Service bulletin TSB 26-2242
A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.
| Type | Service bulletin |
|---|---|
| NHTSA id | 11032909 |
| Published by NHTSA | 2026-05-26 |
| Manufacturer's number | TSB 26-2242 |
| Manufacturer's date | 2026-05-19 |
| NHTSA component | SUSPENSION |
NHTSA's summary
This bulletin supersedes 25-2213. Reason for update: update the Service Procedure to add notes to clarify the customer symptoms, applicability of this TSB, directing technicians to evaluate both front strut mounts, and add Figure 1 to identify the specific area of the strut mount to observe. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a click/pop noise while turning the steering wheel from straight ahead to full lock during low speed turning events. This noise may be due to the front upper strut mount washer movement under steering loads.
The document
The document is the manufacturer's. This site does not hold it. NHTSA files a document at one of these two addresses; we have not asked NHTSA which.
Components
Suspension
| FORD EXPLORER | 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 |
|---|
Listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned: the document says which.
| 24V091000 | 2024-02-08. SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT; STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM |
|---|---|
| 21V870000 | 2021-11-10. SUSPENSION:REAR |
| 21V154000 | 2021-03-10. SUSPENSION:REAR |
A recall listed here may apply to some of the same vehicles. Only the manufacturer can say whether it applies to one vehicle.
| TSB 25-2568 V2 | 2026-10-01. Service bulletin. This article supersedes TSB 25-2373 to update a print error on publication. Some vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C00A6 and/or C0631. This may be due to the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft. |
|---|---|
| SSM 54809 | 2026-05-14. Service bulletin. Some 20242025 Explorer vehicles built on 01-Feb-2024 and through 31-Jul-2024 may exhibit a rattle/clunk/knock noise from the front suspension at low speeds between 830 mph (1348 km/h) over harsh/uneven pavement such as cracks and small bumps while driving straight (not while turning). This condition may be due to a loose pressure tube within the front strut assembly and may be present in either front strut. In some cases, a louder noise from one strut can mask a lesser noise from the opposite strut, which may result in only one strut being replaced and a repeat visit if the other strut later becomes apparent. When diagnosing, evaluate both front struts for the concern. To repair, replace the affected front strut(s) as necessary. For claiming, use causal part 18124 and labor operation 18124A (one side) or 18124AT (both sides). If the noise persists, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 204-01 for normal diagnostics. |
| TSB 25-2568 | 2026-01-13. Service bulletin. This article supersedes TSB 25-2373 to update a print error on publication. Some vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C00A6 and/or C0631. This may be due to the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft. |
| 24N01 S1 | 2024-11-05. Service bulletin. In some of the affected vehicles, the rear axle bolt may fracture. A fractured rear axle bolt will allow the rear axle housing to move out of position, resulting in severe noise and vibration. If the rear axle bolt breaks, the driveshaft or half shafts may become disconnected, resulting in loss of transmission torque to the rear wheels. Transmission torque is necessary to hold the vehicle in park and is also needed for the vehicle to move forward or backward. Reason for supplement: updated tech instructions and parts list update |
| SSM 52405 | 2024-04-24. Service bulletin. Some 2023 Explorer vehicles built on 01-Dec-2022 and through 31-Aug-2023 may exhibit a rattle/clunk/knock/pop/thump noise from the front suspension at low speeds between 8-20 mph (13-32 km/h) over bumpy or uneven pavement. This may be due a loose pressure tube within the strut assembly. Diagnose and replace the 18124 front strut or struts as needed by which side(s) the noise is isolated to. If noise persists, follow the Workshop Manual (WSM) > Section 204-00 > Diagnosis and Testing > Suspension System > Stop/Steer/Ride > Noise > Front > Over Bump. For claiming, use causal part 18124 and applicable labor operations in Section 3 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 51821 | 2023-08-10. Service bulletin. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds. The concern may also be described as a grinding and/or chatter noise. If the Workshop Manual (WSM) leads to replacement of the rear axle, inspect the differential for damage and differential fluid for metallic chunks in the fluid. Note that some metallic flake in the fluid and/or discoloration is normal and the rear axle should not be replaced for it. If no damage is found to the rear differential, it is not recommended to replace the rear axle assembly. Instead, refer to the Symptom Charts in WSM, Section 307-07A for further diagnosis of the transfer case. |
| 22N06 | 2022-10-05. Service bulletin. Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Axle Bolt Replacement REF : NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD Safety Recall 22S27 Supplement #3 |
| 22N06 | 2022-06-13. Service bulletin. Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer (Non-Police) Vehicles - Rear Axle Repair After Bolt Fracture. In some of the affected vehicles, the rear axle mounting bolt may fracture during vehicle acceleration. A fractured rear axle bolt will allow the rear axle housing to move out of position, resulting in severe noise and vibration. If the rear axle bolt breaks, the driveshaft/half shafts may become disconnected, resulting in loss of transmission torque to the rear wheels which is necessary to hold the vehicle in park. If the parking brake is not applied, the loss of the primary park torque will allow the vehicle to roll in park increasing the risk of crash and injury. |
| SSM 50471 | 2022-02-16. Service bulletin. Some 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a rear axle mounting bolt that has broken. In order to correct the condition, the rear subframe, differential cover, and mounting bolts will need to be replaced in addition to any other damaged components. Inspect the halfshafts, drive shaft, and differential for any damage, replacing damaged components as necessary. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 502-00 for removal of the subframe. Once the subframe is removed from the vehicle, remove and install any replacement components to the new subframe. Refer to WSM, Section 205-02. For claiming, use causal part 4001. |