2015 Toyota Tacoma Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

The 2015 Toyota Tacoma equipped with the popular 4.0L V6 engine takes exactly 5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) of 5W-30 oil when changing both the oil and the filter. If you have the 2.7L inline-4 engine, you will need 6.1 quarts (5.8 liters) of 0W-20 oil. As the final model year of the legendary 2nd-generation Tacoma, this truck remains incredibly popular on the road and in the shop.

Below is your comprehensive ASE-certified quick reference guide for changing the oil in your 2015 Tacoma.

Quick answer

Here are the essential specs for the 2015 Toyota Tacoma 4.0L V6 (the most common powertrain):

• Oil Capacity: 5.5 quarts (5.2 L) with filter replacement.
• Recommended Weight: 5W-30.
• Oil Specification: ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6A / API SN or API SP.
• OEM Oil Filter: Toyota 90915-YZZD3.
• Popular Aftermarket Filters: Fram XG3614, Wix 51348, Mobil 1 M1-102A.

Capacity by engine option

Because the 2015 Tacoma was offered with two very different engines, your capacity and oil weight depend on which powerplant is under the hood.

Note: While 5W-30 conventional oil is technically acceptable for the 4.0L under Toyota’s original guidelines, upgrading to a full synthetic 5W-30 is highly recommended for modern engine longevity.

Oil change interval

• Normal Duty: For the 2.7L using 0W-20 synthetic, Toyota recommends a 10,000-mile or 12-month interval. For the 4.0L using 5W-30, the standard recommendation is a 5,000-mile or 6-month interval.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently tow, haul heavy payloads, drive on dirt/dusty roads, or make short trips in freezing temperatures, drop your interval to 5,000 miles or 6 months across all engines.

Drain plug torque

• Torque Spec: 30 ft-lbs (40 Nm).
• Crush Washer: Always replace the drain plug gasket. The 2015 Tacoma uses a standard Toyota 12mm crush washer (OEM Part # 90430-12031). Ensure the old washer is removed from the pan before installing the new one.

How to change the oil

1. Warm up the engine: Let the truck run for a few minutes to warm the oil, which helps it drain faster and suspend contaminants.
2. Position the vehicle: Use ramps or a jack and jack stands to safely raise the front of the truck (if your truck is stock height/2WD; many 4WD Tacomas have enough clearance to slide underneath).
3. Remove the skid plate (if applicable): Some models require dropping the front skid plate to access the oil filter or drain plug.
4. Drain the oil: Remove the 14mm oil drain plug from the oil pan. Let the oil drain entirely into a catch pan. Replace the plug with a new crush washer and torque to 30 ft-lbs.
5. Replace the filter: Remove the old oil filter. For the 4.0L V6, this is located conveniently on top of the engine. For the 2.7L, it is located on the side of the engine block. Lubricate the new filter's rubber O-ring with a dab of fresh oil, spin it on, and hand-tighten it (typically 3/4 to 1 full turn after the gasket makes contact).
6. Refill and check: Pour in the required amount of fresh oil (5.5 qts for the V6, 6.1 qts for the I4). Start the engine, let it idle for a minute to fill the filter, and shut it off. Wait a few minutes, check the dipstick, and top off if necessary. Check underneath for leaks.

Common issues / tips

• 4.0L Top-Mount Filter Cup: The 4.0L V6 features a brilliant top-mounted oil filter with a small catch cup beneath it. When you unscrew the filter, oil will drain into this cup. The cup has a small nipple at the bottom. Tip: Attach a small piece of 5/16" or 3/8" tubing to the nipple and run it down to a water bottle before unscrewing the filter. This prevents oil from making a mess all over your engine bay and belts.
• Skid Plate Bolts: If you have the TRD skid plate, the bolts are notorious for seizing or stripping. Coat the threads with anti-seize compound before reinstalling them.
• Check the dipstick carefully: The Tacoma dipsticks can sometimes smear oil as they are pulled up the tube, making it hard to read. Wipe it completely clean, insert it, and read the back (smooth) side of the dipstick for the most accurate level.

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