2020–2025 U625 (6th generation)
2020–2025 Ford Explorer Factory Maintenance Schedule
The factory maintenance schedule for the 2020–2025 Ford Explorer covering every service through 150,000 miles. Exactly what is due at each interval, and where severe-service conditions change it.
Last verified
2020–2025 Ford Explorer maintenance schedule
High confidence10,000 miles / 12 months
- Change engine oil and filter (per oil-life monitor, max 10k/12 mo)
- Rotate tires, inspect tread, measure depth
- Multi-point inspection
20,000 miles / 24 months
- Replace cabin air filter
- All 10,000-mile items
30,000 miles / 36 months
- Replace engine air filter
100,000 miles / 72 months
- Replace spark plugs
- Change engine coolant (initial 100k mi/6 yr, then every 50k mi/3 yr; hybrids also motor/electronics coolant)
- Inspect accessory drive belt
150,000 miles / 180 months
- Change automatic transmission fluid (Mercon ULV)
- Change rear axle fluid if subjected to towing/severe service (earlier under severe schedule)
Severe service (towing, police/livery, extensive idling, dusty roads) moves plugs to 60k and transmission/axle fluids much earlier. FordPass Rewards covered some scheduled maintenance costs in early ownership years.
Which Ford Explorer model years does this cover?
These service schedule specifications apply to every Ford Explorer built from 2020 through 2025 — the U625 (6th generation), mid-size 3-row suv (rwd-based cd6 platform, rwd/awd; 2025 refresh). 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.
What changed during the 2020–2025 Ford Explorer
- 2020Generation launch on RWD-based CD6 platform; 10-speed automatic across the board; hybrid and 400-hp ST debut; rocky launch quality (see common problems)
- 2021King Ranch and off-road-flavored Timberline (265/65R18 ATs, full-size spare) added; Platinum keeps 365-hp 3.0L
- 2022ST-Line (ST looks, 2.3L) added; ST available RWD; 3.0L Platinum/King Ranch rated 400 hp
- 2024Carryover; final year for the 3.3L hybrid and King Ranch/Timberline/Limited trims
- 2025Major refresh: new fascias, new interior with 13.2-in SYNC 4A touchscreen, trims consolidated to Active/ST-Line/Platinum/ST; hybrid dropped; 2.3L switches to FL-2127 oil filter (~5.0 qt)
2020–2025 Ford Explorer service schedule: common questions
How often does a 2020–2025 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 2020–2025 Ford Explorer?
- Replace engine air filter.
What is due at 100,000 miles on a 2020–2025 Ford Explorer?
- Replace spark plugs; Change engine coolant (initial 100k mi/6 yr, then every 50k mi/3 yr; hybrids also motor/electronics coolant); Inspect accessory drive belt.
Does severe service change the schedule for a 2020–2025 Ford Explorer?
- Severe service (towing, police/livery, extensive idling, dusty roads) moves plugs to 60k and transmission/axle fluids much earlier. FordPass Rewards covered some scheduled maintenance costs in early ownership years.
Sources
- 2020 Explorer Owner's Manual, Capacities and Specifications (fordservicecontent.com)
- CarCareTruth, 2020–2026 Explorer oil type & capacity (from OEM manuals)
- NHTSA recall 23V-675 / Ford 23S55, rear axle bolt replacement
- Ford recall 22S27 (NHTSA 22V-712), rear axle bolt software remedy
- NHTSA recall 23V-342 (Ford 23S23), 360-camera blue image
- Levittown Ford parts, FA-1947 / L1MZ-9601-A engine air filter (3.0L/3.3L)
- Ford Parts Giant, JX6Z-19N619-B cabin air filter, 2020 Explorer
- ExplorerST.org, factory H6 battery, fluid capacities (Mercon ULV, 75W-85 rear axle)
- fueleconomy.gov, 2021 Ford Explorer EPA ratings
- Goodyear / Mavis, 2021–2024 Explorer OE tire sizes by trim
- Car and Driver, 2020 Explorer specs (fuel tank, curb weight, towing)