Service bulletin TSB 25-2568 V2

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.

The communication, as NHTSA indexes it (as of 2026-10-19)
Type	Service bulletin
NHTSA id	11037671
Published by NHTSA	2026-10-01
Manufacturer's number	TSB 25-2568 V2
Manufacturer's date	2026-09-16
NHTSA component	SUSPENSION; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL; UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA's summary

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.

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, Throttle and cruise control

Trouble codes named

C00A6, C0631

Vehicles listed
FORD EXPLORER	2020, 2021
LINCOLN AVIATOR	2020, 2021

Listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned: the document says which.

Recalls for the same vehicles and component
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.

Other bulletins for the same vehicles and component
TSB 26-2242	2026-05-26. Service bulletin. 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.
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.
TSB 25-2373	2025-09-03. Service bulletin. This article supersedes TSB 23-2174 to update the Service Procedure, Part List and adding an additional labor operation. 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 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.
SSM 51640	2023-05-16. Service bulletin. Some 2020-2023 Aviator vehicles equipped with air suspension may require service of a front air spring/strut. Complete front air spring/strut assemblies are now available and can be replaced instead of replacing individual components of the front air spring or front struts for warranty and retail repairs. Part numbers are LC5Z-3C098-A (right) and LC5Z-3C098-C (left) for non-hybrid vehicles, and LC5Z-3C098-B (right) and LC5Z-3C098-D (left) for hybrid vehicles. Front spring/strut assembly replacement is recommended to make sure a successful repair is performed.
SSM 51621	2023-05-16. Service bulletin. Some 2020-2023 Aviator vehicles equipped with air suspension may exhibit a drive malfunction and/or suspension fault message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B1041 and U2100 stored in the SUMA. This may be due to the SUMA entering diagnostic service mode after an on-demand (OD) self-test following suspension system diagnosis or repair. Use the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) > SUMA > Run All CM (Continuous Memory) DTCs. Do not run FDRS > SUMA > OD and CM DTCs to prevent invalid DTCs. If an OD self-test was run, clear DTCs using FDRS > SUMA > Transport and Factory Mode Deactivation function. For other DTCs refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 204-05 (Vehicle Dynamic Suspension) for normal diagnostics.
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
SSM 50930	2022-07-20. Service bulletin. Some 2020-2021 Aviator vehicles equipped with air suspension may exhibit a Drive Malfunction and/or Suspension Fault message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B1041 and U2100 stored in the SUMA. This may be due to the SUMA entering into a diagnostic service mode after an on-demand self-test or module replacement. If no other DTCs are present, use the latest software version of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool to update and configure the SUMA. If other DTCs are present, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 204-05 for normal diagnostics. For claiming use causal part 5319 and applicable labor times found in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
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.