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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 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 490842020-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app , incomplete user authorization and/or no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition prior to programming, remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes then reinstall. Delete all previous session files for the vehicle. Verify that the electronic serial number (ESN) is now displayed. Start a new IDS/FDRS session. Program the TCU to the latest IDS/FDRS version level. Make sure you are connected to the internet before retesting. 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 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 490662020-09-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may not be able to properly disable remote start through the SYNC interface. This may be due to the current level SYNC software installed. To correct this condition, program the SYNC module. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00. If no update is available or the condition persists after programming, refer to WSM, Section 303-06 for further diagnosis. The remote start can be disabled in one of three methods: (1) leaving the hood open, (2) de-activation through the SYNC System Customer Preferences (refer to SYNC settings in the Owner's Manual), or (3) disconnecting the 12 Volt Battery. Refer to WSM, Section 100-00 for further information on remote start disabling.
SSM 490582020-09-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2020 Explorer vehicles built on or before 01-Dec-2019 may exhibit heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) airflow or temperature not operating as commanded. This may be perceived as a lack of airflow from various vents or inconsistent temperature from side to side. This may be due to the software in the HVAC module. To correct the condition, reprogram the HVAC 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 490452020-09-04. 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.
SSM 491282020-09-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2020 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with SYNC built on or before 30-Aug-2019 may exhibit a discharged battery/no crank condition. This may be caused by the software in the accessory protocol interface module (APIM), body control module (BCM) and/or the telematics control unit (TCU) module. To correct the condition, reprogram the APIM, BCM, and the TCU using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive should not be used to correct this condition. If the battery drain concern is still present, follow normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual(WSM), Section 414-01 > General Procedures.
SSM 491072020-09-02. Service bulletin. SEATS. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 04-Sep-2019 equipped with memory seats may exhibit the driver front seat moving forward during easy entry/exit operation when the vehicle is turned off. This may be due to the software in the driver front seat module (DSM). To correct the condition, reprogram the DSM using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 14C708 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
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 20-22912020-09-02. Service bulletin. PARKING BRAKE. This article supersedes TSB 20-2135 to correct the Service Procedure. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Corsair vehicles built on or before 23-Jul-2020 may inadvertently activate the reverse braking assist system while backing up. This may be perceived as the system is too sensitive to surrounding objects. This may be due to the software in the image processing module B (IPMB). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the IPMB, as well as the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) to allow the vehicle to remember the last setting of reverse brake assist when the vehicle is restarted.
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.
TSB 20-22592020-09-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2019 MKZ, 2019-2020 Mustang/Continental/Fusion/F-150/Transit Connect/ Ranger/Edge/Nautilus and 2020 Escape/Corsair/Aviator/Explorer/Expedition/ Navigator/F-Super Duty vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure
TSB 20-22522020-09-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY. Some 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost/3.3L Duratec engine and a rotary gear shift knob built on or before 14-Jul-2020 may exhibit slow fuel fill, premature fuel nozzle shut off, and/or spit back during refueling 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 20-22492020-08-06. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L Hybrid engine and built on or before 17-Jul-2020 may exhibit a harsh shift, a harsh engagement to DRIVE and/or REVERSE and/or a buck/jerk/hesitation condition at low speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes 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 20-22462020-08-06. 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.
TSB 20-22452020-08-06. Service bulletin. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. Some 2020 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built on or before 21-Apr-2020 may exhibit inoperative manual rear door locks. This may be due to the manual rear door lock cable becoming dislodged from the rear door. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to apply adhesive to the manual rear door lock cable.
TSB 20-22332020-08-06. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE. This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
TSB 20-21072020-08-06. 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.
SSM 490422020-08-04. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 15Jul-2020 may exhibit a perceived soft/low brake pedal 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 due to 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 490322020-08-04. Service bulletin. BACK OVER PREVENTION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. Some 2020 Corsair/Explorer/Super Duty vehicles built on or before 27-May-2020 and not equipped with a 360-camera system may exhibit various rear parking aid camera concerns such as poor image quality, flickering and/or completely inoperative. If a vehicle exhibits any of these conditions, replace the rear parking aid camera. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 413-13. For claiming, use causal part 19G490 and any applicable labor operations in Section 11 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual
SSM 490152020-08-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 17-Feb-2020 may exhibit an intermittent partial opening of the power liftgate and/or false activation of the anti-theft alarm with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B144D, B144E, B1555 and/or B1556 stored in the rear gate trunk module (RGTM). This may be due to the software in the RGTM improperly sensing that the liftgate is ajar. To correct the condition, reprogram the RGTM with the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 14B291 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 490112020-08-04. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 13-Dec-2019 may exhibit a hard brake pedal or reduced pedal travel when the transmission is initially placed in gear with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. This condition only occurs at initial vehicle start-up and will no longer be present after the brake pedal is released and re-applied during the same key cycle. This is not a lack of power brake assist. 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 490042020-08-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 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. To correct the condition, 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.
SSM 490022020-08-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine and built on or before 10-Jan-2020 may exhibit various transmission concerns requiring either disassembly and repair or complete transmission replacement. When performing transmission service, inspect the transmission oil cooler. If the cooler is not equipped with a support bracket fastened to the transmission bellhousing, replace the transmission oil cooler. Refer to TSB 20-2086 for part information and additional details.
SSM 490002020-08-04. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. Some 2020 Explorer PHEV vehicles built on or before 13-Dec-2019 may exhibit a hard brake pedal or reduced pedal travel when the transmission is initially placed in gear with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. This condition only occurs at initial vehicle start-up and will no longer be present after the brake pedal is released and re-applied during the same key cycle. This is not a lack of power brake assist. 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 tool. Pls procced as the normal warranty procedure
SSM 489832020-08-04. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE. Some 2020 Explorer/Police Interceptor vehicles built on or after 14-Nov-2019 may not be equipped with an installation point behind the front fascia to mount a front recovery hook. The installation point was deleted as a running change. The vehicle is not misbuilt. The addition of any parts would not be considered a warrantable repair. Do not submit a claim for this condition.

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