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.
By type
By component
By trouble code
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Only bulletins with component: Transmission and driveline are shown. Show all
| TSB 21-2270 | 2021-09-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with all wheel drive (AWD) built on or before 20-Mar-2020 may exhibit various warning/fault messages with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C0633 and/or C00A6:07 stored in the AWD module. This may be caused by an oil contaminated front halfshaft speed sensor. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure step to replace the front halfshaft speed sensor. |
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| SSM 49870 | 2021-07-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 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. |
| SSM 49830 | 2021-06-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. 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 49821 | 2021-06-01. 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 49753 | 2021-05-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility and 2021 F-150 Hybrid vehicles equipped with a 10R80 modular hybrid transmission (MHT) and with less than 100 miles (160 kilometers) may exhibit a transmission fluid leak that appears to be coming from between the hybrid drive unit and transmission case joint. This condition may be due to residual transmission fluid trapped between the front module and transmission case joint during the assembly process. Clean the area thoroughly and reevaluate with the vehicle at operating temperature before attempting any leak related repairs. |
| TSB 21-2046 | 2021-04-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80 automatic transmission may exhibit a harsh engagement/harsh shift/delayed shift with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6, P07F7, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704 and/or P2705 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to sticking valves in the main control valve body. Most vehicles will improve and no longer exhibit the condition after the first 8,000 km (5,000 mi) of driving. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to perform the PCM - Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In routine for the appropriate clutch(s) and/or overhaul main control valve body. |
| SSM 49669 | 2021-03-31. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit an illuminated AWD indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C00A6:07, C00A6:18, C00A6:19, C00A6:4B, C00A6:66, C00A6:71, C00A6:74, and/or C00A6:99. It may not be necessary to replace the transfer case clutch actuator. Follow the updated transfer case clutch actuator Pinpoint Tests in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308-07A for 2020 vehicles and Section 307-07A for 2021 vehicles. |
| SSM 49642 | 2021-03-31. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with an 10R60 automatic transmission may exhibit diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P27B2 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) memory. This DTC may be present due to activation of the transmission park by wire manual release during vehicle assembly and has not yet achieved the 40 warm up cycles needed to be cleared from memory. Before attempting a repair for this DTC, clear the DTC and if it returns, refer to the WSM, Section 307-01 for normal diagnostics. For claiming, use causal part 12A650 and applicable labor times in section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 49618 | 2021-03-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. Some 2018-2021 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P025A And/Or DTC U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to an intermittent or partial disconnect of the harness to the fuel pump control module (FPCM) connector, connector pin push-outs or loose/corroded grounds. Inspect FPCM connector, applicable grounds(F-150- G401, Expedition/Navigator- G403, Transit- G401, 2018-2019 Explorer G302, 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator- G407) and confirm FPCM connector (F-150- C4336, Expedition/Navigator- C433, Transit- C433, 2018-2019 Explorer C3239, 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator- C4033) is fully seated prior to performing PC/ED diagnostics or replacing any components. |
| SSM 49519 | 2021-03-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80-MHT automatic transmission and built on or before 29-Oct-2020 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U0100, U0155, P166B, P0929, and/or P0919. The vehicle may also exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator lamp. This may be due to the software in the gear shift module (GSM). To correct the condition, reprogram the GSM using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 7P155 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| TSB 20-2337 | 2021-02-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 19-May-2020 and equipped with a 10R60 automatic transmission may exhibit a harsh 7-6 gear downshift. This may be caused by the A clutch piston return spring snap ring becoming dislodged. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the front support and A clutch assemblies. |
| 20B34-S1 | 2021-02-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; POWER TRAIN. In some of the affected vehicles, a leak in the transmission oil cooler may occur due to a crack developing near the oil cooler line fittings. Loss of transmission fluid could lead to transmission noise, harsh shifts or the inability to shift out of park. |
| TSB 20-2429 | 2021-01-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine and built on or before 21-Oct-2020 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0100 stored in the battery energy control module (BECM). 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. |
| TSB 20-2405 | 2020-12-05. 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. |
| TSB 20-2403 | 2020-12-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80 automatic transmission may exhibit a harsh engagement/harsh shift/delayed shift with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6, P07F7, P0751, P0756, P0761, P0766, P0771, P2707, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704 and/or P2705 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to sticking valves in the main control valve body. Most vehicles will improve and no longer exhibit the condition after the first 8,000 km (5,000 mi) of driving. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to perform the PCM - Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In routine for the appropriate clutch(s) and/or replace the main control valve body. |
| SSM 49329 | 2020-12-04. 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. |
| TSB 20-2345 | 2020-11-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0C48, P0C49, P2B29, P0CFF, P0E1F, P0C4B, P0C4A, P2CF3, P0A06, P0A07, P2D01, P2D00, P2D03, P2D04, P0C73, and/or P2D02 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the software in the battery energy control module (BECM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the BECM. |
| SSM 49218 | 2020-11-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:GEARS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020 Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U0100, U0155, P166B, P0929, and/or P0919. The vehicle may also exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator lamp. This may be due to the software in the gear shift module (GSM). To correct the condition, reprogram the GSM using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 7P155 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 49162 | 2020-10-06. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE:FUEL LEVEL FLOAT/SENSOR/SENDING UNIT. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may display a distance to empty value in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) that does not correctly represent the actual fuel level of the vehicle. This may be due to excessive idling and/or a learned value in the powertrain control module (PCM) that is incorrect. To correct the condition, perform the PCM - Reset the Keep Alive Memory (KAM) application in the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use Causal Part 12A650 and applicable labor times from Section 10 in the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| 20B34 | 2020-10-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. In some of the affected vehicles, a leak in the transmission oil cooler may occur due to a crack developing near the oil cooler line fittings. Loss of transmission fluid could lead to transmission noise, harsh shifts or the inability to shift out of park. |
| TSB 20-2305 | 2020-10-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. This article supersedes TSB 20-2107 to update the Part List. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 19-May-2020 and equipped with a 10R60 automatic transmission may exhibit a harsh 7-6 gear downshift. This may be caused by the A clutch piston return spring snap ring becoming dislodged. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the front support and A clutch assemblies. |
| TSB 20-2300 | 2020-10-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2020 Police Interceptor vehicles equipped with a 3.3L Duratec engine may exhibit a reduction in expected top vehicle speed and/or exhibit vehicle speed limited to 35 km/h (19 MPH) in REVERSE with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the software in the PCM. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM. |
| TSB 20-2299 | 2020-10-01. 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 49045 | 2020-09-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) and built on or before 15-Jul-2020 may exhibit various warning/fault indicators with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C006A:74 and/or P166E stored in the AWD module and/or U0102 stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. This may be due to the software in the AWD module. To correct the condition, reprogram the AWD module with the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 7P238 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| TSB 20-2246 | 2020-08-06. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine built on or before 14-Jul-2020 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0299. 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. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.