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.
By type
By component
By trouble code
By topic
Only bulletins with component: Equipment and accessories are shown. Show all
| SSM 52476 | 2024-05-03. 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. |
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| 22G07 S1 | 2024-04-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. UPDATE Supplement Announcement - Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Equipped with a Low Band Frequency Noise Suppression Kit - Electromagnetic Compatibility Upgrade Owner letter added. First part submitted 08/03/23 |
| TSB 24-2044 | 2024-03-07. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE; EQUIPMENT. This article supersedes TSB 23-2181 to add 2024 vehicle model year. Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a lack of audio and/or a water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or water in the spare tire area. The customer may indicate that this concern is more noticeable after a car wash or rainfall. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to identify the leak path. |
| TSB 24-2043 | 2024-03-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This article supersedes TSB 23-2208 to add 2024 model year vehicles. Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator non-hybrid vehicles may exhibit radio static and/or poor radio sound quality when moving. This may be more noticeable on AM radio stations. This may be caused by an electromagnetic interference concern |
| TSB 23-2347 | 2023-11-21. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT. This article supersedes TSB 23-2279 to update the Service Procedure. Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid engine, 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine and 2020-2023 Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L hybrid engine may exhibit a powertrain malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the belt integrated starter generator (BISG). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to diagnose and repair this symptom. |
| TSB 23-2307 | 2023-11-02. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE. 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, 2021 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator 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 the SYNC module (APIM) software. |
| SSM 51945 | 2023-10-06. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. 2020-2023 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may require level III ballistic panels to be replaced due to broken mounting tabs. Level III ballistic panel mounting tab service kits are now available (right LB5Z-78201B68-F and left LB5Z-78201B69-F). Replacement of the level III ballistic panel assembly is not required for this condition. Level IV ballistic panels do not have removable mounting tabs and still require complete panel replacement. Level III vs. level IV ballistic panels can be identified by a large roman numeral label on the panel or by the vehicle window sticker if equipped. |
| SSM 51937 | 2023-10-05. Service bulletin. 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. |
| SAN-Vol1 I1 | 2023-08-16. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. The Service Awareness Newsletter is an informal communication that contains information that may not be presently available in a TSB, SSM, GSB, or other electronic communication. This article includes information on warranty, technical service tips and other service information. |
| 22G07 S1 | 2023-08-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Equipped with a Low Band Frequency Noise Suppression Kit - Electromagnetic Compatibility Upgrade Service Action: Confirm customer operates a low-band very high frequency (VHF) 2-way radio between 39-48 Megahertz (MHz) in these vehicles. Provision for Locally Obtained Supply: Miscellaneous allowance amount update. Labor Allowances: Confirm customer operates a VHF radio between 39-48 MHz before servicing. Parts Requirements / Ordering Information: Confirm customer operates a VHF radio between 39-48 MHz before part ordering. Ferrite order quantities and the MISC material claim allowance have been updated. Replaced FSA Parts Inspection And Sign Off: added new standard for Immediate Scrap with link. Technical Information: Ferrite table quantities and one ferrite type was updated from medium to large in one location. |
| SSM 51778 | 2023-07-20. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:TV/RADIO/SPEAKERS; BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE. Some 2020-2021 Escape built on/before 23-Nov-2021, 2021 F-150 built on/before 08-Oct-2021, 2021 Mustang Mach-E built on/before 29-Mar-2021, 2021 Expedition built on/before 05-Aug-2021, 2021 Explorer built on/before 27-Sep-2021 and 2020-2022 Edge may exhibit a concern of the audio system does not power on, no sound from audio speakers, chimes default to coming through the instrument cluster, no communication with audio control module (ACM) or digital signal processor (DSP) module, and/or diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0184, U0237 and/or U0238. To correct the condition, perform a hard reset of the DSP by disconnecting the 12-volt battery. Reprogram the DSP module using the latest version of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 18B849 and any applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards Manual. |
| SSM 51792 | 2023-07-18. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit poor speaker sound quality and/or tick-tock noise while activating turn signals and streaming audio over Bluetooth. Customers may describe static heard during a Bluetooth phone call, or a door speaker buzz or tick noise with the pulse of the turn signal. This may be due to concerns with the 14401/14A005 wiring harnesses or connector damage. Prior to the replacement of the affected speaker, inspect for incorrect pin fit/crimp, bent pins, broken wire strands, or other damage at inline connectors C202, C2383A, and/or C4240B. These circuits join the SYNC module (APIM) and audio front control module (ACM) components. If wiring/connector concerns are found, repair per Wiring Diagram Cell 5. |
| TSB 23-2208 | 2023-07-18. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator non-hybrid vehicles may exhibit radio static and/or poor radio sound quality when moving. This may be more noticeable on AM radio stations. This may be caused by an electromagnetic interference concern. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to install new grounds on the rear knuckle. |
| 22G07 | 2023-07-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Equipped with a Low Band Frequency Noise Suppression Kit - Electromagnetic Compatibility Upgrade |
| SSM 51720 | 2023-06-22. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; SEATS. Some 2020-2023 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 Manual > Seats > Rear Seats > Adjusting the Second Row Rear Seats for further details. If the seats do not easily push forward manually, it maybe due to tension in the seat track due to uneven assembly torque. To correct these conditions, unbolt the second row seat frame from the floor to relax tension. Start the bolts by hand, then tighten in the correct sequence and torque per Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 501-10B. |
| SSM 51687 | 2023-06-16. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; POWER TRAIN. TSB 22-2428 is missing some labor operations. For any missing labor operations, claim available new model labor operations or m-time. Refer to this article on the repair order. When replacing the CDF cylinder, the current TSB does not require a complete transmission overhaul or cooler and converter flushing. Ford is currently reviewing the TSB. Monitor OASIS for updates. |
| SSM 51628 | 2023-05-16. 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 51449 | 2023-04-05. 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 51392 | 2023-03-04. 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 51265 | 2023-01-06. 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. |
| TSB 22-2485 | 2023-01-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:WIRELESS CHARGER/CRADLE. Some 2020-2021 Expedition/Navigator, 2020-2022 F Super Duty/Explorer, 2021-2022 Bronco/Corsair/Escape/Bronco Sport, 2022 Maverick vehicles may exhibit the wireless charger inoperative or poor performance when using some Apple iPhone models that use MagSafe wireless charging including iPhone 12 and 13. This may be due to limited compatibility with the wireless accessory charging module (WACM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the WACM. Note: The WACM software is designed to improve the compatibility between some Apple MagSafe charging iPhones, including iPhone 12 and 13 models, and the Ford Qi wireless charging module. |
| SSM 50982 | 2022-08-15. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Some 2018-2022 Ford/Lincoln vehicles equipped with a wireless charging pad may exhibit one of the following if the customer is using a Magsafe iPhone (iPhone 12 or 13): slow charging, inoperative, notification that the phone has been mispositioned on the charging pad and/or the phone charging icon in the center screen display is not showing. This may be due to a compatibility issue between the customer's phone and the wireless accessory charging module (WACM) that may make it difficult for Ford and Lincoln vehicles to wirelessly charge these specific phones. The phone can still be charged using the USB cable if the vehicle experiences the above symptoms. If the customer is using a Magsafe iPhone such as an iPhone 12 or 13, verify the wireless charging pad works with a Qi certified phone prior to any part replacements. |
| SSM 50959 | 2022-07-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Some 2019-2022 Edge/Nautilus, 2018-2022 Expedition/Navigator, 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a family entertainment system may experience the audio is not synchronized with the video display when using the vehicle speakers. To correct this condition, contact the VOXX Customer Service Department at 1-866-869-7888. For claiming, refer to the Warranty and Policy manual for Ford Licensed Accessories. |
| TSB 22-2290 | 2022-07-28. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. 2020-2021 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L Duratec, 3.3L Duratec Hybrid, or 3.0L EcoBoost engine have a module programming update that allows the operator to command a virus reducing heating procedure that, when combined with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, helps reduce virus counts inside the interior of Police Interceptor Utility vehicles. Follow the Service Procedure to perform the virus reducing heating procedure. |
| TSB 22-2262 | 2022-07-08. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a lack of audio and/or a water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or water in the spare tire area. The customer may indicate that this concern is more noticeable after a car wash or rainfall. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to identify the leak path. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.