--- title: "Ford Explorer Oil Type: 5W-30, 5.7 qt" description: "How the Ford Explorer oil specification changed from 2012 to 2025, compared generation by generation. The Ford Explorer takes 5W-30 engine oil, 5.7 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter Motorcraft FL-910S. Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/oil" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # Ford Explorer 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 Explorer oil specification changed by year? | Model years | Viscosity | Capacity | OEM filter | Interval | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [2020-2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/oil) | 5W-30, 5W-20 | 5.7 / 6 qt | Motorcraft FL-910S | Per Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, max 10,000 mi / 12 months; 5,000 mi severe | | [2012-2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/oil) | 5W-20, 5W-30 | 6 / 5.7 qt | Motorcraft FL-500S | Per Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, max 10,000 mi / 12 months; 5,000 mi typical for severe service | ## Full specifications by generation The oil on a Ford Explorer 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 Explorer Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/oil) - [2012-2019 Ford Explorer Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/oil) ## Ford Explorer oil: common questions ### How many quarts of oil does a Ford Explorer take? It depends on the engine. The 2.3L EcoBoost I4 takes 5.7 quarts; The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (ST; Platinum/King Ranch availability varies) takes 6 quarts; The 3.3L V6 Hybrid (2020-2024) takes 6 quarts, all figures include a new filter. ### What kind of oil does a Ford Explorer take? 5W-30 meeting Ford WSS-M2C961-A1 (API SP / ILSAC GF-6A). Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above. ### Can you use a different viscosity in a Ford Explorer? The factory specification is 5W-30 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 Explorer need an oil change? Per Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, max 10,000 mi / 12 months; 5,000 mi severe. 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 Explorer take? The OEM filter is Motorcraft FL-910S. Common equivalents: Fram XG3614, Wix 51372, Purolator PL10241. ## 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) ## Find your exact Explorer - [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) - [2021](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2021) - [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) More Ford Explorer guides: - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/service-schedule) - [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/common-problems) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.