Quick answer: the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer 3.5L V6 takes 6.0 qt (5.7 L) of SAE 5W-20 with a filter change. The 3.5L EcoBoost takes 6.0 qt of 5W-30, and the 2.0L EcoBoost (to 2015) and 2.3L EcoBoost (2016–2019) take 5.7 qt (5.4 L) of 5W-30.
| Engine | Oil capacity (with filter) | Oil type | Ford specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L Duratec V6 | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 5W-20 | WSS-M2C945-A (to 2017), WSS-M2C945-B1 (2018–2019) |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 5W-30 | WSS-M2C946-A / -B1 |
| 2.0L EcoBoost (to 2015) | 5.7 qt (5.4 L) | 5W-30 | WSS-M2C946-A |
| 2.3L EcoBoost (2016–2019) | 5.7 qt (5.4 L) | 5W-30 | WSS-M2C946-A / -B1 |
Same capacity, different oil. Both 3.5L engines take 6.0 qt, but the naturally aspirated V6 uses 5W-20 and the EcoBoost uses 5W-30. Check which engine you have before buying oil.
Oil capacity by year
| Model year | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L EcoBoost | 2.0L EcoBoost | 2.3L EcoBoost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | manual not on Ford’s site | — | — | — |
| 2012 | manual not on Ford’s site | — | — | — |
| 2013 | manual not on Ford’s site | — | — | — |
| 2014 | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 5.7 qt (5.4 L) | — |
| 2015 | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 5.7 qt (5.4 L) | — |
| 2016 | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | — | 5.7 qt (5.4 L) |
| 2017 | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | — | 5.7 qt (5.4 L) |
| 2018 | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | — | 5.7 qt (5.4 L) |
| 2019 | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | — | 5.7 qt (5.4 L) |
Ford lists one capacity per engine, always including the oil filter. We checked the capacity tables in every model-year manual on this page.
Recommended oil type
3.5L V6: SAE 5W-20, Motorcraft or an oil meeting WSS-M2C945-A (2014–2017) or WSS-M2C945-B1 (2018–2019).
3.5L EcoBoost, 2.0L EcoBoost and 2.3L EcoBoost: SAE 5W-30, meeting WSS-M2C946-A or WSS-M2C946-B1 (2018–2019).
Ford’s site does not publish the 2011–2013 Explorer owner’s manuals, so those years are not verified here.
Ford tells owners not to use supplemental engine oil additives.
How to reset the oil life on the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer
See also: Oil life reset by brand.
In the Explorer’s cluster display, open Settings, go to the vehicle settings menu, select Oil Life Reset (the 2016 manual shows “Remaining Life XXX% – Hold OK to Reset”) and press and hold OK. Reset only after an oil change.
Oil change tips
- A 6-quart jug covers one change on either 3.5L engine.
- Add a little less than the full capacity, run the engine, wait a few minutes and check the dipstick before topping up.
Sources and how we checked
All capacities and oil grades on this page come from Ford’s owner’s manuals, published on Ford’s official owner manuals site (chapter “Capacities and Specifications”):
- 2014 Explorer owner’s manual
- 2015 Explorer owner’s manual
- 2016 Explorer owner’s manual
- 2017 Explorer owner’s manual
- 2018 Explorer owner’s manual
- 2019 Explorer owner’s manual
If your owner’s manual shows something different, follow your manual and tell us.
Last checked: October 22, 2026.
FAQ
How much oil does a 2011–2019 Ford Explorer take?
6.0 qt (5.7 L) for the 3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.7 qt (5.4 L) for the 2.0L and 2.3L EcoBoost, with a filter change (2014–2019 manuals).
What oil does a 3.5 V6 Explorer use?
SAE 5W-20 meeting WSS-M2C945-A or -B1.
What oil does a 2.3 EcoBoost Explorer use?
SAE 5W-30, 5.7 qt (5.4 L) with the filter.
What oil does the 3.5 EcoBoost Explorer use?
SAE 5W-30, 6.0 qt (5.7 L) with the filter.
How do I reset the oil life on a 2011–2019 Explorer?
In the cluster Settings menu, select Oil Life Reset and press and hold OK.
Newer Explorer? See the 2020–2025 Ford Explorer oil type and capacity.