2019 Toyota Tundra Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2019 Toyota Tundra holds between 12.8 quarts (12.1 liters) and 14.3 quarts (13.5 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine size and whether the vehicle is equipped with the factory tow package. As an ASE-certified master technician, I always emphasize that maintaining your Tundra’s cooling system is critical to keeping its robust V8 engine running reliably for hundreds of thousands of miles.

Below is your comprehensive guide to the coolant capacity, factory specifications, and maintenance procedures for the 2019 Toyota Tundra.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 12.8 to 14.3 quarts (12.1 to 13.5 liters), depending on engine and tow package.
• OEM Coolant Spec: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC). This is a distinctive Pink coolant based on Phosphated Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (P-HOAT). It is free of silicates, amines, nitrites, and borates.
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 pre-mixed with deionized water. (Avoid using tap water, as the minerals can degrade the P-HOAT chemistry).

Capacity by Engine Option

The 2019 Tundra was offered with two legendary V8 engines. Ensure you check your exact configuration, particularly if your truck has the factory tow package, as the auxiliary coolers increase the total volume.

Note: These capacities are for a completely dry system. A typical drain and fill via the radiator petcock will yield about 1.5 to 2 gallons of old coolant, leaving some fluid in the engine block.

Flush Interval

Toyota’s Super Long Life Coolant is designed to last a long time, but it does degrade eventually.

• Initial Replacement: 10 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first).
• Subsequent Replacements: Every 5 years or 50,000 miles thereafter.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently tow heavy loads, drive in dusty off-road conditions, or idle extensively, I highly recommend changing the coolant every 50,000 miles from the start to protect the water pump seals and prevent electrolysis.

How to Refill & Bleed

The 3UR-FE and 1UR-FE engines can trap air pockets in the heater core and upper block. Here is the best practice for refilling and bleeding a 2019 Tundra:

1. Drain: With the engine cold, open the radiator petcock (bottom passenger side). For a more complete drain, locate the engine block drain plugs on both sides of the V8 block.
2. Refill: Close all drains. Attach a spill-free funnel to the radiator filler neck. Slowly pour in the 50/50 pre-mixed Toyota Pink coolant until it backs up into the funnel.
3. Bleed: Start the engine and turn the cabin heater to maximum heat with the blower on low. This opens the heater control valve.
4. Burp the System: Let the truck idle up to operating temperature. Massage the upper and lower radiator hoses safely (watch out for the mechanical fan) to help force air bubbles out into the funnel.
5. Finalize: Once the thermostat opens (the lower hose will get hot) and no more bubbles appear, turn off the engine. Remove the funnel, install the radiator cap, and fill the plastic expansion reservoir to the "FULL" line. Check the reservoir level again after your next few drive cycles.

Pro-Tip: Using a vacuum cooling system filler makes this job significantly faster and eliminates the risk of air pockets in these large V8 engines.

Common Cooling System Issues

The 2019 Tundra is notoriously reliable, but as they age and accumulate miles, there are a few cooling system quirks to watch out for:

• Water Pump Weeping: The most common cooling system failure on the 5.7L V8 is a leaking water pump. Keep an eye out for a crusty, pink residue on the front of the engine block just below the pulley. If you see pink crust, the pump seal is weeping and the pump assembly should be replaced soon.
• Radiator Tank Cracks: The factory radiator uses an aluminum core crimped to plastic end tanks. Over many heat cycles, the plastic tanks (usually the top tank) can develop hairline cracks.
• Valley Plate Leaks: Less common but worth noting on the UR-family V8s is a coolant leak under the intake manifold at the valley plate. This repair is labor-intensive, so catching it early during routine inspections is helpful.

Maintaining your Tundra’s cooling system is the best insurance policy for that legendary Toyota reliability. If you need assistance with a coolant flush, water pump replacement, or pressure test, let a professional handle it. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.