--- title: "2021 Ford Explorer Parts and Specs" description: "Everything for the 2021 Ford Explorer: oil type and capacity, battery group size, tire sizes, wiper blades, filters, service schedule, and common problems, verified, sourced, and in one place." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2021" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # 2021 Ford Explorer parts and specs Everything you need to own and maintain this exact model year. Verified specifications, part numbers, and the problems that recur, in one place. U625 (6th generation), 2020-2025, Mid-size 3-row SUV (RWD-based CD6 platform, RWD/AWD; 2025 refresh). ## Quick facts | Quick fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Engine oil | 5W-30, 5.7 qt (base engine) | | Battery | Group H6 (Group 48), 760 CCA | | Tire size | 255/65R18 (base trim) | | Wiper blades | 26" / 22" / 11" rear | | Max towing | 5,600 lbs | | Cabin filter | Ford JX6Z-19N619-B (Motorcraft equivalent; shared with Lincoln Aviator) | ## Specifications for the 2020-2025 Explorer ### Oil & filter Viscosity, capacity, filter part numbers, change interval [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/oil). ### Battery BCI group size, cold cranking amps, AGM or flooded [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/battery). ### Tires & wheels Factory sizes by trim, pressures, bolt pattern, lug torque [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/tires). ### Wiper blades Driver, passenger and rear blade lengths [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/wipers). ### Air & cabin filters Cabin and engine air filter part numbers, locations, intervals [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/filters). ### Bulbs Headlight, fog and marker bulb types [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/bulbs). ### Brakes Rotor diameters, pad references, service notes [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/brakes). ### Fluids Transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid and capacities [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/fluids). ### Service schedule What's actually due at every mileage interval [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/service-schedule). ### Problems & reliability Documented failures, recalls, and which years to avoid [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/common-problems). ### Oil light reset Step-by-step maintenance light reset, no tools [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/oil-reset). ### Key fob battery Which coin cell the remote takes [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/key-fob-battery). ### Specs Towing, weight, fuel tank, fuel economy [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/specs). These specifications are shared across every Explorer of the U625 (6th generation) generation. See the [2020-2025 Ford Explorer overview](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025) for the full picture, or the [Ford Explorer guide](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer) to compare every generation. ## What changed for the 2021 Ford Explorer | Years | What changed | | --- | --- | | 2021 | King Ranch and off-road-flavored Timberline (265/65R18 ATs, full-size spare) added; Platinum keeps 365-hp 3.0L | ## Known problems with the 2021 Ford Explorer 5 of the 5 issues we track for the 2020-2025 generation are documented against the 2021 model year. ### Rear axle horizontal mounting bolt fracture (two recalls) (major) The bolt that mounts the rear axle to the subframe can fatigue and fracture, letting the axle shift so the driveshaft or half shafts disconnect, loss of drive power, and rollaway risk if parked without the parking brake. Ford first addressed it with a software fix that auto-applies the electronic parking brake (NHTSA 22V-712, Ford 22S27, ~253k 2020-2022 Explorers with the 2.3L RWD and 3.0L), then recalled 238,364 of them again in October 2023 (NHTSA 23V-675, Ford 23S55) to physically replace the axle bolt/subframe hardware, plus the driveshaft if damaged. Clunking from the rear on acceleration is the classic symptom. Check your VIN and insist on the hardware fix. NHTSA 22V-712 (Ford 22S27, software); NHTSA 23V-675 (Ford 23S55, bolt replacement). Typical cost: Free under recall; a failed bolt outside recall scope can mean $1,000+ in driveshaft/axle repairs. ### 360-degree camera blue/black image (recall) (moderate) On vehicles with the 360-degree camera system, the rearview or full camera display can intermittently show a blue or black image in reverse, a backup-visibility safety defect. Ford recalled about 382,000 2020-2023 Explorers (with Aviator/Corsair siblings) in May 2023; the fix is a free image processing module (IPMA) software update. Ford logged 2,100+ warranty claims and 17 minor crashes before the recall. NHTSA 23V-342 (Ford 23S23). Typical cost: Free under recall (software update). ### 10R60 10-speed transmission harsh shifting / shift flare (moderate) The 10-speed draws widespread complaints for harsh 1-2 and 2-3 shifts, delayed engagements, clunks, and 1-3 shift flare. Ford has issued multiple TSBs, PCM/TCM software recalibrations, and for persistent flare a CDF (clutch drum) assembly replacement for an internal clutch seal leak; a related TSB covers output-shaft bearing whine. Software fixes most cars; hardware repairs are covered under the 5-yr/60k powertrain warranty for many owners. A fluid exchange around 60k (despite the 150k schedule) is cheap insurance. Multiple Ford TSBs (PCM updates, CDF clutch drum, output bearing). Typical cost: Free reflash under warranty; $1,500-$3,500 for CDF drum or bearing work out of warranty. ### 12V battery drain / dead battery ('deep sleep' complaints) (minor) Early 6th-gen Explorers are known for dead 12V batteries after sitting a few days, blamed on modules (telematics modem, SYNC) failing to sleep, marginal factory batteries, and lots of short-trip duty with auto start-stop. Symptoms: no-crank after a weekend, 'deep sleep mode' warnings in FordPass, random electrical gremlins. Fixes: software updates for the offending modules, an AGM battery in good health, and a BMS reset after replacement. The awkward under-cowl battery location makes DIY replacement a 30-minute job instead of a 5-minute one. Typical cost: $0 (software) - $250-$400 (AGM battery replacement). ### 2020 launch-year build quality issues (moderate) The 2020 model year, launched during a chaotic Chicago Assembly changeover, generated well-above-average complaints and multiple recalls beyond the axle bolt: missing/loose wiring, seat frame and trim faults, transmission issues, and PTU concerns, with many early vehicles shipped to dealers for rework. Consumer Reports and owner-reported reliability for 2020 is markedly worse than 2022+ builds. If shopping used, prefer 2022-or-later builds and verify all recalls are closed by VIN. Typical cost: Varies; most covered by warranty/recalls when documented. Full detail, costs and sources on the [Ford Explorer problems and years to avoid](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/common-problems) guide. ## Which engines were offered in the 2021 Explorer? | Engine | Trims | Oil | Oil capacity | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | Base, XLT, Limited, Active, ST-Line, Timberline (2020-2024); Active, ST-Line, Platinum (2025) | 5W-30 | 5.7 qt | | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (ST; Platinum/King Ranch availability varies) | ST (400 hp); Platinum 2020-2021 (365 hp), Platinum/King Ranch 3.0 (400 hp) 2022+; optional on 2025 Platinum | 5W-30 | 6 qt | | 3.3L V6 Hybrid (2020-2024) | Limited Hybrid (2020-2024), Platinum Hybrid (2021-2024); dropped for 2025 | 5W-20 | 6 qt | ## About the Ford Explorer The Ford Explorer is America's best-selling three-row midsize SUV, and the 2012-2025 span covers two fundamentally different vehicles. 5L EcoBoost in Sport and Platinum trims. 5L V6's internal chain-driven water pump, which can take the engine with it when it fails, and leak-prone power transfer units on AWD models, plus a years-long NHTSA investigation into exhaust odor/carbon monoxide in the cabin (closed in 2023 without a recall) and repeated rear toe-link recalls. 3L V6 hybrid through 2024; a heavy 2025 refresh consolidated trims (Active, ST-Line, Platinum, ST) and dropped the hybrid. Sixth-gen ownership issues center on the rear axle mounting bolt recalls, 360-camera recall, and 10-speed shift-quality complaints. 3, lug torque is 100 ft-lbs, and Ford's schedule is simple: 10,000-mile oil changes via the oil-life monitor, cabin filter at 20k, air filter at 30k, plugs and coolant at 100k, transmission fluid at 150k. For how the specifications changed across every generation, see the [full Ford Explorer guide](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer). ## Other Ford Explorer years - [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2025) - [2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2024) - [2023](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2023) - [2022](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2022) - [2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020) - [2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2019) - [2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2018) - [2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2017) - [2016](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2016) - [2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2015) - [2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2014) - [2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2013) - [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012) Data confidence for this generation: Verified. ## Sources - [2020 Explorer Owner's Manual, Capacities and Specifications (fordservicecontent.com)](https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/vdirsnet/OwnerManual/Home/Content?variantid=6725&languageCode=en&countryCode=USA&moidRef=G1635371&Uid=G1977553&ProcUid=G1988500&userMarket=CAN&div=f&vFilteringEnabled=False&buildtype=web) - [CarCareTruth, 2020-2026 Explorer oil type & capacity (from OEM manuals)](https://www.carcaretruth.com/engine-oil/ford-explorer-6th-gen) - [NHTSA recall 23V-675 / Ford 23S55, rear axle bolt replacement](https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=23V675) - [Ford recall 22S27 (NHTSA 22V-712), rear axle bolt software remedy](https://www.ford.com/support/campaign-details/22s27/) - [NHTSA recall 23V-342 (Ford 23S23), 360-camera blue image](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2023/RCLRPT-23V342-5662.PDF) - [Levittown Ford parts, FA-1947 / L1MZ-9601-A engine air filter (3.0L/3.3L)](https://www.levittownfordparts.com/sku/l1mz-9601-a.html) - [Ford Parts Giant, JX6Z-19N619-B cabin air filter, 2020 Explorer](https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/oem-2020-ford-explorer-cabin_air_filter.html) - [ExplorerST.org, factory H6 battery, fluid capacities (Mercon ULV, 75W-85 rear axle)](https://www.explorerst.org/threads/car-battery-recommendations.9879/) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2021 Ford Explorer EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2021_Ford_Explorer.shtml) - [Goodyear / Mavis, 2021-2024 Explorer OE tire sizes by trim](https://www.goodyear.com/en-us/vehicles/Ford/Explorer/2024) - [Car and Driver, 2020 Explorer specs (fuel tank, curb weight, towing)](https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/explorer/specs/2020/ford_explorer_ford-explorer_2020) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.