2018 Nissan Rogue Coolant Capacity & Type Guide

The 2018 Nissan Rogue holds approximately 8.6 quarts (8.1 liters) of coolant in its standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine cooling system. As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly service this generation of the Rogue, and ensuring the correct coolant capacity, chemistry, and maintenance schedule is vital to keeping both your engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) operating at optimal temperatures. Below is your comprehensive guide to servicing the cooling system on your 2018 Rogue.

Quick answer

• Total cooling system capacity: Approximately 8.6 quarts (8.1 liters) for the 2.5L engine.
• OEM coolant specification: Nissan Blue Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (L25500P). This is a Phosphated Organic Acid Technology (P-OAT) coolant. Do not mix it with older green coolants.
• Mix ratio: 50/50 pre-mixed (50% antifreeze and 50% distilled water). Most Nissan Blue coolant is sold as a pre-diluted 50/50 mix, meaning no additional water should be added.

Capacity by engine option

The 2018 Nissan Rogue was available with a standard 2.5L engine and a less common 2.0L Hybrid powertrain. Capacities vary slightly based on the engine and driveline options.

Note: The hybrid model has two separate cooling systems: one for the internal combustion engine and one for the hybrid inverter. Always verify capacities in your owner's manual.

Flush interval

Nissan's Blue Long Life Antifreeze is designed to be highly durable, but it does degrade over time, losing its anti-corrosive properties.

• Normal Duty: Nissan recommends the first factory coolant replacement at 105,000 miles or 7 years (whichever comes first). Subsequent replacements should occur every 75,000 miles or 5 years.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently drive in heavy stop-and-go traffic, tow small loads, or live in extreme temperature climates, it is recommended to inspect the coolant at 60,000 miles and consider flushing it earlier to protect the water pump and CVT cooler.

How to refill & bleed

The 2.5L QR25DE engine is notorious for trapping air in the cooling system, specifically in the heater core. An air pocket can cause erratic idling, overheating, and a lack of cabin heat. Here is the best way to refill and bleed the system:

1. Prep the vehicle: Ensure the engine is completely cold. Elevate the front of the vehicle slightly using a jack or ramps to make the radiator neck the highest point in the system.
2. Use a spill-free funnel: Attach a spill-free coolant funnel tightly to the radiator filler neck. Pour the 50/50 Nissan Blue coolant into the funnel until it is about one-third full.
3. Set the climate control: Turn the ignition ON (engine off). Set the heater to the maximum heat setting and the blower to low. This opens the heater core valve.
4. Run the engine: Start the engine and let it idle. As the thermostat opens, the coolant level in the funnel will drop. Keep the funnel topped off.
5. Purge the air: Once the engine is warm, hold the RPMs at 2,500 to 3,000 for about 10 seconds, then drop back to idle. Repeat this cycle several times. You will see large air bubbles burp up into the funnel.
6. Finalize: Once the cooling fans cycle on and off twice and no more bubbles appear, turn off the engine. Let it cool, remove the funnel, install the radiator cap, and ensure the overflow reservoir is filled to the "MAX" line.

Pro-tip: If you have access to a vacuum-fill coolant tool, use it. It completely eliminates air pockets and turns a frustrating 45-minute bleed procedure into a 5-minute job.

Common cooling system issues

While the 2018 Nissan Rogue is generally reliable, its cooling system does have a few quirks you should be aware of:

• CVT Cooler Integration: The Rogue uses engine coolant to warm up and cool down the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid via a heat exchanger. If the engine cooling system is neglected and begins to run hot, your CVT will also run hot, drastically reducing the lifespan of the transmission fluid and the CVT itself.
• Thermostat Failures: It is not uncommon for the thermostat to stick open on higher-mileage Rogues, leading to a Check Engine Light (often code P0128) and poor cabin heat.
• Water Pump Weepage: The mechanical water pump on the 2.5L engine can begin to weep coolant from the weep hole as the internal seal wears out, usually around the 80k-100k mile mark. Look for crusty blue residue on the passenger side of the engine block.

If you suspect your Nissan Rogue has a cooling system leak, a failing thermostat, or you simply need a professional flush, do not wait until the vehicle overheats. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.