2018 Nissan Frontier: Coolant Capacity, Type, and Service Guide

A 2018 Nissan Frontier holds between 8.5 and 10.9 quarts (8.0 and 10.3 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine option. Refilling the system requires using the correct OEM-specified blue coolant and a specific bleeding procedure to prevent air pockets and overheating.

Quick Answer

• Total Capacity: 8.5 qts (8.0 L) for 2.5L I4 | 10.9 qts (10.3 L) for 4.0L V6
• OEM Coolant Spec: Nissan Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (P-OAT)
• Coolant Color: Blue
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 with distilled water (pre-mixed is recommended)

Capacity by Engine Option

The required coolant capacity for your 2018 Frontier depends on the engine installed. A simple drain and fill will typically use about half of the total system capacity.

Note: Always purchase slightly more coolant than the listed capacity to account for spillage and to have extra on hand for future top-offs.

Flush Interval

Following the factory-recommended service interval is crucial for protecting the aluminum components of your engine and radiator from corrosion. Nissan specifies a very long initial interval, followed by shorter subsequent intervals.

• Normal Duty: Replace the factory-fill coolant at 105,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first. After the initial service, change it every 75,000 miles or 5 years.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently tow, haul heavy loads, or operate in extreme temperatures, consider shortening the interval to every 60,000 miles.

Using anything other than Nissan Blue Long Life coolant or a compatible P-OAT equivalent can lead to premature corrosion, gelling, and cooling system damage.

How to Refill & Bleed

The Frontier's cooling system can be prone to trapping air, which can cause overheating and poor heater performance. Using a vacuum-fill tool is highly recommended for a professional and bubble-free result. However, a spill-free funnel can also work if you are patient.

1. Elevate the Vehicle: Safely raise the front of the truck on ramps or jack stands to make the radiator cap the highest point in the system, encouraging air to escape.
2. Attach Spill-Free Funnel: Attach a spill-free funnel to the radiator cap opening and fill it about halfway with a 50/50 mix of Nissan Blue coolant.
3. Start the Engine: With the heater control set to maximum heat and the fan on low, start the engine and let it idle.
4. Bleed Air: As the engine warms up and the thermostat opens, you will see bubbles rising into the funnel. Continue to add coolant to the funnel as the level drops, ensuring it never runs dry.
5. Squeeze Hoses: Carefully squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses to help dislodge any trapped air pockets.
6. Run Until Bubbles Stop: Continue this process for 15-25 minutes, or until bubbles no longer appear and the cooling fans have cycled on and off at least once.
7. Cool Down and Top Off: Shut off the engine and let the system cool down completely. Once cool, you can remove the funnel and install the radiator cap. Top off the coolant reservoir/overflow tank to the "MAX" line.

Common Cooling System Issues

While generally reliable, the D40-generation Frontier has a few known weak points in its cooling system:

• Cracked Radiators: The plastic end tanks on the factory radiator can become brittle over time and develop hairline cracks, leading to slow leaks.
• Water Pump Failure: The water pump may fail, typically indicated by a coolant leak from the weep hole on the bottom of the pump housing.
• Thermostat Malfunction: Thermostats can fail by sticking open (causing the engine to be slow to warm up and poor heater performance) or sticking closed (leading to rapid overheating).
• Heater Core Issues: While not as common on later models, the heater core can become restricted or leak, causing a lack of heat in the cabin and a sweet smell inside the vehicle.

Addressing cooling system leaks or malfunctions promptly is essential to prevent catastrophic engine damage from overheating.

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