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Service bulletins for the 2020 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.

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

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Only bulletins with component: Engine are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
SSM 552282026-10-12. Service bulletin. ENGINE; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2020-2026 Aviator/Explorer/F-150/Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L (non-diesel) engine may need the front engine cover removed and reinstalled for various reasons. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01 Engine > Removal and Installation > Engine Front Cover service procedure has been updated to include a new essential special service tool (ESST) guide pin alignment tool (303-1790) that is used to align the engine front cover to the engine block, preventing the O-ring seal on the engine oil galley feed tube from getting damaged during installation.
SSM 552172026-10-06. Service bulletin. ENGINE; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0L EcoBoost/hybrid engine may exhibit blue or black exhaust smoke on startup for the first 5 minutes after an overnight cold soak with no illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or powertrain diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) present. This may be due to engine oil breaching the dynamic oil seals separating the bearing core from the turbine housing in the left side turbocharger assembly. There is a new, updated left side turbocharger oil supply tube equipped with an internal check valve to prevent the engine oil from entering turbine housing after the engine is off. Replace the existing left side turbocharger oil supply tube with the updated service part that includes the check valve (service part# L1MZ-9T516-B) or latest level part. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-04 Fuel Charging and Controls - Turbocharger > Removal and Installation > Turbocharger Oil Supply Tube LH. For claiming, use causal part 9T516 and labor operation code 9440AL.
25B512026-06-05. Other. ENGINE. Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model Year Maverick, 2016-2019 Model Year MKC and 2019-2024 Model Year Ranger Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L Engine and Engine Block Heater System Block Heater Replacement
SSM 547952026-05-08. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The vehicle may be unable to enter electric-only drive modes as expected during normal drive cycles. This may be due to the software within the belt integrated starter generator (BISG). For vehicles with this condition, follow Pinpoint Test I: Battery Isolation/Voltage Stabilization Control Circuit Carry Outance located in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-06D and repair the vehicle as necessary. Note that the BISG is on backorder status at the time of this publication and Ford is working to make parts available. Engineering is investigating this concern. Monitor PTS for updates.
SSM 542622025-10-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE. Some 2019-2020 Edge/Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost, 2020 Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost or 3.0L plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) engine, 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost, and 2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine. This noise may occur on initial start-up after a cold soak of 6 hours or more that may last for 2-5 seconds. This may be due to an internal component of the variable cam timing (VCT) unit. If diagnostics lead to the VCTs as the source of the noise, refer to the 2024 F-150 Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 > Diagnosis and Testing > Engine > Pinpoint Test F. Pinpoint test F has been updated to include additional steps along with a video on how to identify the single affected VCT unit that requires replacement.
24N10 S12025-08-01. Other. ENGINE. Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer Police Interceptor Utility (PIU) Vehicles Engine Block Breaches This program provides a no-cost, one-time repair (if needed) to the engine long-block for 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first.
24M01 S22025-06-03. Other. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ENGINE. 2020 Model Year Explorer and Explorer Police Interceptor - Utility Equipped with a 3.3L Engine Replace Front Catalytic Converters If Required and Inspect Wire Harness for Runs Rough/Misfire Condition
SSM 537642025-05-21. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ENGINE. Some 2020 Continental, 2020-2024 Edge/Nautilus, 2020-2025 Explorer/Aviator/Escape/Corsair/F-150/F-Super Duty/Ranger/Transit/E-Series, 2021-2025 Bronco, and 2022-2025 Maverick vehicles may require an engine cooling system flush to be performed for various concerns. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-03 has been updated to eliminate the need to remove and install the radiator assembly to perform a radiator flush.
24M01 S12024-11-06. Other. ENGINE. In some of the affected vehicles, one or both of the catalytic converters may develop outer cracks or inner heat-related damage.
24M01 S12024-09-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2020 Model Year Explorer and Explorer Police Interceptor - Utility Equipped with a 3.3L Engine Replace Catalytic Converters for Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0420 or P0430 and Inspect Wire Harness for Runs Rough/Misfire Condition Reason for Supplement: additional information on reason for repair, labor allowances and technician information.
24M012024-07-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE. 2020 Model Year Explorer and Explorer Police Utility Equipped with a 3.3L Engine Replace Catalytic Converters If Failed and Inspect Wire Harness In some of the affected vehicles, one or both of the catalytic converters may develop outer cracks or inner heat-related damage. If a catalytic converter fails, then the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may illuminate and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0420 or P0430 will be stored in the Powertrain Control Module.
TSB 23-20582024-04-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. This TSB supersedes TSB 22-2377 to update the vehicle model years affected and Parts List. Some 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine or 2020-2023 Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost or 3.0L PHEV engine may exhibit a ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine on initial start-up after a cold soak of 6 hours or more that may last for 2-5 seconds. This may be due to a worn VCT unit. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the VCT units
SSM 523352024-03-20. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbocharger replacement going forward will be assessed.
SSM 522442024-02-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid engine, 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine and 2020-2023 Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L hybrid engine may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) and auto start/stop disabled. This may be due to a loose wiring connection to the belt integrated starter generator (BISG). The Workshop Manual (WSM) has recently been updated to provide new direction for DTC P0A1E. Refer to the WSM, Section 303-06 Starting System, Diagnosis and Testing, Starting System for applicable diagnosis.
TSB 23-23472023-11-21. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT. This article supersedes TSB 23-2279 to update the Service Procedure. Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid engine, 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine and 2020-2023 Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L hybrid engine may exhibit a powertrain malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the belt integrated starter generator (BISG). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to diagnose and repair this symptom.
SSM 518812023-09-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN. 2020-2023 Explorer non-hybrid vehicles and equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost or 3.3L Duratec engine and 2020-2023 Aviator non-hybrid vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine built on or before 01-Jan-2023 may exhibit an exhaust rattle requiring replacement of the left or right exhaust flexible pipe (5G203). The updated part locates the flexible joint portion of the pipe closer toward the catalytic converter than the originally equipped part. This is due to a design change with these replacement components which will not cause any functional issues with the vehicle.
SSM 518242023-08-11. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR. 2020-2023 Explorer non-hybrid vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost or 3.3L Duratec engine and 2020-2023 Aviator non-hybrid vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an exhaust rattle requiring replacement of the left or right exhaust flexible pipe (5G203). The updated part locates the flexible joint portion of the pipe closer toward the catalytic converter than the originally equipped part. This is due to a design change with these replacement components which will not cause any functional issues with the vehicle.
SSM 517642023-07-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and low oil pressure warning in the instrument panel cluster (IPC), with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0521 and/or P0524 in the powertrain control module (PCM). This condition may be caused by an internal oil pressure leak. If pinpoint test E in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 303-01B directs you to the replacement of the oil pump, upon reassembly inspect that the main oil gallery tube (6718) is assembled and aligned properly on the back of the engine front cover. The engine oil gallery seal (00815) must be replaced any time the front cover is removed (per WSM Section 303-01B). The WSM front cover removal and installation procedure is in the process of being updated.
SSM 516652023-05-29. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2021-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L engine may exhibit an upper engine thump/knock noise coming from the left cylinder head. This condition is most noticeable at idle and may lessen at higher engine speed or while driving. This condition does not affect vehicle durability and will not get worse over time. Use a stethoscope or chassis ears and listen just behind the left cylinder head intake VCT solenoid on the cam cover to determine if the thump/knock noise is coming from the cylinder head/camshaft. The left cylinder head and the camshaft roller followers are available as service parts.
TSB 22-23772022-10-31. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine on initial start-up after a cold soak of 6 hours or more that may last for 2-5 seconds. This may be due to a worn variable cam timing (VCT) unit. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the VCT units.
TSB 22-23502022-09-23. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2022 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L Duratec (non-hybrid) engine may exhibit a delayed acceleration response at low vehicle speeds with no DTCs. This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.
SSM 510322022-08-22. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit automatic transmission fluid (ATF) contamination in the engine cooling system due to the transmission cooler. If the cooling system becomes contaminated with ATF, the system must be flushed clear of the contamination after the source of the contamination has been repaired. It is generally not necessary to replace the following components due to ATF contamination in the cooling system: radiator, heater core, de-gas bottle, water pump, auxiliary water pump, coolant control valves, temperature sensors, thermostat, turbocharger, heat exchangers, tubes, gaskets/O-rings/seals (unless removed), or rubber coolant hoses (unless swollen).
SSM 510032022-08-15. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L Duratec engine may exhibit delayed acceleration response under heavy to wide open throttle input after an engine start. This concern occurs only during the first 30 seconds from key on with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The customer may perceive this as a delayed throttle response or lack of power. This may be due to the software in the PCM. Engineering is releasing updated software to resolve this concern, which is expected to be released in August 2022. Monitor OASIS for updates and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available.
SSM 509882022-08-15. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2018-2021 F-150 3.3L, 2020-2021 Explorer 3.3L, and 2020-2021 Transit 3.5L may experience an illuminated low oil pressure and malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0521 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) after a short block or long block replacement. This may be due to a design change of the engine oil pressure (EOP) sensor, which is not backwards compatible. To correct the condition, transfer the sensor from the original engine or replace the EOP sensor with GN1Z-9D290-D.
SSM 507482022-05-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition. If during the preliminary inspection the transmission fluid is found to be a foamy pink color this may indicate possible cross contamination of engine coolant and transmission fluid due to an internally leaking transmission fluid cooler assembly. When repairing or replacing the transmission assembly for an internally leaking transmission fluid cooler assembly, use causal part 7869 and applicable labor operations in Section 07 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.