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 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. |
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| TSB 22-2254 | 2022-07-01. Service bulletin. BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE. 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, 2021 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. This may be due to the SYNC Software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software. |
| 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 50882 | 2022-06-30. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:TV/RADIO/SPEAKERS. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a concern of inoperative, rattling, crackling and/or distorted sound from one or more speakers. In order to correct the condition, make sure to completely follow the diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00, Pinpoint Test D for vehicles without SYNC 3, and WSM, Section 415-00B, Pinpoint Test E for vehicles equipped with SYNC 3. If the diagnostics point towards speaker replacement, remove and re-center the speaker, making sure to tighten to the specified torque and retest. Refer to WSM, Section 415-00. |
| SSM 50873 | 2022-06-30. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017-2022 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 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 50868 | 2022-06-29. Service bulletin. SEATS. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a second row folding seat that is inoperative or requires excessive effort to fold. This may be due to tension built up within the seat and seat track that leads to more force required to manually fold the seat. To correct the condition, the second row seat frame will need to be unbolted from the floor and tightened in the correct sequence. Additionally, the sliding tracks of the seat should be inspected for proper alignment when tightening the bolts. It is important to note that the bolts should be started by hand before tightening to the correct torque. This sequence is outlined in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-10. The WSM has been updated to reflect the updated bolt installation procedure. |
| TSB 22-2176 | 2022-06-27. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair vehicles built on or before 3-Jan-2022, 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles built on or before 14-Feb-2022, 2020-2022 Aviator vehicles built on or before 07-Feb-2022 and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles built on or before 3-Dec-2021 may exhibit a slow fuel fill and/or spit back condition during refueling. This may be due to the design of the fuel tank filler pipe. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the fuel tank filler pipe. |
| SSM 50841 | 2022-06-17. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018-2022 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0627, 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, damaged pins/terminals, 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. |
| 22N06 | 2022-06-13. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION. Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer (Non-Police) Vehicles - Rear Axle Repair After Bolt Fracture. In some of the affected vehicles, the rear axle mounting bolt may fracture during vehicle acceleration. A fractured rear axle bolt will allow the rear axle housing to move out of position, resulting in severe noise and vibration. If the rear axle bolt breaks, the driveshaft/half shafts may become disconnected, resulting in loss of transmission torque to the rear wheels which is necessary to hold the vehicle in park. If the parking brake is not applied, the loss of the primary park torque will allow the vehicle to roll in park increasing the risk of crash and injury. |
| TSB 22-2225 | 2022-06-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. 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, 2021 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. This may be due to the SYNC Software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software. |
| SSM 50817 | 2022-06-01. Service bulletin. SEATS. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit inoperative third row power seat folding. This may be due to the software in the power fold seat module (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. After reprogramming the SCMJ, perform a manual re-learn procedure. With the engine running, tailgate open, and no objects in the third row seats, press and hold the both seat fold button for one minute until both seats completely fold and unfold. Refer to Owner's Manual for information. Verify that each seat operates correctly after the relearn procedure by pressing the left and then the right third row seat fold buttons. For claiming, use causal part 14F042 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 50811 | 2022-06-01. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit the A/C blowing warm air with DTCs P0645, P2CFC, and/or P2CFD present in the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) module. This may be due to spread terminal/terminal pushout in wire harness 14290 and on the corresponding pins to the body control module C (BCMC). Before replacement of the BCMC, disconnect all connectors from the BCMC and check the BCMC pins and wire terminals for damage. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-10. If spread terminals or terminal pushout is present, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 005 for repair procedures. Reconnect all connections to the BCMC as indicated by the procedure in the WSM. Test the function of the A/C to verify that it is blowing cold air. |
| SSM 50810 | 2022-06-01. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an inoperative power liftgate when using intelligent access (IA) features such as the hands free liftgate or when using the outside control button on the liftgate handle when the doors are locked. This may be due to a poor wiring connection at connector C4332 for the rear keyless entry antenna. If these symptoms are present, inspect C4332 (below the liftgate striker) for a poor connection, loose terminals, or improper pin-fit. |
| SSM 50804 | 2022-06-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as door lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle location, etc. The battery drain may be caused by excessive calls for data through the vehicle network keeping it in an activated state. Recommend that the customer uninstall the app to ensure this is not contributing to battery symptoms experienced. Advise the customer that unaffiliated third-party app developers do not work directly with Ford to adhere to security, vehicle communication, and privacy requirements. |
| SSM 50800 | 2022-05-24. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2022 Aviator/Explorer Hybrid vehicles may experience a low battery warning message displayed in the message center with diagnostic trouble code B11D9 present in the body control module (BCM). Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 414-01, Pinpoint Test C for diagnosis and repair. If the 125 amp fuse on the 14300 wire harness at the auxiliary battery is open, it is not necessary to replace a complete wire harness to obtain this fuse. Service part number JU5Z-14526-A is now available separately for service. |
| TSB 22-2177 | 2022-05-24. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator Hybrid vehicles built on or before 11-Apr-2022 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with only diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P1A0C stored in the PCM. This may be due to the software in the battery energy control module (BECM). To correct the condition follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the BECM, powertrain control module (PCM), and other modules in a coordinated flash. |
| TSB 22-2190 | 2022-05-16. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator and 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles may exhibit an illuminated airbag warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1404:13 and/or B1407:13. This may be due to contamination and relative movement in the connection between the wiring harness and the side airbag. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the affected connector with a service pigtail and the affected side airbag. |
| SSM 50748 | 2022-05-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2022 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 50739 | 2022-05-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. Some 2020-2021 Escape vehicles and 2021 F-150/Mustang Mach-E/Expedition/Explorer vehicles built on or before 22-Nov-2021 may exhibit a concern of the audio inoperative, no sound from audio speakers, chimes default to coming through the Instrument cluster, no communication with audio control module (ACM) or digital signal processor (DSP) module, and/or DTC U1084, U0237 and/or U0238. This may be due to the software in the DSP. To correct this condition, perform a hard reset of the DSP by disconnecting the 12-volt battery. Reprogram the DSP module using the latest version of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 18B849 and any applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 50736 | 2022-05-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 2019-2021 Ranger and 2020-2021 Explorer with 2.3L EcoBoost engines and customer concern of increased engine oil level and/or fuel smell in oil. This may occur when operating conditions do not regularly allow the oil to reach full operating temperature such as: frequent short trips, long periods of idling or driving in stop and go traffic, and/or prolonged driving in cold climates. This condition is normal and will not affect engine durability due to increased oil level or fuel content in the oil. Advise customers concerned about their engine to regularly operate the vehicle in a manner to allow the oil to reach a normal, warm operating temperature which vaporizes the fuel, and follow Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor messages that alert when the oil should be changed based on how the vehicle is operated. Refer to the owner's manual for maintenance information. |
| SSM 50651 | 2022-05-04. Service bulletin. COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS; EQUIPMENT. In various 2017-2022 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, customers may receive a message in the FordPass or LincolnWay App stating "Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the (SYNC Connect) FordPass or LincolnWay app through the TCU Embedded Modem. If this message appears, the vehicle may be equipped with a fleet telematics module. Replacement of the TCU or TCU related repairs will not prevent this message from appearing. Please refer the customer to in app FordPass Guides or LincolnWay Concierge Teams to aid with fleet telematics removal. Open app, select Account > Help > CHAT or CALL option |
| SSM 50705 | 2022-04-20. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL. Some 2021 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative side marker turn signals. This may be due to incorrect data in the driver door module (DDM). To correct the condition, run the DDM and passenger door module (PDM) Configuration Application using the latest level of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). For claiming, use causal part 14B291 and applicable labor times found in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| 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. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.