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2021 Ford Explorer

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Explorer.

The 2021 Ford Explorer specifies a 5.2-quart oil fill using 5W-30 or 0W-30 viscosity grades, and carries a reliability profile marked by 398 owner complaints—clustered heavily in the Power Train category—alongside 25 recalls across a model history tracked from 1990 through 2025. With the lineage spanning from a low of 12 complaints in 1990 to a high of 3,620 in 2002, the 2021 model year sits well below the worst-performing iterations while remaining substantially above the historical minimum, indicating moderate complaint volume for researchers tracking longitudinal durability. This positioning suggests the 2021 Explorer avoided the extreme reliability volatility recorded in peak trouble years, though the concentration of Power Train grievances and recall volume still warrant focused technical examination.

Model year202620252024202320212020201920182017

Quick specs

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

Engine oil capacity5.2 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 / 0W-30OEM · verified
Lug nut torque150 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

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

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI Only use AGM VRLA Battery. 48 · 760 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI Only use AGM VRLA Battery. 48 · 760 CCAOEM · verified
Tire size255/65R18 111HOEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length198.8 in
Overall width78.7 in
Overall height70.1 in
Wheelbase119.3 in
Curb weight4458 lb
Track (front / rear)66.9 / 66.9 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)50/50

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.

5.1–8.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.10 sec — 2025 ST
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2020ST 3.0L Twin-Turbo V65.20 sec13.80 sec400 hpAWD
2020ST 3.0L Twin-Turbo V65.30 sec13.90 sec400 hpAWD
2020XLT 2.3L Turbo I-46.20 sec14.90 sec300 hpAWD
2020XLT 2.3L Turbo I-46.80 sec15.30 sec300 hpRWD
2020Limited Hybrid 3.3L V6 + Elec7.70 sec15.70 sec318 hpAWD
2022Timberline 2.3L Turbo I-46.00 sec14.50 sec300 hpAWD
2022Timberline 2.3L Turbo I-46.80 sec15.30 sec300 hpAWD
2023ST-Line 2.3L Turbo I-46.20 sec14.80 sec300 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

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

This engine holds 5.2 qt of 5W-30 / 0W-30 engine oil, Dot 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 150 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity12.6 qt
Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity12.6 qt
Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity13.7 qt
Brake FluidDot 4
Brake FluidDot 4

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)8.08 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)8.08 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.14 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)8.08 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)4.41 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.14 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs7.14 ft-lbs
Cylinder Head InstructionsUse new bolts.

Chassis torques

Differential Fill PlugFront: 18.0; Rear: 25.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain PlugFront: 30.0; Rear: 25.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts150 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug11.83 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug11.83 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug35.0 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 Gap0.030 in
Spark Plug Torque8.83 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity2.187 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeYN-35
Oil Capacity5.41 oz
RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity2.187 lbs
Oil GroupPAG

Service checks

Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)58.0-75.0
Engine Oil Pressure27.6-37.7 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM1,500 rpm
Engine Oil Pressure16.0-24.7 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM1,500 rpm
Engine Oil Pressure20.3-29.0 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM1,500 rpm

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueRear: 26.0 ft-lbs
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 129.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 122.0 ft-lbs
ABS Sensor Torque6.6
Minimum Pad Thickness0.059 in
Minimum Pad Thickness0.059 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 1.201; Rear: 13
Variation from Parallelism Thickness VariationFront: .0003; Rear: .001
Maximum Rotor Runout.002"

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
15.16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 11.83 ft. lbs., Step 3: 5.16 ft. lbs., Step 4: 11.835.16 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
15.91 ft. lbs., Step 2: 60°5.91 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
114.75 ft. lbs., Step 2: 30.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90°14.75 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
124.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 180°, Step 3: 24.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90°24 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
117.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 32.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 105°17 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°74 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: 60°37 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1166.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 360°, Step 3: 26.0 ft. lbs, Step 4: 270°166 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1166.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 360°, Step 3: 26.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 270°166 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°74 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
15.16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 11.08 ft. lbs., Step 3: 41.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90°, Step 5: 90°5.16 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
114.75 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen two complete turns., Step 3: 37.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 180°14.75 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
114.75 ft. lbs., Step 2: 26.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90°, Step 4: 90°, Step 5: 45°14.75 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
15.2 ft. lbs., Step 2: 11.1 ft. lbs., Step 3: 41.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90°, Step 5: 90°5.2 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-814.8 ft. lbs
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 59.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 83.037 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
18.83 ft. lbs., Step 2: 14.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 18.08.83 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.3 ft. lbs., Step 2: 7.37.3 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
13.66 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90°3.66 ft. lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-9 & 11-1414.75 ft. lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.14 lbs., Step 2: 45°7.14 lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45°7.14 ft. lbs

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 at 200,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 200,000 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 12,500 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Driveshaft U-Joint (inspect)
Every 20,000 miCabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 25,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 200,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Hybrid Inverter (drain, flush & refill coolant)

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 sixth-generation Explorer launched in 2020 with an unusually troubled first year—1,159 complaints and 31 recalls—making 2021's 398 complaints and 25 recalls a meaningful improvement but still part of a high-recall early-generation pattern. The trend is clearly downward: complaints fell to 243 in 2022 and 102 in 2023, while recalls tapered from 25 to 14 over the same span, suggesting Ford was actively working through teething issues. The 2021 model year's top complaint areas are Power Train (78 complaints), Unknown or Other (54), Back Over Prevention (23), and Engine (20), with 13 crash complaints and 5 fire complaints recorded—the data does not specify root causes for these categories. With 25 recalls still applicable, a 2021 Explorer requires careful verification that all recall work has been completed, but its position on the improving side of the generation's arc makes it a reasonable purchase—provided the buyer confirms full recall compliance and prioritizes a thorough power train inspection.

25
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
287
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
2
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
397
Owner complaints
13 involved a crash · 5 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’90’91’92’93’94’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 398 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train78
Unknown Or Other54
Back Over Prevention23
Engine20
Electrical System17
Visibility/Wiper15
Structure15
Seats10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 25 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V870000Suspension:RearReported 10/11/2021

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Incorrect rear suspension module components may have been installed due to a labeling error. Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear suspension module, and replace any incorrect parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2021. Owners may…

20V788000EngineReported 17/12/2020

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. Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 287 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TSB 26-22872026-06-18Power TrainThis article supersedes 25-2302. Reason for update: update the labor time allowance for…
26N092026-06-11Visibility/WiperCustomer Satisfaction Program 26N09 Certain 2020 Model Year Escape, 2020-2021 Corsair…
SSM 549022026-06-05Power TrainFor 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R60 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch…
SSM 548572026-05-21Fuel/Propulsion System2020-2026 Explorer/Escape/Corsair, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport/Bronco, 2022-2026 Maverick…
TSB 26-22422026-05-19SuspensionThis bulletin supersedes 25-2213. Reason for update: update the Service Procedure to add…

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.

Group O batteryVehicles taking 5.2 qt

Reference guides

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

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 Explorer take?

5.2 qt of Motorcraft 5W-30 Synthetic; Motorcraft 0W-30 Synthetic can be used for temperatures below -22° F., per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 Explorer have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 25 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.