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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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Only bulletins with component: Electrical system are shown. Show all

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
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.
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.
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.
SSM 503952022-02-04. Service bulletin. SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER; EQUIPMENT; STEERING:STEERING WHEEL /HANDLE BAR:HAND HEATER/COOLER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2016 Explorer vehicles equipped with factory remote start (on the key fob) may exhibit erratic operation of the climate control seats and/or heated steering wheel during a remote start event. Examples of this may include: cooled seats when the last setting commanded heated seats, inoperative/deactivated heated steering wheel, etc. This may be due to a software concern within the HVAC control module. To correct this condition, update the HVAC control module to the latest software level using the latest version of the IDS service scan tool. For claiming use causal part number 19980 and refer to applicable labor times found in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
21B112022-02-04. Service bulletin. AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Customer Satisfaction Program 21B11 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.
21N01-S12022-01-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Certain 2016-2018 Model Year Explorer Vehicles High-Speed Cooling Fan Motor Relay ; Reason for supplement: Vehicle Build Date: Ending build date for Chicago Assembly built vehicles has been updated
CSC15B322021-12-20. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Demonsftration/Delivery Hold - Customer Satisfaction Program 15B32 Certain 2015 Model Year F-150, MKS, and 2016 Explorer, F-Super Duty, and
LTR37562021-12-20. Service bulletin. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM; AIR BAGS; ENGINE; STRUCTURE; POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 49 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - January 2016
SSM 500972021-09-28. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM. Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with a new body control module (BCM) installed may exhibit a programming error when using IDS versions 122.03 through 123.01 stating 'Data Corrupt' or 'Configuration Failed, would you like to retry?'. IDS scan tool version 123.02 contains a fix for this programming error. Install IDS version 123.02 or later from PTS > Rotunda tab > Diagnostic Tool Support > Download Software. Once installed, perform the BCM programmable module installation (PMI). Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-10 > Removal and Installation.
SSM 500672021-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK12 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 500592021-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:MODULE:ONBOARD (OBCM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM. Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with a new Body Control Module (BCM) installed may exhibit a programming error using IDS v122.03 and newer stating "Data Corrupt" or Configuration Failed, would you like to retry?. A temporary work around has been released to complete the BCM programming process. Uninstall IDS from the computer. Run the IDS clean up utility tool located on PTS > Rotunda Tab > Diagnostic Tool Support > IDS Support > IDS troubleshooting guide. Install IDS v122.01 (122_FULL) by copying the following link into an internet address bar https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/IDS/SoftwareUpdates/IDS-122.01_full.exe. Retry the BCM Programmable Module Installation (PMI) using IDS level 122.01. Monitor OASIS for updates.
16B102020-12-07. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. In some of the affected vehicles, the front control/display interface module (FCDIM) may have been unintentionally programmed for the European market instead of the North American market
20B272020-11-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. In affected vehicles, the transmission torque converter may overheat in certain driving conditions. If the torque converter overheats it can lead to adverse NVH, rough idle, and low performance concerns. Ultimately this will require internal transmission repairs to resolve the concern. Ford Motor Company has developed and update to the Powertrain Control Module software that helps protect the transmission torque converter from overheating when exposed to certain driving styles.
SSM 489082020-07-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a SYNC 3 Touchscreen may experience the volume control unresponsive from the Front Control Interface Module (FCIM) and steering volume controls when using Apple Car Play. When the Apple device is removed, volume control is restored. This is due to a concern with the Waze Navigation App software and Apple iOS version. To correct the condition, update the Waze App software and iOS to the latest version available and reboot the customer's Apple device. Perform an ignition cycle and reconnect the Apple device via USB. Open Apple Car Play and confirm volume control is restored. Installing/Updating third party software/applications is not warrantable.
SSM 486192020-04-02. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SSM 48619 - Various Vehicles - Perimeter Alarm Armed And Original Vehicle Keys Cannot Be Accessed to Enter Vehicle - CAN Protection Strategy Some 2013-2016 Model Year Vehicles may exhibit a concern in which the Perimeter Alarm is active and the original keys cannot be accessed to disable the perimeter alarm. This concern would most often occur when a customer loses keys and the dealership is attempting to program new keys to the vehicle. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-01A Perimeter Anti-Theft Alarm - System Operation and Component Description has been updated to inform of the Controller Area Network (CAN) Protection Strategy. Follow the procedure outlined to prevent replacement of the Body Control Module (BCM) on CAN Protection Strategy equipped vehicles when original keys are lost and perimeter alarm is active. Refer to the WSM for further detail on the CAN Protection Strategy. Lost keys and replacement of BCM for lost keys is non-warrantable.
TSB 19-23902020-01-07. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SEATS. Some 2015-2019 F-150, 2015-2020 Explorer, 2017-2019 F-Super Duty, 2017-2020 Continental, 2018-2020 Expedition/Navigator, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019-2020 Nautilus, 2020 Aviator/Corsair and 2013-2020 MKZ vehicles equipped with multi-contour seats may exhibit intermittent multi-contour seat operation and/or massage and lumbar adjust inoperative from the seat switch or SYNC screen with or without diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1471, U024B, and/or U024C. This may be due to terminal fretting at the connector for the driver multi-contour seat module (SCMG) and passenger multi-contour seat module (SCMH). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the connectors and reroute the harness.
SSM 481232019-09-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. For Ford and Lincoln vehicles that require positive or negative battery terminal replacement, it is not necessary to replace the complete battery cable harness (14300 and 14301) for this concern. Positive battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-AA and negative battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-BA are available for this type of repair. Do not cut or shorten the battery cable, instead carefully remove the affected battery cable clamp and clean the cable end as necessary to preserve wire length. Some rework may be necessary for some vehicle environments. Bend the new positive battery cable clamp as needed and crimp it to the existing battery cable. Make sure to use heat shrink tubing over the battery cable to battery cable clamp connection. Obtain the heat shrink tube locally.
SSM 481082019-08-07. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2015-2019 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool may display an error 232: Key Table Not Allocated. If this error message is encountered, the body control module (BCM) is internally damaged and requires replacement. The BCM should only be replaced for this condition when the 232 key table error message is present. If the 232 key table error is not present, follow normal diagnostics for the no crank condition. For claiming, use causal part 15604 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the Service Labor Times Standards (SLTS) manual.
SSM 480702019-08-07. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. This may be due to a poor electrical connection at the blower motor speed control. If the blower motor speed control is determined to be the causal part, replacement of the electrical connector pigtail harness (14S411) to the blower motor speed control is also recommended to avoid repeat repairs. Use pigtail harness service part numbers 3U2Z-14S411-ZEA or CU2Z-14S411-FA, as both parts are interchangeable. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 5 for recommended splicing procedures.
SSM 478502019-05-07. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM). To support the proper diagnosis of this compressor, the EVDC control valve tester has been developed and is available from Rotunda (339-EVDC100). A tester has been provided to each U.S. dealership free of charge with shipments completed 19-Apr-2019 (reference EFC07013 on FMCDealer.com). This tester will help reduce the potential for misdiagnosis and unnecessary compressor replacement. Make sure that this tester is used for warranty repairs and document the test results in the Technician Comments field. Refer to the Rotunda catalog for a video and user manual which provide detailed operating instructions.
SSM 478242019-04-08. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2015-2017 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool may display an error 232: Key Table Not Allocated. If this error message is encountered, the Body Control Module (BCM) is internally faulted and requires replacement. For claiming, use causal part 15604 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the Service Labor Times Standards (SLTS) manual.
SSM 478142019-04-08. Service bulletin. SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER; SEATS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2019 Explorer, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019 Edge/Nautilus, 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ, and 2018-2019 F-150/Mustang/Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with climate controlled seats may exhibit a buzzing noise from the front seats, front seats too warm, and/or inoperative climate controlled front seats. DTCs B14BA:13, B1154:4B, and/or B14B9:13 may also be present. This may be due to loose terminal pin fit on the driver seat module (DSM) connector C341D (16 pin). If a loose terminal pin fit condition is found during normal diagnostics per Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-10, a new service pigtail connector (part number 3U2Z-14S411-BRAB) is available. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 119 to make sure C341D is a 16 pin connector and not a 20 pin connector. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 5 for the recommended splicing procedures.

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