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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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Bulletins, newest first
TSB 21-22762021-09-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an AutoHold System Fault message displayed in the IPC message center on vehicle start-up with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. This may be due to the software in the ABS module. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reprogram the powertrain control module (PCM) and/or ABS module using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool.
TSB 21-22632021-09-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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.
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.
TSB 21-21852021-08-02. Service bulletin. SEATS. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Corsair vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement and/or clunk/thump noise on turns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reinforce the cushion hook.
SSM 499802021-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:CAMERA/SENSOR. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Corsair vehicles may exhibit an intermittent blue screen on the center infotainment display for one or more cameras when the 360 degree camera view is activated. To correct the condition, reprogram the image processing module B (IPMB) using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. Once complete, perform the 360 degree camera alignment procedure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 413-13. For claiming, use causal part 19H405 and applicable labor operations in the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
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.
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 499142021-07-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2015-2021 Edge, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019-2021 Nautilus, 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator, and 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair/Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an inoperative power liftgate. This may be due to the rear gate trunk module (RGTM) software. To correct the condition, reprogram the RGTM using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 14B291 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 498912021-07-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SEATS. Some 2021 Explorer Limited vehicles built on or before 10-Dec-2020 may exhibit an inoperative second row seat power fold function. This may be due to the configuration of the body control module c (BCMC) and the power fold seat module (SCMJ). To correct the condition, reconfigure the BCMC using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. Once the BCMC is reconfigured, perform the SCMJ reconfiguration routine using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 14F042 and applicable service labor times found in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 498852021-07-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2019-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an intermittent audio echo/robotic voice heard during a bluetooth phone call by the person that is not in the vehicle. Using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto instead of Bluetooth can help alleviate the concern. Also turning on, then off, the privacy setting in the SYNC touchscreen can temporarily alleviate the concern. Engineering is currently investigating this concern and will be releasing a service fix in early July 2021. Let the customer know they can continue to drive the vehicle and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available. Monitor OASIS for updates.
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 498682021-07-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2020-2021 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a lack of heat from the passenger side of the vehicle when using the climate control. When diagnosing for insufficient, erratic or no heat from passenger side floor vents, first perform pinpoint test (PPT) K.
TSB 21-21952021-07-01. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Some 2020-2021 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit inoperative turn signal lamps after replacement of the light emitting diode (LED) control module. This may be due to a lack of initialization caused by incomplete wiring circuits. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to splice the needed circuits into the wiring harness of the affected side of the vehicle.
TSB 21-21502021-06-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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.
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 498202021-06-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicle owners may experience a condition of missing Authorization, Command and Control, Battery Charging Details or Phone-as-a-Key setup buttons/selections in their FordPass or LincolnWay App. This condition is due to an error within the FordPass or LincolnWay App and not due to a concern on the vehicle. Verify that the customers FordPass or LincolnWay App is at the latest version. Replacement or reprogramming of the telematics control unit (TCU)/gateway module (GWM)/remote function actuator (RFA) will not resolve this condition. If the condition persists, Utilize the FordPass Guides or Lincoln Way Concierge teams.
SSM 497952021-06-01. Service bulletin. COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may not be able to perform remote commands via the FordPass/LincolnWay App due to an erroneous deep sleep message. If the vehicle has been driven within 14 days and the battery state of charge is above 9.5 volts when the deep sleep message set, this is an erroneous message. Starting and running the vehicle will clear the message and allow the remote commands to function again. Inform customers that engineering is currently working on a solution for this condition that will be released via an over the air (OTA) update that is expected in June 2021. Replacement or reprogramming of the telematics control unit (TCU)/gateway module (GWM) will not resolve this condition. Monitor OASIS for additional information and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available.
SSM 497562021-05-03. Service bulletin. BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE. Some 2018-2021 vehicles supported by FDRS may not list a software update for a module under the SW Updates tab although an SSM or TSB is published for a software update. This may be due to the module already being at the latest software level. A later software level may have been programmed at the assembly plant, during a previous dealer visit or by an over the air (OTA) update for vehicles that have automatic updates enabled in the SYNC system settings. To review a vehicle's OTA update history, visit the Connected Vehicle > OTA Dashboard tab in OASIS. Information about the OTA Dashboard can be found on FMCDealer.com when performing a search on OTA History Job Aid.
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.
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.
SSM 496902021-03-31. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. For 2018-2021 EcoSport/Expedition/Navigator, 2019-2021 Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 Escape/Explorer/SuperDuty/Transit/Aviator/Corsair, 2021 Bronco Sport/F-150/Mustang/Mach-E the Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnostics may direct to replace a module on vehicles that use Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). First, an FDRS session must be created on the vehicle prior to removing the faulted module. Once the session is started, run the Programmable Module Installation and replace the module only when instructed by FDRS. Installing a new module prior to starting a scan tool session may result in incomplete module configuration with DTCs U2100, U2101 and/or U2200. Once a session has been started, continue to follow normal WSM procedures to repair the vehicle.
SSM 496852021-03-31. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Aviator and Explorer vehicles built on and before 24-Feb-2021 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 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.

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