The 2010 Ford Explorer’s engine oil capacity is about 5 quarts (roughly 4.7 liters) when you replace the oil filter. The exact amount can vary by engine variant and whether you’re replacing the filter, so check the owner’s manual or the factory service data for your VIN.
The 2010 Explorer was primarily equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 in its US lineup, and that engine’s official capacity is typically quoted as 5 quarts with a filter. If your Explorer uses a different engine or regional specification, capacities may differ. Always verify with Ford’s service documentation for your specific vehicle.
Engine configurations and capacity
The information below covers the common configuration for US-market 2010 Explorers. If you have a different engine, confirm with the manual.
- 4.0-liter V6 engine: oil capacity about 5 quarts (with filter).
In practice, most 2010 Explorers with the 4.0L V6 require about 5 quarts of oil when performing a full change with a new filter.
Oil change steps for the 2010 Explorer
Before performing an oil change yourself, gather the necessary tools and materials. The steps below outline the standard process for a 2010 Explorer with the 4.0L V6.
- Warm the engine to operating temperature to loosen sludge and ensure accurate oil measurement.
- Safely lift the vehicle and support it on jack stands; never rely on a jack alone to hold the car up.
- Place an oil pan beneath the drain plug; remove the drain plug and allow used oil to drain completely.
- Remove the old oil filter; use an oil filter wrench if needed and prepare a new filter.
- Install the new oil filter; lightly coat the gasket with fresh oil before installation.
- Replace the drain plug and torque to the manufacturer’s specification to prevent leaks.
- Pour in the recommended amount of new oil (about 5 quarts for the 4.0L V6) using a funnel to avoid spills.
- Check the oil level with the dipstick and add more oil if necessary to reach the full line.
- Run the engine for a couple minutes, recheck for leaks, and dispose of used oil properly at an appropriate facility.
Following these steps helps ensure a proper oil change and correct fill level for the 2010 Explorer’s 4.0L V6 engine.
Summary
For most 2010 Explorers equipped with the common 4.0-liter V6, the engine oil capacity is about 5 quarts (4.7 liters) with a filter. Always confirm the exact capacity for your vehicle’s VIN and follow the owner’s manual for oil type, viscosity, and change intervals.


