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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
SSM 529172024-09-24. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition.
24M01 S12024-09-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2020 Model Year Explorer and Explorer Police Interceptor - Utility Equipped with a 3.3L Engine Replace Catalytic Converters for Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0420 or P0430 and Inspect Wire Harness for Runs Rough/Misfire Condition Reason for Supplement: additional information on reason for repair, labor allowances and technician information.
SSM 528202024-09-04. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a telematics control unit module (TCU) may exhibit the Location toggle button in the Connectivity setting menu grayed out with an inability to switch it off.
TSB 24-22542024-09-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2022 Explorer, 2020-2023 Transit, 2021-2022 F-150, 2021-2022 Mustang and 2022 Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with a 10R80 transmission (excluding hybrid) may exhibit harsh/delayed engagements and/or harsh/delayed shifts, an illuminated MIL with 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 PCM or TCM. This may be due to axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder (7H351) sleeve causing hydraulic circuit leaks. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to verify hydraulic circuit leakage and replace the CDF clutch cylinder (7H351) if necessary.
TSB 24-22522024-09-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator and 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 10R80 MHT transmission may exhibit harsh/delayed engagements and/or harsh/delayed shifts, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with 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 powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (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. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to identify and correct the condition.
SSM 527762024-08-16. Service bulletin. SEATS. Some 2020-2025 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may have a concern where the second row outboard manual/power seats do not fold, exhibit excess effort to fold, or do not slide forward/backward easily. Power or manual second row seats must be pushed forward manually during easy entry function since the assist spring will reduce but not eliminate manual effort. Refer to the Owner's Manua
SSM 527742024-08-16. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2020-2024 Escape/Explorer, 2021-2024 F-150, 2022-2024 Maverick and 2024 Nautilus 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. This may be due to the software level of the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger.
24N012024-08-07. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Axle Bolt Fractures In some of the affected vehicles, the rear axle bolt may fracture. A fractured rear axle bolt will allow the rear axle housing to move out of position, resulting in severe noise and vibration. If the rear axle bolt breaks, the driveshaft or half shafts may become disconnected, resulting in loss of transmission torque to the rear wheels. Transmission torque is necessary to hold the vehicle in park and is also needed for the vehicle to move forward or backward.
24B472024-08-07. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Certain 2018 - 2024 Model Year Various Vehicles Update SYNC Software In all the affected vehicles, due to an error in the SYNC software, you may experience SYNC system instability concerns and/or a failure to preserve certain settings across ignition cycles. This may result in a black infotainment screen that does not affect rear view camera, incorrect language setting, erased or unsaved radio presets, and potential inability to perform software updates.
SSM 527222024-08-06. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various FordPass/LincolnWay connectivity concerns including but not limited to: missing activation prompt (pop-up) on the vehicle's center display screen when attempting to activate vehicle through FordPass/LincolnWay, incorrect location/global positioning system (GPS) reported through FordPass/LincolnWay, problems with remote commands being performed through FordPass/LincolnWay, incorrect data/information reported on FordPass/LincolnWay. These symptoms will be accompanied by diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B156D:89 in the TCU. This may be due the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software
SSM 527042024-08-05. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/response from module using the universal USB updater. This may be due to low memory in the APIM commonly occurring on software level NU5T-14G381-AB/BB. The current software level can be verified in the SYNC tab of Professional Technician System (PTS) or using the vehicle's center display screen, Settings > General > About. To correct the condition, run the universal USB updater. If unsuccessful, using the latest software version of the FDRS scan tool, run the service function "APIM - Reset the Accessory Protocol Interface Module Application" and select "Clear All User Data" option. The center display screen will reboot. As soon as the vehicle's center display screen displays the boot up logo, immediately reinsert the same universal serial bus (USB) drive that was utilized during the prior failed programming attempt.
SSM 526752024-07-03. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System, or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/response from module using the universal USB updater. This may be due to low memory in the APIM commonly occurring on software level
SSM 526522024-07-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. On 2020-2024 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).
24M012024-07-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE. 2020 Model Year Explorer and Explorer Police Utility Equipped with a 3.3L Engine Replace Catalytic Converters If Failed and Inspect Wire Harness In some of the affected vehicles, one or both of the catalytic converters may develop outer cracks or inner heat-related damage. If a catalytic converter fails, then the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may illuminate and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0420 or P0430 will be stored in the Powertrain Control Module.
24B342024-07-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Certain 2020 through 2023 Model Year Explorer Police Interceptor Units (PIU) Powertrain Control Module Software Update In some of the affected vehicles, customers may experience various symptoms including lack of engine power, lag in throttle response, delayed shifts, and/or multiple warning indicators including check engine light with DTC P084B. These issues may adversely affect pursuits and other police duties.
TSB 24-21822024-06-13. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER. This article supersedes TSB 23-2307 to update the Service Procedure and vehicle model years affected. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Transit Connect, 2019-2023 Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger, 2020-2021 Expedition/Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair/Super Duty/EcoSport, 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator/Transit, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. This may be due to the SYNC Software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update theaccesory protocol interface module (APIM) software.
TSB 24-21762024-06-07. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER. This article supersedes TSBs 24-2100 and 24-2070 to add 2023 F-150 vehicles, update the TSB Issue statement and the TSB Service Procedure. Some 2021-2023 F-150, 2022-2023 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang and 2020-2023 Transit/Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 10R80/10R80MHT transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with 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 powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (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. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to identify and correct the condition.
SSM 525482024-05-23. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Various vehicles equiped with 10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100/10R140 transmissions may require replacement of the seal kits (7153) when internal repairs are being performed. These kits come with 4 wheel drive (4WD) seals and will no longer include the 2WD seals. When working on a 2WD vehicle, any 2WD seals must be ordered separately. Refer to the parts catalog for the proper 2WD seals required.
SSM 525432024-05-23. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2021-2024 F-150-3.5L FHEV, 2020-2024 Explorer 3.3L FHEV, 2020-2024 Escape 2.5L FHEV, and 2022-2024 Maverick 2.5L FHEV vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P237F and/or P2C23 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) and no affect on drivability. This may be due to seal damage, corrosion and/or water intrusion in the exhaust coolant temperature (ECT) sensors 3 and/or 4 connector. Visual inspection should be completed on ECT3 and ECT4 sensors and mating connections for seal damage, water intrusion, and corrosion. If seal damage, water intrusion or corrosion is present, repair per cell 5 of the Wiring Diagram, then apply Motorcraft® XG-12 Electrical Grease to the female/vehicle side of the harness. This inspection of ECT3 and ECT4 sensors should be completed prior to starting the appropriate pinpoint test in Section 303-03 of the Workshop Manual (WSM). If DTCs P237F and/or P2C23 do not return, no further action is necessary and the replacement of the entire exhaust heat exchanger assembly is not required. If P237F and/or P2C23 returns, follow the pinpoint test in Section 303-03 of the WSM for further diagnostics.
SSM 524842024-05-03. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles may exhibit keyless entry keypad inoperative and/or does not illuminate when any keypad button is pressed following ignition off timeout period with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) in the body control module (BCM). This may be due to network wake up signal processing. To correct this condition, reprogram the BCM using the latest software level of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) located under the SW Updates tab. Do not replace the keyless entry keypad. For claiming, use causal part 7820555 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 524822024-05-03. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator 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). Diagnosis should include checking the fuel pump monitor (VE518) and/or a fuel pump control (VE225) circuits, connector pin push-outs, damaged pins/terminals, and/or loose/corroded grounds. Inspect FPCM connector C433/C4033, ground G407, and inline connections C1147 and C3136 for being fully seated and damage free prior to performing guided diagnostics or replacing any components.
SSM 524762024-05-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.
SSM 524642024-05-03. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2020 Escape/Corsair/Explorer/Aviator vehicles may have diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0293 stored in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) and/or 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.
22M03 S12024-05-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Certain 2017-2020 Model Year Continental and Super Duty, 2018-2020 Navigator, 2020 Aviator, and 2020 Explorer Vehicles Replace Front and/or Side Cameras if Foggy
SSM 524352024-04-29. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE: UNDERRIDE; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles may exhibit various issues with the roof rack side. If there is an issue with the roof rack side that requires replacement, a lower level service part is now available separately (7855114 and 7855115). It is no longer necessary to replace the entire roof rack assembly.

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