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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: Transmission and driveline are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
SSM 503292021-12-26. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2021 Bronco/F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, non-hybrid, 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. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01, DTC Chart 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. This routine's usage has been expanded for various symptoms across the life of the vehicle. For claiming, use causal part 7A100 and applicable labor operations in Section 7 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 503212021-12-26. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds. The concern may also be described as a grinding and/or chatter noise. If the Workshop Manual (WSM) leads to replacement of the rear axle, inspect the differential for damage and differential fluid for metallic chunks in the fluid. Note that some metallic flake in the fluid and/or discoloration is normal and the rear axle should not be replaced for it. If no damage is found to the rear differential, it is not recommended to replace the rear axle assembly. Instead, refer to the Symptom Charts in WSM, Section 308-07 for further diagnosis of the transfer case.
SSM 501842021-10-29. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:CLUTCHES/BANDS:ACTUATORS/SOLENOIDS. Some 2021 Bronco/F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, excluding hybrid, may exhibit harsh or delayed engagement/shift concerns. Most concerns may be addressed with the PCM/TCM Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In Routine. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01, DTC Chart and/or Diagnosis By Symptom to identify the clutch(s) to be cycled. This routine cycles the shift solenoids and clutch control valves to remove contamination that may be sticking the valves and must be performed along with an adaptive drive cycle before attempting internal service. Although this routine was developed for low mileage vehicles, its usage is being expanded for various symptoms across the life of the vehicle.For claiming, use causal part 7A100 and applicable labor operations in Section 7 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
TSB 21-22942021-09-30. 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.
SSM 500492021-09-04. 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 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.
21U042021-08-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. In some of the effected vehicles the active noise cancelation (ANC) and electronic sound enhancement (ESE) features were not activated in the audio control module (ACM). This can cause undesirable powertrain sounds inside the vehicle, and less than optimal speaker sound from ST products, resulting in customer dissatisfaction.
SSM 498702021-07-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 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 498302021-06-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. 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.
SSM 497532021-05-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility and 2021 F-150 Hybrid vehicles equipped with a 10R80 modular hybrid transmission (MHT) and with less than 100 miles (160 kilometers) may exhibit a transmission fluid leak that appears to be coming from between the hybrid drive unit and transmission case joint. This condition may be due to residual transmission fluid trapped between the front module and transmission case joint during the assembly process. Clean the area thoroughly and reevaluate with the vehicle at operating temperature before attempting any leak related repairs.
SSM 496692021-03-31. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit an illuminated AWD indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C00A6:07, C00A6:18, C00A6:19, C00A6:4B, C00A6:66, C00A6:71, C00A6:74, and/or C00A6:99. It may not be necessary to replace the transfer case clutch actuator. Follow the updated transfer case clutch actuator Pinpoint Tests in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308-07A for 2020 vehicles and Section 307-07A for 2021 vehicles.
SSM 496422021-03-31. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with an 10R60 automatic transmission may exhibit diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P27B2 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) memory. This DTC may be present due to activation of the transmission park by wire manual release during vehicle assembly and has not yet achieved the 40 warm up cycles needed to be cleared from memory. Before attempting a repair for this DTC, clear the DTC and if it returns, refer to the WSM, Section 307-01 for normal diagnostics. For claiming, use causal part 12A650 and applicable labor times in section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 496182021-03-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. Some 2018-2021 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P025A And/Or DTC 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 or loose/corroded grounds. Inspect FPCM connector, applicable grounds(F-150- G401, Expedition/Navigator- G403, Transit- G401, 2018-2019 Explorer G302, 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator- G407) and confirm FPCM connector (F-150- C4336, Expedition/Navigator- C433, Transit- C433, 2018-2019 Explorer C3239, 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator- C4033) is fully seated prior to performing PC/ED diagnostics or replacing any components.
SSM 495822021-03-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, excluding hybrid, with 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or less may exhibit harsh or delayed engagement/shift concerns with or without transmission diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) in the powertrain control module (PCM). Most concerns at low mileage may be addressed with the accelerated main control break-in routine. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 307-01 Diagnosis and Testing, DTC Chart and/or Diagnosis By Symptom to identify the clutch(s) to be cycled. This routine cycles the shift solenoids and clutch control valves to remove contamination that may be sticking the valves and must be performed along with an adaptive drive cycle before attempting internal service. For claiming, use causal part 7A100 and applicable labor operations in Section 7 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 495192021-03-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80-MHT automatic transmission and built on or before 29-Oct-2020 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U0100, U0155, P166B, P0929, and/or P0919. The vehicle may also exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator lamp. This may be due to the software in the gear shift module (GSM). To correct the condition, reprogram the GSM using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 7P155 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 495072021-02-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, excluding hybrid, with 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or less may exhibit harsh or delayed engagement/shift concerns with or without transmission diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) in the powertrain control module (PCM). Most concerns at low mileage may be addressed with the accelerated main control break-in routine. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 307-01 Diagnosis and Testing, DTC Chart and/or Diagnosis By Symptom to identify the clutch(s) to be cycled. This routine cycles the shift solenoids and clutch control valves to remove contamination that may be sticking the valves, and must be performed before attempting internal service. For claiming, use causal part 7A100 and applicable labor operations in Section 7 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 494462021-02-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2021 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.2L or 7.3L engine, F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.3L or 5.0L 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 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.
TSB 20-24292021-01-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine and built on or before 21-Oct-2020 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0100 stored in the battery energy control module (BECM). This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.
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 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.