2018 Toyota Tacoma — Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2018 Toyota Tacoma holds about 9–10 quarts (8.5–9.5 liters) of coolant with the 2.7L I4 and about 11–12.5 quarts (10.5–11.8 liters) with the 3.5L V6, depending on how thoroughly the system is drained and refilled.

Quick answer

• Total cooling system capacity (approx.):
  • 2.7L I4 (2TR-FE): 9–10 qt (8.5–9.5 L)
  • 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS): 11–12.5 qt (10.5–11.8 L)
• OEM coolant spec: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC), Pink, P-OAT (phosphated organic-acid technology), premixed 50/50; Toyota part no. 00272-SLLC2
• Mix ratio: Use Toyota’s pre-mixed 50/50. If using a compatible concentrate (Asian P-OAT, silicate/borate/nitrite-free), mix 50/50 with distilled water (up to 60/40 for extreme cold)

Capacity by engine option

Flush interval

• Normal service: First replacement at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 10 years, then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years thereafter with Toyota SLLC.
• Severe duty (frequent towing, off-road, high heat/cold): Consider every 50,000 miles or 5 years, inspect annually for level, color, and leaks.

How to refill & bleed

1. Cool engine completely, set heater to HOT (max temp) and fan on low to open the heater core path.
2. Drain: Open radiator drain cock; remove radiator cap. For a more complete service, remove and drain the reservoir and open any engine block drains if accessible.
3. Close drains. Fill the radiator slowly with Toyota SLLC Pink (premix) until full; fill reservoir to the “FULL” mark.
4. Burp air: Use a spill-free funnel on the radiator neck. Start engine and idle; top off as level drops. Squeeze upper hose gently to purge trapped air.
5. Warm-up: Hold 1,500–2,000 rpm in short intervals as the thermostat opens. Watch for steady heat from the cabin vents and a stable coolant level with minimal bubbling.
6. Cap and cool: Once no more bubbles emerge and the upper hose is hot, install the radiator cap, shut off engine, let cool fully, and recheck the reservoir—adjust to “FULL” if needed.
7. Recheck after a few drive cycles; top off the reservoir only with Toyota SLLC premix.

Notes

• A vacuum-fill tool is recommended to minimize air pockets, especially on the 3.5L V6. If equipped with a small bleed port on the water outlet/thermostat housing, follow the factory procedure to vent air—otherwise, the funnel/burp method works well.
• Do not mix Toyota SLLC with conventional green or hybrid coolants. If switching brands, use only an Asian P-OAT coolant labeled compatible with Toyota SLLC and perform a thorough drain.

Common cooling system issues (2016–2023 Tacoma)

• Water pump seep/leak: Both the 2TR-FE and 2GR-FKS may develop pump weep-hole seepage between 60k–120k miles; look for pink crust or dried coolant tracks. Address early to avoid bearing failure.
• Air pockets after service: Incomplete bleeding can cause intermittent no-heat, sloshing sounds, or fluctuating temps; use a spill-free funnel or vacuum-fill and verify steady heater output.
• Radiator cap fatigue: A weak cap can cause slow loss of coolant into the overflow and overheating under load; replace with the correct pressure rating if in doubt.
• Hose/connector seepage: Quick-connect heater hoses at the firewall and small bypass hoses can weep after being disturbed; inspect clamps and O-rings.
• Plastic tank/radiator aging: Less common on this generation but possible at higher mileage—watch for hairline cracks near the upper hose neck or tank seams.
• Contamination from mixed coolants: Mixing SLLC with silicated/borated coolants can form gel/sludge and reduce water pump life—flush and correct immediately if discovered.

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