WhichCarParts

U625 (6th generation) · 2020–2025 · Mid-size 3-row SUV (RWD-based CD6 platform, RWD/AWD; 2025 refresh)

2023 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.

Last verified

Photo: Benespit / CC BY-SA 4.0. Illustrative, not necessarily your model year or trim.

Quick facts

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

Battery

BCI group size, cold cranking amps, AGM or flooded

Tires & wheels

Factory sizes by trim, pressures, bolt pattern, lug torque

Wiper blades

Driver, passenger and rear blade lengths

Air & cabin filters

Cabin and engine air filter part numbers, locations, intervals

Bulbs

Headlight, fog and marker bulb types

Brakes

Rotor diameters, pad references, service notes

Fluids

Transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid and capacities

Service schedule

What's actually due at every mileage interval

Problems & reliability

Documented failures, recalls, and which years to avoid

Oil light reset

Step-by-step maintenance light reset, no tools

Key fob battery

Which coin cell the remote takes

Specs

Towing, weight, fuel tank, fuel economy

These specifications are shared across every Explorer of the U625 (6th generation) generation. See the 2020–2025 Ford Explorer overview for the full picture, or the Ford Explorer guide to compare every generation.

Known problems with the 2023 Ford Explorer

2 of the 5 issues we track for the 2020–2025 generation are documented against the 2023 model year, and 2 carry a recall or service bulletin.

  • 360-degree camera blue/black image (recall)

    moderateNHTSA 23V-342 (Ford 23S23)

    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.

    Typical cost: Free under recall (software update)

  • 10R60 10-speed transmission harsh shifting / shift flare

    moderateMultiple Ford TSBs (PCM updates, CDF clutch drum, output bearing)

    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.

    Typical cost: Free reflash under warranty; $1,500–$3,500 for CDF drum or bearing work out of warranty

3 more issues reported in other 2020–2025 years
  • Rear axle horizontal mounting bolt fracture (two recalls) — 2020–2022 (2.3L RWD and 3.0L powertrains)
  • 12V battery drain / dead battery ('deep sleep' complaints) — 2020–2022 (most reports)
  • 2020 launch-year build quality issues — 2020 (and early 2021 builds)

Full detail, costs and sources on the Ford Explorer problems and years to avoid guide.

Which engines were offered in the 2023 Explorer?

EngineTrimsOilOil capacity
2.3L EcoBoost I4Base, XLT, Limited, Active, ST-Line, Timberline (2020–2024); Active, ST-Line, Platinum (2025)5W-305.7 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 Platinum5W-306 qt
3.3L V6 Hybrid (2020–2024)Limited Hybrid (2020–2024), Platinum Hybrid (2021–2024); dropped for 20255W-206 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.

Other Ford Explorer years

2025202420222021202020192018201720162015201420132012
Data confidence for this generationVerified

Sources