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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.

By type

By component

By trouble code

By topic

Bulletins, newest first
22N172023-06-06. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Certain 2020 Model Year Escape and Explorer Vehicles Power Window Switch Chrome Tip Replacement
SSM 516532023-05-31. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2020-2023 Escape/Explorer, 2021-2023 F-150 and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with a full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) powertrain may exhibit a cable connection error screen from the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger. The xRC-3363 will prompt the Technician to verify the low voltage connections, when no actual fault is present. The technician will need to delete the WiFi connection from the xRC-3365 so it will not automatically reconnect and adjust the date. Next go to Settings>Shop Information>Date/Time Settings and change the date prior to May 1, 2023 and stay off the internet so it will not auto correct itself. Press and hold the power button until the tool turns off. Then turn the xRC-3365 back on and attempt the rescue charge.
TSB 22-24282023-05-30. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2017-2023 F-150, 2018-2023 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger, 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Transit and 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles equipped with a 10R60 transmission and built on or before 23-Dec-2022 or with a 18R80/10R80MHT transmission and built on or before 15-Aug-2022 may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift. It is possible the vehicle may also have an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to the software in the PCM or TCM, the transmission solenoid ID strategy, sticking valves in the main control valve body and/or axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder (7H351) sleeve.
SSM 516652023-05-29. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2021-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L engine may exhibit an upper engine thump/knock noise coming from the left cylinder head. This condition is most noticeable at idle and may lessen at higher engine speed or while driving. This condition does not affect vehicle durability and will not get worse over time. Use a stethoscope or chassis ears and listen just behind the left cylinder head intake VCT solenoid on the cam cover to determine if the thump/knock noise is coming from the cylinder head/camshaft. The left cylinder head and the camshaft roller followers are available as service parts.
SSM 516502023-05-23. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a charging system warning in the message center and/or illuminated battery lamp with DTC B11D9 present in the body control module (BCM). Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 414-01, Pinpoint Test C for diagnosis and repair. If the 125 amp fuse on the 14300 wire harness at the auxiliary battery is open, do not replace a complete wire harness to obtain this fuse. The 125 amp fuse (service part number JU5Z-14526-A) is now available separately for service. If the 125 amp fuse is ok, check C1168 connector / SBF08 circuit located underbody behind the left front wheel for wiring or connector issues. For additional C1168 location images, view WSM 414-01 > Removal and Installation > Auxiliary Battery Cable. Repair as necessary per Wiring Diagram (WD) Cell 5 > Connector Repair Procedures.
TSB 23-21202023-05-23. Service bulletin. PARKING BRAKE; POWER TRAIN. Some 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator and 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 10R80/10R80 MHT or 10R60 may exhibit a momentary transmission neutral-out condition while in drive. Vehicle may also have diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P07E6 and/or P07E4 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM) and/or a possible audible noise. This may be due to a leak in the park valve circuit. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to inspect the park system hardware for wear or damage and replace the valve body separator plate with an improved valve body separator plate.
SSM 516282023-05-16. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Some 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a condition of intermittent headlamp operation while the vehicle is OFF and have diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1533 stored in the body control module (BCM). This may be due to the internal logic within the headlamp switch. Switch and/or module replacement will not resolve this condition. Headlamp operation is not affected while the vehicle is ON. A new headlamp switch is currently under development to correct this condition. The customer can continue to drive the vehicle until parts become available. Monitor OASIS for updated repair information.
SSM 516122023-05-16. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STEERING. There is a parts and labor time error for Explorer/Aviator 3.0L EcoBoost and Aviator 3.0L plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Ford is in the process of updating TSB 23-2114. Explorer or Aviator with 3.0L EcoBoost or 3.0L PHEV engine require new sub frame bolts and a steering shaft pinch bolt. Aviator will also require suspension nuts and bolts missing from the TSB that are related to halfshaft removal and installation. To complete the repair, follow Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 205-03 > Front Axle Disconnect Actuator (use the 2020 WSM for 2021 Aviator as the procedure for 2021 is currently being updated). Complete the wiring modification per TSB 23-2114. For Explorer 3.0L EcoBoost vehicles, claim operation 232114E 7.2 hours. For Aviator 3.0L EcoBoost and 3.0L PHEV vehicles, claim operation 232114F 7.8 hours. Refer to this article on the repair order.
SSM 515362023-05-04. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE. For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using the correct VIN.
TSB 23-21142023-05-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) built on or before 30-Aug-2021 may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) C00A6 and/or C0631. This may be due to the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft with a revised intermediate shaft.
SSM 515312023-05-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Transit, 2021-2023 F-150/Bronco, 2022-2023 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang and 2023 F-250/F-350 Super Duty vehicles may exhibit harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift concerns. These may be addressed with the powertrain control module (PCM)/transmission control module (TCM) Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In Routine and/or a main control overhaul. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01, DTC Chart if DTCs are present and/or Diagnosis By Symptom to identify the clutch(s) to be cycled. Cycling the shift solenoids and clutch control valves to remove contamination must be performed along with an adaptive drive cycle before attempting repair. For claiming, use causal part 7A100 and applicable labor operations in Section 7 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 515152023-04-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator with start/stop push button ignition switch may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B108A:01 (general electrical failure), B108A:24 (signal stuck high), and/or B108A:9E (stuck on). The ignition mode light emitting diode (LED) indicator may also flash quickly. This condition may be caused by loose wiring terminal crimps on connector C2195 at the push button ignition switch. Examine Pin 1 (CPK34/Gn) first, since it is the only pin with the smallest (26 gauge) wire. To correct this condition, repair terminal crimps per Wiring Diagram (WD) Cell 5. If no wiring terminal faults are found, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 211-05 for normal diagnostics. The push button ignition switch pinpoint tests in the WSM have been updated.
SSM 514492023-04-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Some 2020-2023 Ford and Lincoln SYNC3 equipped vehicles may experience an inaccurate notification in the FordPass®/LincolnWay® app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode message is expected if the vehicle has not been started for 14 consecutive days, battery voltage is at/below 9.5 volts or the body control module (BCM) 12 volt battery state of charge (SoC) drops below 50%. If the vehicle is going into deep sleep outside these conditions, this may be due to the telematics control unit (TCU) software. To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the TCU to the latest software. For claiming, use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 514392023-04-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator 4x4/AWD vehicles with hybrid powertrain may experience a harshness and/or vibration felt through the seat, steering wheel and/or center console after initial driveaway between 25-50 MPH (40-80 Km/h) that lessens after driving 5-10 minutes. This may be due to driveshaft center bearing bounce mode during cold ambient temperatures. To resolve the concern, install a softer durometer L1MZ-4A499-F driveshaft center bearing per Workshop Manual Section 205-01. For claiming, use causal part 4A499 and applicable labor operations in Section 4 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 514192023-04-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100 transmission may exhibit a whine noise at idle and/or while driving. This may be identified as coming from the bellhousing and the front of the transmission fluid pan. The whine noise may become louder when the transmission is at operating temperature and may increase with engine revolutions per minute (RPM) in the park (P) position. A small amount of whine noise is considered to be characteristic of the 10R60/10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100 transmissions due to the offset gear drivetrain in the front support and has no effect on durability.
SSM 513922023-03-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some vehicles equipped with a 2.7L, 3.0L,3.5L or 5.0L engine may require replacement of the long block engine assembly. New service kits have been released which include all the one-time-use components required in the service procedure for removal and replacement of the long block engine assembly. Refer to the Ford Electronic Parts Catalog (ECAT) for long block service kit part number by application.
SSM 513912023-03-04. Service bulletin. BACK OVER PREVENTION. Some 2020-2021 Explorer vehicles with 2.3L engine may exhibit a lack of heat from the passenger side vents of the vehicle when using the climate control. When diagnosing for insufficient, erratic or no heat from passenger side vents, perform Workshop Manual (WSM) pinpoint (PPT) tests K, and referred pinpoint tests G/H, and/or AE as applies. If WSM PPT tests are inconclusive, replace heater core per WSM Section 412-00.
SSM 513802023-03-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit the A/C blowing warm air with DTCs P0645, P2CFC, and/or P2CFD 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 WSM. Test the function of the A/C to verify that it is blowing cold air.
SSM 513742023-03-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; SERVICE BRAKES. Some 2020-2021 Escape/Bronco Sport/Explorer and 2020-2021 Corsair/Aviator vehicles equipped with electric brake booster (EBB) built on or before 1-Aug-2022 may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator and stability-traction control warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U3000:96 erroneously stored in the ABS module. This condition occurs during connection or power interrupt to the EBB module. If this code is stored and the ABS system has been reassembled, clear the DTC code using Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool and check for recurrence. If the DTC persists, perform normal diagnostics. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 206-09 Anti-Lock Brake System. For claiming use the causal part number 2C219 and applicable labor operations in Section 2 of the Service Labor Time Standards.
SSM 513062023-02-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018-2023 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0627, P025A, P025B, P00C6, P008A and/or 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, damaged pins/terminals, or loose/corroded grounds. Inspect FPCM connector, applicable grounds (F-150 - G401, Expedition/Navigator - G403, Transit - G401, 2018-2019 Explorer G302, 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator - G407) and confirm FPCM connector (F-150 - C4336, Expedition/Navigator - C433, Transit - C433, 2018-2019 Explorer - C3239, 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator - C4033) is fully seated prior to performing PC/ED diagnostics or replacing any components.
SSM 512972023-01-31. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2D40. This may be due to the high voltage battery thermal system not cooling as it should. Follow the updated WSM Section 414-03 including listed possible sources, visual inspection and prechecks, and diagnostic procedures.
TSB 23-20302023-01-31. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. 2020-2022 Aviator/Explorer/Police Interceptor, 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 10R80 MHT transmission and built on or before 15-Nov-2022 may exhibit an 8th gear start after coming to a stop and/or a no movement in Reverse condition. This may be due to the driver applying the accelerator pedal and brake pedal simultaneously during regenerative braking. To improve the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the powertrain control module (PCM) and refer the customer to the Automatic Transmission Section of the Owners Manual warning regarding applying both pedals simultaneously.
SSM 512652023-01-06. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR; EQUIPMENT. Some vehicles equipped with power folding mirrors may exhibit power folding mirrors that are inoperative or exhibit a clicking sound. This may be due to the mirrors being manually folded in, during transportation, going through a car wash, bumped in a parking lot, or found during pre-delivery inspection (PDI). Prior to the replacement of any components, attempt to synchronize the mirrors by following the Power Mirrors Synchronization procedure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 501-09 Rear View Mirrors - General Procedures - Power Mirrors Synchronization.
SSM 512612023-01-06. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. Some 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 512482023-01-05. Service bulletin. BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE. Some 2015-2020 Edge, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019-2020 Nautilus, 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator, and 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair/Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an inoperative power liftgate. This may be due to the rear gate trunk module (RGTM) software. To correct the condition, reprogram the RGTM using 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.

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