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
| SSM 50306 | 2021-12-07. 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. |
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| SSM 50252 | 2021-12-07. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. On 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, customers may desire modifications that require access to the driver's door ajar circuit. In some cases customers may experience an ajar light on when the driver's door is fully closed. When using pin 13 on the factory 14-way connector to access the driver's door ajar circuit, a 70 mA maximum coil current relay with an integrated clamping diode is required to protect against damage to the door latch. Failure to install this correctly will result in repeat warnings that the driver's door latch / door ajar light will remain on until it is compliant with police modifier's bulletin P-032, which can be found on the Police body builder's site (https://fordbbas.com/publications). |
| SSM 50251 | 2021-12-07. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS. 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. |
| TSB 21-2411 | 2021-12-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. This article supersedes TSB 21-2342 to update the Issue, Action, and Service Procedure. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Sirius audio not functioning properly after a key cycle with active subscription Presets not responding or indicating properly Intermittent audio echo/robotic voice heard during a Bluetooth phone call Wi-Fi connection message pop-up every key cycle Frozen unresponsive touchscreen Solid blue screen when moving forward at speeds above 16 km/h (10 mph) (2019 vehicles only) Rear parking aid camera remains on the screen at speeds below 16 km/h (10 mph) (2019 vehicles only) Inoperative infotainment applications Poor/no AppLink function Apple CarPlay not launching on connection or a black screen when connected Voice prompts that skip or have short pauses while directions are being provided |
| TSB 21-2342 | 2021-11-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software. |
| TSB 21-2254 | 2021-11-02. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT. Some 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair vehicles built on or before 30-Mar-2021 and Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 09-Apr-2021 may exhibit a slow fuel fill and/or spit back condition during refueling. This may be due to the design of the fuel tank filler pipe. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the fuel tank filler pipe. |
| SSM 50171 | 2021-10-29. 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. |
| TSB 21-2316 | 2021-09-30. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. This article supersedes TSB 21-2046 to update the Issue, Action and Service Procedure. 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. 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. |
| TSB 21-2297 | 2021-09-30. Service bulletin. AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator and 2021 Bronco vehicles may exhibit an illuminated airbag warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1404:13 and/or B1407:13. This may be due to contamination and relative movement in the connection between the wiring harness and the side airbag. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the affected connector with a service pigtail and the affected side airbag. |
| TSB 21-2294 | 2021-09-30. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:DOGS/SYNCHROS. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software. |
| TSB 21-2293 | 2021-09-30. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT; EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator hybrid vehicles may exhibit a brake pedal pulsation or vibration when the brakes are applied. The customer may state that the anti-locking brake system (ABS) system is activating without any indicators on the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This may be due to the regenerative braking software in the ABS module. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure Steps to perform a coordinated flash on the powertrain control module (PCM) and ABS module. |
| SSM 50151 | 2021-09-28. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator Hybrids, 2021 Corsair Hybrid, 2021 F-150 PowerBoost, and 2021 Mustang Mach-E vehicles may exhibit a no-start with a Stop Safely Now warning message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). The vehicle may have one or more of the following DTCs P0A23, P0A6F, P0A72, P0A75, P0A71, P0A74, P0A77, P0DFA, P06B1, P0A47, P1A0E set by the secondary on-board diagnostic module C (SOBDMC) or secondary on-board diagnostic module B (SOBDMB). This may be due to a drop in the 12-volt circuit. These DTCs will often occur at vehicle key-on and may be difficult to reproduce. Before replacement of the SOBDMC or SOBDMB, diagnose any low voltage DTCs (P0562, U3003) in other modules in the 12V system. If low voltage (less than 10V) is observed in these DTCs snapshot, diagnose the 12v system first. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 418-00. |
| SSM 50106 | 2021-09-28. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit the A/C blowing warm air with DTC P0645 present in the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) module. This may be due to spread terminal/terminal pushout in wire harness 14290 and on the corresponding pins to the body control module C (BCMC). Before replacement of the BCMC, disconnect all connectors from the BCMC and check the BCMC pins and wire terminals for damage. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-10. If spread terminals or terminal pushout is present, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 005 for repair procedures. Reconnect all connections to the BCMC as indicated by the procedure in the Shop manual. Test the function of the A/C to ensure that it is blowing cold air. |
| SSM 50089 | 2021-09-28. 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 50082 | 2021-09-28. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an inoperative driver switchpack (windows inop, mirror control unresponsive, etc.). DTC B1088:87 may be present in the DDM. To correct the condition perform the Driver Door Module (DDM) configuration application using the Ford diagnostic scan tool. After running the configuration application, perform a window learn routine via the ford diagnostic scan tool. The condition can also be resolved by letting the vehicle enter a deep sleep cycle. Engineering is currently investigating this concern and will be releasing a service fix. Let the customer know they can continue to drive the vehicle and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available. For claiming, use causal part 14B291 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 50067 | 2021-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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 HK12 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 50064 | 2021-09-04. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC:SOFTWARE/PROGRAMMING. Some 2013-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00. |
| SSM 50049 | 2021-09-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:DOGS/SYNCHROS. Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicle customers may receive a message in their FordPass or Lincoln Way App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the SYNC Connect or FordPass Connect feature or Lincoln Connect or Embedded Modem Do not replace the TCU or perform any repair to resolve this condition. Refer the owner of the vehicle to Ford Pass Guides or Lincoln Way Concierge Teams to assist in removing the fleet telematics subscription. |
| SSM 50045 | 2021-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018-2021 Ford/Lincoln vehicles equipped with a wireless charging pad may exhibit an inoperative charging pad, slow charging, a notification that the phone has been mispositioned on the charging pad and/or the phone charging icon in the center screen is not showing. This may be due to the customer's phone if they are using an iPhone 12. Vehicles equipped with a wireless charging pad are designed to charge best with phones that follow the Qi standard. The iPhone 12 hardware currently does not follow the Qi standard for wireless charging. This may make it difficult for Ford and Lincoln vehicles to wirelessly charge this specific phone. The phone can still be charged using the USB cable if the vehicle experiences the above symptoms. If the customer is using an iPhone 12, verify the wireless charging pad works with a Qi certified phone prior to any part replacements. |
| SSM 50039 | 2021-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2021 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 or SYNC 4 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. This is considered normal due to the power saving features enabled while in transport mode. It is beneficial for battery life to keep the vehicle in transport mode until the vehicle is prepped for sale. To prevent a SYNC system lockup during transport mode deactivation, follow the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure exactly allowing time for the SYNC system to complete its tasks such as fully booting up or powering down and shutting off before moving to the next step of the procedure. If the vehicle exhibits a blank screen or SYNC symptoms after transport mode deactivation, refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for normal diagnosis. The SYNC version can be confirmed via OASIS. |
| SSM 50015 | 2021-09-04. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM; VISIBILITY; EQUIPMENT. Some 2020-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles are equipped with an anti-fogging feature known as enhanced windshield anti fogging strategy (EWAFS). This feature automatically adjusts airflow in the cabin to prevent the windshield from fogging up and may be perceived by customers as irregular climate control functionality. To reduce fogging, the EWAFS functions include: the air condition (A/C) button may turn on and off automatically, recirculated air may turn off automatically in all air modes except MAX A/C, recirculated air may also turn on and off automatically in various airflow modes in order to improve heating or cooling efficiency, and in auto climate control, high humidity conditions may automatically engage A/C compressor, increase blower motor speed and/or direct more air to windshield. Continue to monitor the Workshop Manual (WSM) for EWAFS updates. |
| TSB 21-2276 | 2021-09-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an AutoHold System Fault message displayed in the IPC message center on vehicle start-up with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. This may be due to the software in the ABS module. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reprogram the powertrain control module (PCM) and/or ABS module using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. |
| 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. |
| TSB 21-2263 | 2021-09-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure. |
| SSM 49982 | 2021-08-02. 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. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.