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 50659 | 2022-04-13. Service bulletin. BACK OVER PREVENTION; EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017-2022 Transit Connect/Transit/Explorer vehicles equipped with a fleet telematics global positioning system (GPS) and a connected human machine interface (HMI) radio (CHR) may experience concerns with rear camera zoom, wrong map matching or a blank display. If these concerns are present, it's likely to be a software issue caused by the audio control module (ACM) that can be remedied by updating the ACM software to the latest level with the FDRS application. If the update does not resolve the concern, refer to the Workshop Manual. For claiming, use causal part 18C869 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
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| 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 50639 | 2022-03-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may appear to have a low engine oil level if the proper procedures are not followed. Refer to the Owner's Manual, 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 50588 | 2022-03-22. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Some 2017-2022 Transit Connect/Transit/Explorer vehicles equipped with a fleet telematics global positioning system (GPS) and a connected human machine interface (HMI) radio (CHR) may experience concerns with rear camera zoom, wrong map matching or a blank display. If these concerns are present, it's likely to be a software issue caused by the audio control module (ACM) that can be remedied by the following: If the existing ACM software level is at H1BT-14G298-GS or higher, update the ACM software with the FDRS application or, if the ACM software level is H1BT-14G298-GR or lower, it cannot be updated and the ACM will need to be replaced with the latest level part number. |
| TSB 22-2100 | 2022-03-22. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; SEATS; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. This article supersedes TSB 21-2185 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2020-2022 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. |
| TSB 22-2040 | 2022-03-22. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. Some 2020-2022 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. |
| SSM 50571 | 2022-03-15. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES; EQUIPMENT. Some 2018-2021 Expedition and 2020-2021 Explorer vehicles may intermittently exhibit doors unable to lock/unlock and/or difficult to open in freezing temperatures. This may be due to water entering the interior door latch lock indicator cable assembly. To resolve the condition, replace the affected latch and cable assembly per Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-14. Use the latest level service parts only. |
| 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. |
| SSM 50504 | 2022-02-23. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit an illuminated stability-traction control and/or powertrain malfunction warning indicators with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C00A8:11, C00A8:13, C00A6:71, C00A6:74, and C00A6:99 present in the AWD module. This may be due to a damaged wiring harness rubbing against the underbody heat shield where it routes over and into the transfer case actuator motor. Inspect the wire harness for damage and repair as necessary following the procedures in the Wiring Diagram Manual. If no damage is found, continue with normal diagnostics. |
| SSM 50502 | 2022-02-23. Service bulletin. SEATS. Some 2017-2018 Focus/MKX/C-MAX, 2017-2019 MKC/Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2017-2020 Fusion/MKZ/Continental, 2017-2022 Mustang/Edge/Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Escape/F-150/F-Super Duty, 2018-2022 Expedition/Navigator, 2019-2022 Ranger/Nautilus, 2020-2022 Corsair/Aviator, and 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E vehicles may exhibit a noisy, incorrectly operating, and/or inoperative seat motor. This may be due to a damaged or inoperative seat track motor. A lower level service part has been released to correct noisy, incorrect operation/inoperative seat track motors. |
| 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 50483 | 2022-02-16. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2021-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine and built on 01-Aug-2021 and through 03-Jan-2022 may exhibit a lack of rear heat. This may be due to incorrectly routed coolant hoses in the engine bay. To correct the condition, inspect the 90 degree quick connect coolant hoses attached to the heater outlet hose on the driver's side of the engine. The 90 degree quick connect cooling hose with the shorter abrasion sleeve should be installed on the front port connection of the heater outlet hose, and the 90 degree quick connect cooling hose with the longer abrasion sleeve should be installed on the rear port connection of the heater outlet hose. If the coolant hoses are twisted or installed incorrectly on the heater outlet hose, remove and reinstall them correctly. Refer to Work Shop Manual (WSM), Section 303-03A. |
| SSM 50472 | 2022-02-16. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. Some 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with the 2.3L engine may exhibit a red brake warning lamp and/or brake system warning message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) with a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P050F in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module and a firm brake pedal. This may be due to contamination in a brake booster vacuum line. To correct this condition, replace the vehicle's vacuum hose (MB3Z-2420-A). Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 206-09 for installation instructions. For claiming, use casual part 2420. |
| SSM 50471 | 2022-02-16. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION:REAR; SUSPENSION. Some 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a rear axle mounting bolt that has broken. In order to correct the condition, the rear subframe, differential cover, and mounting bolts will need to be replaced in addition to any other damaged components. Inspect the halfshafts, drive shaft, and differential for any damage, replacing damaged components as necessary. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 502-00 for removal of the subframe. Once the subframe is removed from the vehicle, remove and install any replacement components to the new subframe. Refer to WSM, Section 205-02. For claiming, use causal part 4001. |
| SSM 50458 | 2022-02-16. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY; UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:SWITCHES/KNOBS/BUTTONS. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Escape/Corsair, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport, and 2022 Maverick vehicles may exhibit an inoperative driver door window control switch (windows inoperative, mirror control unresponsive, etc.). Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1088:87 may be present in the driver door module (DDM). This may be due to the software in the DDM. To correct the condition, reprogram the DDM with the latest software level of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). After reprogramming the DDM, run the DDM configuration application and perform a window learn routine via FDRS. For claiming, use causal part 14B291 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| TSB 22-2021 | 2022-02-16. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; STRUCTURE:BODY. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a wind/whistle type noise at highway speeds originating from the front A-pillar applique (either side or both). This may be due to a small gap between the outboard side of the A-pillar applique and the moulding. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to install thin strips of flock tape on the A-pillar applique. |
| 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. |
| SSM 50388 | 2022-02-04. Service bulletin. LANE DEPARTURE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. Some 2020-2022 F-Super Duty/Explorer/Aviator and 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles may exhibit a Front Camera Fault, Lane Keeping Fault, and/or Collison Warning Not Available message with various diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) stored in the image processing module A (IPMA). If programming fails or Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) states a file failed to flash after replacing the IPMA or reprogramming IPMA software, test the battery using any approved Rotunda tool including the GR-190, GRX-3590, and DCA-8000. Fully recharge or replace the battery according to results of the tool. Set the battery charger to maintain battery voltage between 12.6 and 13.6 volts during the entire programming procedure. The IPMA programming procedure may take several hours to complete due to the size of the software files required. |
| SSM 50381 | 2022-02-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2022 Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit multiple warning messages, various drivability concerns and/or an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with DTC P061B. This may be due to incorrectly installed or usage of additional police equipment with the vehicle not running. Refer to the Police Interceptor Utility and Hybrid Utility Modifiers Guide available on the Professional Technician System (PTS) website Service Tips tab for guidelines. Equipment should only use the rear power access point provided and not the 12V cranking/auxiliary batteries. The vehicle will go to sleep after the ignition key is removed and is not designed to power equipment when the vehicle is not running. The Police Engine Idle feature can be used, if equipped, to allow the vehicle to securely remain idling and power equipment. Refer to the Owner Manual. |
| SSM 50379 | 2022-02-04. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. Some 2011-2022 Explorer and 2020-2022 Aviator vehicles may experience an inoperative roof opening panel motor. If diagnostics lead to a motor replacement, visually inspect the original motor for signs of water intrusion. If found, determine source of water leak prior to replacing the motor. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-17, Pinpoint Test A for 2011-2016 and Pinpoint Test B for 2017-2022 for identifying the source of the water leak. |
| 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. |
| TSB 21-2446 | 2022-01-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P04F0 and/or P144C stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to loose or partially connected evaporative emissions (EVAP) vapor lines. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to make sure the EVAP vapor lines are properly connected. |
| SSM 50375 | 2021-12-27. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2016-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a condition where the navigation voice prompts are inoperative after a SYNC map update. This may be due to an incomplete installation of the SYNC map software. If possible, using the original USB that installed the update, reperform the update and verify the navigation voice prompts have returned. Multiple reboots are expected when this update is being performed. Verify the Installation Is Complete message displays in the touch screen. If the original USB is not available, go to website https://syncnavigation.com/ford/home or https://syncnavigation.com/lincoln/home to download the files once more for the affected vehicle. For further map update support, reference the FAQ section on these websites. |
| SSM 50361 | 2021-12-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit poor sound quality from the left and/or right front speaker while using Bluetooth audio. This may be due to concerns with the wiring harness or connections of connector C2383A, C202, and/or C4240B. Prior to the replacement of the affected speaker, inspect the inline connections at connectors C2383A, C202, and C4240B for damage or incorrect pin fit. If no concerns are found with the wiring harness, continue with the replacement of the affected speaker. |
| SSM 50354 | 2021-12-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2022 Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit multiple warning messages, various drivability concerns and/or an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with DTC P061B. This may be due to incorrectly installed or usage of additional police equipment with the vehicle not running. Refer to the Police Interceptor Utility and Hybrid Utility Modifiers Guide available on the Professional Technician System (PTS) website Service Tips tab for guidelines. Equipment should only use the rear power access point provided and not the 12V cranking/auxiliary batteries. The vehicle will go to sleep after the ignition key is removed and is not designed to power equipment when the vehicle is not running. If auxiliary police equipment needs to be powered for an extended time after the ignition is turned off, then a separate isolated power source should be used. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.