FordExplorer2020Overview/ford/explorer/2020/base/

2020 Ford Explorer

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2020 Explorer.

The 2020 Ford Explorer, built on Ford’s midsize SUV platform, continues the brand’s tradition of spacious, versatile family vehicles while maintaining a robust power‑train architecture that still attracts a sizable share of owner concerns—1159 complaints in 2020 alone, with “Power Train” the most frequently cited issue—and a record of 31 recalls that year. Its standard maintenance routine includes a 5.2‑quart fill of 5W‑30 oil, a detail that underscores the vehicle’s demand for regular, high‑quality fluid to sustain its drivetrain. Placed within a long‑running reliability dataset that spans 1990‑2025, the Explorer’s 2020 performance sits comfortably below the model’s historical peak of 3620 complaints in 2002 and far above the 12 complaints that defined the 1990 launch, illustrating a moderate, but not exceptional, trend in owner satisfaction for this generation.

Model year202620252024202320212020201920182017

Quick specs

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

Engine oil capacity5.2 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30OEM · verified
Lug nut torque150.0 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 H6 · 720 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 H6 · 720 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.

5.2–7.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.20 sec — 2020 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 engine oil, SAE 75W · Synthetic · SAE 75W in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 150.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidMERCON® ULV Automatic Transmission Fluid /
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity11.0-14.0
Automatic Transmission FluidMERCON® ULV Automatic Transmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity12.9
Brake FluidDOT 4
Brake FluidDOT 4
Differential Gear OilSAE 75W · Synthetic · SAE 75W
Differential Gear OilSAE 75W · Synthetic · SAE 75W

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)8.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)8.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)8.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)4.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)4.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill PlugFront: 30.0; Rear: 25.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain PlugFront: 30.0; Rear: 25.0 ft-lbs
Differential Fill PlugFront: 30.0; Rear: 25.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain PlugFront: 29.0; Rear: 25.0 ft-lbs
Driveshaft Flange to TransmissionFront: 81.0; Rear: 81.0 ft-lbs
Driveshaft Flange to TransmissionFront: 81.0; Rear: 81.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts150.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts150.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Type12405
Spark Plug Gap0.0295 in
Spark Plug Torque8.8 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity2.187 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeYN-35
RefrigerantR1234yf
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeYN-35
RefrigerantR1234yf

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum58.0–75.4 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum58.0–75.4 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum58.0–75.4 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum58.0–75.4 psi
Engine Oil Pressure29–60 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPMhot @ 2,000 rpm
Engine Oil Pressure21
Engine Oil Pressure20.0–25.0 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueM8 Bolts: 20.0, M10 Bolts: 34.0
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque129.0
ABS Sensor TorqueFront: 8.8; Rear: 11.08
Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueRear: 26.0
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 129.0; Rear: 122.0
ABS Sensor TorqueFront: 8.8; Rear: 11.08
Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueRear: 20.0 ft-lbs
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueRear: 80.0 ft-lbs

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Front Wheel Hub Bearing Housing Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
166.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45°66 ft. lbs
Front Wheel Hub Bearing Housing Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
166.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45°66 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
15.1 ft.lbs. Step 2: 11.85.1 ft.lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
126.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 135°26 ft. lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: Loosen 360° Step 3: 37.0 ft. lbs. Step 4: 90°30 ft. lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: Loosen 360° Step 3: 18.0 ft. lbs. Step 4: 180°30 ft. lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: Loosen 360° Step 3: 18.0 ft. lbs. Step 4: 180°30 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: 90°17 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 Center Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
190
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Center 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 Center Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 90° Step 3: 60°37 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Center 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
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: 45°, Step 4: 60°37 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
15.1 ft. lbs. Step 2: 11.8 ft. lbs. Step 3: 41.0 ft. lbs. Step 4: 90° Step 5: 90°5.1 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
114.75 ft. lbs. Step 2: Loosen 2 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: 90°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 5 stages

Prep Bolts 1-8: Step 1: 14.8 ft. lbs.

226.0 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
390°
490°
545°
67.4
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
13.6 ft. lbs. Step 2: 18.0 ft. lbs. Step 3: 90°3.6 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: Loosen 360° Step 3: 26.0 ft. lbs. Step 4: 180°30 ft. lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45°7.4 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
145°
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.4 ft. lbs. Step 2: 45°7.4 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 2020 model year stands as a pronounced outlier within the federal record, registering 1,159 complaints and 31 recalls compared to 285 complaints and 6 recalls in 2019, while 2021 shows a decline to 398 complaints and 25 recalls. This positions 2020 at the apex of a sharp volatility arc that interrupts the relative stability of the preceding three years and precedes a steady downward trend through 2024. Power Train complaints lead the 2020 filings at 314, though the data does not specify the underlying mechanical cause, followed by 119 unspecified reports and 56 Back Over Prevention entries. With crash complaints at 34 and fire complaints at 10, the 2020 model carries substantially higher safety-related regulatory activity than adjacent years. Given the dramatic spike in both recalls and consumer complaints relative to 2019 and the subsequent improvement in 2021, prospective buyers would be better served selecting a 2019 or 2021 model year instead.

31
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
356
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
3
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
1,159
Owner complaints
34 involved a crash · 10 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 1,159 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train314
Unknown Or Other119
Back Over Prevention56
Electrical System44
Engine43
Exterior Lighting41
Visibility/Wiper28
Service Brakes27

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 32 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V859000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And FittingsReported 04/12/2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Over time, the protective sleeve on the vapor fuel line may chafe through the plastic liquid fuel line and cause a fuel leak. Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a longer protective sleeve on the liquid fuel line, as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners and interim notification on…

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 356 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.

Reference guides

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

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2020 Explorer take?

5.2 qt of SAE 5W-30 - Synthetic Blend Motor Oil, per the factory manual.

Does the 2020 Explorer have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 31 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.