Engine Oil
0W-20
Full Synthetic
Capacity
5.7 qt
with filter
5.2 qt without filter
Oil Filter
FL-500S
Motorcraft (OEM)
OEM spec: WSS-M2C962-A1
The 2021 Ford Explorer takes 0W-20 Full Synthetic with a total capacity of 5.7 quarts (filter included). You’ll need a 16mm socket for the drain plug, torqued to 30 Nm. The OEM oil filter is the Motorcraft FL-500S, with 3 compatible alternatives listed below. Note: this vehicle has 23 active recalls — check the recalls section below. Below you’ll find complete maintenance specs, fluid capacities, parts, and links to buy what you need.
⚑ QUICK DIY TIPS FOR THE 2021 FORD EXPLORER
Torque your drain plug to 30 Nm (22 ft-lbs) to avoid leaks or stripped threads. Using the OEM filter (Motorcraft FL-500S) is recommended for warranty compliance. Always use 0W-20 Full Synthetic as specified by Ford — using the wrong viscosity can void your powertrain warranty. Check the maintenance schedule below for your next service interval. Viscosity 0W-20
Oil type Full Synthetic
Capacity (with filter) 5.7 qt
Capacity (w/o filter) 5.2 qt
OEM spec WSS-M2C962-A1
Filter Options
OEM spin-on filter
Drain Bolt & Hardware
Socket size 16 mm
Thread M14x1.5
Torque spec 30 Nm
Gasket Crush washer
6th gen CD6 (2.3L EcoBoost I4)
Type Mercon LV
Capacity 4 qt
Change interval 60,000 mi
DOT type DOT 3
Change interval 45,000 mi
Type Motorcraft Gold
Color Yellow
Capacity 7 qt
Change interval 120,000 mi
Differential Fluid (rear) Buy Type 75W-90 GL-5
Capacity 2 qt
Change interval 60,000 mi
Differential Fluid (rear) Buy Type 75W-90 GL-5
Capacity 2 qt
Change interval 60,000 mi
Spark Plugs
Type Iridium
Gap 0.052
Quantity 4
Change interval 100,000 mi
Battery
Motorcraft BXT-65-650 OEM
Buy Tires
Size 245/60R18
Front pressure 33 PSI
Rear pressure 33 PSI
Brake Pads
Motorcraft BR1551B OEM front
Buy Wiper Blades
Bosch 16A passenger, 16"
Buy Rain-X 16-1 passenger, 16"
Buy 5k mi 7.5k mi 10k mi 15k mi 20k mi 30k mi 50k mi 60k mi 90k mi 100k mi
≈ every 6 months
▸ Change Engine Oil & Filterspark plug
14mm thread, aluminum head
18 ft-lb · 24.4 Nm
20V788000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.
21V652000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during the deployment of the side air bag, resulting in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214, "Side Impact Protection".
21V735000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Show all 23 recalls All categories ELECTRICAL SYSTEM POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION POWER TRAIN ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING ENGINE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL SEATS EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY SERVICE BRAKES ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE UNKNOWN OR OTHER ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:CAMERA/SENSOR VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:DOGS/SYNCHROS SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC:SOFTWARE/PROGRAMMING EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM) ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA STRUCTURE:BODY SUSPENSION SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. STRUCTURE STEERING FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM VISIBILITY/WIPER VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:TV/RADIO/SPEAKERS COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:WIRELESS CHARGER/CRADLE VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR BACK OVER PREVENTION EXTERIOR LIGHTING PARKING BRAKE POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE) ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
SSM 52189 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2024-01-18
Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit poor speaker sound quality and/or tick-tock noise while activating turn signals and streaming audio over Bluetooth. Customers may describe static heard during a Bluetooth phone call or a door speaker buzz or tick noise with the pulse of the turn signal. This may be due to concerns with the 14401/14A005 wiring harnesses or connector damage. Prior to the replacement of the affected speaker, inspect for incorrect pin fit/crimp, bent pins, broken wire strands, or other damage at inline connectors C202, C2383A, and/or C4240B. These circuits join the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) and audio front control module (ACM) components. If wiring/connector concerns are found, repair per Wiring Diagram Cell 5.
SSM 49269 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 2020-10-16
Some 2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor vehicles may exhibit a flashing powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator while in transport mode with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P112A stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to excessive engine starts while the vehicle is in transport mode. To correct the condition, deactivate transport mode. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-10 > General Procedures. Cycle the ignition to RUN. If the concern still exists, perform normal diagnostics in the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual.
SSM 49329 POWER TRAIN 2020-11-11
Some 2020-2021 Aviator and Explorer vehicles may experience an intermittent no crank, inoperative remote start, and/or an illuminated wrench light with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P07E4, B135C and/or U0103. This may be due to a loose ground G210 and/or G214. Check grounds G210 and G214, refer to the Wiring Diagram for location information. If the concern persists, or the grounds are found to be secure, refer to the Workshop Manual and applicable sections of the Powertrain Controls/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual for normal diagnostics.
Show all 273 TSBs(+270) Private Party
$21,147–$23,373
Dealer Retail
$24,486–$27,825
Estimated values assume average condition and mileage for vehicle age.
Source: estimated
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