--- title: "Ford Explorer Maintenance Schedule" description: "How the Ford Explorer service schedule specification changed from 2012 to 2025, compared generation by generation. The factory maintenance schedule for the Ford Explorer covering every service through 150,000 miles. Exactly what is due at each interval, and where severe-service conditions change it." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/service-schedule" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # Ford Explorer Factory Maintenance Schedule The specification is consistent across every generation we hold data for. ## Has the Ford Explorer service schedule specification changed by year? | Model years | First service | Intervals listed | Through | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [2020-2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/service-schedule) | 10,000 mi | 5 | 150,000 mi | | [2012-2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/service-schedule) | 10,000 mi | 5 | 150,000 mi | ## Full specifications by generation The service schedule 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 Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2020-2025/service-schedule) - [2012-2019 Ford Explorer Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/2012-2019/service-schedule) ## Ford Explorer service schedule: common questions ### How often does a 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 Ford Explorer? Replace engine air filter. ### What is due at 100,000 miles on a 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 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)](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: - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/explorer/oil) - [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) - [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.