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 54674 | 2026-04-06. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. For 2021-2026 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer (PVT) when available. The Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated under Section 307-01 > Diagnosis and Testing to include this procedure. The new test improves the accuracy of detecting leaks within transmission fluid circuits and replaces the previous air check method. |
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| 25N17 | 2026-03-27. Other. LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION; BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS; BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation |
| SSM 54655 | 2026-03-18. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a concern of inoperative, rattling, crackling and/or distorted sound from one or more speakers (but not all speakers). This may be due to other components located near the suspect speaker. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00 > Diagnosis and Testing > Pinpoint Test D (2020-2024 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility, 2025-2026 Aviator) and Pinpoint Test E (2020-2024 Aviator, 2025-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility) have been updated with additional direction when isolating the cause of the condition. |
| SSM 54589 | 2026-03-04. Other. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various connectivity concerns with The Ford App Lincoln App including but not limited to: missing activation prompt pop-upon the vehicle's center display screen when attempting to activate vehicle through The Ford App Lincoln App, incorrect location global positioning system GPS reported through The Ford App Lincoln App, problems with remote commands being performed through The Ford App Lincoln App and or incorrect data information reported on The Ford App Lincoln App. These symptoms will be accompanied by diagnostic trouble code DTC B156D 89 in the TCU. This may be due to the accessory protocol interface module APIM software. To correct the condition, update the APIM software. |
| SSM 54614 | 2026-03-04. Service bulletin. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Some 2020-2024 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0/3.3L engine may require various repairs associated with the fuel tank and/or fuel pump and sender unit. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 310-00 > Removal and Installation for the fuel tank and fuel pump and sender unit have been revised to eliminate the need to remove the driveshaft as part of the service procedure. Labor times have also been updated to reflect this WSM revision. |
| SSM 54592 | 2026-02-27. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. For 20172026 vehicles equipped with a 10R transmission, a revision to the Road Testing Vehicle procedure has been made in the WSM, located in Section 307-01 > Diagnosis and Testing. This updated procedure improves the diagnosis of customer reported transmission concerns and aids in locating the proper root cause. During diagnosis and testing, details regarding whether the condition is more prevalent when the vehicle is hot or cold, throttle percentage at the time of occurrence, vehicle speed, the specific shift involved, and whether the issue occurs during transmission engagements (N>R, N>D, R>D, or D>R) should be noted. Engineering requests including these detailed operating conditions that will significantly assist with root cause analysis. Diagnosis, testing, and repair should use established labor times outside this article. |
| SSM 54601 | 2026-02-27. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k |
| TSB 26-2046 | 2026-02-17. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2611. Reason For Update: Change the part number for the transmission fluid heat exchanger bolt (Expedition/Navigator) as well as change the claim/package quantities for HL3Z-7B442-F and HL3Z-7B164-C. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed shift * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to PCM software and/or axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder (7H351) sleeve causing hydraulic circuit leaks. |
| SSM 54516 | 2026-01-27. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY. 2020-2026 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may require level III ballistic panels to be replaced due to broken mounting tabs. Individual level III ballistic panel mounting tab service parts are now available: right-hand (78201B68) and left-hand (78201B69). Replacement of the level III ballistic panel assembly is not required for this condition. Level IV ballistic panels do not have removable mounting tabs and still require complete panel replacement. Level III vs level IV ballistic panels can be identified by a large roman numeral label on the panel or by the vehicle window sticker if equipped. |
| TSB 25-2614 | 2026-01-21. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a cupholder base that is damaged or broken. This may be due to the heat stake clips detaching from the cup holder assembly. |
| TSB 25-2568 | 2026-01-13. Service bulletin. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL; SUSPENSION; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. This article supersedes TSB 25-2373 to update a print error on publication. Some vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C00A6 and/or C0631. This may be due to the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft. |
| TSB 25-2611 | 2026-01-06. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2474 for 3 Part List corrections. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed shift * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to PCM software and/or axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder (7H351) sleeve causing hydraulic circuit leaks. NOTE: If internal transmission service is required to address a concern detected with the CDF clutch cylinder following this article, technicians should carefully inspect and replace other transmission components and flush transmission fluid cooler only as necessary to confirm proper function. Add a new line to the repair order to document any additional repairs |
| 25L02 | 2026-01-05. Other. UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Special Field Action 25L02 Certain 2017-2024 Model Year California Emissions-Certified Vehicles Transmission Control Assembly Reimbursement |
| SSM 54425 | 2025-12-10. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Some 2020-2026 Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit multiple warning messages, various drivability concerns and/or an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P061B stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the incorrect installation of additional police equipment. Equipment should only use the provided rear power access point and must not use the 12V cranking or 12V auxiliary batteries for power. 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 equipped, the Police Engine Idle feature can be used to allow the vehicle to securely remain idling and to power equipment. Refer to the Owners Manual.<br /><br /> If it is determined additional equipment has not been added to the 12V cranking or 12V auxiliary batteries, continue with normal Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnostics, Section 303-04C Engine > Fuel Charging and Controls > Diagnosis and Testing > Pinpoint Test QE.<br /><br /> For general upfitter installation guidelines, refer to:<br /> |
| SSM 54354 | 2025-11-12. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. On 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, customers may desire modifications that require access to the driver's door ajar circuit. The vehicle may exhibit a door ajar light on when the driver's door is fully closed. When using pin 13 on the factory 14-way connector to access the driver's door ajar circuit, a 70 mA maximum coil current relay with an integrated clamping diode is required to protect against damage to the door latch. Failure to install this correctly will result in repeat warnings that the driver's door latch/door ajar light will remain on until it is compliant with police modifier's bulletin P-032, which can be found on the Police body builder's site (https://www.fordpro.com/en-us/upfit/publications/). |
| TSB 25-2474 | 2025-11-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2429 for a labor operation correction. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed shift * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to PCM software and/or axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder (7H351) sleeve causing hydraulic circuit leaks. NOTE: If internal transmission service is required to address a concern detected with the CDF clutch cylinder following this article, technicians should carefully inspect and replace other transmission components and flush transmission fluid cooler only as necessary to confirm proper function. Add a new line to the repair order to document any additional rep |
| SSM 54313 | 2025-10-28. Service bulletin. LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2025 various Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) may experience an inoperative blind spot monitoring with a "Blind Spot System Fault" message displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This may also be accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B118C:11 and/or B118C:15 stored in the driver door module (DDM), and/or B118D:11 and/or B118D:15 stored in the passenger door module (PDM). This may be due to the wiring connector from the mirror to the BLIS module. If diagnostics lead to an internal mirror wiring harness fault, a new lower level BLIS light pigtail is now released for service. It is not necessary to replace the exterior mirror assembly. Use part number SC3Z-14A411-B to resolve the concern. |
| SSM 54275 | 2025-10-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE. Some 2021-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine, 2021-2023 Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost or 3.0L plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) engine, 2021-2023 Edge/Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost, 2021-2024 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost, and 2021-2024 Bronco and 2024 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine. This noise may occur 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 an internal component of the variable cam timing (VCT) unit. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 > Diagnosis and Testing > Engine > Pinpoint Test F has been updated to include additional steps along with a video to identify the affected VCT unit that requires replacement. |
| 25P28 | 2025-10-03. Other. UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Certain Model Year Multiple Vehicles Ford Pass/Lincoln Way Connectivity Concerns |
| Customer Script-Expl Hood | 2025-09-29. Other. STRUCTURE:BODY. 2020-2025 MY Explorer hood- customer script |
| TSB 25-2447 | 2025-09-23. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. This article supersedes TSB 22-2177 to update labor times from M-time to AP-time and add a limit. Some of the vehicles listed in the model statement above 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 powertrain control module (PCM). |
| TSB 25-2429 | 2025-09-18. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2300 to update the production fix date. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed shift * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to PCM software and/or axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder (7H351) sleeve causing hydraulic circuit leaks. NOTE: If internal transmission service is required to address a concern detected with the CDF clutch cylinder following this article, technicians should carefully inspect and replace other transmission components and flush transmission fluid cooler only as necessary to confirm proper function. Add a new line to the repair order to document any additional re |
| TSB 25-2373 | 2025-09-03. Service bulletin. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL; POWER TRAIN. This article supersedes TSB 23-2174 to update the Service Procedure, Part List and adding an additional labor operation. Some vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C00A6 and/or C0631. This may be due to the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft. |
| 24N12 -S1 | 2025-09-02. Other. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ENGINE. NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD Safety Recall 24S55 – Supplement #1 Dated: August 15, 2025 Customer Satisfaction Program 24N12 Dated June 19, 2025 New! REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT • Rental Vehicles: Added specification that long block replacement must be approved by SSSC for rental coverage to apply. • Labor Allowances: Added labor operation for photo submission on all vehicles and labor operation for borescope inspection. • SSSC Approval: Borescope photo submission required for long block approval. • Parts Handling Allowance: Added additional allowance claiming information for engine replacement. • Attachments: Technical Instructions have been added to the program. PROGRAM TERMS This program provides a no-cost, one-time repair (if needed) for an engine long block replacement for vehicles that completed the 24S55 inspection process. This program will be in effect for 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first. This is |
| SSM 54137 | 2025-08-19. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; VISIBILITY/WIPER. Various 2021-2025 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with the rear camera on demand feature may exhibit "Please Check Surroundings For Safety" or "Full View Not Available" messages when the rear camera button is pressed and the vehicle is not in reverse. Inform customers this condition is considered normal operation and does not affect vehicle durability because the full rear view camera image can only be shown when the vehicle is in reverse. No additional diagnosis or service is required for this condition. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.