U.S. vehicle reference
2008 Ford Explorer Oil Capacity and Oil Type by Engine
The 2008 Ford Explorer takes 5 quarts of SAE 5W-30 (4.0L); or 6 quarts of SAE 5W-20 (4.6L), according to the Ford owner's manual.
Quoted from the Ford owner's manual with page numbers. Figures online often conflict because they mix engines or with- and without-filter amounts, so match your engine first.
Compiled by Uzman Munib · Record updated · Source and review standards
2008 Ford Explorer oil capacity and oil type by engine
US quarts by engine, quoted from the Ford owner's manual with the page for each figure. Coverage is limited to the named configurations.
| Engine | Oil capacity | Oil grade | Without filter change | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L SOHC V64.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD, 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD | 5 US qt(filter basis not stated) | SAE 5W-30 | Not stated | 2008 Ford Explorer Owner Guide — Engine oil quantity, PDF p. 356, PDF p. 356Source noteQuantity from the Maintenance Product Specifications and Capacities table, PDF p. 356. The table does not say whether the figure includes a filter change, so no capacity basis is given. Check the dipstick after filling. Checked 2026-10-10. Market: U.S. and Canada. |
| 4.6L V84.6L V8 6-speed automatic RWD, 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD | 6 US qt(filter basis not stated) | SAE 5W-20 | Not stated | 2008 Ford Explorer Owner Guide — Engine oil quantity, PDF p. 356, PDF p. 356Source noteQuantity from the Maintenance Product Specifications and Capacities table, PDF p. 356. The table does not say whether the figure includes a filter change, so no capacity basis is given. Check the dipstick after filling. Checked 2026-10-10. Market: U.S. and Canada. |
Explorer oil capacity in other years
At a glance
2008 Ford Explorer reference
Use the summary to orient yourself, then open the exact engine, drivetrain and source record below.
Engine oil capacity
5 qt (filter basis not stated)
Source
4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-10-10OE tire size
Not published
Wheel torque
Not published
2008 Ford Explorer Oil Capacity and Oil Type
Oil capacity
5 qt (filter basis not stated)
Source
4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-10-10Oil specification
WSS-M2C929-A (API Certification Mark)
Source
4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-10-10Oil filter
Not published
Fluids
Transmission capacity
Not published
Transmission fluid
Automatic transmission (5R55S) fluid, Motorcraft MERCON/H23041V ATF4
Source
4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-10-10Coolant capacity
12.2 qt
Source
4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-10-10Coolant type
Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant with bittering agent (yellow-colored), or the type originally equipped
Source
4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-10-10Brake fluid
Motorcraft High Performance DOT 3 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid
Source
4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-10-10Power steering fluid
Motorcraft MERCON/H23041V ATF XT-5-QM
Source
4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-10-10Differential fluid
Not published
2008 Ford Explorer Towing Capacity
Towing capacity
Not published
Payload capacity
Not published
4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD manufacturer references
2008 Ford Explorer Owner Guide — Maintenance product specifications and capacities, PDF p. 355 Accessed 2026-10-102008 Ford Explorer Owner Guide — Engine oil and transmission fluid, PDF p. 356 Accessed 2026-10-102008 Ford Explorer Owner Guide — Power steering, fuel tank and footnotes, PDF p. 357 Accessed 2026-10-102008 Ford Explorer MPG by engine and drivetrain
EPA combined ratings run from 15 to 16 mpg across 8 configurations. Match the engine, transmission and drivetrain in the table before comparing fuel costs.
| Configuration / engine | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer Sport Trac 2WD4.0L 6-cylinder · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record | 14 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg | $3,850 | 555.4375 g/mi |
| Explorer Sport Trac 2WD4.6L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record | 13 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg | $3,850 | 555.4375 g/mi |
| Explorer Sport Trac 4WD4.0L 6-cylinder · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record | 13 mpg | 19 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,100 | 592.4666666666667 g/mi |
| Explorer Sport Trac 4WD4.6L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record | 13 mpg | 19 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,100 | 592.4666666666667 g/mi |
| Explorer 2WD4.0L 6-cylinder · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record | 14 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg | $3,850 | 555.4375 g/mi |
| Explorer 2WD4.6L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record | 13 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg | $3,850 | 555.4375 g/mi |
| Explorer 4WD4.0L 6-cylinder · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record | 13 mpg | 19 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,100 | 592.4666666666667 g/mi |
| Explorer 4WD4.6L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record | 13 mpg | 19 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,100 | 592.4666666666667 g/mi |
Annual fuel figures are the EPA snapshot at the source date. The calculator below uses the separately dated fuel-price record and your inputs, so the estimates may differ.
2008 Ford Explorer annual fuel cost calculator
Start with the combined MPG for 4.0L 6-cylinder, Automatic 5-spd, Rear-Wheel Drive. Replace it with your measured gas mileage and local pump price for a personal budget.
Formula annual miles ÷ MPG × gasoline price
Fuel cost per mile equals gasoline price divided by MPG. Multiply by your annual mileage for a yearly fuel budget. Add maintenance to estimate cost per mile. For a specific journey, budget a road trip and settle passenger shares.
2008 Ford Explorer recall campaigns
NHTSA returned 3 model-level campaign records as of 2026-09-04. A campaign record does not establish whether your vehicle is affected or whether a repair is outstanding. Check your VIN through NHTSA.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR · 07E104000
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
Remedy: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
EQUIPMENT · 10E043000
MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES · 07V453000
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.6L ENGINE AND 6R TRANSMISSION, THE BOLT SECURING THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE FITTINGS AT THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TORQUED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY LOOSEN AND THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND HAVE THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE ATTACHMENT BOLT TIGHTENED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
2008 Ford Explorer NHTSA safety ratings
| Vehicle | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Ford Explorer 4-DR. w/SAB | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | 3/5 |
Confirm the engine, tire package and service procedure
Match your engine and transmission with the configuration selector. Check the door-jamb tire label for your installed wheel package and cold pressure. A capacity is not a substitute for the filling procedure in the owner's manual; transmission change quantities and total system capacities can describe different jobs.
Fields marked Not published have no compiled value here. They do not mean zero capacity, no maintenance requirement or permission to substitute a part. Request a specification correction with the exact year, engine and manufacturer reference.
Frequently asked questions
- How much oil does a 2008 Ford Explorer take?
- 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD: 5 US qt (filter basis not stated); SAE 5W-30. 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic RWD: 6 US qt (filter basis not stated); SAE 5W-20. 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD: 5 US qt (filter basis not stated); SAE 5W-30. 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD: 6 US qt (filter basis not stated); SAE 5W-20.
- What type of oil does the 2008 Ford Explorer take?
- SAE 5W-30 (4.0L); SAE 5W-20 (4.6L). Specification: WSS-M2C929-A (API Certification Mark); WSS-M2C930-A (API Certification Mark). Use the grade printed in your owner's manual or on the oil filler cap.
- Does the 2008 Ford Explorer oil capacity include the filter?
- The owner's manual table gives one quantity per engine without saying whether it includes the filter. Add slightly less, run the engine briefly, then top up to the dipstick's full mark.
- What tire size and wheel torque does the 2008 Ford Explorer use?
- 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD: tire size not published; wheel torque not published. 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic RWD: tire size not published; wheel torque not published. 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD: tire size not published; wheel torque not published. 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD: tire size not published; wheel torque not published.
- What is the 2008 Ford Explorer gas mileage?
- EPA combined ratings run from 15 to 16 mpg across 8 configurations. Match the engine, transmission and drivetrain in the table before comparing fuel costs.
- Are these real-world MPG figures for the Explorer?
- These are EPA ratings, not owner-reported mileage. Use your measured MPG in the calculator to estimate your own fuel budget. The configuration table keeps city, highway and combined ratings separate.
- Does the 2008 Ford Explorer have recalls?
- NHTSA returned 3 model-level campaign records as of 2026-09-04. A campaign record does not establish whether your vehicle is affected or whether a repair is outstanding. Check your VIN through NHTSA.
- Does annual fuel cost include servicing or insurance?
- No. The EPA cost and the calculator cover fuel only. Use the cost-per-mile calculator to add a maintenance allowance. Insurance, depreciation, finance costs and registration are separate ownership expenses.
Compare similar vehicles
Sources and record dates
U.S. EPA FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataset Accessed 2026-09-05U.S. EIA public gasoline price table Accessed 2026-09-05NHTSA Recalls API Accessed 2026-09-04NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API Accessed 2026-09-052008 Ford Explorer Owner Guide — Maintenance product specifications and capacities, PDF p. 355 Accessed 2026-10-102008 Ford Explorer Owner Guide — Engine oil and transmission fluid, PDF p. 356 Accessed 2026-10-102008 Ford Explorer Owner Guide — Power steering, fuel tank and footnotes, PDF p. 357 Accessed 2026-10-10Last updated