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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 507362022-05-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 2019-2021 Ranger and 2020-2021 Explorer with 2.3L EcoBoost engines and customer concern of increased engine oil level and/or fuel smell in oil. This may occur when operating conditions do not regularly allow the oil to reach full operating temperature such as: frequent short trips, long periods of idling or driving in stop and go traffic, and/or prolonged driving in cold climates. This condition is normal and will not affect engine durability due to increased oil level or fuel content in the oil. Advise customers concerned about their engine to regularly operate the vehicle in a manner to allow the oil to reach a normal, warm operating temperature which vaporizes the fuel, and follow Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor messages that alert when the oil should be changed based on how the vehicle is operated. Refer to the owner's manual for maintenance information.
SSM 506392022-03-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may appear to have a low engine oil level if the proper procedures are not followed. Refer to the Owner's Manual, Maintenance, Engine oil check section. When checking the engine oil level after shutting off the engine wait at least 15 minutes prior to checking in order to allow the oil to drain back to the oil pan. The engine oil level can be checked immediately if the engine has not been started. When changing the engine oil the engine needs to be at normal operating temperature and the oil filter removed before draining the oil. Allow the oil pan to drain completely for up to 5 minutes. Check oil level after filling by following the oil level check procedure.
TSB 22-20462022-02-23. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.3L hybrid engine may exhibit delayed acceleration response, hesitation and/or a buck/jerk condition at low vehicle speeds 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 more noticeable when switching between braking and acceleration. This may be due to the software in the PCM. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.
TSB 21-24462022-01-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P04F0 and/or P144C stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to loose or partially connected evaporative emissions (EVAP) vapor lines. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to make sure the EVAP vapor lines are properly connected.
21B352021-12-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. Certain 2020 Model Year Explorer Police Vehicles Equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost Engine Right-Hand Catalytic Converter and Right-Hand and Left-Hand Exhaust Flexible Pipe(s) Inspection In some of the affected vehicles, the right-hand catalytic converter, or the exhaust flexible pipes, which are downstream of the catalytic converters, may have a crack, which may cause increased noise from the exhaust system and/or an exhaust odor.
SSM 503062021-12-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2018-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator; 2019-2021 Ranger; 2020-2021 Escape, Corsair, Explorer, Transit; 2021 Bronco, Bronco Sport, Edge, Nautilus, F-150, Mustang; 2019-2022 Transit Connect; 2020-2022 Aviator, F-Super Duty; and 2022 Maverick vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0496, P0456, P0455, P04F0, and/or P0451. Ford has tested returned EVAP canister purge valves and found them to be fully functional. Prior to replacing the canister purge valve or other EVAP components, perform the following tests using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) Scan Tool: Full System EVAP Leak Test - FDRS Location: TOOLBOX > PCM > PCM - Evap Emissions System Test and the EVAP Purge Valve Leak Test - FDRS Location: TOOLBOX > PCM > Evap Emission System Toolbox > CPV Check.
SSM 501712021-10-29. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL. Some 2019-2021 Edge/Nautilus/Ranger, 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair/Explorer, and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost may exhibit a lack of power with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P02AB, P0243, P0299, P1464, P25B3, P25B4, P2AB7, P2AB8 and/or P2AB9. This may be due to an inoperative wastegate actuator, missing wastegate actuator e-clip or non-visible damage to the actuator rod. A lower level service component has been released, K2GZ-9G488-B for Edge/Nautilus/Escape/Corsair/Bronco Sport vehicles and LB5Z-9G488-B for Explorer/Ranger vehicles, for service to replace the actuator, actuator rod and both e-clips. When replacing the wastegate actuator, it is important to replace all parts in the service kit. Turbocharger replacement is not necessary to correct the condition.
SSM 500892021-09-28. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with 3.3L, 3.5L EcoBoost, or 5.0L engines may exhibit stalling, lack of power, low fuel rail pressure and/or DTCs P0087 or P008A after a repair was made that required the removal of the fuel line that connects the high-pressure fuel pump to the port injection rail, such as injector replacements or base engine repairs. This line must be installed in the correct orientation as it has an internal one-way check valve. To determine if the fuel line has been installed improperly, look at the position of the Oetiker clamp (stainless band clamped around the black fuel line). The clamp holds the one-way check valve in place and should be located closest to the end connected to the port injection rail. If the clamp is not closest to the port injection rail, remove and reinstall the line in the proper orientation.
SSM 499822021-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit an inoperative cooling fan and/or a vehicle overheat message. This may be due to water intrusion into the cooling fan relay, a loose ground connection, or damaged wiring. Before replacement of the cooling fan assembly, perform Pinpoint Test KN. Also, locate the cooling fan relay and inspect for water intrusion or damage. The correct location of the cooling fan relay is in the front right portion of the engine bay. If the cooling fan relay is not in the correct location, check behind the front right wheel well in between the splash shield. If any water intrusion or damage is found to the relay, G103, or the connector C1048, replace and correctly mount the affected component as necessary.
SSM 499242021-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Some 2019 MKC, 2019-2021 Edge/Nautilus/Escape/Ranger/Explorer, 2020-2021 Corsair, and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.3L EcoBoost engines may exhibit a light to moderate ticking type noise at idle (600-700 RPM). The noise is usually more prominent in the area of the high-pressure fuel pump, located on the top of the engine just behind the number 4 ignition coil. This noise is not detrimental to engine function and has no short or long-term effects on engine durability. This an operating characteristic of these engines and no repairs should be attempted.
SSM 498212021-06-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) 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 496962021-03-31. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a buzzing noise coming from the center console or cowl area with engine speed around 1500 RPM at idle or while driving. This may be due to the transmission park manual release cable vibrating against the transmission. This can be resolved by isolating the transmission park manual release cable with Rotunda PVC foam tape (164-R4901) or equivalent, where it is contacting the transmission. Replacement of the transmission park manual release cable is not necessary.
SSM 494492021-02-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may appear to have low engine oil level if the proper procedures are not followed. Refer to the Owners Guide, Maintenance, Engine oil check section. When checking the engine oil level after shutting off the engine wait at least 15 minutes prior to checking in order to allow the oil to drain back to the oil pan. The engine oil level can be checked immediately if the engine has not been started. When changing the engine oil the engine needs to be at normal operating temperature and the oil filter removed before draining the oil. Allow the oil pan to drain completely for up to 5 minutes. Check oil level after filling by following the oil level check procedure.
SSM 494072021-01-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 2.3L/3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and/or Engine Coolant Over Temperature warning with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0116, P0117, P0118, P0119, P0128, P0217, P0330, P1026, P1299, and/or P130D. This may be due to the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor or ECT sensor wiring harness. For 2.3L vehicles, replace the ECT sensor and pigtail wiring connector (GU2Z-14S411-KA). For 3.0L vehicles, replace the ECT and knock sensor. To aid with the engineering investigation, do not disconnect the wiring connector from the ECT sensor during disassembly. Leave the connector on the sensor in case parts are called back for analysis.
TSB 20-24052020-12-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a rough idle with the air conditioning (A/C) on. 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 493282020-12-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP; EQUIPMENT. Some 2019 MKC, 2019-2020 Edge/Nautilus/Escape/Ranger, 2020 Corsair, 2019-2021 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.3L EcoBoost engines may exhibit a light to moderate ticking type noise at idle (600-700 RPM). The noise is usually more prominent in the area of the high-pressure fuel pump, located on the top of the engine just behind the number 4 ignition coil. This noise is not detrimental to engine function and has no short or long-term effects on engine durability. This an operating characteristic of these engines and no repairs should be attempted.
SSM 493292020-12-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN; ENGINE. Some 2020-2021 Aviator and Explorer vehicles may experience an intermittent no crank, inoperative remote start, and/or an illuminated wrench light with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P07E4, B135C and/or U0103. This may be due to a loose ground G210 and/or G214. Check grounds G210 and G214, refer to the Wiring Diagram for location information. If the concern persists, or the grounds are found to be secure, refer to the Workshop Manual and applicable sections of the Powertrain Controls/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual for normal diagnostics.
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.
SSM 491972020-10-06. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a hybrid engine and built on or before 04-Aug-2020 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and/or engine overheating fault message with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0217 and/or P06EF stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to an assembly pin left in the accessory drive belt tensioner during the production process. To correct the condition, remove any assembly pins from the accessory drive belt tensioner. If no pins are found, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-06 or Section 303-03 for further diagnostics.
SSM 491632020-10-06. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. Some 2020 Escape and Explorer hybrid vehicles may experience discharge of the high voltage battery (HVB) with DTCs P0DE6 and P0A7D. This may be due to the vehicle not being operated for an extended length of time or from a crank/no-start condition. If the HVB is discharged, refer to the applicable GSB and Workshop Manual section to confirm if off-board charging is required. Note that the voltages in the GSB do not apply to 2020 Escape and Explorer. Using the appropriate Ford scan tool, monitor PID values: HVBAT_V on 2020 Escape (at least 90V, but less than 165V)and 2020 Explorer HVBAT_V (at least 114V, but less than 210V). For both vehicles, HEV_BAT_MIN_V should be greater than 1.45V, and HEV_BAT_VAR_V less than 2.5V. If the values are within limits and the HVB is suitable for a rescue charge, contact the Technical Assistance Center to request a high voltage charger.
20B21-S12020-10-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Certain 2020 Model Year Transit vehicles with 3.5L engines and F-150 / Police Interceptor Utility vehicles with 3.3L engines - Cylinder Head Replacement
TSB 20-22992020-10-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P062C or P179D stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) and a possible lack of power. This may be due to the software in the PCM. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.
SSM 490852020-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; ENGINE. Some 2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit incomplete user authorization, no authorization pop-up on the SYNC infotainment system, vehicle connectivity concerns, vehicle location disabled message and/or various FordPass/LincolnWay App command/control concerns. To correct these conditions, ensure that customer connectivity settings (CCS) are turned on in the SYNC system. If the concerns persist after CCS is turned on, turn CCS OFF, perform an ignition cycle, and turn CCS settings back on. After any CCS changes, force-close and relaunch the FordPass/ LincolnWay app on the customers phone. Once CCS is turned on, program the TCU to the latest IDS/FDRS version level. 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 491042020-09-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may appear to have low engine oil level if the proper procedures are not followed. Refer to the Owners Guide, Maintenance, Engine oil check section. When checking the engine oil level after shutting off the engine wait at least 15 minutes prior to checking in order to allow the oil to drain back to the oil pan. The engine oil level can be checked immediately if the engine has not been started. When changing the engine oil the engine needs to be at normal operating temperature and the oil filter removed before draining the oil. Allow the oil pan to drain completely for up to 5 minutes. Check oil level after filling by following the oil level check procedure.
TSB 20-22822020-09-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a rattle type noise originating from the exhaust flexible pipe. This may be due to the natural harmonic frequency of the pipe. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to install a worm gear clamp over the exhaust flexible pipe.

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