# Service bulletins for the 2013 Ford Explorer

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.

142 bulletins from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

- [SSM 54601](/bulletins/11029052.md), 2026-02-27, Service bulletin: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module \(BCM\). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab \> Accessories \> Installation \> Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide \> PPT C \> Step C2.\<br /\>\<br /\> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
- [SSM 53040](/bulletins/11008948.md), 2024-10-16, Service bulletin: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012\-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012\-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.
- [SSM 52476](/bulletins/10254138.md), 2024-05-03, Service bulletin: EQUIPMENT. All accessory stick\-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated \(wired\) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System \(DPES\); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com \> Parts and Service \> Parts Product Line Information \> Keys/Entry Devices \> Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.
- [23L06](/bulletins/10251252.md), 2024-03-05, Service bulletin: SEAT BELTS. Certain 2013\-2019 Model Year Explorer Police Interceptor Vehicles \- Owner Guide Update
- [SSM 51536](/bulletins/10235153.md), 2023-05-04, Service bulletin: STRUCTURE. For 2000\-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number \(VIN\) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual \(WSM\) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using the correct VIN.
- [22N01 S1](/bulletins/10232579.md), 2023-03-06, Service bulletin: SUSPENSION. Certain 2011\-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Program Terms: added 21R01 and 21R02 REASON FOR PROVIDING A NO\-COST, ONE\-TIME REPAIR: added 21R01 and 21R02 OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING SCHEDULE: added mailing schedule for 21R01 and 21R02 OASIS ACTIVATION: added 21R01 and 21R02
- [SSM 51291](/bulletins/10230788.md), 2023-01-31, Service bulletin: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD. Some 2013\-2019 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, equipped with spotlights, require left and/or right windshield applique/moulding modification if these parts are replaced. Spotlight mounting holes are not present on new replacement windshield appliques/moldings and must be cut using a rotary tool or equivalent. Left and/or right windshield applique/moulding spotlight mounting hole templates are available on the Professional Technician Society \(PTS\) at Service Tips/Technical Communications and can be printed on an 11X17 inch sheet of paper. Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 501\-08 for windshield applique/moulding replacement procedures.
- [21R02](/bulletins/10226952.md), 2022-12-02, Service bulletin: SUSPENSION; UNKNOWN OR OTHER; SUSPENSION:FRONT. Certain 2011 \- 2013 Model Year Explorer Vehicles with Rear Wheel Knuckles that have been Replaced Rear Toe Link Inspection/Replacement Under Safety Recall 21S43, some of the affected vehicles that have had one \(or both\) rear wheel knuckle\(s\) replaced and were sold or operated in certain traditional corrosion areas where road salt is used extensively during winter months, may experience a seized toe link ball joint resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link
- [21R01](/bulletins/10226951.md), 2022-12-02, Service bulletin: UNKNOWN OR OTHER; SUSPENSION; SUSPENSION:REAR. Certain 2011\-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Toe Link Replacement Under Safety Recall 21S32, some of the affected vehicles exposed to a highly corrosive environment where road salt is used extensively during winter months, have experienced a seized toe link ball joint resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
- [22N01](/bulletins/10222507.md), 2022-10-05, Service bulletin: WHEELS. Certain 2011\-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement Ref 21S32 Submitting Owner Letter
- [SSM 50804](/bulletins/10212957.md), 2022-06-01, Service bulletin: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2013\-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non\-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as door lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle location, etc. The battery drain may be caused by excessive calls for data through the vehicle network keeping it in an activated state. Recommend that the customer uninstall the app to ensure this is not contributing to battery symptoms experienced. Advise the customer that unaffiliated third\-party app developers do not work directly with Ford to adhere to security, vehicle communication, and privacy requirements.
- [22N01](/bulletins/10208271.md), 2022-02-24, Service bulletin: SUSPENSION. This program provides a no\-cost, one\-time repair \(if needed\) to the rear wheel knuckles for six \(6\) months from the Repair Order \(RO\) opening date for field service actions 21S32 or 21S43 provided that the RO opening date occurs on or before July 31, 2023. This is a one time repair. In some of the affected vehicles exposed to a corrosive environment where road salt is used during winter months, the rear toe link ball joint located in the rear knuckle could seize. A seized toe link ball joint could wear out and develop a knocking noise after installation of the updated toe links in the FSAs 21S32 or 21S43
- [SSM 50379](/bulletins/10207049.md), 2022-02-04, Service bulletin: VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. Some 2011\-2022 Explorer and 2020\-2022 Aviator vehicles may experience an inoperative roof opening panel motor. If diagnostics lead to a motor replacement, visually inspect the original motor for signs of water intrusion. If found, determine source of water leak prior to replacing the motor. Refer to Workshop Manual \(WSM\), Section 501\-17, Pinpoint Test A for 2011\-2016 and Pinpoint Test B for 2017\-2022 for identifying the source of the water leak.
- [TSB160066](/bulletins/10205031.md), 2021-12-20, Service bulletin: EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM\(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM\). Touchscreen navigation system \- arabic language \- blank screen
- [TSB160047](/bulletins/10205012.md), 2021-12-20, Service bulletin: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ENGINE. Harsh Engagement during elevated idle \- Ambient temperature below \-9 C. Some 2013\-2015 Explorer vehicles located in Russia and equipped with a 3.5L Twin independent variable camshaft time \(Ti\-VCT\) EFNGINE, MAY EXHIBIT A HARSH ENGAGEMENT DURING ELEVATED IDLE. tHE CONDITION USUALLY OCCURS WHILE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS BELOW \-9 c.
- [TSB160045](/bulletins/10205010.md), 2021-12-20, Service bulletin: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; ENGINE. 2.0L Ecoboost \- Fuel odor
- [TSB160043](/bulletins/10205008.md), 2021-12-20, Service bulletin: POWER TRAIN. 6F35 Transmission \- Fluid leak at left side halfshaft seal \- built on or before 10/14/2013
- [TSB150156](/bulletins/10204979.md), 2021-12-20, Service bulletin: POWER TRAIN. 2.0 GTDI/2.3L \- Front wheel drive \- Bibration and/or grinding/banging/clicking noise
- [21B14](/bulletins/10189760.md), 2021-04-03, Service bulletin: SUSPENSION. Certain 2013 through 2017 Model Year Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles that are Registered or Sold in Certain States/Provinces Rear Toe Link Ball Joint Inspection This program is a proactive investigation by Ford Motor Company to obtain field data and parts for testing. Ford is voluntarily conducting this program to inspect the toe link ball joint and, if necessary, replace both rear toe links and wheel knuckles on vehicles always registered and always residing in the Nashville \(and Calgary\) area. The replacement toe links and knuckles being installed contain no enhancements and are identical to the parts being removed. It is very important that any parts obtained from this program be returned to Ford for this study
- [21B14\-S1](/bulletins/10189755.md), 2021-04-03, Service bulletin: SUSPENSION. Certain 2013 through 2017 Model Year Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles that are Registered or Sold in Certain States/Provinces; Rear Toe Link Ball Joint Inspection This program is a proactive investigation by Ford Motor Company to obtain field data and parts for testing. Ford is voluntarily conducting this program to inspect the toe link ball joint and, if necessary, replace both rear toe links and wheel knuckles on vehicles always registered and always residing in the Nashville, Houston, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix, Winnipeg, and Calgary areas. The replacement toe links and knuckles being installed contain no enhancements and are identical to the parts being removed. It is very important that any parts obtained from this program be returned to Ford for this study.
- [16\-0066](/bulletins/10183767.md), 2020-12-07, Service bulletin: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2012\-2016 vehicles equipped with a touchscreen navigation system and the language set to Arabic may exhibit a blank screen. This may be the result of the ribbon cables not being fully seated inside the front display interface module \(FDIM\) or an improper software configuration of the FDIM.
- [SSM 49210](/bulletins/10180428.md), 2020-10-06, Service bulletin: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2009\-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O\-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may collect on the turbocharger, it is very rare for a turbocharger to leak oil. To isolate the source of the leak, refer to Workshop Manual \(WSM\), Section 303\-00 General Information \> Diagnosis and Testing \> Engine \> Engine Oil Leaks \- Fluorescent Oil Additive Method procedure. When an oil leak is present at a turbocharger oil supply or drain tube, remove the affected oil tube and inspect for damage, and replace the O\-ring seals, pedestal gasket or oil tube as required. Refer to WSM, Section 303\-04. For claiming, use the affected oil tube or pedestal gasket as the causal part and applicable labor operations in Sections 6 and 9 of the Service Labor Time Standards \(SLTS\) Manual.
- [19M01 S1](/bulletins/10178054.md), 2020-08-06, Service bulletin: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Certain 2013\-2019 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Equipped with a 3.7L Engine Catalytic Converter Extended Coverage This program extends the warranty coverage of the catalytic converters to 11 years of service or 120,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first
- [TSB 20\-2233](/bulletins/10177863.md), 2020-08-06, Service bulletin: STRUCTURE. This article supersedes TSB 19\-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
- [DOR\-M9J4S\-07](/bulletins/10177599.md), 2020-07-27, Service bulletin: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR. These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.

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