Engine Oil
0W-20
Full Synthetic
Capacity
5.7 qt
with filter
5.2 qt without filter
Oil Filter
FL-2062-A
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-2062-A, with 2 compatible alternatives listed below. Note: this vehicle has 26 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-2062-A) 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
Motorcraft FL-2062-A OEM
Buy Motorcraft cartridge, 2.7L EcoBoost V6 / 3.0L Raptor
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
Tires
Size 245/60R18
Front pressure 33 PSI
Rear pressure 33 PSI
Brake Pads
Ford L1MZ-2001-N OEM front
Buy Ford L1MZ-2200-H OEM rear
Buy Ford L1MZ-2200-J OEM rear
Buy Ford L1MZ-2200-F OEM rear
Buy Ford RU2Z-2V001-B OEM front
Buy Ford L1MZ-2001-F OEM front
Buy Ford L1MZ-2001-G OEM front
Buy Ford RU2Z-2V200-B OEM rear
Buy Wiper Blades
Ford LB5Z-17528-AA driver
Buy Ford LB5Z-17528-BA passenger
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 26 recalls All categories POWER TRAIN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM SEATS EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM) ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM UNKNOWN OR OTHER ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE SUSPENSION FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:TV/RADIO/SPEAKERS POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:WIRELESS CHARGER/CRADLE SERVICE BRAKES VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR BACK OVER PREVENTION STRUCTURE STEERING 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 ENGINE VISIBILITY/WIPER STRUCTURE:BODY ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:CAMERA/SENSOR POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:DOGS/SYNCHROS SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC:SOFTWARE/PROGRAMMING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
SSM 54783 POWER TRAIN 2026-04-27
Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The vehicle may be unable to enter electric-only drive modes as expected during normal drive cycles. This may be due to the software within the belt integrated starter generator (BISG). For vehicles with this condition, follow Pinpoint Test G located in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-06D and repair the vehicle as necessary. Note that the BISG is on backorder status at the time of this publication and Ford is working to make parts available. Engineering is investigating this concern. Monitor PTS for updates.
23B64 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2026-04-08
Customer Satisfaction Program 23B64 Certain 2020-2024 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Equipped with High Voltage Batteries Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Software Update
SSM 54646 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2026-04-29
Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit a "Refuel Error See Manual" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) after installing a replacement fuel filler door assembly (7827936). This may be due to a concern with the replacement fuel filler door assembly. If diagnostics in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-14 Body > Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems > lead to fuel filler door switch replacement, install a new fuel filler door assembly ordered from depot stock to correct this condition. Suspect parts have been cleared from parts depot inventory.
Show all 292 TSBs(+289) 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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