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Service bulletins for the 2016 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.

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

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By component

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Bulletins, newest first
25E10-S12026-10-02. Other. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; UNKNOWN OR OTHER; POWER TRAIN. 25E10-S1 Owner letter
25E10-S12026-08-03. Emissions. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E10 - Supplement #1 Certain 2018-2020 Model Year F-150 Vehicles With 3.3L Engines and 2016-2019 Model Year Explorer, Taurus, and Flex Vehicles With 3.5L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming
25B512026-06-05. Other. ENGINE. Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model Year Maverick, 2016-2019 Model Year MKC and 2019-2024 Model Year Ranger Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L Engine and Engine Block Heater System Block Heater Replacement
25N172026-03-27. Other. LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION; BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS; BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
SSM 546012026-02-27. 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 543662025-11-19. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
TSB 25-20052025-01-27. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER. "Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: • Customer concern of a vibration or rough idle in D or R • Shudder while driving • Lack of engine RPM • Low performance, lack of acceleration on take off"
SSM 530402024-10-16. 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 524762024-05-03. 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.
SSM 523352024-03-20. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbocharger replacement going forward will be assessed.
SSM 523142024-03-20. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure.
23L062024-03-05. Service bulletin. SEAT BELTS. Certain 2013-2019 Model Year Explorer Police Interceptor Vehicles - Owner Guide Update
SSM 515362023-05-04. 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 S12023-03-06. 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 512912023-01-31. 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.
21R012022-12-02. 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.
22N012022-10-05. Service bulletin. WHEELS. Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement Ref 21S32 Submitting Owner Letter
20N07 S22022-10-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Certain 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer Vehicles Equipped With the 2.3L Engine and 6F35 Transmission - Transmission Extended Warranty Coverage Updated Owner Letters: 20N07/20B27 S1
20B27 S12022-10-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN. Certain 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer Vehicles Equipped With the 2.3L Engine and 6F35 Transmission Powertrain Control Module Reprogram Submitting Owner Letters
21N01 S22022-09-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Certain 2016-2018 Model Year Explorer Vehicles High-Speed Cooling Fan Motor Relay; Reason for supplement: Vehicles Covered by this Program: all open / unrepaired vehicles from 21B05 (Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles) have been added to 21N01 as 21B05 expires August 31, 2022. Owner Notification: Police Interceptor Utility owners who have not completed 21B05 will be mailed a letter describing this change.
20B27 S12022-09-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); POWER TRAIN; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE. Certain 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with the 2.3L engine and 6F35 transmission; Powertrain Control Module reprogram. Supplement: Program terms will be in effect through August 31, 2023 This program is now eligible for mobile repairs
TSB 22-22872022-07-28. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine may exhibit a vibration/rough idle when the vehicle is in drive (D) or reverse (R). The vehicle may also exhibit a lack of engine revolutions per minute (RPM), lack of acceleration on take off and/or shudder while driving. This may be due to the torque converter overheating causing damage to the torque converter as well as possible internal damage to the transmission. To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the torque converter and specified internal transmission components that may have been damaged.
SSM 508612022-06-29. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2015-2016 vehicles equipped with 6F50/6F55 transmission and built on 2-Nov-2015 and through 1-Feb-2016 may exhibit no reverse, 3rd and 5th gear with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0715,P0717,P0756 and/or P2701. This may be caused by the direct clutch cylinder/tone wheel (7F283) inadvertently forcing the snap ring out of position resulting in damage to the direct clutch hub (7G384). Service part (7J250) complete rotating 3-5-R clutch module is now available. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01. For claiming, use causal part 7F283 and applicable labor operations in Section 7 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) manual.
21B11-S22022-06-13. Service bulletin. SEAT BELTS. Certain 2014-2016 Model Year Explorer Vehicles 2nd Row Inflatable Seat Belt - In all of the affected vehicles, the air bag light may illuminate as a result of a worn or damaged connection to the rear inflatable seat belt connector.
SSM 508042022-06-01. 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.

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