What is the Oil Type and Capacity of a 2021 Ford Explorer?

Updated February 18th, 2023 by Searchforparts.com

The 2021 Ford Explorer with the 2.3L 4-cylinder turbo engine needs 5W-30 oil. It has a capacity of 5.2 quarts.  Also, the 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo engine requires 5W-30 oil and has a capacity of 6 quarts. Furthermore, the 2021 Ford Explorer with any 3.3L 6-cylinder engine will require 5W-20 oil. It has a capacity of 6 quarts. 

It is important to note that not all oil has the same quality and impact on your vehicle. Synthetic oil is today’s most used oil and performs more efficiently for your Ford Explorer. It is more resistant to heat and produces less emission compared to regular oil.

Get the best made in USA fully synthetic oil for your 2021 Explorer! Our signature series oil gives 75% more protection and lasts longer. Keep your engine running great long-term! Do not use cheap blends and any generic oil for your engine! Upgrade now!

5w-30-for-2021-camaro

5W-20 Synthetic Oil

For the 3.3 Liter 6-Cylinder 2021 Ford Explorer

5W-30 Synthetic Oil

For the 2.3 4-Cylinder turbo engine or the 3.0L 6-Cylinder engine

Amsoil-filter-ford-explorer-1

2.3L 4-Cylinder Turbo Oil Filter

Great oil filter for your Ford Explorer! Only fits the 2.3L

3.0 L 6-Cylinder Oil Filter

Only fits the 3.0 6-cylinder engine. Keeps engine super clean!

3.3L Engine [B] 99 Filter

For a 3.3L with engine code [B] 99B (not for a hybrid)

oil-filter-ford-explorer-4

3.3L 6-cyl Engine [W] 99W

Filter for the 3.3L 6-cyl Engine [W] 99W Variable Fuel (Hybrid)

What Happens If You Put in New Oil Without Changing the Filter?

The oil filter is an important part of the engine, and it helps to remove all contaminants from the oil which could have accumulated throughout use. It is recommended to have a filter replaced during an oil change.

In addition, the filter purifies and collects dirt, debris, and any other contaminant. Over time these contaminants accumulate in the filter because there is no way to do away with them. If the filter is left unchanged, it could get clogged.

A clogged filter could cause a lot of damage to the engine. It will block oil from circulating properly in the engine block. When oil does not circulate, engine parts experience wear and failure, and the oil pressure drops.  

It is best to replace the filter regularly with a quality oil filter like an Amsoil filter.

Also, pay close attention to signs of oil problems and check the warning light. In some cases, it is not the oil that is bad or low, and it might simply be a clogged filter. 

How Long Does Full Synthetic Oil Last?

 

Synthetic oil is expected to last between 7,500 to 15,000 miles depending on how often you drive, the synthetic oil brand, and the vehicle. However, for your Ford Explorer, you must change the oil between 7,000 and 10,000 miles, which is a manufacturer’s recommendation. 

How Often Do You Change the Oil in a 2021 Ford Explorer?

 

For your 2021 Ford Explorer, it is recommended that you have an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for conventional oil. Synthetic oil requires less oil change, typically every 10,000 miles. 

While conventional oil is a great lubricant, its higher viscosity and thickness means they don’t easily flow and may break down more easily from heat. Synthetic is more durable and offers lasting protection to your vehicle’s engine.

Using conventional oil for too long may deposit carbon that could damage the engine system.  

We recommend an oil change at regular intervals. Below are some of the dangers your engine will face if you keep the oil the same as you are meant to. 

  1. Wear in the engine part 

When you do not change the oil of your Ford Explorer when you are meant to, the engine parts will begin to experience wear. When the oil is used too long, it loses its ability to lubricate the engine parts. When this happens, the moving parts will rub on themselves, causing increased friction. 

  1. Overheating 

When the engine oil is used more than its expected period, there will be increased friction in the engine, which will cause the engine to generate a lot of heat, which is not good for the engine parts and can lead to the failure of the engine parts. 

Also, the oil in your vehicle serves the purpose of cooling the engine parts. When it circulates throughout the engine blocks, it can collect engine heat. 

  1. Loss of oil effectiveness 

When the oil is used too long, it will lose its ability to lubricate the engine parts. Also, various additives found in the engine oil, like detergent friction reducers, rust preventives, and so on, will no longer function. 

  1. Deposit

The oil will become toxic to your engine if you do not change when you are meant to. The oil will begin to cause dirt and debris, eventually clogging the oil filter, which will be a disaster for the engine if it is not changed. 

Convention oil will leave even more dangerous substances like carbon which could lead to a loss in engine performance.  

  1. Engine Failure 

Eventually, when the engine oil is not changed, the engine parts will fail one after the other, followed by the engine in general, which will cause a fortune to repair or replace depending on how bad the damage is. 

What is the Recommended Oil for the 2021 Ford Explorer?

Suppose you are looking for the best oil for your 2021 Ford Explorer; we recommend Amsoil products. Amsoil has decades of experience producing some of the best oil available. They offer a wide range of engine oil products that have been well-tested and proven to provide the best vehicle outcome.  

Final Thoughts! 

 

The 2021 Ford Explorer is a high-performing vehicle with a turbocharged engine. It requires the best maintenance that it can get. One of the ways that you can properly maintain the vehicle is by paying attention to the engine oil. 

Oil and filter changes are essential maintenance services for lasting engines. We recommend purchasing any of the Amsoil products for your 2021 Ford Explorer. If you need further details on maintaining your 2021 Explorer then please visit this link where you will find the owner’s manual https://www.ford.com/support/vehicle/explorer/2021/owner-manuals/