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 51265 | 2023-01-06. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR; EQUIPMENT. Some vehicles equipped with power folding mirrors may exhibit power folding mirrors that are inoperative or exhibit a clicking sound. This may be due to the mirrors being manually folded in, during transportation, going through a car wash, bumped in a parking lot, or found during pre-delivery inspection (PDI). Prior to the replacement of any components, attempt to synchronize the mirrors by following the Power Mirrors Synchronization procedure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 501-09 Rear View Mirrors - General Procedures - Power Mirrors Synchronization. |
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| SSM 51261 | 2023-01-06. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00. |
| SSM 51248 | 2023-01-05. Service bulletin. BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE. Some 2015-2020 Edge, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019-2020 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 51247 | 2023-01-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with multiple diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These DTCs may include P04F0, P008A, P0451, P0455, P0456, P0496 and/or P018C. This may be due to the wiring harness connection at connector C1198 on driver's side lower frame area underneath the brake lines that route near the electric brake booster (EBB). Prior to replacement of any components, inspect the connector and wiring harness for any damage or pin fit concerns. If any damage or pin fit concerns are found, repair the connector or harness as necessary. If no damage or pin fit concerns are found, refer to normal diagnostics. Refer to Wiring Diagram (WD) Cell 22-12 to view the 3 voltage reference (VREF) wires at C1198 on the 2.3L engine. |
| SSM 51228 | 2023-01-05. Service bulletin. COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS. Some 2020-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a telematic control unit (TCU) may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, and/or modem electronic serial number (ESN) could not be displayed in the center display screen. To correct this condition prior to programming, remove the TCU fuse for 5-minutes then reinstall. Delete all previous session files for the vehicle. Start a new Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) session. Perform a TCU provisioning and Program the TCU to the latest FDRS version level. If the concern is still present, follow normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00. Refer to PTS OASIS home page for TCU version identification. For claiming, use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| TSB 22-2485 | 2023-01-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:WIRELESS CHARGER/CRADLE. Some 2020-2021 Expedition/Navigator, 2020-2022 F Super Duty/Explorer, 2021-2022 Bronco/Corsair/Escape/Bronco Sport, 2022 Maverick vehicles may exhibit the wireless charger inoperative or poor performance when using some Apple iPhone models that use MagSafe wireless charging including iPhone 12 and 13. This may be due to limited compatibility with the wireless accessory charging module (WACM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the WACM. Note: The WACM software is designed to improve the compatibility between some Apple MagSafe charging iPhones, including iPhone 12 and 13 models, and the Ford Qi wireless charging module. |
| TSB 22-2433 | 2023-01-05. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY. This article supersedes TSB 22-2176 to increase the labor operation allowance and update the part list. 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 51169 | 2022-11-29. Service bulletin. BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION. Some 2020-2022 Aviator/Explorer Hybrid vehicles may experience a concern where the EV power flow does not display in the center display screen. This may be due to accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software. To correct the condition, run the APIM-SYNC Module (APIM) Standard Programming application using the latest software level of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| TSB 22-2377 | 2022-10-31. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine on initial start-up after a cold soak of 6 hours or more that may last for 2-5 seconds. This may be due to a worn variable cam timing (VCT) unit. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the VCT units. |
| SSM 51132 | 2022-10-19. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. Some 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with multiple diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These DTCs may include P04F0, P008A, P0451, P0455, P0456, P0496 and/or P018C. This may be due to the wiring harness connection at connector C1198. Prior to replacement of any components, inspect the connector and wiring harness for any damage or pin fit concerns. If any damage or pin fit concerns are found, repair the connector or harness as necessary. If no damage or pin fit concerns are found, refer to normal diagnostics. |
| SSM 51131 | 2022-10-19. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS. Some 2020-2022 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a telematic control unit (TCU) may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, and/or modem electronic serial number (ESN) could not be displayed in the center display screen. To correct this condition prior to programming, remove the TCU fuse for 5-minutes then reinstall. Delete all previous session files for the vehicle. Start a new Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) session. Perform a TCU provisioning and Program the TCU to the latest FDRS version level. If the concern is still present, follow normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00. Refer to PTS OASIS home page for TCU version identification. For claiming, use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 51120 | 2022-10-11. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00. |
| 22P16 | 2022-10-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Certain 2020 - 2022 Model Year Aviator PHEV and Explorer PHEV Vehicles Reprogram Powertrain Control Module In all of the affected vehicles, if the vehicle is charging via the charging cable and the customer requests a remote start, disconnects the charging cable, and then drives the vehicle, the engine may not start when needed and the vehicle will be limited to high voltage battery power. DTC P1A0C will set and a Stop Safely Now message will be displayed when the high voltage battery becomes depleted. |
| 22N06 | 2022-10-05. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION; WHEELS. Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Axle Bolt Replacement REF : NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD Safety Recall 22S27 Supplement #3 |
| 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 51003 | 2022-08-15. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L Duratec engine may exhibit delayed acceleration response under heavy to wide open throttle input after an engine start. This concern occurs only during the first 30 seconds from key on 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 due to the software in the PCM. Engineering is releasing updated software to resolve this concern, which is expected to be released in August 2022. Monitor OASIS for updates and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available. |
| SSM 50988 | 2022-08-15. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2018-2021 F-150 3.3L, 2020-2021 Explorer 3.3L, and 2020-2021 Transit 3.5L may experience an illuminated low oil pressure and malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0521 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) after a short block or long block replacement. This may be due to a design change of the engine oil pressure (EOP) sensor, which is not backwards compatible. To correct the condition, transfer the sensor from the original engine or replace the EOP sensor with GN1Z-9D290-D. |
| SSM 50982 | 2022-08-15. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Some 2018-2022 Ford/Lincoln vehicles equipped with a wireless charging pad may exhibit one of the following if the customer is using a Magsafe iPhone (iPhone 12 or 13): slow charging, inoperative, notification that the phone has been mispositioned on the charging pad and/or the phone charging icon in the center screen display is not showing. This may be due to a compatibility issue between the customer's phone and the wireless accessory charging module (WACM) that may make it difficult for Ford and Lincoln vehicles to wirelessly charge these specific phones. The phone can still be charged using the USB cable if the vehicle experiences the above symptoms. If the customer is using a Magsafe iPhone such as an iPhone 12 or 13, verify the wireless charging pad works with a Qi certified phone prior to any part replacements. |
| SSM 50975 | 2022-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017-2022 Ford/Lincoln customers may experience a notification in the FordPass®/LincolnWay® app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. This occurs when the vehicle has not been started for 14 consecutive days, battery voltage is at/below 9.5 volts or the body control module (BCM) 12 volt battery state of charge (SOC) drops below 50%. A warning may also set if the telematic control unit (TCU) has received an over the air update. The TCU powers down all communication when in this mode and app features are disabled. Manually start the vehicle to wake if from mode. More information is located in the app under: Account > Help > search 'Deep Sleep' in the entry box. If the condition remains, check the BCM 12v SOC. If the SOC does not change after charging the battery or after BMS reset is performed, continue with normal battery and/or BMS sensor diagnostics. |
| SSM 50959 | 2022-07-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Some 2019-2022 Edge/Nautilus, 2018-2022 Expedition/Navigator, 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a family entertainment system may experience the audio is not synchronized with the video display when using the vehicle speakers. To correct this condition, contact the VOXX Customer Service Department at 1-866-869-7888. For claiming, refer to the Warranty and Policy manual for Ford Licensed Accessories. |
| TSB 22-2290 | 2022-07-28. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. 2020-2021 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L Duratec, 3.3L Duratec Hybrid, or 3.0L EcoBoost engine have a module programming update that allows the operator to command a virus reducing heating procedure that, when combined with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, helps reduce virus counts inside the interior of Police Interceptor Utility vehicles. Follow the Service Procedure to perform the virus reducing heating procedure. |
| TSB 22-2262 | 2022-07-08. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a lack of audio and/or a water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or water in the spare tire area. The customer may indicate that this concern is more noticeable after a car wash or rainfall. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to identify the leak path. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.