2020 Toyota Tacoma Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma holds approximately 9.3 to 10.7 quarts (8.8 to 10.1 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine. Keep reading for more important details to keep your Tacoma in top shape.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 9.3 to 10.7 quarts (8.8 to 10.1 liters)
• OEM Coolant Specification: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) – Pink, HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) with phosphates, Toyota Spec (e.g., Toyota Part No. 00272-SLLC2 for concentrate, or 00272-1PKLT for pre-mixed).
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 pre-mix (recommended for convenience and proper dilution) or 100% concentrate mixed with distilled water to a 50/50 ratio.

Capacity by Engine Option

Flush Interval

Toyota recommends the first coolant flush for the 2020 Tacoma at 100,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first. Subsequent flushes are recommended every 50,000 miles or 5 years.

• Normal Duty: Follow the recommended intervals above.
• Severe Duty: If your Tacoma is regularly used for towing, off-roading, or in extreme climates (very hot or very cold), consider performing a coolant flush closer to the 5-year/50,000-mile mark for the subsequent flushes, or even slightly earlier if you notice any cooling system performance issues.

How to Refill & Bleed

Refilling and bleeding your 2020 Toyota Tacoma's cooling system properly is crucial to prevent air pockets, which can cause overheating. Always perform this procedure on a cool engine.

1. Drain the Old Coolant: With the engine cool, place a drain pan under the radiator. Open the radiator drain cock (usually a plastic wing nut on the bottom of the radiator). Some Tacoma models may also have engine block drain plugs; consult your service manual for their location if you plan a full drain.
2. Close Drain and Flush (Optional but Recommended): Once drained, close the radiator drain. You can flush the system with distilled water until it runs clear, then drain again. Do NOT use tap water for flushing or mixing, as minerals can cause deposits.
3. Refill with New Coolant: Close all drain points. Pour the new Toyota SLLC (or equivalent HOAT coolant) into the radiator filler neck. Fill slowly to allow air to escape.
4. Fill Reservoir: Ensure the coolant reservoir is filled to the "MAX" line. If it's low, this is your first indication of a potential issue. If you are doing a full system drain and fill, the reservoir may be empty and require a full top off.
5. Bleed the System: This is where attention to detail is critical. Toyota Tacomas generally self-bleed well, but you can assist the process:
   • Start the engine with the radiator cap off (or loosely placed on top if coolant is overflowing). Turn the heater to its highest setting and fan on low (this opens the heater core valve to allow coolant flow through it, aiding in air removal).
   • Let the engine idle until it reaches operating temperature and the thermostat opens (you'll see coolant begin to circulate through the radiator).
   • As the engine warms, the coolant level may drop; top it off as needed to the base of the filler neck.
   • Gently squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses a few times to help dislodge air bubbles.
   • Once the radiator fan cycles on a couple of times, indicating proper operating temperature and circulation, install the radiator cap securely.
6. Final Check: After a test drive, let the engine cool completely and recheck the coolant level in the reservoir. Top off if necessary. Repeat this check for the next few days.

Note on Vacuum Fillers: For the most thorough and air-free fill, especially after a major component replacement (like a radiator or engine), a vacuum-fill system can be used by a professional mechanic.

Common Cooling System Issues for This Generation (2016-Present)

Owners of 3rd generation Toyota Tacomas (2016-present) sometimes report the following cooling system-related issues:

• Water Pump Leaks: While not extremely common, some owners have reported premature water pump bearing failure or gasket leaks, leading to coolant loss. Keep an eye out for pink residue or drips under the front of the vehicle.
• Radiator Leaks: Over time, the plastic end tanks of the radiator can become brittle and crack, leading to leaks. Inspect the top and bottom edges of the radiator for pink crusty residue.
• Thermostat Issues: Less frequent, but a malfunctioning thermostat can lead to slow warm-up times (stuck open) or overheating (stuck closed). Modern thermostats are often electronically controlled, so a diagnostic scan may be needed.
• Coolant Hoses: As vehicles age, rubber hoses can degrade, crack, or swell. Regular inspection for soft/spongy or hardened hoses, as well as bulges or leaks at connection points, is important.
• Reservoir Cap and Radiator Cap: A faulty radiator cap can lead to coolant loss and overheating by not holding proper system pressure. A leaking or improperly sealed reservoir cap can also allow coolant evaporation.

Regular maintenance and using the correct coolant type are your best defense against these issues.

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