2018 Nissan Titan Coolant Capacity, Type, and Flush Guide

The 2018 Nissan Titan holds between 14.6 and 16.4 quarts (13.8 to 15.5 liters) of coolant, depending on whether it is equipped with the standard 5.6L gasoline engine or the 5.0L Cummins Turbo Diesel. As an ASE-certified master technician, I frequently service these heavy-duty cooling systems, and using the correct coolant specification is just as critical as maintaining the proper fluid level.

Below is your comprehensive reference guide for the 2018 Nissan Titan's cooling system, including exact specifications, service intervals, and professional bleeding procedures to keep your truck running at optimal temperatures.

Quick answer

Here is the essential information you need before servicing your 2018 Nissan Titan's cooling system:

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 14.6 quarts (13.8 L) for the 5.6L V8; 16.4 quarts (15.5 L) for the 5.0L Cummins Diesel.
• OEM Coolant Specification: Genuine Nissan Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue). This is a Phosphated Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (P-HOAT) formula specifically designed for Asian vehicles.
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water. Most Genuine Nissan Blue coolant is sold as a pre-mixed 50/50 solution, meaning no additional water should be added.

Capacity by engine option

The 2018 Nissan Titan and Titan XD lines offer two distinct powerplants, each with specific cooling demands. Keep in mind that capacities can vary slightly based on towing packages and cabin heater core sizes.

Note: The 5.0L Cummins diesel utilizes a heavy-duty cooling system to manage high exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and turbocharger temperatures. Always ensure you have slightly more fluid on hand than the exact capacity dictates to account for spillage and thorough bleeding.

Flush interval

Maintaining the P-HOAT coolant in your Nissan Titan is vital to preventing internal engine corrosion and water pump failure.

• Normal Duty: Nissan recommends the first factory coolant replacement at 105,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first. Subsequent replacements should be performed every 75,000 miles or 5 years.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently use your Titan for heavy towing, hauling heavy loads, off-roading, or driving in extreme high-temperature environments, you should inspect and test the coolant regularly. A flush interval of 60,000 to 75,000 miles is highly recommended under these stressful conditions.

How to refill & bleed

Air pockets trapped in the cooling system can cause localized overheating, heater core gurgling, and erratic temperature gauge readings. Follow these steps to properly refill and bleed the 2018 Nissan Titan:

1. Drain the System: With the engine cold, remove the radiator cap and open the petcock at the bottom of the radiator to drain the old fluid.
2. Refill Slowly: Close the petcock. Attach a spill-free funnel to the radiator filler neck. Slowly pour in the 50/50 Nissan Blue coolant to minimize air entry.
3. Run the Engine: Start the engine with the funnel still attached and filled slightly above the radiator neck. Turn the cabin heater to the maximum heat setting and the blower fan to low.
4. Bleed the Air: Let the engine idle until it reaches normal operating temperature (you will know the thermostat has opened when the upper radiator hose becomes hot). You will see air bubbles burping into the funnel.
5. Rev the Engine: Gently hold the RPMs at around 2,500 for 10-15 seconds a few times to force stubborn air pockets out of the heater core.
6. Top Off: Once bubbling stops, 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.

Common cooling system issues

While the 2018 Nissan Titan is generally robust, there are a few cooling system quirks to watch out for as the mileage climbs:

• Water Pump Leaks: On the 5.6L V8, the mechanical water pump can begin to weep from the bearing bleed hole as it approaches the 100,000-mile mark. If you notice a faint sweet smell or blue crusty deposits on the front of the engine, inspect the pump.
• Radiator Seam Failures: The plastic tanks crimped onto the aluminum radiator core undergo significant thermal expansion. Over time, these crimped seams can fail, leading to slow, pressurized leaks.
• Cummins EGR Cooler Issues: For the 5.0L diesel, the EGR cooler is tied into the cooling system. While less problematic than older diesels, EGR cooler fouling or internal leaking can lead to mysterious coolant loss without external drips.

If you are experiencing temperature spikes, unexplained fluid loss, or prefer to leave the messy job of flushing P-HOAT coolant to a professional, you don't have to tackle it alone. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.