2021 Toyota Tundra Fluid Specs

Quick Reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil	SAE 0W-20 (API SN/SN PLUS/SP, ILSAC GF-5/GF-6A)	7.9 - 8.5 qt (7.5 - 8.0 L)
Engine Coolant	Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC)	16.1 - 17.3 qt (15.2 - 16.4 L)
Automatic Transmission Fluid	Toyota ATF WS (World Standard)	11.6 qt (11.0 L)
Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)	Toyota Transfer Case Gear Oil LF 75W	1.6 qt (1.5 L)
Front Differential Fluid (4WD)	Toyota Differential Gear Oil LT 75W-85 GL-5	2.0 qt (1.9 L)
Rear Differential Fluid	Toyota Differential Gear Oil LT 75W-85 GL-5	3.8 - 4.2 qt (3.6 - 4.0 L)
Brake Fluid	DOT 3	As needed
Power Steering Fluid	Toyota ATF Dexron II or III	As needed
Windshield Washer Fluid	Automotive Washer Fluid	~5.3 qt (5.0 L)

Engine Oil

Specification: SAE 0W-20 API Service: SN, SN PLUS, or SP ILSAC Grade: GF-5 or GF-6A

For the 5.7L V8 engine in the 2021 Tundra, Toyota specifies SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil. This low-viscosity oil is essential for maintaining proper fuel economy and ensuring optimal engine performance in a wide range of temperatures. Using a higher viscosity oil like 5W-20 or 5W-30 may be permissible in extremely hot climates, but you should always consult your owner's manual first. The primary recommendation is 0W-20.

When purchasing oil, look for the API "Starburst" and "Donut" symbols on the bottle. For the 2021 model year, the oil should meet or exceed API Service SN PLUS or the latest SP classification, which provides additional protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) in modern engines. It should also be rated ILSAC GF-6A for fuel economy and emissions system protection.

Capacity:

• With tow package (engine oil cooler): 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters)
• Without tow package: 7.9 quarts (7.5 liters)

Interval: Toyota recommends changing the engine oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months under normal driving conditions. For severe duty (towing, frequent short trips, dusty environments), shorten the interval to 5,000 miles or 6 months.

Engine Coolant

Specification: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC)

Toyota uses a specific pink/red, phosphate-based Organic Acid Technology (P-OAT) coolant in its vehicles. For the 2021 Tundra, the correct type is Toyota Super Long Life Coolant, which is pre-diluted 50/50 with deionized water. It is critical to use only this specific formulation or a compatible P-OAT coolant designed for Asian vehicles.

Common Pitfall: Never mix SLLC with other coolant types, such as conventional green Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) or different OAT/HOAT formulations (like orange Dex-Cool). Mixing incompatible coolants can cause them to gel, leading to blockages in the radiator, heater core, and cooling passages, which can result in severe engine damage. If you are unsure what coolant is in the system, a complete flush is the safest option.

Capacity: 16.1 to 17.3 quarts (15.2 to 16.4 liters), depending on equipment.

Interval: The factory fill is designed to last 10 years or 100,000 miles. Subsequent changes are recommended every 5 years or 50,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid

Specification: Toyota ATF WS (World Standard)

The Aisin-built 6-speed automatic transmission in the 2021 Tundra is a sealed unit, but it is not filled for life. It requires a specific low-viscosity fluid: Toyota ATF WS. Use of any other fluid, including universal or multi-vehicle ATFs, can lead to shifting problems, torque converter shudder, and premature transmission failure. There is no direct equivalent to ATF WS, so using the OEM fluid is non-negotiable for ensuring longevity and performance.

Capacity: A full system fill is approximately 11.6 quarts (11.0 liters), but a typical drain-and-fill procedure will only replace 3-4 quarts.

Interval: Toyota officially labels this a "lifetime" fluid. However, many technicians and owners recommend a drain-and-fill every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, especially if the truck is used for towing, to replenish the fluid's frictional properties and additives.

Drivetrain Fluids (4WD)

Transfer Case

Specification: Toyota Transfer Case Gear Oil LF 75W Capacity: 1.6 quarts (1.5 liters)

For 4WD models, the transfer case requires a specific fluid. While it is a 75W gear oil, it is not the same as the differential fluid. Use only the genuine Toyota Transfer Case Gear Oil LF 75W or an exact equivalent meeting this spec.

Front & Rear Differentials

Specification: Toyota Differential Gear Oil LT 75W-85 GL-5 Capacity:

• Front: 2.0 quarts (1.9 liters)
• Rear: 3.8 to 4.2 quarts (3.6 to 4.0 liters), depending on the specific axle.

Both front and rear differentials use the same fluid, a synthetic 75W-85 GL-5 gear oil. It is crucial to use a fluid with the GL-5 rating, as this indicates it has the extreme pressure (EP) additives needed to protect the hypoid gears in the differential. The 2021 Tundra does not use a clutch-type limited-slip differential (LSD), so no friction modifier additive is required.

Interval: Inspect the drivetrain fluids every 15,000 miles. Many owners opt to change these fluids every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for preventative maintenance.

Brake Fluid

Specification: DOT 3

Toyota specifies standard DOT 3 brake fluid for the Tundra's hydraulic brake system. While DOT 4 has a higher boiling point and is compatible, it is also more hygroscopic (absorbs moisture faster), requiring more frequent changes. For most owners, sticking with a high-quality DOT 3 fluid is the best choice. Never use DOT 5 fluid, as it is silicone-based and completely incompatible with DOT 3/4 systems.

Interval: Change brake fluid every 2-3 years, regardless of mileage. As brake fluid absorbs moisture, its boiling point drops, which can lead to a spongy pedal or brake failure under heavy use.

Power Steering Fluid

Specification: Toyota ATF Dexron II or III

Unlike many modern vehicles that use electric power steering, the 2021 Tundra retains a hydraulic power steering system. This system uses Automatic Transmission Fluid, specifically one meeting the older Dexron II or III specification. Do not use Toyota ATF WS in the power steering system. A quality Dexron III ATF is readily available and the correct fluid to use when topping off or flushing the system.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Use any standard automotive windshield washer fluid. For winter climates, select a fluid with a low freezing point (e.g., -20°F or lower) to prevent freeze-up of the reservoir and lines.

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