2020 Toyota Tundra Oil Capacity, Filter, and Torque Specs

The 2020 Toyota Tundra equipped with the 5.7L V8 engine requires 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) of 0W-20 synthetic motor oil when changing the oil and filter. As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve serviced countless second-generation Tundras, and getting the oil specifications right is key to keeping that legendary 3UR-FE V8 running well past the 200,000-mile mark.

Quick answer

• Oil Capacity: 8.5 quarts (8.0 L) with filter change.
• Recommended Weight: 0W-20 full synthetic.
• Oil Specification: ILSAC GF-5 / GF-6A or API SN / API SP.
• OEM Oil Filter: Toyota 04152-YZZA4 (Cartridge style).
• Aftermarket Filters: Fram CH10295, Wix 57047, Mobil 1 M1C-251A.

Capacity by engine option

For the 2020 model year, Toyota simplified the Tundra lineup by dropping the smaller 4.6L V8 engine. All 2020 Toyota Tundras are equipped with the 5.7L V8.

Oil change interval

Toyota’s recommended oil change intervals depend heavily on how you use your truck. Since many Tundras are used for towing or hauling, it is vital to be honest about your driving conditions.

• Normal Duty: Every 10,000 miles or 12 months. (Daily commuting, highway driving, light loads).
• Severe Duty: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months. (Towing, hauling heavy loads, extensive idling, off-road driving, or short trips in freezing temperatures).

Technician Tip: Even if you run full synthetic, I highly recommend adhering to the 5,000-mile severe duty schedule if you regularly tow a boat, camper, or work trailer.

Drain plug torque

• Oil Pan Drain Plug: 30 ft-lbs (40 Nm).
• Crush Washer: Always replace the drain plug crush washer (Toyota part # 90430-12031). Reusing the old gasket is the most common cause of pan leaks.
• Filter Housing: 18 ft-lbs (25 Nm).
• Filter Housing Drain Plug: 10 ft-lbs (13 Nm).

How to change the oil

1. Prepare the truck: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and allow the engine to cool slightly so the oil is warm but not scalding.
2. Remove the skid plate: You will need to drop or swing down the front skid plate to access the oil filter housing.
3. Drain the oil pan: Remove the 14mm oil pan drain plug. Allow the oil to drain completely. Reinstall the plug with a new crush washer and torque to 30 ft-lbs.
4. Drain the filter housing: Remove the small metal cap on the bottom of the plastic oil filter housing. Use the plastic drain spout provided with your new filter to push up into the spring-loaded valve and drain the housing.
5. Replace the filter cartridge: Use a 64mm 14-flute oil filter wrench to unscrew the plastic filter housing. Remove the old paper element and replace the large and small O-rings (lubricate them with fresh oil). Insert the new cartridge.
6. Reinstall the filter housing: Torque the main housing to 18 ft-lbs, then reinstall the lower drain plug to 10 ft-lbs. Reattach the skid plate.
7. Fill the engine: Pour exactly 8.5 quarts of 0W-20 oil into the engine.
8. Verify: Start the engine, let it run for a minute, check for leaks underneath, shut it off, and verify the fluid level on the dipstick after 5 minutes.

Common issues / tips

The 3UR-FE 5.7L V8 is notoriously bulletproof, but the oil change process has a few quirks for this generation. First, the plastic oil filter housing can crack or seize if over-tightened. Many owners and technicians upgrade to the aluminum Toyota filter housing (Part # 15620-31060) to prevent broken housings during future changes. Ensure you use the correct 64mm cup wrench; using pliers or a generic strap wrench will ruin the housing.

Additionally, the front skid plate bolts are prone to rusting and seizing. When reinstalling the skid plate, apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the bolt threads to save yourself a massive headache on your next oil change.

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