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Service bulletins for the 2018 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.

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

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Only bulletins with component: Equipment and accessories are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
SSM 477972019-04-08. 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.
TSB 19-20262019-04-08. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE. Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and 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. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
TSB 19-20022019-04-08. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Some 2011-2019 Explorer and 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit a detached center console rear cup holder and/or the cover panel detached from the rear cup holder. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SSM 477972019-04-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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.
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.
TSB 19-20022019-04-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT. Some 2011-2019 Explorer and 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit a detached center console rear cup holder and/or the cover panel detached from the rear cup holder. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SSM 477492019-03-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2012-2019 Vehicles may require repairs to the Smartlink system. Smartlink is a Ford Licensed Accessory which has a warranty provided by the accessory manufacturer. Warranty replacement parts for Smartlink that are ordered through Ford are not reimbursable through the Ford Motor Company warranty system. Please see the Warranty and Policy Manual for further information on Ford Licensed Accessories.
TSB 18-23612019-03-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; SEATS. Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2019 Escape/Fusion/MKZ, 2015-2018 Focus, 2015-2019 Edge/F150/MKC/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017 Super Duty, 2018-2019 EcoSport/Expedition, and 2019 Nautilus vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement, or clunk/thump noise on turns. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
TSB 18-23582019-03-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2018-2019 Explorer vehicles built on or before 13-Nov-2018 equipped with a 4G telematics control unit (TCU) modem may exhibit an Acquiring Signal message with a loss of satellite radio reception while driving in unobstructed areas. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SSM 477352019-03-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Some 2018-2019 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization and/or accessory protocol interface module (APIM) DTC U0198 or no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition, remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes prior to programing. Delete all previous session files for the vehicle and do not install the TCU fuse until a new IDS session has been started. Once the new session has been started and the fuse reinstalled, the TCU can be programmed. Make sure you are connected to the internet before retesting. If the concern is still present, follow normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00. Refer to PTS OASIS home page for TCU version identification. For claiming, use causal part 14G229.
SSM 475332018-12-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2018 Explorer, Expedition, F150 excluding Raptor fleet vehicles equipped with a telematics control unit (TCU) may exhibit incomplete Ford Telematics service subscription activation, inability to remotely interface with a vehicle, and/or not receiving fleet alerts. Reprogram the TCU using the appropriate Ford scan tool at the latest software level. Fleet vehicle and TCU type can be identified in the Vehicle Information section of OASIS. TCU will be listed as 4G SYNC Connect. For claiming, use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 475292018-12-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2016-2019 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may have an illuminated MIL with ambient air temperature (AAT) sensor DTC P0073. During the installation of certain police accessories by non-Ford vehicle upfitters, wiring connector C134 may have been left disconnected following the removal and installation of the front bumper cover. If this issue is noted, first check C134 before beginning other diagnostic steps. Reconnecting C134 due to improper reassembly by an outside supplier is not a warrantable repair.
18B242018-11-19. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Certain 2018 Model Year Explorer And Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Key Off Load Battery Drain Certain 2018 Model Year MKZ Hybrid Vehicles Equipped with the Magnetic Appearance Package - Accelerator Pedal and Brake Pedal Cover Replacement
SSM 475702018-11-19. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. Some 2016-2018 Explorer vehicles built on or before 07-Aug-2018 may automatically switch from A/C to heat and defrost after 1 minute during a remote start event when the customer expects the A/C to remain on. To resolve the concern, reprogram the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control module using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 19980 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 474992018-09-24. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2018 Explorer and Escape vehicles equipped with a 4G TCU modem may exhibit an Acquiring Signal message with a loss of satellite radio reception while driving in unobstructed areas. If normal Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnosis and testing does not indicate a fault and no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are stored, do not attempt any repairs at this time. Engineering is investigating, monitor OASIS for updates. To assist with the investigation, use the Report A Vehicle Concern link at the bottom of the OASIS report and complete the form.
SSM 474952018-09-24. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2018 F-Superduty/F-150/Explorer/Taurus/Flex/MKT/Expedition/Navigator vehicles built on 8-Mar-2018 and through 18-Jun-2018 may exhibit a soft brake pedal and/or long brake pedal travel. Bleed the brake system per Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 206-00. For claiming, use causal part 2552 and applicable labor operations in Section 02 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 474512018-09-24. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2018 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 4G TCU modem may exhibit an Acquiring Signal message with a loss of satellite radio reception while driving in unobstructed areas. If normal Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnosis and testing does not indicate a fault and no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are stored, do not attempt any repairs at this time. Engineering is investigating, monitor OASIS for updates. To assist with the investigation, use the Report A Vehicle Concern link at the bottom of the OASIS report and complete the form.
SSM 474082018-09-10. Service bulletin. SEATS; EQUIPMENT; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. Some 2016-2018 Explorers equipped with the power folding 3rd row seat may experience a seat that will not latch/unlatch from folded or normal positions. This may be due to misalignment between the seat latch and the anchor bracket or misalignment between the load floor support and the load floor panel. If the seats attempt to move and stop, attempt to neutralize the anchor brackets and load floor support brackets to improve latch alignment before replacing any parts. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 501-10C for torque specifications.
SSM 473932018-07-23. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. Some 2016-2018 Explorer vehicles may automatically switch from A/C to heat and defrost after 1 minute during a remote start idle when the customer expects the A/C remain on. The system will return to normal operation after the ignition is turned to the run position. Do not attempt any repairs at this time. Engineering is investigating, monitor OASIS for updates. To assist with the investigation, use the Report A Vehicle Concern link at the bottom of the OASIS report to complete the form.
SSM 473802018-07-23. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may exhibit an intermittent blue or black screen. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If update is available refer to WSM, Section 415-00 and update APIM software. After Installation Complete pop-up appears, remove USB flash drive and install into IDS tool to update Ford database. Perform a complete ignition cycle by turning the key off for 5 minutes which is critical for a successful installation. If no updates are available or a blue or black screen is present after an update refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for diagnosis or SYNC 3 intermittent blank screen GSB for tips. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual.
SSM 473792018-07-23. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. Various 2016-2018 vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience a touch screen that does not respond to any input. Using the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website > OASIS tab > SYNC version, verify the vehicle SYNC software version. If the vehicle is at version 2.2 please update the module to the latest software level. After the software is updated make sure you shut the vehicle off, open the door for 2 minutes, then turn the key back on before testing the touch screen. If the software is at a later version than 2.2, proceed with normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the Service Labor Times Standards (SLTS) manual.
SSM 473502018-07-23. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. RKE stand alone key fobs can be added to 2016 and newer Police Utility vehicles not previously equipped with them. To program the fobs, start an IDS session and enter the Red Toolbox > Module Programming > Programmable Parameters > Police Mode > Remote Keyfob Learn > Enable. Next, refer to the RKE Transmitter Programming procedure listed in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-14 > General Procedures to program the fobs. If the RKE fobs fail to program, verify that the fobs are the correct part number. If the fobs are correct for the vehicle, then refer to the inoperative key fob diagnostics outlined in WSM, Section 501-14. This procedure and part numbers do not apply to 2015 and previous model year Police Utility vehicles. Blue lift gate button fobs are part No. GB5Z-15K601-C and red panic button fobs are part No. GB5Z-15K601-A.
SSM 473482018-07-23. 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 473362018-07-23. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2018 Explorers equipped with Platinum trim level built on 25-Oct-2017 and through 01-May-2018 may intermittently display a "Hill Descent Control Fault" message in the IPC briefly at start up without any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. Do not attempt any repairs at this time. Engineering is investigating, monitor OASIS for updates.
SSM 470092018-06-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT. The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.

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