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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Only bulletins with component: Engine are shown. Show all
| 25B51 | 2026-06-05. 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 |
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| SSM 52335 | 2024-03-20. 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. |
| 20B27 S1 | 2022-10-05. 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 |
| TSB-17-0044 | 2022-05-27. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. EXHAUST ODOR IN VEHICLE |
| TSB160001 | 2021-12-20. Service bulletin. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM; ENGINE; EQUIPMENT; POWER TRAIN; AIR BAGS; STRUCTURE. 49 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - March 2016 Air bag warning light illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B141B and/or B141C |
| LTR3756 | 2021-12-20. Service bulletin. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM; AIR BAGS; ENGINE; STRUCTURE; POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 49 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - January 2016 |
| 21N01 | 2021-09-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. This program provides a no-cost, one-time repair (if needed) to the high-speed cooling fan relay and respective electrical terminals, if affected, to ten (10) years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first. |
| 21B05 | 2021-09-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. After extended idling, the high-speed cooling fan relay may fail in some of the affected vehicles. A failure will cause the fan to either continuously run or never turn on. A continuously running fan will increase the temperature of the relay’s connections (terminals) to beyond their design maximum. This may eventually create an electrical arc which heats and damages the relay terminals. Customers may experience a drained battery and a non-functional or even a melted/burned high-speed cooling fan relay inside the battery junction box (BJB). A damaged non-functional relay causing the fan to never turn on, may lead to engine overheating at idle. |
| SSM 49821 | 2021-06-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 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 HK11 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. |
| TSB 20-2271 | 2021-01-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. 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 or REVERSE. 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 steps to replace the torque converter and specified internal transmission components that may have been damaged. |
| SSM 49210 | 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 | 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 19-2389 | 2020-01-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2013-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.5L twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P013A and/or P013C stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to an improperly welded exhaust Y-pipe. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the exhaust Y-pipe. |
| TSB 19-2244 | 2019-09-06. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE. Some 2013-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.5L twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P013A and/or P013C stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to an improperly welded exhaust Y-pipe. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the exhaust Y-pipe. Follow the Service Procedure to correct the condition on vehicles that meet all of the following criteria: *2013-2019 Explorer *3.5L Ti-VCT engine *Illuminated MIL with only DTCs P013A and/or P013C |
| 19N05 | 2019-07-09. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. Customer Satisfaction Program 19N05: Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles - Carbon Monoxide Concern |
| SSM 48001 | 2019-06-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ENGINE. Some 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a squeal noise from the accessory drive belt, illuminated charging system indicator, and/or damaged alternator pulley. Accessory drive belt DA8Z-8620-G has been released to eliminate this noise and alternator pulley damage. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-05 for the removal and installation procedure. For claiming, use causal part 8620 and applicable labor operations in Section 06 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 47948 | 2019-05-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE. SSM 47948 - 2010-2019 Various Vehicles - Turbocharged Engines - Oil Supply Filter Replacement When Replacing The Turbocharger Or The Turbocharger Oil Supply Tube For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts. When specified in the WSM, the turbocharger oil supply filter must be replaced whenever the turbocharger or the turbocharger oil supply tube are replaced. Turbocharger bearing failure may occur if oil starvation occurs due to a restricted filter. |
| SSM 47797 | 2019-04-08. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; 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. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 5 for recommended splicing procedures. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cells 54/55 to obtain the service pigtail connector part number. |
| 17N03-S2 | 2019-03-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles - Carbon Monoxide Concerns |
| SSM 47662 | 2019-01-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER. For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts. For all turbocharged engine applications, the turbocharger oil supply filter (6C683 gas engine/6L625 connector style or 6A968 diesel engine) must be replaced whenever the turbocharger or the turbocharger oil supply tube are replaced. Turbocharger bearing failure may occur if oil starvation occurs due to a restricted filter. |
| 17B25-S5 | 2018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Certain 2013-2017 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles - Exhaust Odor and Carbon Monoxide Complaints |
| 18B19-S1 | 2018-11-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR. Certain 2013-2017 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles - Exhaust Odor and Carbon Monoxide Complaints. Certain 2017 Model Year Continental Livery Vehicles - Exterior Door Handle Replacement |
| TSB 18-2255 | 2018-09-24. Service bulletin. ENGINE. Some 2013-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L/1.6L/2.0L EcoBoost, 2013-2018 Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.7L EcoBoost, 2013-2018 MKZ vehicles equipped with 2.0L EcoBoost, 2017-18 MKZ vehicles equipped with 3.0L EcoBoost, 2015-2018 MKC vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost, 2015-2018 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.7L EcoBoost, 2016-2018 MKX vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.7L EcoBoost, 2016-2018 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L EcoBoost, 2017-2018 Continental vehicles equipped with 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost and 2016-2018 Focus RS equipped with 2.3L EcoBoost may exhibit a dark black fluid leak from the right side transfer case intermediate shaft seal. Follow the Service Procedure to correct the condition. |
| SSM 47348 | 2018-07-23. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ENGINE. Some 2013-2018 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.7L twin independent variable camshaft timing (TiVCT) engine may exhibit an engine vibration and/or the engine mount leaking fluid. A revised engine mount (GB5Z-6038-A) has been released to address this condition. For claiming, use causal part 6038 and applicable labor operations in Section 06 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 47000 | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE). Some 2013-2018 Escape/Fusion/MKZ vehicles equipped with 2.5L or 1.5L/2.0L/3.0L Ecoboost engine, 2015-2018 MKC/Edge/Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.3L/2.7L EcoBoost engine, 2016-2018 MKX vehicles equipped with 2.7L Ecoboost engine, 2017-2018 Continental vehicles equipped with 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost, and AWD may exhibit a fluid leak from the PTU intermediate shaft seal. Replacement of the intermediate shaft seal seal does not require removal of the PTU and does not require the use of the cover seal and bolt kit (CV6Z-7275-K) to perform the repair. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308-07. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.