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: Transmission and driveline are shown. Show all
| TSB 23-2176 | 2023-06-13. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE; POWER TRAIN; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission may exhibit a delayed reverse engagement. 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. |
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| TSB 22-2428 | 2023-05-30. 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. |
| TSB 23-2120 | 2023-05-23. 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. |
| TSB 23-2114 | 2023-05-04. 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 51531 | 2023-05-04. 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 51439 | 2023-04-05. 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 51419 | 2023-04-04. 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. |
| TSB 22-2406 | 2023-04-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2021-2023 Explorer Timberline vehicles may exhibit differential fluid venting from the differential fluid vent. The customer may notice differential fluid pooling below the vehicle or saturating the wheel well liner. This may be due to the differential vent tube not having enough positive incline. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the differential vent tube. |
| SSM 51374 | 2023-03-04. 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 51297 | 2023-01-31. 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 23-2030 | 2023-01-31. 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 51098 | 2022-09-26. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2021-2022 Explorer - Timberline - vehicles may exhibit a rear differential that is venting rear axle fluid. This may result in a noise, odor, or leak noticed by the customer. Inspect the rear of the vehicle for signs of rear differential fluid venting into the rear wheel well, or leaking from the rear differential. If signs of fluid leaks are found from any seals, repair as necessary per Workshop Manual Section 205-02. If no seal leaks are found but fluid is venting, drain the rear differential. Add 85-100 ml of Motorcraft® XL-3 Additive Friction Modifier. Refill with fresh rear differential fluid to bottom of fill plug. Remove the vent tube and use compressed air to verify that the fluid vent tube is clear, then reinstall tube. Engineering investigating, monitor OASIS for updates. |
| TSB 22-2350 | 2022-09-23. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2022 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L Duratec (non-hybrid) engine may exhibit a delayed acceleration response at low vehicle speeds with no DTCs. 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. |
| TSB 22-2342 | 2022-09-23. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2D40. This may be due to the chiller not interpreting the correct cooling value of the high voltage battery chiller. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to diagnose the cause of the incorrect value. |
| SSM 51032 | 2022-08-22. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit automatic transmission fluid (ATF) contamination in the engine cooling system due to the transmission cooler. If the cooling system becomes contaminated with ATF, the system must be flushed clear of the contamination after the source of the contamination has been repaired. It is generally not necessary to replace the following components due to ATF contamination in the cooling system: radiator, heater core, de-gas bottle, water pump, auxiliary water pump, coolant control valves, temperature sensors, thermostat, turbocharger, heat exchangers, tubes, gaskets/O-rings/seals (unless removed), or rubber coolant hoses (unless swollen). |
| SSM 50900 | 2022-07-06. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit a rear differential that is venting rear axle fluid. This may result in a noise, smell, or leak noticed by the customer. Inspect the rear of the vehicle for signs of rear differential fluid venting in the right rear wheel well (oil staining in the wheel well liner and/or oil residue on the wheel end assembly below) or leaking from the rear differential. If signs of fluid leaks are found from any seals, repair as necessary. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 205-02. If no seal leaks are found but fluid is venting, drain the rear differential and re-fill with fresh rear differential fluid. Remove the vent tube and use compressed air to verify that the fluid vent tube is clear. Reinstall the vent tube. Engineering is investigating, monitor OASIS for updates. |
| TSB 22-2145 | 2022-07-01. Service bulletin. 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 50885 | 2022-06-30. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator and 2021-2022 F-150 hybrid vehicles equipped with a 10R80 MHT require the Transmission Strategy Download application in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) to be run after certain transmission or module repairs. The Transmission Strategy Download routine is failing in FDRS levels 32.5.3 and 32.5.4. The FDRS development team is working to resolve this in a future release of FDRS. In the meantime, uninstall FDRS from the computer using the select all function to remove all data and recordings. Reinstall the older FDRS version 31.6.5 using this url - http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/IDS/FDRS/FDRS_31.6.5.exe Once 31.6.5 is installed, download and run the Transmission Strategy Download application. |
| SSM 50745 | 2022-06-30. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic transfer case operation and/or noise. This may be due to water intrusion between the transmission and the transfer case. The transfer case installation procedure has been updated in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-07B to prevent this concern from reoccurring. Follow the updated WSM procedure to make sure the top of the transfer case is sealed upon installation. |
| SSM 50661 | 2022-04-13. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018-2022 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) 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 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 50622 | 2022-03-30. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. Some 2020 - 2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may display a distance to empty value in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) that does not correctly represent the actual fuel level of the vehicle. This may be due to excessive idling and/or a learned value in the powertrain control module (PCM) that is incorrect. To correct the condition, perform the PCM - Reset the Keep Alive Memory (KAM) application in the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use Causal Part 12A650 and applicable labor times from Section 10 in the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 50529 | 2022-02-23. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2021-2022 Bronco/F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility and 2022 Transit 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. |
| TSB 22-2046 | 2022-02-23. 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 50435 | 2022-02-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a driveline vibration. Workshop Manual (WSM) Pinpoint Tests G (driveline shudder) and H (driveline vibration) have been updated in WSM, Section 205-01. |
| TSB 21-2434 | 2022-01-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles and 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 10R80 MHT automatic transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or a harsh/delayed shift with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6, P07F7, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704 and/or P2705 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to sticking valves in the main control valve body. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to perform the PCM - Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In routine for the appropriate clutch(s) and/or overhaul the main control valve body. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.