WenmarOpen by Wenmar Pro

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.

By type

By component

By trouble code

By topic

Bulletins, newest first
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.
SSM 475142018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with Police, Base 100A, or XLT 200A package trim levels (Type 1 analog cluster in the Owner's Manual) built on 08-May-2018 and through 05-Aug-2018 may exhibit a parasitic battery drain of approximately 250 milliamps with the instrument panel cluster (IPC) possibly staying awake with the key off. This may result in a no crank/no start/discharged battery condition. To resolve the concern, reprogram the IPC using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. Make sure the vehicle is connected to a battery charger. For claiming, use causal part 10849 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
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 474892018-09-24. Service bulletin. STEERING. 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, no crank conditions or the IPC inoperative. 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 474882018-09-24. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with Police, Base 100A, or XLT 200A package trim levels (Type 1 analog cluster in the Owner's Manual) built on 08-May-2018 and through 05-Aug-2018 may exhibit a parasitic battery drain of approximately 250 milliamps with the instrument panel cluster (IPC) possibly staying awake with the key off. This may result in a no crank/no start/discharged battery condition. To resolve the concern, reprogram the IPC using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 10849 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 474662018-09-24. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. Some 2018 F-Superduty/F-150/Explorer/Taurus/Flex/MKT/Fiesta 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 BRAKE 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 474502018-09-24. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. Some 2018 F-Superduty/F-150/Explorer/Taurus/Flex/MKT 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 BRAKE and applicable labor operations in Section 02 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 474442018-09-24. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 not at the latest software level may exhibit Various Performance Related concerns such as Display Operation, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Phone Pairing, Applink, Travel Link, Slow System Response, etc. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If an update is available refer to WSM, Section 415-00 and update the 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.
TSB 18-22552018-09-24. 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 474112018-09-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP. 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. Reprogram the IPC using the appropriate Ford scan tool or equivalent release 110.03 or higher. Make sure you are connected to the internet when entering module programming to obtain the latest updates. For claiming, use causal part 10849 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
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.
SSM 470052018-06-11. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER. 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 470002018-06-11. 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.

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