2016–2024 Ford Explorer Oil Capacity & Fluid Specs
Quick answer
Explorer oil capacity depends on engine AND generation: the 2.3L EcoBoost takes 5.7 quarts in 2016–2019 but only 5.2 quarts in 2020–2024 (both 5W-30); the 3.5L Ti-VCT takes 6.0 quarts of 5W-20; the 3.5L EcoBoost (Sport/Platinum) and 3.0L EcoBoost (ST) take 6.0 quarts of 5W-30; the 3.3L hybrid takes 6.0 quarts of 5W-20.
The specs below come straight from Ford's own owner's manuals (2016, 2020 and 2023 editions) and cover two very different Explorers: the front-drive-based 2016–2019 (U502) and the rear-drive-based 2020–2024 (U625). Almost everything changed at the 2020 redesign — the 2.3L's oil capacity DROPPED from 5.7 to 5.2 quarts, the 6-speed's Mercon LV gave way to the 10-speed's Mercon ULV, coolant flipped from Orange to Yellow, lug torque jumped from 100 to 150 lb-ft, and the failure-prone PTU was replaced by a conventional transfer case plus front axle. (A non-hybrid 3.3L V6 also exists, mostly in police fleets — its specs track the hybrid's.) Find your engine and year below, then confirm against your own manual's Capacities chapter.
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2.3L EcoBoost I4 (2016–2019)
| Specification | Capacity / type |
|---|---|
| Engine oil — with filter | 5.7 qt (5.4 L) |
| Oil viscosity | 5W-30 (Ford spec WSS-M2C946-A) |
| Oil filter | Motorcraft FL-910S (cartridge) |
| Automatic, 6-speed (6F35) — total dry fill | 9.0 qt (8.5 L) — Motorcraft Mercon LV (XT-10-QLVC) |
| Coolant (engine) | 11.6 qt (11 L) — Motorcraft Orange (WSS-M97B44-D2) |
| Power Transfer Unit / PTU (AWD) | 23.7 fl oz (700 ml) — SAE 75W-140 synthetic (WSL-M2C192-A, XY-75W140-QL) |
| Rear axle (AWD) | 2.4 pt = 1.2 qt (1.15 L) — SAE 80W-90 (WSP-M2C197-A) |
3.5L Ti-VCT V6 (2016–2019)
| Specification | Capacity / type |
|---|---|
| Engine oil — with filter | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) |
| Oil viscosity | 5W-20 (WSS-M2C945-A) — the non-turbo V6 is the odd one out, NOT 5W-30 |
| Oil filter | Motorcraft FL-500S |
| Automatic, 6-speed (6F50) — total dry fill | 10.9 qt (10.3 L) — Motorcraft Mercon LV (XT-10-QLVC) |
| Automatic, 6-speed (6F55) — total dry fill | 11.6 qt (11 L) — Motorcraft Mercon LV (XT-10-QLVC) |
| Coolant (engine) | 13.1 qt (12.4 L) · 13.4 qt (12.7 L) with trailer tow — Motorcraft Orange (WSS-M97B44-D2) |
| Power Transfer Unit / PTU (AWD) | 17.9 fl oz (530 ml) — SAE 75W-140 synthetic (WSL-M2C192-A, XY-75W140-QL) |
| Rear axle (AWD) | 2.4 pt = 1.2 qt (1.15 L) — SAE 80W-90 (WSP-M2C197-A) |
3.5L EcoBoost V6 — Sport/Platinum (2016–2019)
| Specification | Capacity / type |
|---|---|
| Engine oil — with filter | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) |
| Oil viscosity | 5W-30 (WSS-M2C946-A) |
| Oil filter | Motorcraft FL-500S |
| Automatic, 6-speed (6F55) — total dry fill | 11.6 qt (11 L) — Motorcraft Mercon LV (XT-10-QLVC) |
| Coolant (engine) | 13.1 qt (12.4 L) — Motorcraft Orange (WSS-M97B44-D2) |
| Power Transfer Unit / PTU (AWD standard) | 17.9 fl oz (530 ml) — SAE 75W-140 synthetic (WSL-M2C192-A, XY-75W140-QL) |
| Rear axle | 2.4 pt = 1.2 qt (1.15 L) — SAE 80W-90 (WSP-M2C197-A) |
2.3L EcoBoost I4 (2020–2024)
| Specification | Capacity / type |
|---|---|
| Engine oil — with filter | 5.2 qt (4.9 L) — half a quart LESS than the 2016–2019 2.3L |
| Oil viscosity | 5W-30 (WSS-M2C946-B1 in 2020; WSS-M2C961-A1 by 2023) |
| Oil filter | Motorcraft FL-910S (cartridge) |
| Automatic, 10-speed (10R60) — total dry fill | 12.6 qt (11.9 L) — Motorcraft Mercon ULV (XT-12-QULV) |
| Coolant (engine) | 14.1 qt (13.3 L) · 15.2 qt (14.4 L) with trailer tow — Motorcraft Yellow (WSS-M97B57-A2) |
| Transfer case (4WD) | 1.1 qt (1 L) — Motorcraft Mercon LV (XT-10-QLVC) |
| Front axle (4WD) | 0.6 qt (0.6 L) — SAE 75W-140 synthetic (WSL-M2C192-A) |
| Rear axle | 1.9 qt (1.8 L) RWD · 1.7 qt (1.6 L) 4WD — SAE 75W-85 (WSS-M2C942-A, XY-75W85-QL) |
3.0L EcoBoost V6 — ST/Platinum (2020–2024)
| Specification | Capacity / type |
|---|---|
| Engine oil — with filter | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) |
| Oil viscosity | 5W-30 (WSS-M2C946-B1 in 2020; WSS-M2C961-A1 by 2023) |
| Oil filter | Motorcraft FL-2062-A |
| Automatic, 10-speed (10R80) — total dry fill | 12.6 qt (11.9 L) — Motorcraft Mercon ULV (XT-12-QULV) |
| Coolant (engine) | 18.0 qt (17 L) with rear heat · 15.5 qt (14.7 L) without (2023 split) — Motorcraft Yellow (WSS-M97B57-A2) |
| Transfer case (4WD) | 1.1 qt (1 L) — Motorcraft Mercon LV (XT-10-QLVC) |
| Front axle (4WD) | 0.6 qt (0.6 L) — SAE 75W-140 synthetic (WSL-M2C192-A) |
| Rear axle | 1.7–1.9 qt (1.6–1.8 L) — varies by year, check your manual — SAE 75W-85 (WSS-M2C942-A, XY-75W85-QL) |
3.3L V6 Hybrid (2020–2024)
| Specification | Capacity / type |
|---|---|
| Engine oil — with filter | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) |
| Oil viscosity | 5W-20 (WSS-M2C945-B1 in 2020; WSS-M2C960-A1 by 2023) — NOT 5W-30 like the EcoBoosts |
| Oil filter | Motorcraft FL-500S |
| Automatic, 10-speed modular hybrid (A10R80-MHT) — total dry fill | 13.7 qt (13 L) — Motorcraft Mercon ULV (XT-12-QULV) |
| Coolant (engine) | Engine: 15.2 qt (2020) · 16.4 qt with rear heat / 13.9 qt without (2023) + separate 4.6 qt (4.4 L) low-temp loop for battery/electronics — Motorcraft Yellow, both circuits |
| Transfer case (4WD) | 1.1 qt (1 L) — Motorcraft Mercon LV (XT-10-QLVC) |
| Rear axle | 1.9 qt (1.8 L) — SAE 75W-85 (WSS-M2C942-A, XY-75W85-QL) |
Capacities compiled from the owner’s manual. Always confirm with your own manual before servicing.
Quick reference
| Lug nut torque | 2016–2019: 100 lb-ft (135 N·m), 1/2-20 studs · 2020–2024: 150 lb-ft (204 N·m), M14×1.5 — recheck within 100 mi |
| Battery (Motorcraft) | 2016–2019: BXT-59 (BXT-65-650 with Intelligent Access) · 2020–2024: H6 AGM (BAGM-48H6-760) |
| Spark plugs (Motorcraft) | 2016–19: SP-537 (2.3L) · SP-520 (3.5L Ti-VCT) · SP-534 (3.5L EB) · 2020+: SP-578, then SP-594 by 2023 (2.3L/3.0L) · SP-520 (3.3L) — gaps differ by engine, see your emission label |
| Engine air filter | Motorcraft FA-1884 (2.3L, 3.5L, 3.0L) · FA-1947 (3.3L hybrid) |
| Cabin air filter | Motorcraft FP-68 (2016–19) · FP-89 (2020–22) · FP-100 (2023+) |
| Wiper blades (Motorcraft, driver / passenger / rear) | 2016–19: WW-2600 / WW-2206 / WW-1106 · 2020+: WW-2616 / WW-2113 / WW-1110 |
| Fuel tank | 18.6 gal (2016–19, all engines) · 17.9 gal (2020+ 2.3L) · 20.2 gal (3.0L, 3.3L gas) · 18.0 gal (hybrid) |
Maintenance schedule highlights
| Item | Interval |
|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | Per Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, max 10,000 mi / 1 yr |
| Tire rotation | At every oil change |
| Cabin air filter | Every 20,000 mi |
| Engine air filter | Every 30,000 mi |
| Spark plugs | Every 100,000 mi (60,000 mi with towing/heavy use) |
| Transmission fluid | Every 150,000 mi |
| Coolant (2020+ schedule) | First at 200,000 mi / 10 yr, then every 100,000 mi / 5 yr |
| Brake fluid (2020+ schedule) | Every 3 years |
| PTU fluid (2016–19 AWD) | No factory interval printed — every 30,000–60,000 mi is cheap insurance (see common issues) |
Exact products for this vehicle
- Motorcraft 5W-30 synthetic blend, 6-qt (all EcoBoost engines) / 5W-20 for the 3.5L Ti-VCT and 3.3L hybrid ↗
- Oil filter: Motorcraft FL-910S cartridge (2.3L), FL-500S (3.5L V6s, 3.3L hybrid), FL-2062-A (3.0L ST) ↗
- Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 synthetic (XY-75W140-QL) — PTU service on 2016–2019 AWD, the maintenance Ford forgot to schedule ↗
- 8-qt drain pan + long-neck funnel ↗
- Torque wrench for the lug recheck — 100 lb-ft (2016–2019) or 150 lb-ft (2020+), they are NOT the same ↗
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DIY oil change — quick steps
-
1 Set up
Park level, engine warm (not hot). The 2020+ RWD-based trucks sit a touch higher; most 2016–2019s need ramps or a jack. Pull the dipstick now so the crankcase vents while draining.
-
2 Drain
Remove the drain plug and let it drain 5+ minutes. Fit a new washer if your plug uses one and snug it — don't lean on it; aluminum pans don't forgive.
-
3 Filter and refill
The 2.3L uses an FL-910S cartridge — replace the element and the O-ring and don't overtighten the cap. The V6s use spin-ons (FL-500S, or FL-2062-A on the ST): oil the gasket, hand-tighten 3/4 turn past contact. Refill with YOUR engine and era's capacity — a 2021 2.3L takes half a quart less than a 2017 2.3L.
-
4 Verify and reset
Run a minute, check for leaks, recheck the level after settling. Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor through the instrument cluster menu (Settings → Vehicle → Oil Life Reset on most years).
Common problems on this vehicle
PTU failure and the 'lifetime fluid' trap (2016–2019 AWD)
The front-drive-based Explorer sends power rearward through a small Power Transfer Unit bolted next to the exhaust. It holds well under a quart of 75W-140 (Ford prints 23.7 fl oz on the 2.3L, 17.9 fl oz on the 3.5Ls), runs hot, and the manual prints NO change interval — service is only 'required' if a warning message appears or the unit leaks or is submerged. That combination made PTU failure one of this platform's best-known repairs: whining that builds with speed, burnt black fluid, seal leaks. Cheap insurance: change the PTU fluid every 30,000–60,000 miles, far more often than Ford asks.
Rear axle bolt recall 22S27 (2020–2022)
Ford recalled roughly 253,000 2020–2022 Explorers (recall 22S27, NHTSA 22V-255) because the rear axle's horizontal mounting bolt can fracture, letting the axle shift, disconnecting the driveshaft — loss of drive while moving and a rollaway risk when parked without the parking brake. The remedy was a software update that auto-applies the electronic park brake in Park, plus new subframe bushings and bolt hardware where damage is found; a 2025 follow-up action re-checked vehicles whose first repair was done incorrectly. Run your VIN at NHTSA.gov before buying or if you hear a rear clunk under acceleration.
Exhaust odor in the cabin (2016–2019)
NHTSA investigated exhaust-odor and carbon-monoxide complaints on about 1.47 million 2011–2017 Explorers (investigation PE16-008, later upgraded to an engineering analysis) and closed it in January 2023 without a recall: accurately measured cabin CO stayed below accepted health limits, and the worst readings traced to unsealed police-upfit holes or rear-collision damage. Ford's free field service action 17B25 (2017) resealed the rear body and reprogrammed the climate control. If your 2016–2019 smells like exhaust under hard acceleration, ask a dealer whether 17B25 applies and have the rear body seals and any past rear-end damage inspected.
10R60 harsh or delayed shifts (2020+ 2.3L)
The 2.3L's 10R60 ten-speed generated a string of Ford TSBs for harsh or delayed engagement and shifting, sometimes with a check engine light and transmission codes (22-2428 and 23-2352, later superseded by 24-2254). Many cases trace to the CDF clutch drum/sleeve inside the unit; others improve with reprogramming and a fluid service. If yours clunks into gear or flares between shifts, have a dealer check TSB applicability and warranty coverage before paying for a rebuild.
Related code: P0741
Codes this vehicle is known for
Recall results below are shown for 2024 models — check your exact year with the free VIN tool.
Open recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Service bulletins (TSBs)
Manufacturer communications and technical service bulletins for this vehicle are available on NHTSA’s site:
View TSBs on NHTSA.gov ↗Frequently asked questions
- How much oil does the Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost take?
- It depends on the generation, and the change goes the way nobody expects: 2016–2019 takes 5.7 quarts, but the redesigned 2020–2024 takes only 5.2 quarts — both 5W-30 with a new FL-910S cartridge filter. Pour 5.7 into a 2021 and you're half a quart over.
- What oil does the Explorer ST take?
- The 3.0L EcoBoost in the 2020+ ST and Platinum takes 6.0 quarts of 5W-30 (Ford spec WSS-M2C946-B1, WSS-M2C961-A1 in later years) with an FL-2062-A filter. The 2016–2019 Sport/Platinum 3.5L EcoBoost also takes 6.0 quarts of 5W-30.
- Which transmission fluid does my Explorer use?
- By generation: the 2016–2019 6-speeds (6F35/6F50/6F55) use Mercon LV; the 2020+ 10-speeds (10R60, 10R80, hybrid A10R80-MHT) use Mercon ULV (XT-12-QULV). They are NOT interchangeable — ULV is a much thinner fluid, and the wrong one can damage the transmission.
- What color coolant does the Explorer use?
- Motorcraft Orange (WSS-M97B44-D2) in 2016–2019; Motorcraft Yellow (WSS-M97B57-A2) from the 2020 redesign on. Different chemistries — never mix them. Your reservoir cap and owner's manual are the tiebreakers.
- What's the Explorer lug nut torque?
- Two answers: 100 lb-ft (135 N·m) on 2016–2019 (1/2-20 studs) and 150 lb-ft (204 N·m) on 2020–2024 (M14×1.5). Both manuals say to retorque within 100 miles of any wheel removal. Don't carry the old 100 lb-ft habit onto a new-body Explorer.
- Does the Explorer PTU really need fluid changes?
- Ford prints no interval for the 2016–2019 AWD PTU — officially it's serviced only when a message or a leak appears. But the unit holds under a quart, cooks next to the exhaust, and failures are this platform's signature repair, so most techs change the 75W-140 every 30,000–60,000 miles. The 2020+ RWD-based Explorer replaced it with a conventional transfer case (1.1 qt of Mercon LV) and a small front axle.