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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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Bulletins, newest first
TSB17-22512018-06-11. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE. Some 2017-2018 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 110V power outlet may exhibit a high pitched buzzing or ringing noise from the right side front interior area while the engine is running. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SSM 470092018-05-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. 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.
SSM 470052018-05-29. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 2017-2018 Explorer/Taurus vehicles equipped with 3.5L gasoline turbocharged direct injection (GTDI) engine and built on or after 27-Jun-2017 are equipped with a revised rear lower roll restrictor that eliminates the need for the front roll restrictor. The front roll restrictor has been eliminated by design on these vehicle applications even though the brackets may still be present. Do not add the front roll restrictor to units built after this date, as it may negatively impact the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) attributes.
SSM 470002018-05-29. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 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.
TSB18-20072018-05-29. 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.
TSB17-22512018-05-29. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017-2018 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 110V power outlet may exhibit a high pitched buzzing or ringing noise from the right side front interior area while the engine is running. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SSM 472572018-05-21. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Some 2018 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P025A stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to an intermittent or partial disconnect of the harness to the fuel pump driver module (FPDM) connector. Confirm FPDM connector (F-150 C4336, Expedition/Navigator C433, Transit C433, Explorer C3239) is fully seated prior to performing PC/ED diagnostics or replacing any components. Engineering is investigating, monitor OASIS for updates.
SSM 472292018-05-21. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018 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 then reinstall. 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 472192018-05-21. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Various 2018 vehicles equipped with SYNC or SYNC 3 automatic system updates via WI-FI are unable to connect to the vehicles 4G WI-FI Hotspot. SYNC/SYNC3 with automatic system updates do not support connecting SYNC to the vehicles internal 4G WI-FI Hotspot if equipped. The SYNC automatic update feature must be connected to an external Wi-Fi source to function properly. No repairs should be made in attempt to correct this concern.
SSM 472012018-05-21. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Only approved Genuine Ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems. If you suspect a system has been modified, the following resources can be used to verify original equipment: Monroney Label (Window Sticker), Professional Technician Society (PTS) OASIS tab select SYNC or HVBOM. For Genuine Ford accessories use: PTS Workshop Tab select Dealer Installed Accessory or Accessory Installation.
SSM 471952018-05-21. Service bulletin. TIRES:TREAD/BELT. Some 2015-2018 Explorer vehicles equipped with Hankook brand tires may exhibit tread wear that is not the result of vehicle alignment concerns. For customer satisfaction, Hankook is offering pro-rated tire replacement for vehicles with less than 36,000 Miles. This program is managed by Hankook Tire America Corp. and not claimed under Ford new vehicle limited warranty. If the tire side wall is marked as: 255/50R20 105H Ventus S1 Noble 2, contact Hankook Technical Service for possible pro-rated tire replacement. Refer to FMCDealer.com Tire Page for details and Hankook contact information.
SSM 471712018-05-21. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 and connected to an iPhone recently upgraded to iOS 11.2.5 may exhibit functional concerns where USB audio playback and App Link will not operate. This may also include, under certain conditions, no Bluetooth streaming. Apple has released iOS 11.2.6 to address this concern. Advise the customer to update the device to iOS 11.2.6 and re-evaluate before performing any diagnosis or repairs for this condition. To check the iOS software level on an Apple iOS device, select Settings > General > About on the device.
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.
SSM 471632018-05-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. Some 2016-2018 Explorer vehicles equipped with automatic temperature control and premium AM/FM/CD may exhibit a broken or missing temperature control switch. The driver and passenger switches are now available separately from the control head. Replacement of the control head assembly is not necessary. The switches are driver and passenger specific and must be installed in the correct location with the red heat indicator facing up. HB5Z-19986-AA - Drivers Side Switch, HB5Z-19986-BA - Passengers Side Switch
SSM 471432018-05-21. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. 2016-2018 Explorer signature lighting is standard equipment on XLT and higher level vehicles. Base model vehicles are not equipped with signature lighting and it is not an option. Base level vehicles without the LED lighting surrounding the headlamps are built correctly and should not be modified by installing the signature lamps. Prior to beginning any diagnostics, verify the proper vehicle model/series utilizing OASIS or referring to Workshop Manual Section 100-01.
SSM 471002018-05-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln Vehicle equipped with SYNC 3 and connected to an iPhone recently upgraded to iOS 11.2.5 may exhibit a concern where USB Audio playback and App Link applications will not function properly. This may also include, under certain conditions, no Bluetooth Streaming. Apple is aware of the issue and is working on a resolution with a future iOS release. No repairs should be performed at this time. To check the iOS software level on an Apple iOS device, select Settings > General > About on the device. Monitor OASIS for updates. Customers can also check Apple Support or connect to iTunes for the latest available iOS release for their phone.
SSM 470802018-05-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. 2010-2018 various vehicles equipped with SYNC or SYNC 3 may not function when attempting to find or use the Spotify app via AppLink. As of an update released on 1/15/2018 Spotify will no longer be supporting their AppLink integration. No repair attempts should be attempted to correct this concern.
SSM 470702018-05-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. When connecting the Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) and Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) or Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) to the DLC located on the driver side under the steering column at the GWM, make sure that the ignition is off before connecting the VCM. If the ignition is on or the engine is running during the connection, it can result in various warning lights being illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), no start or no crank conditions or the IPC inoperative. For Lincoln vehicles, this information is now listed in the Technical Inspection and Post Road Test Sections of ePDI on the PTS website. If a vehicle displays these issues, disconnect the equipment from the DLC and disconnect the vehicle battery. Wait 10 minutes and reinstall with the ignition off. Clear any DTCs present and retest.
SSM 470582018-05-14. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. Some 2016-2018 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit flickering front amber marker lamps (inboard amber lights under the headlamps) when the engine is running. Before attempting repairs, verify the frequency type using the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) or equivalent. The frequency type in police mode programmable parameters must be set to type 2. The engine must be running for the configuration to complete if this parameter is changed.
SSM 469302018-01-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Some 2016-2018 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. This is due to the power saving features enabled while in transport mode and is beneficial for battery life to keep the vehicle in transport mode until the vehicle is prepped for sale. To prevent a SYNC system lockup during transport mode deactivation, follow the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure allowing time for the SYNC system to complete all tasks such as fully booting up or powering down and shutting off before moving to the next step of the procedure. If the vehicle exhibits a blank screen or SYNC symptoms after transport mode deactivation, refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for normal diagnosis. The SYNC version can be confirmed via OASIS.
SSM 469052018-01-29. Service bulletin. TIRES; WHEELS. Some 2015-2018 Explorer vehicles equipped with Hankook brand tires may exhibit chipping, cutting and/or unusual or even accelerated tread wear. If the tire side wall is marked as: 255/50R20 105H Ventus S1 Noble 2 contact Hankook Technical Service for possible pro-rated tire replacement. This may not be the result of improper alignment. For Hankook contact information refer to the Tire Warranty information located on FMCDealer.com.
SSM 469002018-01-29. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some vehicles may exhibit a no start condition with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and a DTC P161A after PCM replacement. This may be due to the parameter reset procedure not being properly completed. To clear this DTC, use the Ford Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) service tool or Ford J2534 Diagnostic Software, select - Toolbox - Body - Security - PATS Functions - Parameter Reset. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the procedure. This procedure will transfer the existing Key ID information between the modules without the need of having 2 programmed PATS keys present. There is no need to program keys when the PCM is going to be replaced. Additional information can be found in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-01. Missing or lost keys are not warrantable.
SSM 468602017-12-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Some 2016-2018 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. This is due to the power saving features enabled while in transport mode and is beneficial for battery life to keep the vehicle in transport mode until the vehicle is prepped for sale. To prevent a SYNC system lockup during transport mode deactivation, follow the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure allowing time for the SYNC system to complete all tasks such as fully booting up or powering down and shutting off before moving to the next step of the procedure. If the vehicle exhibits a blank screen or SYNC symptoms after transport mode deactivation, refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for normal diagnosis. The SYNC version can be confirmed via OASIS.

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