Ford Explorer
Data verified by Nick Marchenko, PhD
Maintaining the right oil and coolant levels is crucial for the performance and longevity of your Ford Explorer, which has a diverse range of engine options spanning from 1999 to 2023. With 16 different engines, including the efficient 2.0L Twin-Scroll I-4 and powerful 3.0L EcoBoost V-6, oil capacities vary from 5.0 quarts to 6.0 quarts, depending on the model. For example, the 2.3L EcoBoost engine requires 5.2 quarts of 5W-30 oil, while the 4.6L V-8 engine uses 6 quarts of 5W-20 oil.
Additionally, coolant capacities also differ, with some engines like the 3.0L EcoBoost requiring up to 18 quarts. Regular oil changes are essential to ensure optimal performance, with recommendations typically ranging from 5,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific maintenance schedules and fluid specifications.
Ford Explorer Oil Capacity
| Engine | Oil Capacity | Viscosity | Coolant | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L Twin-Scroll EcoBoost 2.0L The 2.0L Twin-Scroll engine has a displacement of 2.0L I-4. The power output is 245 hp with a torque of 275 lb-ft. | 5.7 qt | 5W-30 | 11.6 qt | 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 |
| 2.3L EcoBoost EcoBoost 2.3L The 2.3L EcoBoost engine has a displacement of 2.3L I-4. The power output is 310 hp with a torque of 340 lb-ft. | 5.2 qt | 5W-30 | 15.2 qt | 2022, 2021, 2020 |
| 2.3L EcoBoost EcoBoost 2.3L The 2.3L EcoBoost engine has a displacement of 2.3L I-4. The power output is 310 hp with a torque of 340 lb-ft. | 5.7 qt | 5W-30 | 11.6 qt | 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 |
| 3.0L EcoBoost Ecoboost 3.0L The 3.0L EcoBoost engine has a displacement of 3.0L V-6. The power output is 365 hp with a torque of 380 lb-ft. | 6.0 qt | 5W-30 | 18.0 qt | 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 |
| 3.5L Ecoboost Turbo Ecoboost 3.5L The 3.5L Ecoboost Turbo engine has a displacement of 3.5L V-6. The power output is 365 hp with a torque of 420 lb-ft. | 6.0 qt | 5W-30 | 11.4 qt | 2015, 2014 |
| 3.5L Ecoboost Turbo Ecoboost 3.5L The 3.5L Ecoboost Turbo engine has a displacement of 3.5L V-6. The power output is 365 hp with a torque of 420 lb-ft. | 6.0 qt | 5W-30 | 11.6 qt | 2013 |
| 3.5L Ecoboost Turbo Ecoboost 3.5L The 3.5L Ecoboost Turbo engine has a displacement of 3.5L V-6. The power output is 365 hp with a torque of 420 lb-ft. | 6.0 qt | 5W-30 | 13.1 qt | 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 |
| 4.0L Cologne V6 SOHC Cologne SOHC The 4.0L Cologne V6 SOHC engine has a displacement of 4.0L V-6. The power output is 210 hp with a torque of 254 lb-ft. | 5.0 qt | 5W-30 | 13.7 qt | 2000, 1999 |
| 4.0L Cologne V6 SOHC Cologne SOHC The 4.0L Cologne V6 SOHC engine has a displacement of 4.0L V-6. The power output is 210 hp with a torque of 254 lb-ft. | 5.0 qt | 5W-30 | 13.9 qt | 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 |
| 4.0L Cologne V6 SOHC Cologne SOHC The 4.0L Cologne V6 SOHC engine has a displacement of 4.0L V-6. The power output is 210 hp with a torque of 254 lb-ft. | 5.0 qt | 5W-30 | 16.4 qt | 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 |
| 4.6 L 2-Valve Modular 4.6 L The 4.6 L 2-Valve engine has a displacement of 4.6L V-8. The power output is 248 hp with a torque of 294 lb-ft. | 6.0 qt | 5W-20 | 15.7 qt | 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 |
| 4.6 L 2-Valve Modular 4.6 L The 4.6 L 2-Valve engine has a displacement of 4.6L V-8. The power output is 248 hp with a torque of 294 lb-ft. | 6.0 qt | 5W-20 | 20.1 qt | 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 |
| 5.0L High Output Small Block 5.0 The 5.0L High Output engine has a displacement of 5.0L V-8. | 5.0 qt | 5W-20 | 15.3 qt | 2001, 2000, 1999 |
| Duratec 33 Duratec 3.3L The Duratec 33 engine has a displacement of 3.3L V-6. The power output is 290 hp with a torque of 265 lb-ft. | 6.0 qt | 5W-20 | 15.2 qt | 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 |
| Duratec 35 Duratec 3.5L The Duratec 35 engine has a displacement of 3.5L V-6. The power output is 240 hp with a torque of 223 lb-ft. | 6.0 qt | 5W-20 | 12.2 qt | 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 |
| Duratec 35 Duratec 3.5L The Duratec 35 engine has a displacement of 3.5L V-6. The power output is 240 hp with a torque of 223 lb-ft. | 6.0 qt | 5W-20 | 13.4 qt | 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 |
Ford Explorer – Frequently Asked Questions
How many quarts of oil does the Ford Explorer take?
The Ford Explorer oil capacity varies by engine: 2.0L Twin-Scroll: 5.7 qt; 2.3L EcoBoost: 5.2 qt; 2.3L EcoBoost: 5.7 qt; 3.0L EcoBoost: 6.0 qt; 3.5L Ecoboost Turbo: 6.0 qt; 3.5L Ecoboost Turbo: 6.0 qt; 3.5L Ecoboost Turbo: 6.0 qt; 4.0L Cologne V6 SOHC: 5.0 qt; 4.0L Cologne V6 SOHC: 5.0 qt; 4.0L Cologne V6 SOHC: 5.0 qt; 4.6 L 2-Valve: 6.0 qt; 4.6 L 2-Valve: 6.0 qt; 5.0L High Output: 5.0 qt; Duratec 33: 6.0 qt; Duratec 35: 6.0 qt; Duratec 35: 6.0 qt. Always confirm the exact capacity for your specific engine before an oil change.
What type of oil does the Ford Explorer use?
Oil viscosity depends on the engine: 2.0L Twin-Scroll, 2.3L EcoBoost, 2.3L EcoBoost, 3.0L EcoBoost, 3.5L Ecoboost Turbo, 3.5L Ecoboost Turbo, 3.5L Ecoboost Turbo, 4.0L Cologne V6 SOHC, 4.0L Cologne V6 SOHC, 4.0L Cologne V6 SOHC: 5W-30; 4.6 L 2-Valve, 4.6 L 2-Valve, 5.0L High Output, Duratec 33, Duratec 35, Duratec 35: 5W-20. Check your owner's manual for the correct spec for your specific engine.
What is the coolant capacity of the Ford Explorer?
The coolant capacity for the Ford Explorer varies by engine: 2.0L Twin-Scroll: 11.6 qt; 2.3L EcoBoost: 15.2 qt; 2.3L EcoBoost: 11.6 qt; 3.0L EcoBoost: 18.0 qt; 3.5L Ecoboost Turbo: 11.4 qt; 3.5L Ecoboost Turbo: 11.6 qt; 3.5L Ecoboost Turbo: 13.1 qt; 4.0L Cologne V6 SOHC: 13.7 qt; 4.0L Cologne V6 SOHC: 13.9 qt; 4.0L Cologne V6 SOHC: 16.4 qt; 4.6 L 2-Valve: 15.7 qt; 4.6 L 2-Valve: 20.1 qt; 5.0L High Output: 15.3 qt; Duratec 33: 15.2 qt; Duratec 35: 12.2 qt; Duratec 35: 13.4 qt. Use the coolant specification listed in the owner's manual for your engine variant.
What type of oil does the Ford Explorer use?
The Ford Explorer typically uses 5W-30 or 5W-20 motor oil, depending on the engine. For example, the 2.0L Twin-Scroll I-4 requires 5W-30, while the 4.6L V-8 uses 5W-20.
How many quarts of oil does the Ford Explorer take?
Oil capacity varies by engine type in the Ford Explorer. For instance, the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 takes 5.2 quarts, while the 3.0L EcoBoost V-6 requires 6 quarts.
How often should I change oil in a Ford Explorer?
It is generally recommended to change the oil in a Ford Explorer every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Always check your owner's manual for the specific intervals for your engine.
What is the coolant capacity of the Ford Explorer?
Coolant capacity varies by engine in the Ford Explorer. For example, the 3.0L EcoBoost engine has a coolant capacity of 18 quarts, while the 4.0L Cologne V-6 SOHC has capacities ranging from 13.7 to 16.4 quarts.
Does the Ford Explorer need synthetic oil?
While synthetic oil is not mandatory, it is often recommended for better performance and longer oil change intervals. Many engines, such as the 2.3L EcoBoost, can benefit from synthetic 5W-30 oil.
What happens if I use the wrong oil viscosity in my Ford Explorer?
Using the wrong oil viscosity can lead to inadequate lubrication, increased engine wear, and potential overheating. It's essential to use the recommended viscosity for your specific engine.
What is an oil life monitor and how does it work?
An oil life monitor is a system that calculates the remaining life of your engine oil based on driving conditions, temperature, and engine load. It alerts you when it's time for an oil change.
Can I mix synthetic and conventional oil?
While mixing synthetic and conventional oil is technically possible, it is not recommended. Doing so can reduce the effectiveness of the synthetic oil's benefits.
How do I know if my Ford Explorer has an oil leak?
Signs of an oil leak may include oil spots on the ground where you park, a burning oil smell, or a drop in oil levels on the dipstick. Regularly checking your oil level can help identify leaks early.
What causes excessive oil consumption?
Excessive oil consumption can be caused by worn piston rings, valve seals, or gaskets. It may also result from driving habits or using the wrong oil viscosity.
Should I check my oil when the engine is hot or cold?
It's best to check your oil when the engine is warm but not hot. This allows the oil to circulate and provide a more accurate reading on the dipstick.
What is the difference between an oil change and a flush?
An oil change involves draining the old oil and replacing it with new oil, while an oil flush cleans the engine by removing sludge and contaminants. Flushing is generally not necessary unless specified by a mechanic.