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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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Bulletins, newest first
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.
20N112021-01-05. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS; EQUIPMENT. On some of the affected vehicles, the roof rail covers can become loose, which can lead to a visible gap between the cover and roof rail base assembly, rattling, and potential detachment.
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 492102020-10-06. 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.
TSB 20-22552020-09-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F150/Focus/CMAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/ Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure.
19M01 S12020-08-06. 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 20-22332020-08-06. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE. This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
SSM 489892020-08-04. Service bulletin. STEERING. Some 2017-2019 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit various noise concerns while turning. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 211-02 Power Steering > Diagnosis and Testing has been updated with improved information to aid with accurate noise diagnosis. Replacing the steering gear may not necessarily eliminate the noise concern. Use Chassis Ears on all suspected components to accurately diagnose noise concerns.
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 488762020-07-07. Service bulletin. WHEELS; SUSPENSION:REAR; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT. For 2013-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles that require rear wheel knuckle and bushing assembly repairs, dealers are advised to follow Workshop Manual (WSM) Procedures and use service parts recommended by Ford only. Ford has received reports of toe link failures after the installation of non-OEM cross-axial ball joints (aka bushings) in the rear wheel knuckle, and if service of the rear wheel knuckle and bushing assembly is required, the recommended repair is to replace the affected 5B758/9 as an assembly only. Refer to WSM, Section 204-02, and the Ford Service Parts Catalog as needed.
TSB 20-21712020-06-05. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS; SEATS. Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Escape/Fusion/MKZ, 2015-2018 Focus,2015-2019 MKC, 2015-2020 Edge/F150/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017-2020 F-Super Duty, 2018-2020 EcoSport/Expedition, 2019-2020 Ranger/Nautilus vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement, or a clunk/thump noise on turns. This may be due to the seat pan track. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to install a reinforcement.
SSM 488582020-06-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2012-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit an inoperative remote start with a 'Vehicle Failed To Start' message when using MyFord Mobile/Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile applications. The cellular cloud systems will only allow two remote start requests from the MyFord Mobile/Ford Pass/Lincoln Way apps without a vehicle drive event occurring. If a third remote start request is received, a Vehicle Failed To Start message will be displayed quickly in the mobile app. Once the vehicle is driven, the remote start counter is reset and will allow remote start commands to be sent from the mobile app. If the remote start system is not functioning using the key fob, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 303-06 for further diagnosis.
SSM 488342020-06-04. Service bulletin. STEERING. Some 2017-2019 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit various noise concerns while turning. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 211-02 Power Steering > Diagnosis and Testing is in the process of being updated with improved information to aid with accurate noise diagnosis. Replacing the steering gear may not necessarily eliminate the noise concern. Use Chassis Ears on all suspected components to accurately diagnose noise concerns. Monitor OASIS for updates.
SSM 488212020-06-04. Service bulletin. WHEELS. For 2013-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles that require rear wheel knuckle and bushing assembly repairs, dealers are advised to follow Workshop Manual (WSM) Procedures and use service parts recommended by Ford only. Ford has received reports of toe link failures after the installation of non-OEM cross-axial ball joints in the rear wheel knuckle, and if service of the rear wheel knuckle and bushing assembly is required, the recommended repair is to replace the affected 5B758/9 assembly. Refer to WSM, Section 204-02, and the Ford Service Parts Catalog as needed.
TSB 20-21542020-06-04. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS. Some 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit roof rail covers that become loose or partially detached. This may be caused by a lack of retention of the clips securing the roof rail covers. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the retaining clips and apply adhesive to the roof rail covers.
SSM 487572020-05-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some customers may experience a notification in the FordPass and/or LincolnWay apps that indicates their vehicle has entered "deep sleep mode". This mode is enabled due to the vehicle not being started for 14 consecutive days or battery voltage is at/or below 9.5 volts. Some 2020 models will also set a warning if the telematic control unit (TCU) has received an automatic over the air update. The purpose of deep sleep mode is to conserve battery voltage. When deep sleep mode is enabled, the TCU is powered down and all communication with the FordPass and/or LincolnWay apps are disabled. To wake the vehicle from deep sleep mode, manually start the vehicle. More deep sleep mode information can be found in the FordPass or LincolnWay apps under: More > Guides > click in search entry box > type "deep sleep" and click on "Ask".
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-20-20722020-04-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles may exhibit front window glass that jumps/chatters during up/down movement. This may be due to various conditions in the window motor including excessive drive gear backlash, bushing wear, and/or excessive endplay. To resolve the condition, replace the door glass top run, door glass, window regulator, window motor and wiring harness.
SSM 484312020-02-04. Service bulletin. SEATS. Some 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a heated front seat that does not operate properly after turning the ignition on after a remote start event. The seat back heats properly while the lower seat cushion does not. To correct the concern, reprogram the driver seat module (DSM) using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 14C708 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
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.
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.
TSB 19-23892020-01-07. 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.

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