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Service bulletins for the 2017 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.

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

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By component

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Only bulletins with component: Transmission and driveline are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
25E10-S12026-10-02. Other. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; UNKNOWN OR OTHER; POWER TRAIN. 25E10-S1 Owner letter
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.
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.
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
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 500492021-09-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:DOGS/SYNCHROS. Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicle customers may receive a message in their FordPass or Lincoln Way App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the SYNC Connect or FordPass Connect feature or Lincoln Connect or Embedded Modem Do not replace the TCU or perform any repair to resolve this condition. Refer the owner of the vehicle to Ford Pass Guides or Lincoln Way Concierge Teams to assist in removing the fleet telematics subscription.
SSM 498212021-06-01. 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.
21B132021-04-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle and Toe Link Replacement This program is a proactive investigation by Ford Motor Company to obtain field parts for testing. Ford is voluntarily conducting this program to replace both rear toe links and wheel knuckles on vehicles always registered and always residing in the Detroit (and Toronto) 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 parts obtained from this program be returned to Ford for this study
20N07-S22021-03-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. This program extends the warranty coverage of the automatic transmission torque converter for twelve (12) months from the RO date of Powertrain Control Module reflash under Customer Satisfaction Program 20B27.
20N07-S12021-01-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; POWER TRAIN. In some of the affected vehicles, customers may experience adverse NVH, vibration and/or rough idle in Drive or Reverse, low performance/lack of acceleration during launch, sluggish vehicle operation and shudder while driving
TSB 20-22712021-01-05. 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.
20N072020-11-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. In some of the affected vehicles, customers may experience adverse NVH, vibration and/or rough idle in Drive or Reverse, low performance / lack of acceleration during launch, sluggish vehicle operation and shudder while driving.
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 484232020-01-08. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2015-2020 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. 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.
SSM 479762019-06-07. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01.
TSB 19-20172019-04-08. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL. Some all-wheel drive (AWD) 2013-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L/1.6L/2.0L EcoBoost/Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.7L EcoBoost/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/Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.7L EcoBoost, 2016-2018 MKX vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.7L EcoBoost/Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L EcoBoost/Focus RS equipped with 2.3L EcoBoost, and 2017-2018 Continental vehicles equipped with 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost may exhibit a dark black fluid leak from the right side transfer case intermediate shaft seal. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
TSB 19-20172019-04-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; EQUIPMENT. Some all-wheel drive (AWD) 2013-2018 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L/1.6L/2.0L EcoBoost/Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.7L EcoBoost/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/Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L/2.7L EcoBoost, 2016-2018 MKX vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.7L EcoBoost/Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L EcoBoost/Focus RS equipped with 2.3L EcoBoost, and 2017-2018 Continental vehicles equipped with 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost may exhibit a dark black fluid leak from the right side transfer case intermediate shaft seal. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SSM 475472018-12-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility vehicles may exhibit a reduced top speed after a transmission fluid service with unapproved fluid. The use of unapproved fluid or improper transmission fluid level can lead to reduced vehicle performance and transmission damage that is not covered under warranty. Use only Mercon LV Automatic Transmission Fluid, XT-10-QLVC (US), CXT-10-LV12 (Canada). Use only the Transmission Fluid Exchanger process when performing service intervals. Check and adjust transmission fluid level only at normal operating temperatures of 82?C-93?C (180?F-200?F). The fluid adjustment procedure requires using the appropriate Ford scan tool or equivalent to verify fluid temperature. For optimum performance at high speeds, adjust fluid level to the top of the "MIN" mark on the dipstick.
SSM 475002018-09-24. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2015-2017 Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines may exhibit a surge or hesitation condition at approximately 50-60 MPH in 6th gear under light to moderate loads. If there are no DTCs stored in the powertrain control module (PCM), do not attempt further repairs. Advise customers this is a normal characteristic of the vehicle and will not affect durability of the engine or transmission.
SSM 470002018-06-11. 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.
TSB18-20072018-06-11. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. Some 2017-2018 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine built on or before 7-Dec-2017 may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P04DB (crankcase ventilation system disconnected) in the powertrain control module (PCM) memory. Reprogram the PCM using Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) or Ford J2534 Diagnostic Software (FJDS) release 108.02 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.
TSB18-20072018-05-29. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2017-2018 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine built on or before 7-Dec-2017 may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P04DB (crankcase ventilation system disconnected) in the powertrain control module (PCM) memory. Reprogram the PCM using Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) or Ford J2534 Diagnostic Software (FJDS) release 108.02 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.
SSM 471702018-05-21. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Some 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. 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.

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