2021 Toyota Camry Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

Quick Answer

Your 2021 Toyota Camry takes 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) of 0W-16 motor oil for the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and 6.4 quarts (6.1 liters) of 0W-20 motor oil for the 3.5L V6 engine.

• 2.5L 4-Cylinder:

  • Oil Capacity: 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters)
  • Recommended Oil Weight: 0W-16
  • Oil Specification: API SN PLUS / SP or ILSAC GF-6A
  • Oil Filter (OEM): 90915-YZZF2 (cartridge type)
  • Oil Filter (Fram): CH12060
  • Oil Filter (Wix): WL10010

• 3.5L V6:

  • Oil Capacity: 6.4 quarts (6.1 liters)
  • Recommended Oil Weight: 0W-20
  • Oil Specification: API SN PLUS / SP or ILSAC GF-6A
  • Oil Filter (OEM): 90915-YZZF2 (cartridge type)
  • Oil Filter (Fram): CH12060
  • Oil Filter (Wix): WL10010

Capacity by Engine Option

Oil Change Interval

Toyota recommends the following oil change intervals for your 2021 Camry:

• Normal Duty: Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Severe duty conditions include frequent short trips (less than 5-10 miles), operation in extremely hot or cold temperatures, extensive idling, towing, or driving on dusty roads.

Drain Plug Torque

The oil drain plug torque specification for both the 2.5L 4-cylinder and 3.5L V6 engines in your 2021 Toyota Camry is 30 ft-lbs (41 Nm). Always use a new crush washer with each oil change to ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks. Toyota OEM crush washers are typically made of aluminum.

How to Change the Oil

Changing the oil on your 2021 Toyota Camry is a straightforward process:

1. Warm up the engine: Drive the vehicle for 5-10 minutes to bring the oil to operating temperature.
2. Lift and secure: Safely lift the front of the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
3. Locate drain plug: Place a drain pan underneath the oil pan and remove the drain plug with a 14mm socket (for 2.5L) or 17mm socket (for most 3.5L V6s – confirm your specific engine). Allow all oil to drain.
4. Replace drain plug: Install a new crush washer on the drain plug and tighten it to 30 ft-lbs.
5. Remove oil filter: Unscrew the oil filter housing (located at the front of the engine for the 2.5L, near the exhaust manifold for the 3.5L V6) using a Toyota-specific oil filter wrench (64mm with 14 flutes). Be prepared for residual oil to drain.
6. Install new filter: Replace the old filter element and O-rings with the new ones. Lubricate the new O-rings with fresh oil. Hand-tighten the filter housing until snug, then tighten an additional 1/4 to 3/4 turn (refer to filter housing markings for precise torque or turn specification, typically 18 ft-lbs for the cap).
7. Add new oil: Lower the vehicle and fill with the recommended amount and type of oil through the oil filler cap on top of the engine.
8. Check level: Start the engine and let it run for a minute, then shut it off. Wait a few minutes for the oil to settle and check the oil level on the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary.
9. Reset maintenance light: Reset the oil maintenance light on your dashboard.

Common Issues / Tips

• Oil Filter Housing: The 2021 Toyota Camry uses a cartridge-style oil filter housed in a plastic or aluminum housing. Be careful not to overtighten the housing, as it can crack. Always use the specified torque (typically 18 ft-lbs for the cap) or the correct "turn" specification. Some aftermarket filter wrenches may not fit perfectly, so invest in a quality Toyota-specific tool.
• 0W-16 Oil for 2.5L: Ensure you use 0W-16 oil for the 2.5L Dynamic Force engine. Using a different viscosity can impact fuel economy and engine longevity, as this engine is designed with tighter tolerances for the lower viscosity oil.
• Oil Consumption (2.5L): While less common in newer models, some early generations of the 2.5L engine have had reports of higher-than-average oil consumption. Monitor your oil level between changes, especially if you fall into severe duty driving conditions.
• Hybrid Models: If you have a 2021 Camry Hybrid, the 2.5L engine will also use 0W-16 oil with the same capacity and specifications.

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