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Service bulletins for the 2021 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.

326 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

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Only bulletins with component: Engine are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
SSM 507482022-05-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition. If during the preliminary inspection the transmission fluid is found to be a foamy pink color this may indicate possible cross contamination of engine coolant and transmission fluid due to an internally leaking transmission fluid cooler assembly. When repairing or replacing the transmission assembly for an internally leaking transmission fluid cooler assembly, use causal part 7869 and applicable labor operations in Section 07 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 507362022-05-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 2019-2021 Ranger and 2020-2021 Explorer with 2.3L EcoBoost engines and customer concern of increased engine oil level and/or fuel smell in oil. This may occur when operating conditions do not regularly allow the oil to reach full operating temperature such as: frequent short trips, long periods of idling or driving in stop and go traffic, and/or prolonged driving in cold climates. This condition is normal and will not affect engine durability due to increased oil level or fuel content in the oil. Advise customers concerned about their engine to regularly operate the vehicle in a manner to allow the oil to reach a normal, warm operating temperature which vaporizes the fuel, and follow Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor messages that alert when the oil should be changed based on how the vehicle is operated. Refer to the owner's manual for maintenance information.
SSM 506392022-03-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may appear to have a low engine oil level if the proper procedures are not followed. Refer to the Owner's Manual, 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 22-20462022-02-23. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.3L hybrid engine may exhibit delayed acceleration response, hesitation and/or a buck/jerk condition at low vehicle speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The customer may perceive this as a delayed throttle response or lack of power. This may be more noticeable when switching between braking and acceleration. This may be due to the software in the PCM. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.
SSM 504832022-02-16. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2021-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine and built on 01-Aug-2021 and through 03-Jan-2022 may exhibit a lack of rear heat. This may be due to incorrectly routed coolant hoses in the engine bay. To correct the condition, inspect the 90 degree quick connect coolant hoses attached to the heater outlet hose on the driver's side of the engine. The 90 degree quick connect cooling hose with the shorter abrasion sleeve should be installed on the front port connection of the heater outlet hose, and the 90 degree quick connect cooling hose with the longer abrasion sleeve should be installed on the rear port connection of the heater outlet hose. If the coolant hoses are twisted or installed incorrectly on the heater outlet hose, remove and reinstall them correctly. Refer to Work Shop Manual (WSM), Section 303-03A.
TSB 21-24462022-01-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P04F0 and/or P144C stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to loose or partially connected evaporative emissions (EVAP) vapor lines. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to make sure the EVAP vapor lines are properly connected.
SSM 503062021-12-07. 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.
21U062021-11-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ENGINE; EQUIPMENT. Certain 2021 Explorer Vehicles Equipped with 2.3L Engines ; Inspect Left Hand Engine Mount in some of the affected vehicles, the left hand (LH) engine mount may leak hydraulic fluid. Once it leaks enough fluid, the mount will no longer perform as intended. This can lead to increased vehicle vibration and noise.
SSM 501712021-10-29. 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.
SSM 501562021-10-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.3L or 5.0L engine, Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.5L Duratec engine, and Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0106 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) after key-off transportation of the vehicle to higher altitudes. To correct the condition, clear the DTCs, cycle the ignition to OFF, cycle the ignition to ON, wait ten seconds, cycle the ignition to OFF, wait ten seconds, then start the engine. If the condition remains, refer to the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual for diagnostics.
SSM 500462021-09-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN:TRANSMISSION CASE/HOUSING. Some 2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility/F-150 Hybrid vehicles equipped with a 10R80 modular hybrid transmission (MHT) may exhibit a transmission fluid leak at the engine disconnect clutch pressure sensor. This condition may be due to loose engine disconnect clutch pressure sensor fasteners. To correct the condition, tighten the engine disconnect clutch pressure sensor fasteners per Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01. Replacing the engine disconnect clutch sensor is not necessary to correct the condition.
SSM 499822021-08-02. 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.
SSM 499532021-08-02. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2021 Explorer ST and Aviator vehicles may exhibit a customer concern of undesirable powertrain sounds inside the vehicle and/or less than optimal speaker sound from the vehicle. This may be due to the engine sound enhancement (ESE) on Explorer ST vehicles and the active noise control (ANC) on Aviator vehicles not being activated. To correct the condition, use the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) > select Toolbox > ACM > ACM - Enable Engine Sound Enhancement and Active Noise Control. Click RUN and follow the on-screen instructions carefully. If prompted with a window stating Feature Not Supported, select OK and continue through the installation application. For claiming use causal 18K810 and applicable labor operations found in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 499242021-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Some 2019 MKC, 2019-2021 Edge/Nautilus/Escape/Ranger/Explorer, 2020-2021 Corsair, and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.3L EcoBoost engines may exhibit a light to moderate ticking type noise at idle (600-700 RPM). The noise is usually more prominent in the area of the high-pressure fuel pump, located on the top of the engine just behind the number 4 ignition coil. This noise is not detrimental to engine function and has no short or long-term effects on engine durability. This an operating characteristic of these engines and no repairs should be attempted.
21B182021-04-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Certain 2021 Model Year Explorer/Aviator All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Equipped with 3.0L Engines Engine Assembly Replacement All of the affected vehicles, an oversized right-hand exhaust camshaft journal was installed in the engine assembly. This may result in a misfire and low compression condition. The check engine light will be illuminated
SSM 496962021-03-31. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a buzzing noise coming from the center console or cowl area with engine speed around 1500 RPM at idle or while driving. This may be due to the transmission park manual release cable vibrating against the transmission. This can be resolved by isolating the transmission park manual release cable with Rotunda PVC foam tape (164-R4901) or equivalent, where it is contacting the transmission. Replacement of the transmission park manual release cable is not necessary.
21B172021-03-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. In all of the affected vehicles, the installed high-output alternator and powertrain control module (PCM) calibration were not aligned. A mismatch between the alternator and PCM calibration could cause idle control issues such as engine speed fluctuations, which may cause customer dissatisfaction.
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 493932021-01-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. Some 2021 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.2L or 7.3L engine and Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0106 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) while in transport mode, especially when operated in higher altitudes. To correct the condition, clear the DTCs and deactivate transport mode. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-10 > General Procedures. Before starting the engine in the procedure, cycle the ignition to OFF, cycle the ignition to ON, wait ten seconds, cycle the ignition to OFF, wait ten seconds, then start the engine. If the condition remains, refer to the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual for diagnostics.
SSM 493882021-01-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL; POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles without a diesel engine and/or without a 10R80 MHT transmission have a new PCM-Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In routine added to the Diagnosis and Testing Section of the WSM. This new routine uses the Ford diagnostic scan tool to cycle the shift solenoids and clutch control valves to free them from contamination that may be sticking the valves. Refer to WSM, Section 307-01.
SSM 493802021-01-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor vehicles may exhibit a flashing powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator while in transport mode with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P112A stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to excessive engine starts while the vehicle is in transport mode. To correct the condition, deactivate transport mode. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-10 > General Procedures. Cycle the ignition to RUN. If the concern still exists, perform normal diagnostics in the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual.
SSM 493282020-12-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP; EQUIPMENT. Some 2019 MKC, 2019-2020 Edge/Nautilus/Escape/Ranger, 2020 Corsair, 2019-2021 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.3L EcoBoost engines may exhibit a light to moderate ticking type noise at idle (600-700 RPM). The noise is usually more prominent in the area of the high-pressure fuel pump, located on the top of the engine just behind the number 4 ignition coil. This noise is not detrimental to engine function and has no short or long-term effects on engine durability. This an operating characteristic of these engines and no repairs should be attempted.
SSM 493292020-12-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN; ENGINE. Some 2020-2021 Aviator and Explorer vehicles may experience an intermittent no crank, inoperative remote start, and/or an illuminated wrench light with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P07E4, B135C and/or U0103. This may be due to a loose ground G210 and/or G214. Check grounds G210 and G214, refer to the Wiring Diagram for location information. If the concern persists, or the grounds are found to be secure, refer to the Workshop Manual and applicable sections of the Powertrain Controls/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual for normal diagnostics.
SSM 492692020-11-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor vehicles may exhibit a flashing powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator while in transport mode with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P112A stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to excessive engine starts while the vehicle is in transport mode. To correct the condition, deactivate transport mode. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-10 > General Procedures. Cycle the ignition to RUN. If the concern still exists, perform normal diagnostics in the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual.

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