FordExplorer2015Overview/ford/explorer/2015/base/

2015 Ford Explorer

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2015 Explorer.

Body SUVTransmission Automatic (S6)

The 2015 Ford Explorer is an SUV that carries a 6.0‑quart oil capacity and operates with 5W‑20 viscosity, mated to an Automatic (S6) transmission and EPA‑rated at 17 city/23 highway/19 combined mpg. Its structure‑focused complaint profile records 1,750 total owner complaints and nine recalls, a figure that falls short of the 3,620 complaints recorded in the 2002 peak but remains above the 12‑complaint low of 1990. Consequently, the 2015 model year reflects a mid‑range reliability standing within the vehicle’s long‑term history.

Model year202620252024202320212020201920182015

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20OEM · verified
EPA fuel economy17/23/19 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

Tire sizeP245/60R18 all-season BSWOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length197.2 in
Overall width78.7 in
Overall height69.7 in
Wheelbase113 in
Curb weight4731 lb
Track (front / rear)66.9 / 66.9 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)54/46

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined17 / 23 / 19 mpg
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Explorer of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.8–9.2 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.80 sec — 2017 Platinum EcoBoost
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2016Sport EcoBoost 3.5L Twin-Turbo V66.00 sec14.60 sec365 hpAWD
2016Platinum EcoBoost 3.5L Twin-Turbo V66.40 sec14.80 sec365 hpAWD
2016Limited 2.3L EcoBoost 2.3L Turbo I-48.20 sec16.30 sec280 hpAWD
2013Sport EcoBoost 3.5L Twin-Turbo V65.90 sec14.50 sec365 hpAWD
2013Limited 3.5L V68.00 sec16.10 sec290 hpAWD
2017Platinum EcoBoost 3.5L Twin-Turbo V65.80 sec14.40 sec365 hpAWD
2017Platinum EcoBoost 3.5L Twin-Turbo V66.50 sec15.00 sec365 hpAWD
2012Limited 2.0L EcoBoost 2.0L Turbo I-49.20 sec16.90 sec240 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.0 qt of 5W-20 engine oil, SAE 80W in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. The firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity6F35
Brake FluidDOT 4
Differential Gear OilSAE 80W
Differential Gear Oil Capacity19.52 qt
Engine Coolant Capacity11.6 qt
Engine Coolant Capacity11.4 qt
Engine OilSAE 5W · Synthetic · SAE 5W
Engine Oil Capacity6.0 qt

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.1 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.6 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.2 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)35.0 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)14.75 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)35.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill Plug21.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain Plug17.0 ft-lbs
Driveshaft Flange to Transmission83.0 ft-lbs
Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts111.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug14.75 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug8.8 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug15.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug9.0 if equipped with drain plug ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Type12405
Spark Plug Gap.035 in
Spark Plug Torque11 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity47.0 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypePAG
Oil Capacity9.3 oz
RefrigerantR134a
Oil GroupPAG

Service checks

Pressure Test17.98 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief13.8-18.1 psi
Pressure Test17.98 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief13.8-18.1 psi
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)58
RPM55-75 @ idle rpm
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum55-75 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)51-67 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueRear: 24.0
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 122.0; Rear: 76.0
ABS Sensor TorqueFront: 11.0; Rear: 11.0
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.118; Rear: 0.118 in
Solid Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementRear: 13 brakes: 0.394, 13.5 brakes: 0.689
Solid Rotor Maximum Scoring Depth0.004-0.015
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 13 brakes: 1.122, 14 brakes: 1.181
Vented Rotor Maximum Scoring Depth0.004-0.015

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Install the camshafts with the alignment slots in the camshafts lined up so the 303-465 T94P-6256-CH can be installed without rotating the camshafts. Make sure the lobes on the No. 1 cylinder are in the same position as noted in the removal procedure. Rotating the camshafts when the timing chain is removed, or installing the camshafts 180 degrees out of position can cause severe damage to the valves and pistons. · NOTICE: Failure to follow the camshaft tightening procedure can result in damage to the camshafts. · NOTICE: Wipe off any excess sealer from the fuel injection pump housing sealing surface of the cylinder head and rear camshaft cap. · NOTE: Lubricate the camshaft journals and camshaft bearing caps with clean engine oil. · Install the camshafts and bearing caps in their original location and orientation. · Tighten the camshaft bearing caps 2 turns at a time in the sequence shown in 2 Steps:

15.1
211.8
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
16.0
245 degrees45 degrees
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 Step 260 degrees
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 Step 2180 degrees
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep The rod cap installation must keep the same orientation as marked during disassembly or engine damage may occur. · NOTE: After installation of each connecting rod cap, rotate the crankshaft to verify smooth operation. · Install the 4 connecting rod caps and the 8 new bolts and tighten the bolts in 3 Steps.

17.4
221.0
390 degrees90 degrees
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep The rod cap installation must keep the same orientation as marked during disassembly or engine damage may occur. · NOTE: After installation of each piston, connecting rod, rod cap and bolts, rotate the crankshaft to verify smooth operation.

117.0
232.0
390 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep The cylinder head bolts are torque-to-yield and must not be reused. New cylinder head bolts must be installed. · Install the cylinder head and the 10 new bolts. · Tighten the bolts in the sequence shown in 5 Steps.

15.2
211.1
341.0
490 degrees90 degrees
590 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
114.75
226.0
390 degrees90 degrees
490 degrees90 degrees
545 degrees45 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. Tighten all bolts to finger tight then continue on with the following procedure.

15.17 ft. lbs.5.17 ft. lbs
211.0 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
341.0 ft. lbs.41 ft. lbs
490 degrees90 degrees
590 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat new bolts with the specified engine oil. · Bolts 1-8

115.0 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
226.0 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
390 degrees90 degrees
490 degrees90 degrees
545 degrees; Bolt 945 degrees
17.4 ft. lbs.7.4 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 7 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat new bolts with the specified engine oil. · Bolts 1-18

115.0 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
236.0 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
336.0 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
436.0 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
590 degrees90 degrees
690 degrees90 degrees
790 degrees; Bolts 19-2290 degrees
122 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat new bolts with the specified engine oil. · Bolts 1-8

115.0 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
226.0 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
390 degrees90 degrees
490 degrees90 degrees
545 degrees; Bolt 945 degrees
17.4 ft. lbs.7.4 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Special bolts are used for installation. Do not use standard bolts. · Tighten in the sequence shown in 3 Steps:

137.0
259.0
389.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
13.7
218.0
390 degrees90 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Tighten the main bearing bolts in the sequence shown in 2 Steps.

124.0
2Tighten fasteners 1 through 8 an additional 135 degrees.; Install the new 8 main bearing cap side bolts. Tighten in the sequence shown in 2 Steps.135 degrees
1Tighten fasteners 1 through 8 to 18.0
2Tighten fasteners 1 through 8 an additional180 degrees.180 degrees
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
17.4
214.8

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBrake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Temperature Controlled Seat Air Filter (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2015 Ford Explorer sits within a generation that shows a moderate rise in complaints compared to the dip in 2013 and 2014, with 1,750 complaints and 9 recalls—higher than the 1,671 complaints of 2014 but lower than the 2,428 complaints of 2016. Across the decade, the trend peaks in 2002 and 2016, then declines toward 2024, indicating a general downward trajectory after 2016. In 2015, the top complaint areas—Structure (307), Unknown or Other (288), Steering (280), and Engine (133)—reflect typical wear and structural concerns rather than systemic safety failures. The 36 crash complaints and single fire complaint are modest compared to prior years, suggesting no major emergent hazards. Overall, 2015 represents a mid‑point in a recovery curve with no extraordinary recall or safety issues, making it a reasonable year to consider if the vehicle has been well maintained.

9
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
124
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
5
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
1,750
Owner complaints
36 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 1,750 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Structure307
Unknown Or Other288
Steering280
Engine133
Back Over Prevention61
Air Bags57
Engine & Engine Cooling50
Suspension43

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 9 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V435000Suspension:RearReported 10/06/2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension. Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary…

17E048000Wheels:HubReported 28/08/2017

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These… Remedy: Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 124 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SSM 546012026-02-23Electrical SystemFord and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory…
SSM 543662025-11-11Power TrainSome 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic…
SSM 530402024-10-10Unknown Or OtherWhile performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a…
SSM 524762024-04-24EquipmentAll accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the…
SSM 523352024-03-06Engine And Engine CoolingFor 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Explorer. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2015 Explorer take?

6.0 qt of Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil; Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Super Premium Motor Oil XO-5W20-QSP; CXO-5W20-LSP12, per the factory manual.

Does the 2015 Explorer have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Explorer get?

EPA figures are 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined mpg.