2025 Ford Explorer
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2025 Ford Explorer maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Ford Explorer.
For oil changes, the 2025 Ford Explorer takes 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 5.7 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Motorcraft Gold (OAT), and transmission fluid is Mercon LV. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Ford Explorer, torque the lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2025 Ford Explorer have reported 5 common issues including "Rear Axle Mounting Bolt Fracture", "Transmission Erratic Shifting and Fluid Venting" and "Rearview/360-Degree Camera Failure". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2025 Ford Explorer uses 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil (5.7 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 100 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2025 Ford Explorer. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2025 Ford Explorer.
Common problems reported by 2025 Ford Explorer owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
Rear Axle Mounting Bolt Fracture
The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt can fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect from the rear axle. This can result in a sudden loss of power to the rear wheels and a potential road hazard from a dragging driveshaft. A recall was issued affecting thousands of 2020-2022 Explorers.
Ford issued recall 22S46 to inspect and replace the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt. Contact your dealer to verify if your VIN is affected. The repair is performed free of charge.
Est. Cost: Covered under recallTransmission Erratic Shifting and Fluid Venting
The 10-speed automatic transmission can shift erratically, exhibit delayed gear engagement, or vent transmission fluid externally. Owners report the vehicle jerking between gears at low speeds, and some have found fluid puddles under the vehicle from the transmission vent.
Ford issued a TSB for 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator addressing the erratic shifting with a PCM recalibration. The fluid venting condition may require seal and gasket replacement. If internal damage has occurred, the valve body or transmission may need replacement.
Est. Cost: $0 - $200 for reflash; $500 - $1,200 for seal repair; $3,000 - $5,000 for transmissionRearview/360-Degree Camera Failure
The rearview camera or 360-degree camera system may display a blank, distorted, flickering, or frozen image when the vehicle is in reverse. Ford has issued multiple recalls for camera-related defects on the Explorer, making this one of the most persistent issues across model years.
Ford issued recall 23S48 for 360-degree camera video output failure and additional recalls for rearview camera software errors. Contact your dealer to check for applicable recalls. The fix involves a software update or camera module replacement, performed free of charge.
Est. Cost: Covered under recallTransmission Park Gear Disengagement (Rollaway Risk)
A loose bolt inside the transmission may prevent the park gear from fully engaging even though the shifter indicates 'PARK.' This creates a rollaway risk when the driver exits the vehicle, and Ford recalled over 250,000 Explorers for this defect.
Ford issued recall 23S01 to inspect and tighten the transmission internal bolt. Always use the parking brake as a secondary precaution. Contact your dealer to verify your VIN status.
Est. Cost: Covered under recallEngine Intake Valve Failure (2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost)
2021-2022 Explorers equipped with the 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine may experience engine intake valve breakage while driving, resulting in catastrophic engine failure and complete loss of drive power. Metal fragments can damage internal engine components.
Ford issued recall 24S55 to perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary. Contact your dealer immediately if you hear abnormal engine noise or experience power loss. The repair is free of charge.
Est. Cost: Covered under recall