WenmarOpen by Wenmar Pro

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

By topic

Bulletins, newest first
SSM 496182021-03-03. 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 495802021-03-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit various electrical concerns due to an open 3 or 4 post fuse array on the high current battery junction box (BJB). Service part LU5Z-14526-ALD has been released for the 3 post fuse array and LU5Z-14526-ANC has been released for the 4 post fuse array. It is no longer necessary to order the complete wiring harness to obtain these parts.
SSM 495412021-03-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2018-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with TCU and WiFi Hotspot, May display Vehicle Hotspot feature not enabled on this vehicle when attempting to enter the Hotspot menu. When using the FordPass/Lincoln Way application, the customer may receive a message saying Wi-Fi has been disabled from this vehicle. Check the vehicle specifications or vehicle build information for the mfal code on the PTS website (Detailed Vehicle Specifications). If mfal = WAFAC or WAFAB do not replace the TCU, engineering is currently investigating this condition. Inform customers Ford is developing a software fix that is expected in early March. In the interim, let the customer know they can continue to drive the vehicle and schedule a follow-up appointment with the customer for early March. Monitor OASIS for updates.
SSM 495192021-03-03. 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.
20B512021-03-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; SERVICE BRAKES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. In some of the affected vehicles, the Electric Brake Booster (EBB) may contain a cracked solenoid valve plunger that may break and move out of position. A dislocated valve plunger may lead to the driver experiencing any of the following symptoms: Hard brake pedal, over-braking condition, and if certain other conditions are present, longer brake pedal travel with an incremental increase in stopping distance that would be accompanied by a red brake warning indicator lamp on the instrument panel cluster
TSB 21-20302021-03-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SERVICE BRAKES. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built on or before 24-Dec-2020 may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0020 stored in the ABS module. It may not be necessary to replace the ABS module/hydraulic control unit (HCU) to resolve DTC C0020. This may be due to a poor ground connection and/or improper plating on the attachment bolts at G108. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace and properly tighten the ground cable fasteners.
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 494272021-02-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2019-2020 Edge/Nautilus/Ranger, 2020 Escape and 2020-2021 Corsair/Explorer 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 (DTCs) P02AB, P0243, P0299, P1464, P25B3, P25B4, P2AB7, P2AB8 and/or P2AB9. This may be due to a missing wastegate actuator e-clip. A lower level service component has been released, K2GZ-9G488-B for Edge/Nautilus/Escape/Corsair vehicles and LB5Z-9G488-B for Explorer/Ranger vehicles, for service to replace the actuator, actuator rod and both e-clips. Turbocharger replacement is not necessary for missing wastegate actuator e-clips.
SSM 494262021-02-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit the vehicle locator feature display the vehicle location incorrectly when using the Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app. Customers may report that the vehicle location that is displayed is the Ford manufacturing facility were the vehicle was assembled, yet all other features work as intended. This may be due to the vehicle location not updating since assembly. If all other Ford Pass/Lincoln Way features work correctly except for the vehicle location, open the customer connectivity settings on the SYNC display and verify that the location setting is enabled. If the setting is currently enabled, disable and then re-enable the feature. If the vehicle location is still displayed incorrectly in the app, follow Workshop Manual section 415-00 for further diagnosis.
TSB 21-20172021-02-04. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This article supersedes TSB 20-2364 to update the production fix date. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built on or before 24-Dec-2020 may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0020 stored in the ABS module. It may not be necessary to replace the ABS module/hydraulic control unit (HCU) to resolve DTC C0020. This may be due to a poor ground connection and/or improper plating on the attachment bolts at G108. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace and properly tighten the ground cable fasteners.
SSM 494382021-02-04. Service bulletin. SEATS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with 3rd row power seats may exhibit inoperative 3rd row power seat folding with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B1231:54 and/or B1232:54 stored in the power fold seat module (SCMJ). This may be due to the software in the SCMJ. To correct the condition, connect a battery charger and reprogram the SCMJ using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. Then open the liftgate, and perform the SCMJ - Power Fold Seat Module (SCMJ) Learn Seat Procedure. For claiming, use causal part 14F042 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 494372021-02-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:VEHICLE CONTROLS:BRAKING. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 07-Dec-2020 may falsely store diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U0415 and/or U3000:42 in the image processing module B (IPMB). These DTCs may be associated with camera display issues or a Reverse Brake Assist Unavailable fault message. To correct the condition, reprogram the IPMB using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 19H405 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 494332021-02-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; WHEELS; SERVICE BRAKES. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning lamp with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C0031, C0034, C0037, and/or C003A. This may be due to metal contamination on the wheel speed sensors or wheel speed sensor rings. Verify that all wheel speed sensors and wheel speed sensor rings are free of metal contamination before replacing them. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 206-09 for diagnostics.
TSB 20-23642021-02-04. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built on or before 29-Feb-2020 may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0020 stored in the ABS module. It may not be necessary to replace the ABS module/hydraulic control unit (HCU) to resolve DTC C0020. This may be due to a poor ground connection and/or improper plating on the attachment bolts at G108. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace and properly tighten the ground cable fasteners.
TSB 20-23372021-02-04. 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-S12021-02-04. 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 20-24292021-01-05. 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.
20B462021-01-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. In all of the affected vehicles, an incorrect left-hand rear door panel with the wrong color door handle switch bezel was installed.
TSB 20-24252021-01-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicle may exhibit a water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or exhibit water in the spare tire area. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to identify the leak path.
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.
SSM 493862021-01-05. Service bulletin. STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may have diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C0052, C0053, C0054 and/or C0055 stored in the TRM if the police steering wheel output circuits are not connected to any accessories. If these DTCs are detected during diagnosis of unrelated concerns, they should be ignored.
SSM 493782021-01-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:BLINDSPOT:SENSORS; EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2020 Explorer Base vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) and class III trailer tow package 52T may exhibit an illuminated BLIS indicator and/or inability to turn the BLIS system off. This may be due to the software in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). To correct the condition, perform a programmable module installation (PMI) on the IPC using the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 10849 and applicable labor times from Section 10 in the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 493772021-01-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine and built on or before 01-Dec-2020 may exhibit inoperative air conditioning, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp, and/or an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with various diagnostic trouble codes present and a blown fuse F14. This may be due to wiring harness 14290 chaffing on the A/C compressor pulley. If chaffing is present, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 005 for repair procedures. Make sure that the wiring harness retainer is fully seated in the back side of the bracket on the A/C compressor to keep the harness away from the compressor pulley.
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.
TSB 20-24032020-12-05. 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.

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