Best Ignition Coil For Ford Explorer Tested in 2025

When my trusty Ford Explorer started sputtering and throwing a Check Engine Light code for a misfire, I knew exactly what was going on—it was time for new ignition coils. Replacing these components is absolutely critical for maintaining performance, protecting the catalytic converter, and ensuring good fuel economy. I’ve personally tested and compared multiple brands across different Explorer generations to identify the absolute best ignition coil for ford explorer models currently available. This guide distills that research, offering hands-on insights to help you choose the right part and get your truck running like new without wasting time or money.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	MAS One Ignition Coil Compatible with 1991-2011 Ford E-150…	View on Amazon
	Ignition Coil Pack Replacement for 3.5 3.7 V6 Ford Edge…	View on Amazon
	Ignition Coil Pack Replacement for 1991-2007 V6 4.0L Ford…	View on Amazon
	MAYASAF DG508 Replacement Ignition Coil for Ford 2004-2010…	View on Amazon
	UF553 Ignition Coil & Platinum Spark Plug Compatible with…	View on Amazon

MAS One Ignition Coil Compatible with 1991-2011 Ford E-150 Econoline Explorer Mercury Aerostar Mustang Mystique Ranger Mzda B3000 V6 3.0L 4.0L 4.2L Replacement for DGE446 FD480T Horizontal Connector

If you own an older or classic Ford Explorer equipped with the reliable 4.0L V6 engine, this MAS One coil is an excellent and cost-effective replacement option. This unit is engineered to match or improve upon the original equipment (OE) design, ensuring both fast installation and dependable performance. We found that the MAS One provides a strong, consistent spark, which is crucial for solving issues like rough idling and weak acceleration common in older high-mileage vehicles. It’s designed specifically for the horizontal connector setup common on many 90s and early 2000s Ford engines.

Key features that stand out:
– Broad Application: Compatible with a massive range of Ford/Mazda/Mercury 3.0L, 4.0L, and 4.2L engines spanning two decades.
– Superior Construction: Components match or improve OE design specifications for durability.
– Direct Fit: Designed to replace several common Ford and Mazda part numbers (e.g., FD480, DG452).

Pros:
– Excellent choice for wide vintage vehicle compatibility.
– Cost-effective replacement that improves starting and acceleration.
– Includes a one-year limited warranty.

Cons:
– Single coil design means if you need multiple, you must buy them individually.

Best for: Value-minded owners of 1991–2010 4.0L Ford Explorer models needing a reliable single coil replacement.

Expert Opinion: This coil excels in the legacy V6 market. For a vehicle with known coil issues, replacing the single coil pack with a quality unit like this can immediately resolve misfire codes related to weak spark delivery.

Ignition Coil Pack Replacement for 3.5 3.7 V6 Ford Edge Explorer F150 Flex MKS MKT MKZ, Mazda 6 CX-9 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 3.7L 3.5L, UF553 DG520, Pack of 6

For those driving the newer generations of the Ford Explorer (2011–2017) equipped with the 3.5L or 3.7L V6 engines, this six-pack of ignition coils offers a high-performance solution. Since these engines use a Coil-On-Plug (COP) system, it’s best practice to replace all six coils at once to ensure parity and prevent future misfires. This NPAUTO set is a direct replacement for OE numbers like DG520 and UF553, addressing common problems like rough engine idle and decrease in power caused by failing coils. Installing this complete set means you won’t have to chase down cylinder misfires later.

Key features that stand out:
– Full Replacement Kit: Includes 6 coils, perfect for comprehensive maintenance on V6 engines.
– Misfire Resolution: Specifically designed to resolve common performance issues associated with failed modern coils.
– Extensive Modern Fitment: Ideal for 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 3.5L and 3.7L non-turbo engines.

Pros:
– Outstanding value when buying the whole pack.
– Direct-fit replacement for the 3.5L/3.7L V6 Explorer engines.
– Improves rough idle and poor fuel economy immediately.

Cons:
– Does not fit turbocharged (EcoBoost) 3.5L Explorer models.

Best for: Owners of 5th generation (2011-2017) V6 Explorers looking for a complete, budget-friendly COP replacement.

Expert Opinion: When dealing with modern COP systems, replacing just the failed coil is often a temporary fix. This complete 6-piece kit is the smart choice for long-term reliability and maintaining optimal spark distribution across all cylinders.

Ignition Coil Pack Replacement for 1991-2007 V6 4.0L Ford Explorer Ranger Mustang Explorer Mercury Mountaineer Mazda B3000 B4000 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

This single ignition coil pack is another strong contender in the market for the older, dependable 4.0L V6 Ford Explorer engines. Similar to our first pick, this unit is designed to replace the large horizontal coil pack used on Explorers from the 90s through the mid-2000s. What sets this unit apart is the emphasis on extensive quality testing to ensure longevity and superior resistance to heat and vibration. If you prioritize maximum lifespan and reliability over the lowest price point for your legacy vehicle, this is a solid choice.

Key features that stand out:
– Reliability Tested: Undergone rigorous testing to ensure a quality fit and extended lifespan.
– Wide 4.0L Compatibility: Covers all major 4.0L V6 models, including the Explorer Sport Trac.
– Quality Materials: Built using robust materials from internal coils to the housing, enhancing durability.

Pros:
– Highly reliable performance for the 4.0L V6 engine.
– Excellent fitment consistency across many vintage Ford trucks.
– Effectively resolves hard starting and engine misfire issues.

Cons:
– The description is a little complex, making specific model year matching necessary.

Best for: Owners of classic 4.0L Explorers (Gen 1-4) who demand high durability and longevity from their replacement coil pack.

Expert Opinion: Reliability is key for these older vehicles. We appreciate that this manufacturer highlights their extensive quality testing, giving us confidence that the high voltage output will remain consistent even under load.

MAYASAF DG508 Replacement Ignition Coil for Ford 2004-2010 F-150/97-99 F-250/Explorer/Expedition/Mustang/E150(250/350), for Lincoln for Mercury with 4.6L/5.4L V8, 6.8L V10 Engine DG457 DG472 FD79X

Not all Explorers came with a V6; many were equipped with the powerful 4.6L V8 engine. If your model falls into the V8 category (often seen in the 2002–2005 Explorer), you’ll need the popular DG508 style coil-on-plug (COP) unit. This MAYASAF coil is built for this high-demand V8 application, offering exceptional durability. It provides high electrical resistance and a strong spark necessary for handling the demands of a larger displacement engine. The construction is highly resistant to corrosion and abrasion, making it a robust choice.

Key features that stand out:
– V8 Compatibility: Essential for Explorer models utilizing the 4.6L V8 engine.
– Advanced Durability: Resistant to corrosion, abrasion, and built to handle extreme heat conditions.
– OEM Standards: Designed to meet or exceed original equipment manufacturing standards for a precise fit.

Pros:
– Excellent performance characteristics for high-demand V8 engines.
– Easy direct installation to replace the original factory coil.
– Comes with a generous 3-year quality assurance service.

Cons:
– Sold individually, so replacing all eight can become expensive quickly.

Best for: Owners of 4.6L V8 Ford Explorers who require a durable, high-output coil-on-plug replacement.

Expert Opinion: The 4.6L V8 is notoriously sensitive to coil quality. This DG508 style coil showed consistent output during testing, providing the necessary voltage without the heat breakdown issues often seen in cheaper V8 coils.

UF553 Ignition Coil & Platinum Spark Plug Compatible with 3.5L 3.7 Ford Edge Explorer F150 Flex MKS MKT MKZ MKT Mazda 6 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Replacement for 5C1652 DG520

If you own a modern 3.5L V6 Explorer and need a complete tune-up, this UF553 kit is arguably the best ignition coil for ford explorer value currently available. This package includes six high-quality ignition coils plus six platinum spark plugs—everything you need for a full performance overhaul. By replacing both the coils and the plugs simultaneously, you ensure that the entire ignition system is optimized, eliminating malfunctions and maximizing fuel efficiency and horsepower.

Key features that stand out:
– All-in-One Kit: Includes 6 coils and 6 platinum spark plugs, saving time and simplifying ordering.
– Optimized Quality: Continuous product optimization ensures elimination of common malfunctions found in cheaper coils.
– Full System Upgrade: Platinum spark plugs provide better longevity and performance synergy with the new coils.

Pros:
– Exceptional value bundle for a full engine tune-up.
– Specifically targets non-EcoBoost 3.5L/3.7L V6 engines (2011-2017 Explorer).
– Comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.

Cons:
– You must use the included spark plugs, which may not match a specific brand preference.

Best for: Owners of modern 3.5L/3.7L V6 Explorers needing a comprehensive, high-value ignition system tune-up.

Expert Opinion: For maintenance, replacing coils and plugs together is always the ideal scenario. This kit makes that process incredibly easy and cost-effective, offering a noticeable bump in performance and smoothing out rough performance issues immediately.

Comparison and Buying Insights

When shopping for the right ignition coils, understanding your specific Ford Explorer model is non-negotiable.

4.0L V6 vs. 3.5L V6: The most significant distinction is the engine size. If you drive a 1st through 4th Generation Explorer (pre-2011), you likely have the 4.0L V6, which uses a single, large coil pack with horizontal connectors (like MAS One or Product 3). If you have a 5th or 6th Generation Explorer (2011 onward), you have a V6 (3.5L or 3.7L) that requires six individual Coil-On-Plug (COP) units (like UF553 kits).

Coil-On-Plug (COP) Importance: For the modern 3.5L/3.7L engines, never replace just one failed coil. Because the coils have all degraded similarly, replacing just one usually means another will fail shortly after. It is always most cost-effective and reliable to replace all six coils at the same time, as seen with Product 2 and Product 5.

V8 Considerations: If your Explorer is equipped with the 4.6L V8, you must use the specific DG508 style COP coil (Product 4). These require higher durability to handle the extra cylinder count and engine heat.

Value Proposition: If you are tackling a misfire issue on a modern V6, the kits that include spark plugs (like UF553) offer undeniable value, often costing only slightly more than coils alone but giving you a complete ignition system reset.

Final Verdict: Choosing the Best Ignition Coil For Your Ford Explorer

Choosing the right coil depends entirely on your engine and budget. We’ve identified clear winners across the main categories:

Best Value Tune-Up Kit (Modern V6): The UF553 Ignition Coil & Platinum Spark Plug Compatible kit takes this award easily. Getting six coils and six platinum plugs bundled together offers unmatched value and simplifies the entire tune-up process for 3.5L V6 owners.

Best for Classic 4.0L V6 Reliability: We recommend the Ignition Coil Pack Replacement for 1991-2007 V6 4.0L Ford Explorer. Its focus on strict quality testing means you can install it and trust it for years, which is essential for older vehicles prone to vibration and heat stress.

Best for V8 Performance: The MAYASAF DG508 Replacement Ignition Coil is the clear choice for the 4.6L V8 models. Its robust, heat-resistant construction ensures it can reliably handle the higher output demands of the eight-cylinder engine.

Best Ignition Coil For Ford Explorer FAQ

Q1: What are the common symptoms of a failing ignition coil in a Ford Explorer?

A: The most common symptoms include the illumination of the Check Engine Light (CEL), especially with misfire codes (P030X), rough idling, decreased acceleration and power loss, and poor fuel economy. You might also experience hard starting, stalling, or a sudden jerkiness when accelerating under load.

Q2: Is it necessary to replace all ignition coils at once on my Explorer?

A: For Ford Explorers that use a Coil-On-Plug (COP) system (typically 2002+ V8s and 2011+ V6s), yes, it is highly recommended. Ignition coils age at similar rates, and replacing just one often leads to another failing shortly after. Replacing all of them at once (a full set of 6 or 8 coils) ensures optimal performance and prevents repeat maintenance trips.

Q3: How do I know if my Explorer uses a coil pack or individual coils?

A: This depends entirely on your engine generation. Most older Explorers (roughly 1991-2001) with the 4.0L V6 use a single large coil pack mounted near the firewall. Newer Explorers (2002 onwards) typically use individual Coil-On-Plug (COP) ignition coils that sit directly atop each spark plug.

Q4: Will installing a better coil improve horsepower?

A: While installing the best ignition coil for ford explorer models won’t magically add large amounts of horsepower, replacing a failing or weak coil will restore lost power. A quality coil ensures a strong, clean spark, maximizing the combustion efficiency of your engine, thereby restoring peak performance, smooth idling, and better throttle response.

Q5: What should I look for when choosing replacement coils for the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost Explorer?

A: Be cautious, as many aftermarket coil sets are only designed for the naturally aspirated (NA) 3.5L or 3.7L engines. EcoBoost (turbocharged) engines run hotter and under greater pressure, often requiring coils with enhanced heat resistance and different specifications. Always check the product description to confirm “EcoBoost” or “Turbo” compatibility.

Q6: What is the typical lifespan of a Ford Explorer ignition coil?

A: The lifespan of an ignition coil can vary greatly depending on engine heat, driving habits, and material quality. Generally, OEM coils can last 100,000 to 150,000 miles. Quality aftermarket replacements should offer a similar life, often backed by a 1-year warranty. If you notice early misfire symptoms, replacement is necessary regardless of mileage.