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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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Bulletins, newest first
SSM 489692020-08-04. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a perceived lack of power brake assist or extended brake pedal travel at initial vehicle start up with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0047:64 stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. The vehicle may also exhibit an illuminated ABS, Advance Trac, and/or red brake warning lamp, and possible Advance Trac Fault message displayed. This may be caused by the software in the ABS module. To correct the condition, reprogram the ABS module using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 2005 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 489612020-08-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built on or before 22-June-2020 may exhibit a Front Camera Fault message and/or Collision Warning Not Available message with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U3000:49 stored in the image processing module A (IPMA). This may be due to the software in the IPMA. To correct the condition, reprogram the IPMA using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 19G490 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
TSB 20-22202020-07-08. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. 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.
TSB 20-22172020-07-08. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine and built on or before 02-Dec-2019 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P062C and/or P2243. 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 489082020-07-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a SYNC 3 Touchscreen may experience the volume control unresponsive from the Front Control Interface Module (FCIM) and steering volume controls when using Apple Car Play. When the Apple device is removed, volume control is restored. This is due to a concern with the Waze Navigation App software and Apple iOS version. To correct the condition, update the Waze App software and iOS to the latest version available and reboot the customer's Apple device. Perform an ignition cycle and reconnect the Apple device via USB. Open Apple Car Play and confirm volume control is restored. Installing/Updating third party software/applications is not warrantable.
SSM 489102020-07-07. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. Some 2020 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles that had dark car mode enabled or disabled with FDRS on or before 21-May-2020 may have inadvertently had the remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitters disabled. To correct the condition, reprogram the RKE transmitters with FDRS application BCM - Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Programming. For claiming, use causal part 15607 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 489162020-07-07. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020 Escape/Corsair/Explorer/Aviator vehicles may have diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0100 stored in the audio front control module (ACM). This DTC will not cause observable conditions or warning indicators for the customer. If this DTC is detected during pre-delivery inspection (PDI) or while diagnosing unrelated conditions, it should be disregarded.
SSM 489172020-07-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may experience an intermittent or constant blank/black screen on the center infotainment display due the low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) cable at the SYNC accessory protocol interface module (APIM) not being fully seated. Verify that the connector is fully seated into the APIM prior to performing any other diagnostics or repairs on the vehicle for this concern. If the connection is found loose, re-seat the connection and retest. If the LVDS cable is found not to be the cause of the blank screen, follow Workshop Manual section 415-00 for further diagnosis. For claiming, use causal part number 10E929 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 489002020-07-07. Service bulletin. STEERING; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Some 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with a leather wrapped steering wheel may exhibit the leather covering becoming untucked or separating from the steering wheel. The leather may be able to be re-adhered to the steering wheel. Steering wheel replacement may not be necessary. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 211-04 Steering Column > General Procedures > Steering Wheel Cover Repair for the updated repair procedure. It is not necessary to remove the steering wheel to perform this procedure.
SSM 488642020-07-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Some 2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit the infotainment system stating in Michigan when trying to select a point of interest using the push to talk feature on the navigation system. Engineering is currently working on a solution for this condition, which is expected to be available in July. Please monitor OASIS for additional information and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available.
20B212020-07-06. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT. In all of the affected vehicles, there are shallow pressed valve seats in the cylinder heads. This may lead to a rough idle, engine misfires with a reduction in power/torque, and a check engine/wrench light illuminated.
SSM 488582020-06-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2012-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit an inoperative remote start with a 'Vehicle Failed To Start' message when using MyFord Mobile/Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile applications. The cellular cloud systems will only allow two remote start requests from the MyFord Mobile/Ford Pass/Lincoln Way apps without a vehicle drive event occurring. If a third remote start request is received, a Vehicle Failed To Start message will be displayed quickly in the mobile app. Once the vehicle is driven, the remote start counter is reset and will allow remote start commands to be sent from the mobile app. If the remote start system is not functioning using the key fob, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 303-06 for further diagnosis.
SSM 488332020-06-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit a symptom of no ability to schedule a remote start event using the FordPass or Lincolnway app. If only the scheduling portion of the remote start system is not functioning, please ensure that the latest level of SYNC software has been installed. If the remote start system is not functioning using the key fob and/or the on-demand remote start function from FordPass or Lincolnway application, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-06 for further diagnosis.
SSM 488172020-06-04. Service bulletin. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit a Front Camera Fault message and/or Collision Warning Not Available message with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U3000:49 stored in the image processing module A (IPMA). This may be due to the software in the IPMA. To correct the condition, reprogram the IPMA using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 19G490 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 488072020-06-04. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2017-2020 Model year 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 487912020-06-04. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Some 2020 Escape/Aviator/Explorer Hybrid vehicles and 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit slow fuel fill, premature shut off, and/or spit back during refueling. This may be due to the interface between the fuel nozzle and the fuel tank filler pipe. When refueling, advise customers to make sure to rotate the fuel nozzle 30 degrees in either direction, retract the fuel nozzle slightly within the capless filler inlet, and/or use a different refueling pump. Engineering is currently working on a solution for this condition, which is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2020. Monitor OASIS for additional information and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available.
SSM 487902020-06-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 10R80 MHT automatic transmission and with less than 100 miles 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. Recommend cleaning the area thoroughly and reevaluating with the vehicle at operating temperature before attempting any leak related repairs.
20B21-A2020-05-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. In all of the affected vehicles, there are shallow pressed valve seats in the cylinder heads. This may lead to a rough idle, engine misfires with a reduction in power/torque and a check engine/wrench light illuminated.
20B192020-05-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some of the affected vehicles may be stuck in low gear after first staring the engine, the transmission may exhibit harsh shifting and hesitation. As a customer continues to drive, the vehicle may default to fourth gear. An illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P062C and/or P2243 may be present in memory.
SSM 484682020-02-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020 Escape/Corsair, Edge, Explorer, Fusion, Ranger, Transit Connect Vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit a "Battery Backup Component Failure" message in the cluster. This may be accompanied by DTC 1477-09 - Backup Battery Component Failure. This may be due to the TCU experiencing a sudden temperature change. To correct this condition, reprogram the TCU using the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 483832020-01-08. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020 Explorer, Aviator, Ecosport, Mustang, Escape or Corsair may have a symptom of no ability to schedule a remote start event using the Fordpass or Lincolnway app. This may be due to the current level SYNC software installed. To correct this condition, program the SYNC module utilizing section 415 of the workshop manual. If no update is available or the problem persists after programming, verify that the Fordpass or Lincolnway app is activated properly as per the owners guide. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
19B282019-12-05. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD Customer Satisfaction Program 19B28 Certain 2020 Model Year Explorer ST Vehicles - Shipped w/o Performance Brake Package
SSM 483642019-12-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. Some 2018-2019 Expedition/Navigator, 2019 Edge/Nautilus, 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a family entertainment system may experience an issue where the audio not synchronized with the video display when using the vehicle speakers. To correct this condition, contact the VOXX Customer Service Department at 1-866-869-7888. For claiming, refer to the Warranty and Policy manual for Ford Licensed Accessories.
19B242019-11-06. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Customer Satisfaction Program 19B24 Certain 2019 Model Year Ranger and 2020 Model Year Explorer Vehicles with 2.3L EcoBoost Engines Balance Shaft and Oil Pump Assembly Inspection
19B24-A2019-10-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Advance Notice NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Customer Satisfaction Program 19B24: Certain 2019 Model Year Ranger and 2020 Model Year Explorer Vehicles with 2.3L EcoBoost Engines - Balance Shaft and Oil Pump Assembly Inspection

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