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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 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

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Bulletins, newest first
17B252017-10-21. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. Certain 2013-2017 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles - Exhaust Odor and Carbon Monoxide Complaints
SSM 461022017-08-01. Service bulletin. SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR; SEAT BELTS. Some vehicles may have a concern where the safety belt retractor webbing does not extract from the stowed position or exhibits excessive pressure on the occupant during use. This may be due to a normal condition which happens when the seatbelt retracts at a high rate of speed. The Workshop Manual, Section 501-20A General Procedures has been updated with a locked seatbelt retractor releasing procedure.
SSM 460852017-08-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY; ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN. The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.
SSM 465222017-08-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT. 2013-2017 Edge/MKX/Flex/MKT/MKZ/MKS/Taurus/Taurus Police/Explorer/Explorer Police/Continental vehicles equipped with a 3.5L or 3.7L engine, all wheel drive (AWD) and a power transfer unit (PTU) that is being repaired or replaced for an internal failure must also have the vent hose replaced due to contamination in the hose.
TSB 17-00292017-05-15. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. SOME 2011-2015 EXPLORER VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN EXHAUST ODOR IN THE VEHICLE WITH THE AUXILIARY CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM ON. CUSTOMERS MAY INDICATE THE ODOR SMELLS LIKE SULFUR, OR THAT EXHAUST ODORS ARE ENTERING THE VEHICLE CABIN. THIS CONDITION MAY BE WORSENED WHEN THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM IS IN RECIRCULATE MODE AND THE VEHICLE IS HEAVILY ACCELERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD. WHETHER AND TO WHAT EXTENT ANY CUSTOMER OR OCCUPANT OF A 2011-2015 EXPLORER VEHICLE EXPERIENCES THE EXHAUST ODOR WILL BE AFFECTED BY DRIVING HABITS, WEATHER AND INDIVIDUAL SENSITIVITIES.
SSM 462102017-03-20. Service bulletin. STEERING. SOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES.
SSM 464122017-03-20. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE. SOME 2007-2016 EDGE/MKX/FLEX/MKT/MKZ/MKS/TAURUS/TAURUS POLICE/EXPLORER/EXPLORER POLICE EQUIPPED WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) AND BUILT ON OR BEFORE 30-JUN-2016 MAY EXHIBIT A TICKING AND/OR KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVELINE AREA. TO IDENTIFY THIS NOISE, REFER TO WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM), SECTION 100-04, AND FOLLOW THE SYMPTOM CHART. IF THE SOURCE OF THE NOISE IS IDENTIFIED AS THE PTU AND/OR INTERNAL TO THE PTU, DISASSEMBLE PTU ASSEMBLY. REFER TO UPDATED WSM, SECTION 308-07. IF THE PTU IS DETERMINED TO BE REPAIRABLE, UTILIZE KIT GB5Z-7P258-A AND THE INCLUDED INSTRUCTION SHEET. FOR CLAIMING, USE CAUSAL PART 7P258 AND APPLICABLE LABOR OPERATIONS IN SECTION 07 OF THE SERVICE LABOR TIME STANDARDS (SLTS) MANUAL.
SSM 464002017-03-20. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY. 2011-2015 EXPLORER AND MKT VEHICLES REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF RIGHT FRONT AXLE SHAFT NO LONGER REQUIRE INSTALLATION OF THE CENTER SUPPORT BEARING HEAT SHIELD(7F469). THE HEAT SHIELD CAN BE DISCARDED.
SSM 462952017-03-15. Service bulletin. ENGINE. TO HELP DIFFERENTIATE ENGINE OIL LEAKS FROM OTHER POSSIBLE SOURCES, A NEW WHITE-COLORED FLUORESCENT ENGINE OIL DYE IS AVAILABLE. WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM), SECTION 303-00 HAS BEEN REVISED TO REFERENCE THE NEW WHITE-COLORED DYE. THE NEW WHITE FLUORESCENT DYE PROVIDES A DISTINCT WHITE GLOW TO IDENTIFY ENGINE OIL LEAKS. THE NEW WHITE FLUORESCENT DYE REQUIRES A PURE UV DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION LAMP. THE WHITE-COLORED FLUORESCENT DYE AND PURE UV LAMP ARE NOW IN THE ROTUNDA CATALOG. DYE AND LAMP PART NUMBERS. GASOLINE ONLY DYE: 1 OUNCE BOTTLE 164-TP-33200601. DIESEL ONLY DYE: 8 OUNCE BOTTLE: 164-TP-3320-0008. PURE UV DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION LAMP 164-TP8695 OR 164-R3748.
TSB 16-01662017-03-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. SUPERCEDES TSB 16-0165: SOME 2011-2015 EXPLORER VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN EXHAUST ODOR IN THE VEHICLE WITH THE AUXILIARY CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM ON. CUSTOMERS MAY INDICATE THE ODOR SMELLS LIKE SULFUR, OR THAT EXHAUST ODORS ARE ENTERING THE VEHICLE CABIN. THIS CONDITION MAY BE WORSENED WHEN THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM IS IN RECIRCULATE MODE AND THE VEHICLE IS HEAVILY ACCELERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD. WHETHER AND TO WHAT EXTENT ANY CUSTOMER OR OCCUPANT OF A 2011-2015 EXPLORER VEHICLE EXPERIENCES THE EXHAUST ODOR WILL BE AFFECTED BY DRIVING HABITS, WEATHER AND INDIVIDUAL SENSITIVITIES. FOLLOW EACH AND EVERY STEP OF THE TSB SERVICE PROCEDURE IN PROCEDURE 1 TO IMPROVE THE CONDITION.
TSB16-00972017-02-10. Service bulletin. SEATS. SOME 2009-2010 F-150 AND 2011-2016 EXPLORER VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SEAT CUSHION COVER THAT APPEARS LOOSE NEAR THE FRONT OF THE SEAT. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY THE SEAT CUSHION COVER J-RETAINER BECOMING DISENGAGED FROM THE SEAT CUSHION PAN FLANGE. FOLLOW THE SERVICE PROCEDURE STEPS TO CORRECT THE CONDITION.
SSM 461322017-02-10. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. SOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED. IF THE PARK BRAKE WAS APPLIED WHEN THE VHR WAS GATHERING DATA FROM THE MAJOR VEHICLE SYSTEMS, THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION MESSAGE WILL BE REPORTED AS THE VHR LOOKS FOR ANY WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. RERUN THE VHR WITH THE ENGINE ON AND VEHICLE IN PARK, AND ENSURE THE PARK BRAKE IS DISENGAGED. IF THE SYNC VHR IS STILL REPORTING A CONCERN TO THE CUSTOMERS SYNC OWNERS ACCOUNT, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE WORKSHOP MANUAL SECTION FOR DIAGNOSIS BY DTC OR SYMPTOM. STARTING IN 2015 NOT ALL SYNC EQUIPPED VEHICLES SUPPORT VHR, REFER TO THE OWNERS MANUAL FOR VHR OPERATION.
SSM 458802017-02-09. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ENGINE. 2013-2017 EXPLORER, TAURUS, MKS EXHAUST STUDS NOT MISSING
SSM 461322017-02-07. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. SOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED. IF THE PARK BRAKE WAS APPLIED WHEN THE VHR WAS GATHERING DATA FROM THE MAJOR VEHICLE SYSTEMS, THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION MESSAGE WILL BE REPORTED AS THE VHR LOOKS FOR ANY WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. RERUN THE VHR WITH THE ENGINE ON AND VEHICLE IN PARK, AND ENSURE THE PARK BRAKE IS DISENGAGED. IF THE SYNC VHR IS STILL REPORTING A CONCERN TO THE CUSTOMERS SYNC OWNERS ACCOUNT, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE WORKSHOP MANUAL SECTION FOR DIAGNOSIS BY DTC OR SYMPTOM. STARTING IN 2015 NOT ALL SYNC EQUIPPED VEHICLES SUPPORT VHR, REFER TO THE OWNERS MANUAL FOR VHR OPERATION.
SSM-458212016-08-30. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. SIRI EYES FREE FUNCTIONAL ISSUES USING BLUETOOTH AND APPLE IOS 9.2 AND 9.2.1
16-00472016-06-22. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. HARSH ENGAGEMENT DURING ELEVATED IDLE - AMBIENT TEMPERATURE BELOW -9 °C ISSUE Some 2013-2015 Explorer vehicles located in Russia and equipped with a 3.5L Twin independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) engine, may exhibit a harsh engagement during elevated idle. The condition usually occurs while ambient temperature is below -9°C. ACTION Reprogram the powertrain control module (PCM) to the latest calibration using IDS release 99.04 or higher. Make sure you are connected to the internet when entering module programming to obtain the latest updates. Calibration files may also be obtained at www.motorcraftservice.com.
16-00452016-06-22. Service bulletin. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. 2.0L ECOBOOST - FUEL ODOR ISSUE Some 2013-2016 Escape, 2015-2016 MKC vehicles built on or before 12/15/2015, 2013-2016 Fusion, MKZ, 2013-2015 Explorer, 2013-2014 Focus ST and Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L EcoBoost engines may exhibit fuel odor originating from the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) hose. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Is the vehicle a 2016 Escape or MKC? a. Yes - check the vehicle build date. Was the vehicle built on or before 12/15/2015? (1) Yes - proceed to Step 2. (2) No - this article does not apply. b. No - proceed to Step 2. 2. Inspect the PCV hose to make sure it is properly connected to the valve cover and the low pressure intake duct. a. For Escape and Focus ST vehicles remove the cowl panel grille to access the hose. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-02. b. For Edge vehicles remove the air cleaner outlet pipe to access the hose. Refer to WSM, Section 303-12. 3. Does the PCV hose exhibit a fuel smell or was the hose disconnected? a. Yes - replace hose and reassemble the vehicle. b. No - Refer to WSM, Section 303-13 for normal diagnosis.
16-00432016-06-22. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. 6F35 TRANSMISSION - FLUID LEAK AT LEFT SIDE HALFSHAFT SEAL BUILT ON OR BEFORE 10/14/2013 ISSUE Some 2009-2014 Escape, 2009-2011 Mariner, 2010-2014 Fusion, 2010-2011 Milan, 2012-2014 Edge/Explorer, and 2013-2014 Taurus/MKT/MKZ vehicles built on or before 10/14/2013 and equipped with a 6F35 automatic transmission may exhibit a fluid leak from the left hand (LH) transmission halfshaft seal due to wear on the transmission case bushing.
15-01562016-06-22. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
ASI-452122016-01-21. Service bulletin. STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR. FORD: SOME VEHICLES AND TRUCKS ARE EXPERIENCING A MALFUNCTION WITH THE HEATED STEERING WHEEL BECOMING INOPERATIVE AND ON DEMAND TEST FAILURE. MODEL 2014-15 FUSION, 2011-15 MKX, 2013-15 SUPER DUTY, EXPLORER, TAURUS, MKS, MKT, 2015 F-150, MKZ, MKC, 2011-15 MKX. *PE
ASI-452392015-10-22. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. FORD: SOME VEHICLES TRANSMISSION WILL EXPERIENCE, AFTER A COLD SOAK OR AN EXTENDED PERIOD WITH ENGINE OFF, A 2-3 SHIFT HESITATION DUE TO POSSIBLE HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT DRAIN. MODEL 2013-16 VARIOUS VEHICLES. *PE
SB452772015-10-21. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. FORD: TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK FROM CONVERTER HOUSING AREA ON POLICE UTILITY EQUIPPED WITH 6F50/6F55 TRANSMISSION *CN
ASI-452112015-10-20. Service bulletin. STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR. LINCOLN/FORD: ONCE PROCEDURE FOR HEATED STEERING WHEEL MODULE PROGRAM COMPLETED, HEATED STEERING WHEEL FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY AND PASSES NETWORK TEST BUT FAILS ON DEMAND SELF TEST. MODEL 2011-15 FUSION F-150, EXPLORER, TAURUS, SUPER DUTY, MKZ, MKC, MKS, MKT, MKX. *PE
449852015-08-17. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS. FORD EXPLORER 2011-2015: BULLETIN INFORMATION REGARDING THE FRONT GLASS WINDOW CHATTERING UP/DOWN WHILE TRAVELING. THE FRONT WINDOW REGULATOR MOTOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *LJ
14-02232015-08-06. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER. FORD EXPLORER 2012-2015, FORD TAURUS 2013-2015: SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.0L GASOLINE TURBOCHARGED DIRECT INJECTION ENGINES BUILT BEFORE 10/05/2014 MAY HAVE LACK OF POWER AND MALFUNCTION ILLUMINATED LAMP CODE DUE TO AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW 0 DEGREES CELSIUS. *LJ

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.