--- title: "Ford Escape Oil Type: 5W-20, 5.3 qt" description: "How the Ford Escape oil specification changed from 2012 to 2025, compared generation by generation. The Ford Escape takes 5W-20 engine oil, 5.3 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter Motorcraft FL-910S (spin-on). Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/oil" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # Ford Escape Oil Type and Capacity The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes. ## Has the Ford Escape oil specification changed by year? | Model years | Viscosity | Capacity | OEM filter | Interval | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [2020-2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020-2025/oil) | 5W-20, 5W-30, 0W-20 | 5.3 / 5.5 / 5.7 qt | Motorcraft FL-910S (spin-on) | Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, up to 10,000 mi / 12 months; 5,000-7,500 mi is the safer habit, the oil also bathes the oil-pump belt | | [2013-2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2013-2019/oil) | 5W-20, 5W-30 | 5.7 / 4.3 qt | Motorcraft FL-910S (spin-on) | Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, up to 10,000 mi / 12 months; 5,000 mi typical severe service | | [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012/oil) | 5W-20 | 5.3 / 6 qt | Motorcraft FL-910S (spin-on) | 7,500 mi / 6 months (normal, 2012 schedule); 5,000 mi (severe service) | ## Full specifications by generation The oil on a Ford Escape is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers. - [2020-2025 Ford Escape Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020-2025/oil) - [2013-2019 Ford Escape Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2013-2019/oil) - [2012 Ford Escape Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012/oil) ## Ford Escape oil: common questions ### How many quarts of oil does a Ford Escape take? It depends on the engine. The 1.5L EcoBoost 3-cylinder (Dragon) takes 5.3 quarts; The 2.0L EcoBoost turbo takes 5.5 quarts; The 2.5L Hybrid (Atkinson-cycle + eCVT, FHEV) takes 5.7 quarts; The 2.5L Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV, FWD only) takes 5.7 quarts, all figures include a new filter. ### What kind of oil does a Ford Escape take? 5W-20 meeting Ford WSS-M2C945-B1 (synthetic blend meets spec) / API SN-SP. Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above. ### Can you use a different viscosity in a Ford Escape? The factory specification is 5W-20 and no alternate grade is listed for this engine. Modern variable-valve-timing hardware is sized around the specified viscosity, so substituting a thicker oil is not a free choice. ### How often does a Ford Escape need an oil change? Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, up to 10,000 mi / 12 months; 5,000-7,500 mi is the safer habit, the oil also bathes the oil-pump belt. Short trips, towing, extended idling, and dusty or very cold conditions all put the vehicle on the severe-service side of that interval. ### What oil filter does a Ford Escape take? The OEM filter is Motorcraft FL-910S (spin-on). Common equivalents: Fram PH3614 / XG3614, Wix 51348. Torque the drain plug to 30 lb-ft. An overtightened plug strips an aluminium pan. ## Sources - [Ford owner's manual, 2020 Escape 1.5L capacities (5.3 qt, Mercon ULV, 8F35)](https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/vdirsnet/OwnerManual/Home/Content?variantid=6854&languageCode=en&countryCode=USA&moidRef=G1635371&Uid=G2092357&ProcUid=G2092359&userMarket=usa&div=f&vFilteringEnabled=False&buildtype=web) - [AMSOIL lookup, 2020 Escape 2.0L (5W-30) and 2021 2.5L hybrid (0W-20, 5.7 qt)](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2021/ford/escape/2-5l-4-cyl-engine-code-z-99z-z/) - [Ford, 25S76 cracked fuel injector recall FAQ (2020-2022 Escape)](https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/recall/recalls-and-faqs/25s76-bronco-sport-2021-2024-and-escape-2020-2022-cracked-fuel-injector-and-underhood-fire-risk-recall/) - [NHTSA, Part 573 report, recall 22V-859 (cracked fuel injector)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2022/RCLRPT-22V859-3756.PDF) - [NHTSA, consumer alert, 2020-2023 Escape hybrid engine-failure fire recall](https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/consumer-alert-important-ford-and-lincoln-fire-risk-recall) - [Center for Auto Safety, 2020 Escape recalls/complaints (21V-922, 8F35 shudder TSBs)](https://www.autosafety.org/vehicle-safety-check/2020-ford-escape/) - [AutoZone, Escape battery groups by year (96R → H6/48 for 2020+)](https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery/ford/escape) - [Ford Escape forum, 2020 hybrid 12V battery location and Group 48 AGM upgrade](https://www.fordescape.org/threads/2020-ford-escape-hybrid-replace-12-volt-battery-with-larger-group-48-agm.117248/) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2021 Ford Escape / Hybrid / PHEV EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2021_Ford_Escape.shtml) - [Mavis / tiresize, 2023 Escape OE tire sizes (225/65R17, 225/55R19)](https://www.mavis.com/vehicle/ford/escape/2023/) - [WiperBladesUSA, 2020/2021 Escape wiper sizes 24/20/11](https://www.wiperbladesusa.com/wiper-size/ford/escape/2021) ## Find your exact Escape - [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2025) - [2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2024) - [2023](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2023) - [2022](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2022) - [2021](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2021) - [2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020) - [2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2019) - [2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2018) - [2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2017) - [2016](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2016) - [2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2015) - [2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2014) - [2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2013) - [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012) More Ford Escape guides: - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/service-schedule) - [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/common-problems) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.