If you own a 2016–2019 Toyota Corolla, you already know it's one of the most reliable cars on the road. But reliability doesn't mean maintenance-free — the 2ZR-FAE 1.8L engine still needs fresh oil every 5,000–10,000 miles to stay in top shape. Taking it to the dealer is convenient, no question. But a quick-lube shop will run you $60–$90, and a Toyota dealer charges even more. With the right parts and about 30 minutes of your time, you can do this yourself for under $35 and know exactly what's going into your car. This guide walks you through every step, including the exact OEM-spec oil, filter, and torque specs Toyota recommends.
What You'll Save
Dealer oil change for a 2016–2019 Corolla: approximately $65–$95. DIY cost with OEM-spec parts: roughly $30–$38. Over four oil changes a year, that's $120–$228 back in your pocket — just for spending 30 minutes in your driveway.
Quick Parts List
Grab everything below before you start. Each link uses your OEM part number so you're getting the correct fit:
- Toyota Genuine Oil Filter 04152-YZZA1 — the factory filter, correct thread and gasket spec
- Toyota Drain Plug Gasket 90430-12031 — aluminum crush washer, replace every oil change
- Mobil 1 0W-20 Full Synthetic 5qt — meets Toyota's 0W-20 full synthetic spec; you'll use 4.4 qt
- Oil Drain Pan — a wide, low-profile pan makes this much cleaner
- 14mm Oil Drain Plug Socket — the Corolla uses a 14mm drain plug
OEM Specifications at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2ZR-FAE 1.8L (2016–2019) |
| Oil Type | 0W-20 Full Synthetic |
| Oil Capacity | 4.4 quarts (with filter) |
| Oil Filter | Toyota 04152-YZZA1 |
| Drain Plug Torque | 29 ft-lb (39 N·m) |
| Oil Filter Torque | Hand-tight + 3/4 turn (approx. 18 ft-lb / 25 N·m) |
| Drain Plug Gasket | Toyota 90430-12031 (replace each change) |
| Change Interval | 5,000 mi (conventional) / 10,000 mi (full synthetic) |
Tools You'll Need
- 14mm drain plug socket or wrench
- Oil filter wrench (optional — the OEM filter is usually hand-tight enough)
- Torque wrench
- Oil drain pan
- Funnel
- Jack stands or ramps (the Corolla has decent clearance but you'll need to raise it)
- Nitrile gloves and shop rags
Step-by-Step Oil Change Instructions
Step 1: Warm Up the Engine
Drive the car for 5–10 minutes or let it idle until it reaches operating temperature. Warm oil drains faster and more completely than cold oil. Don't burn yourself — let it cool for 10 minutes after shutting off before you get underneath.
Step 2: Raise and Secure the Vehicle
Use a floor jack to lift the front of the Corolla and place it securely on jack stands. Alternatively, drive up on ramps. Never work under a car supported only by a floor jack. Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels.
Step 3: Locate the Drain Plug and Oil Filter
The oil drain plug is on the bottom of the oil pan at the rear of the engine. The oil filter (Toyota 04152-YZZA1) is a cartridge-style filter located on the driver's side of the engine near the front — accessible from above or below, depending on your setup. Have your drain pan ready before loosening anything.
Step 4: Remove the Drain Plug
Position the drain pan under the plug. Using your 14mm socket, turn the drain plug counterclockwise. Once loose, remove it by hand — keep your wrist tilted so the plug comes out toward you and not directly into the oil stream. Let the oil drain fully, which takes 3–5 minutes. Remove the old copper crush washer (90430-12031) from the plug.
Step 5: Remove and Inspect the Old Oil Filter
While the oil drains, remove the old 04152-YZZA1 filter. This filter has a built-in gasket — inspect the drain area to make sure the old gasket didn't stick to the engine block. If it did, remove it before installing the new filter, or you'll get a double-gasket leak.
Step 6: Install the New Drain Plug Gasket and Plug
Slide the new Toyota 90430-12031 aluminum crush washer onto the drain plug. Thread the plug back in by hand first, then torque to 29 ft-lb (39 N·m). Don't overtighten — these aluminum oil pans strip easily if you crank down hard.
Step 7: Install the New Oil Filter
Lightly lubricate the new filter's O-ring with fresh oil. Thread the 04152-YZZA1 on by hand until snug, then tighten an additional 3/4 of a turn (approximately 18 ft-lb / 25 N·m). Toyota's spin-on style filter does not need a filter wrench to install — hand-tight plus 3/4 turn is sufficient and prevents overtightening.
Step 8: Lower the Vehicle and Add Fresh Oil
Lower the car off the stands. Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap (marked with an oil can icon on top of the engine). Insert a funnel. Add 4.4 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic (such as Mobil 1 0W-20). Pour slowly — the 2ZR-FAE fills faster than you'd expect.
Step 9: Check for Leaks
Replace the oil filler cap. Start the engine and let it run for 60 seconds. Watch for the oil pressure warning light — it should go off within 3–5 seconds. Get back under the car (engine running) and look at both the drain plug and filter for any drips. Shut off the engine if you see a leak and address it before driving.
Step 10: Check the Oil Level
Wait 5 minutes for the oil to settle into the pan. Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, re-insert fully, and pull again. The level should be at or near the upper mark. Add oil in small increments if it reads low — overfilling above the max mark can cause foaming and oil burning.
Step 11: Reset the Oil Life Monitor
The 2016–2019 Corolla uses a simple oil life reminder system:
- Turn the ignition to the "ON" position (don't start the engine).
- Press the trip odometer button on the instrument cluster until the odometer display shows "TRIP A."
- Turn the ignition off.
- While holding the trip odometer button down, turn the ignition back to "ON."
- Keep holding the button for about 5 seconds until the maintenance indicator resets to 100% (or the mileage countdown resets).
If your Corolla has a multi-information display with the oil maintenance reminder, navigate to Settings → Vehicle → Scheduled Maintenance and reset from there.
Step 12: Dispose of Old Oil
Pour the drained oil into a sealed container (the new oil jug works perfectly). Most AutoZone, Advance Auto, and O'Reilly locations accept used motor oil for free recycling. Never pour used oil down a drain or on the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What oil does the 2016–2019 Toyota Corolla take?
Toyota specifies 0W-20 full synthetic for the 2ZR-FAE 1.8L engine. Using a heavier viscosity like 5W-30 is not recommended and can trigger the check engine light on some Corolla trims. Stick with 0W-20 — it's what the engine is designed around.
How many quarts of oil does the Corolla take?
The 2016–2019 Corolla with the 2ZR-FAE engine takes 4.4 quarts with a filter change. A 5-quart jug of Mobil 1 0W-20 gives you enough with a little left for topping off.
How tight should the drain plug be?
Torque the drain plug to 29 ft-lb (39 N·m). This is the Toyota OEM spec. Hand-tight plus a firm 1/8-turn with a wrench approximates this if you don't have a torque wrench, but using one is strongly recommended to avoid stripping the aluminum oil pan threads.
How often should I change the oil on my Corolla?
Toyota's maintenance guide recommends every 10,000 miles or 12 months with full synthetic oil under normal driving conditions. If you do frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, or towing, shorten that to every 5,000 miles. The oil life monitor is a useful guideline but not a substitute for knowing your driving conditions.
Ready for Your Next Service?
An oil change is the foundation of Toyota Corolla maintenance, but it's not the whole picture. Cabin air filters, engine air filters, spark plugs, and brake fluid all have their own intervals. Check out our complete Toyota Corolla Maintenance Schedule to stay ahead of every service interval and keep your Corolla running strong for years to come.