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2012–2019 U502 (5th generation)

2012–2019 Ford Explorer Factory Maintenance Schedule

The factory maintenance schedule for the 2012–2019 Ford Explorer covering every service through 150,000 miles. Exactly what is due at each interval, and where severe-service conditions change it.

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2012–2019 Ford Explorer maintenance schedule

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10,000 miles / 12 months

  • Change engine oil and filter (per oil-life monitor, max 10k/12 mo)
  • Rotate tires, inspect tread and brakes
  • Multi-point inspection (fluids, hoses, suspension, exhaust)

20,000 miles / 24 months

  • Replace cabin air filter
  • All 10,000-mile items

30,000 miles / 36 months

  • Replace engine air filter (FA-1884)
  • Inspect AWD PTU for leaks, consider 30k–60k PTU fluid changes

100,000 miles / 72 months

  • Replace spark plugs
  • Change engine coolant (initial at 100k mi/6 yr, then every 50k mi/3 yr)
  • Inspect accessory drive belt

150,000 miles / 180 months

  • Change automatic transmission fluid (Mercon LV)
  • Replace accessory drive belt if not already done

Severe service (towing, extensive idling, police/livery, dusty roads) moves spark plugs to 60k and calls for much more frequent PTU fluid and transmission services. The factory PTU has no drain plug on early years. Fluid changes are done by suction, and are cheap insurance against a $1,500+ failure.

Which Ford Explorer model years does this cover?

These service schedule specifications apply to every Ford Explorer built from 2012 through 2019 — the U502 (5th generation), mid-size 3-row crossover suv (unibody, fwd/awd). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.

2012 Explorer2013 Explorer2014 Explorer2015 Explorer2016 Explorer2017 Explorer2018 Explorer2019 Explorer

What changed during the 2012–2019 Ford Explorer

  • 20122.0L EcoBoost joins as an FWD-only economy option (no tow package)
  • 2013Explorer Sport added: 365-hp 3.5L EcoBoost, AWD, 352mm brakes, 20-in wheels
  • 2014Essentially unchanged: a few new exterior colors added; Limited trim gains standard heated second-row seats
  • 2015Essentially unchanged: Limited trim adds an available adaptive cruise control option, with second-row heated seats offered as an option lineup-wide
  • 2016Major facelift: new front/rear styling, 280-hp 2.3L EcoBoost replaces the 2.0L, Platinum trim (3.5L EcoBoost) added, SYNC 3 arrives mid-cycle; low-beam bulb changes to H11
  • 2018–2019Minor updates; carryover mechanicals in the final years before the RWD-platform redesign

2012–2019 Ford Explorer service schedule: common questions

How often does a 2012–2019 Ford Explorer need servicing?

The first scheduled visit is at 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, and the pattern repeats from there.

What is due at 30,000 miles on a 2012–2019 Ford Explorer?

Replace engine air filter (FA-1884); Inspect AWD PTU for leaks, consider 30k–60k PTU fluid changes.

What is due at 100,000 miles on a 2012–2019 Ford Explorer?

Replace spark plugs; Change engine coolant (initial at 100k mi/6 yr, then every 50k mi/3 yr); Inspect accessory drive belt.

Does severe service change the schedule for a 2012–2019 Ford Explorer?

Severe service (towing, extensive idling, police/livery, dusty roads) moves spark plugs to 60k and calls for much more frequent PTU fluid and transmission services. The factory PTU has no drain plug on early years. Fluid changes are done by suction, and are cheap insurance against a $1,500+ failure.

Sources

Other Ford Explorer generations

2020–2025 service scheduleCompare all generations

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