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
| SSM 49642 | 2021-03-31. 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. |
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| SSM 49618 | 2021-03-03. 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 49582 | 2021-03-03. 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 49580 | 2021-03-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit various electrical concerns due to an open 3 or 4 post fuse array on the high current battery junction box (BJB). Service part LU5Z-14526-ALD has been released for the 3 post fuse array and LU5Z-14526-ANC has been released for the 4 post fuse array. It is no longer necessary to order the complete wiring harness to obtain these parts. |
| SSM 49519 | 2021-03-03. 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. |
| TSB 21-2030 | 2021-03-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SERVICE BRAKES. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built on or before 24-Dec-2020 may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0020 stored in the ABS module. It may not be necessary to replace the ABS module/hydraulic control unit (HCU) to resolve DTC C0020. This may be due to a poor ground connection and/or improper plating on the attachment bolts at G108. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace and properly tighten the ground cable fasteners. |
| 21B17 | 2021-03-02. 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 49507 | 2021-02-04. 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 49484 | 2021-02-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2021 F-150/Transit/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 49449 | 2021-02-04. 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 49446 | 2021-02-04. 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. |
| SSM 49427 | 2021-02-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2019-2020 Edge/Nautilus/Ranger, 2020 Escape and 2020-2021 Corsair/Explorer 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 (DTCs) P02AB, P0243, P0299, P1464, P25B3, P25B4, P2AB7, P2AB8 and/or P2AB9. This may be due to a missing wastegate actuator e-clip. A lower level service component has been released, K2GZ-9G488-B for Edge/Nautilus/Escape/Corsair vehicles and LB5Z-9G488-B for Explorer/Ranger vehicles, for service to replace the actuator, actuator rod and both e-clips. Turbocharger replacement is not necessary for missing wastegate actuator e-clips. |
| SSM 49438 | 2021-02-04. Service bulletin. SEATS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with 3rd row power seats may exhibit inoperative 3rd row power seat folding with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B1231:54 and/or B1232:54 stored in the power fold seat module (SCMJ). This may be due to the software in the SCMJ. To correct the condition, connect a battery charger and reprogram the SCMJ using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. Then open the liftgate, and perform the SCMJ - Power Fold Seat Module (SCMJ) Learn Seat Procedure. For claiming, use causal part 14F042 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 49437 | 2021-02-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:VEHICLE CONTROLS:BRAKING. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 07-Dec-2020 may falsely store diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U0415 and/or U3000:42 in the image processing module B (IPMB). These DTCs may be associated with camera display issues or a Reverse Brake Assist Unavailable fault message. To correct the condition, reprogram the IPMB using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 19H405 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 49433 | 2021-02-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; WHEELS; SERVICE BRAKES. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning lamp with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C0031, C0034, C0037, and/or C003A. This may be due to metal contamination on the wheel speed sensors or wheel speed sensor rings. Verify that all wheel speed sensors and wheel speed sensor rings are free of metal contamination before replacing them. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 206-09 for diagnostics. |
| TSB 20-2429 | 2021-01-05. 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. |
| TSB 20-2425 | 2021-01-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicle may exhibit a water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or exhibit water in the spare tire area. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to identify the leak path. |
| SSM 49404 | 2021-01-05. Service bulletin. SEATS; EQUIPMENT. Some 2021 Explorer Limited trim vehicles equipped with the 300A convenience package including 2nd row power-fold backrest and 3rd row manual folding seats may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B154D:15 and/or B11CE:15 stored in the power fold seat module (SCMJ). If these DTCs are noticed during diagnosis of unrelated concerns, they should be ignored. No repairs should be attempted to address these DTCs. |
| SSM 49393 | 2021-01-05. 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 49388 | 2021-01-05. 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 49386 | 2021-01-05. Service bulletin. STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may have diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C0052, C0053, C0054 and/or C0055 stored in the TRM if the police steering wheel output circuits are not connected to any accessories. If these DTCs are detected during diagnosis of unrelated concerns, they should be ignored. |
| SSM 49380 | 2021-01-05. 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 49377 | 2021-01-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine and built on or before 01-Dec-2020 may exhibit inoperative air conditioning, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp, and/or an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with various diagnostic trouble codes present and a blown fuse F14. This may be due to wiring harness 14290 chaffing on the A/C compressor pulley. If chaffing is present, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 005 for repair procedures. Make sure that the wiring harness retainer is fully seated in the back side of the bracket on the A/C compressor to keep the harness away from the compressor pulley. |
| SSM 49328 | 2020-12-04. 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 49329 | 2020-12-04. 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. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.