Used Ford Explorer Engines
Used, remanufactured and rebuilt engines for the 1991-to-present Ford Explorer — tested before they ship and covered by warranty. Tell us your Explorer and we’ll match the exact engine.
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Engine Options
Which engine does your Explorer have?
The Explorer has been three different vehicles since 1991: a truck-based SUV to 2010, a front-wheel-drive-based crossover from 2011 to 2019, and a rear-wheel-drive-based SUV from 2020. An engine from one will not fit the others.
Most of the variety is in the truck-based years. The first generation had only the pushrod 4.0L V6; the second added a 5.0L V8 for 1996 and an overhead-cam 4.0L for 1997, and the V8 gave way to a 2-valve 4.6L in 2002 and a 3-valve 4.6L in 2006.
The table below lists what was offered when. The eighth character of the VIN identifies the engine, and we match it to the model year.
| Engine | Notes |
|---|---|
| 4.0L Cologne V6, pushrod | The only engine. |
| Engine | Notes |
|---|---|
| 4.0L Cologne V6, pushrod | 1995–2000. |
| 4.0L Cologne V6, overhead cam | From 1997; the only V6 for 2001. |
| 5.0L V8, pushrod | Ford’s 302 small-block; 1996–2001. |
| Engine | Notes |
|---|---|
| 4.0L Cologne V6, overhead cam | Standard, and the only engine in the two-door Explorer Sport, which stayed on the older body through 2003. |
| 4.6L V8, 2-valve | Optional. |
| Engine | Notes |
|---|---|
| 4.0L Cologne V6, overhead cam | Standard. |
| 4.6L V8, 3-valve | Optional. |
| Engine | Notes |
|---|---|
| 3.5L V6 | Standard, all years. |
| 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder | 2012–2015, front-wheel drive only. |
| 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder | 2016–2019. |
| 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 | Sport 2013–2019; Platinum 2016–2019. |
| Engine | Notes |
|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder | Standard on most trims. |
| 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 | ST, and upper trims including the Platinum. |
| 3.3L V6 hybrid | Hybrid models. |
Not sure which one is yours? Request a quote and we’ll work it out from your VIN.
Before You Order
What to check before you order
Three different Explorers
Nothing interchanges between the 1991–2010 truck-based models, the 2011–2019 crossovers and the 2020-on SUVs. The model year decides which family you are in.
Pushrod or overhead-cam 4.0L
From 1997 to 2000 the Explorer was sold with two different 4.0L V6s: the original pushrod engine and the more powerful overhead-cam version. They are not interchangeable, and the VIN tells us which one your Explorer has.
2- or 3-valve 4.6L
The V8 was a 2-valve engine in 2002–2005 and a 3-valve from 2006, with different heads and electronics.
Which EcoBoost
The 2.0L (2012–2015), the 2.3L (2016 on) and the 3.5L and 3.0L V6s are all “EcoBoost”. Match the size and the model year.
Have your VIN ready
With the VIN we can confirm the engine, model year and drivetrain before we quote, which avoids ordering the wrong version.
Common Problems
Common Explorer engine problems
Timing chain guides — 1997–2010 overhead-cam 4.0L
This V6 runs three timing chains, and their plastic guides, cassettes and tensioners wear and break with age, first heard as a rattle at start-up. One chain sits at the back of the engine, so on an Explorer the engine has to come out to repair it.
Internal water pump — 2011–2019 3.5L V6
The water pump sits inside the engine and is driven by the timing chain. When it fails, coolant goes into the oil and can destroy the bearings, so a failed pump often means a replacement engine.
Broken intake valves — 2021–2022 3.0L EcoBoost
Intake valves can break while driving and wreck the engine. Ford has recalled 2021–2022 Explorers with this engine for the fault, so have a dealer check the VIN for an open recall before you pay for an engine.
How It Works
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- 01
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- 02
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Call +1-888-819-5651 - 03
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- 04
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Install with confidence — all parts are tested & covered.
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FAQ
Explorer engine questions, answered
Which engine does my 1991–2001 Explorer have?
Every 1991–1994 Explorer has the pushrod 4.0L V6. A 1995–2001 model can have that engine (through 2000), the overhead-cam 4.0L (from 1997) or the 5.0L V8 (from 1996), so we confirm it from the VIN before we quote.
Will an engine from a 2011–2019 Explorer fit a 2020 model?
No. The 2020-on Explorer is a different vehicle with its engines mounted lengthwise rather than across the car. Match the generation first, then the engine code.
Can I use a 4.0L from a Ranger or Mustang?
Both 4.0L V6s were shared: the pushrod engine with the Ranger, and the overhead-cam engine with the Ranger and the 2005–2010 Mustang. Each vehicle has its own version, so send us your VIN and we will tell you what interchanges.
My 2011–2019 Explorer has coolant in the oil. Is the engine finished?
Often, yes, if the internal water pump has failed and the engine ran with contaminated oil. Have it checked; if the bearings are damaged, a replacement engine is the usual answer.
Is the engine covered by a warranty?
Yes. Every engine we sell is covered by warranty, and extended cover is available at extra cost. The full terms are in our Warranty Policy.
Ready to replace your Explorer engine?
Tell us the year and have your VIN to hand — a specialist will confirm the right unit and send you a quote.
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