you risk warped brake rotors, stretched studs, or a lug nut that's nearly impossible to remove next time.

Below is a quick-reference chart for 15 of the most common car brands, in both foot-pounds and Newton-meters. These are typical manufacturer ranges; always confirm the exact spec for your specific model and year in your owner's manual or on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb, since torque specs can vary by trim, wheel type (steel vs alloy), and generation.

Quick Reference Chart

Use the Nm to ft-lb converter on the homepage to check any exact figure your manual lists that isn't already in ft-lb or Nm.

Brand-by-Brand Breakdown

Toyota

Most sedans and crossovers (Camry, Corolla, RAV4) run around 76 ft-lb, while trucks and body-on-frame SUVs like the Tacoma, 4Runner, and Land Cruiser sit higher, typically 83-97 ft-lb depending on the model.

Honda

Civic, Accord, CR-V, and most passenger models call for 80 ft-lb. Larger models like the Pilot and Ridgeline step up to around 94-100 ft-lb.

Ford

Passenger cars and crossovers (Escape, Explorer, Edge) typically spec around 100 ft-lb. The F-150 and larger trucks jump significantly higher, often 150 ft-lb or more depending on wheel size and generation; don't assume a Ford car spec applies to a Ford truck.

Chevrolet

Most Chevy cars and crossovers land around 100 ft-lb. The Silverado 1500 and similar trucks are commonly spec'd at 140 ft-lb, a meaningful jump from the passenger car range.

GMC

As GMC shares most of its platforms with Chevrolet, torque specs track closely; expect around 100 ft-lb for crossovers and closer to 140 ft-lb for the Sierra 1500 and similar trucks.

Nissan

Altima, Rogue, and most mainstream Nissan models typically call for 80 ft-lb.

BMW

Most 3 Series, 5 Series, and similar sedans fall in the 88-105 ft-lb range. BMW specs can vary more noticeably by wheel style than some other brands, so it's worth checking the specific model.

Mercedes-Benz

C-Class and similar sedans typically spec around 96-100 ft-lb. Like BMW, larger SUVs and AMG trims can run higher; always confirm against your specific model.

Volkswagen

Jetta, Tiguan, and most VW passenger models spec around 89 ft-lb.

Hyundai

Elantra, Tucson, and similar models typically fall in the 79-94 ft-lb range, with some variation by trim and wheel size.

Kia

Sharing platforms with several Hyundai models, Kia's specs land in a similar 79-94 ft-lb range for models like the Sorento.

Subaru

Outback, Impreza, and most Subaru models spec around 85-100 ft-lb, commonly cited around 89 ft-lb specifically for the Outback and Impreza.

Mazda

The Mazda3 and CX-5 have a wider quoted range, 80-108 ft-lb, largely depending on wheel type. Check your specific trim rather than assuming the lower end applies.

Jeep

The Wrangler and Grand Cherokee typically fall in the 100-120 ft-lb range, higher than most passenger cars, reflecting their larger wheel and tire setups.

Ram

Ram trucks generally track close to Ford and Chevrolet's truck-range specs, often 100-140 ft-lb depending on the model and trim, with heavier-duty trims spec'd higher.

Why the Torque Range Varies So Much Within One Brand

A single manufacturer often spans a huge torque range because their lineup spans everything from a compact sedan to a heavy-duty truck. The bigger the vehicle, the larger the wheel studs and the more clamping force is needed to safely secure the wheel. Never assume a spec from one model in a brand's lineup applies to another; a Ford Escape and a Ford F-350 are nowhere close to the same torque requirement.

How to Find Your Exact Spec

The chart above gives you a starting range, but for the actual number, check:

1. Your owner's manual, usually under the "wheels and tires" or "maintenance" section

2. The door jamb sticker, on the driver's side door frame, often lists tire pressure and sometimes torque specs

3. The manufacturer's official service site, for the most current and trim-specific figures

If you're working from a spec listed in Nm and your wrench only reads ft-lb (or the reverse), See the guide on ''How to use a torque wrench correctly'' for the full process, including how to convert and apply the value accurately.

FAQ

What happens if I over-torque a lug nut?

Over-torquing can stretch or snap wheel studs, warp brake rotors from uneven clamping force, and make the lug nut extremely difficult to remove later, sometimes requiring it to be cut off entirely.

What happens if I under-torque a lug nut?

Under-torqued lug nuts can loosen from normal driving vibration, especially in the first 50-100 miles after a wheel is reinstalled. In severe cases, a wheel can come loose while driving, which is a serious safety hazard.

Should I use a torque wrench or an impact wrench for lug nuts?

An impact wrench is fine for removal and rough installation, but always finish with a properly calibrated torque wrench to hit the exact spec. Impact wrenches alone tend to over-torque fasteners since they don't measure the applied force.

Do I need to re-torque lug nuts after driving a short distance?

Yes, if a wheel was recently removed and reinstalled (after a tire change, rotation, or repair), many manufacturers recommend re-checking torque after the first 50-100 miles, since fasteners can settle slightly as everything seats properly.