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Service bulletins for the 2023 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.

173 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

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Only bulletins with component: Equipment and accessories are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
SSM 524762024-05-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.
SSM 523902024-04-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. Some 2023-2024 Explorer vehicles built on or after 31-Jul-2023 (minor feature code J3KAJ which can be confirmed by double-clicking the VIN on PTS in the upper left corner) are no longer equipped with the 360 degree view camera or reverse brake assist features. Vehicles affected are equipped with only rear functioning cameras. The vehicle is not misbuilt. Do not submit a claim for this condition. Affected vehicles of this change can be verified by entering a vehicle identification number (VIN) on Professional Technician System (PTS) to check for a 360-degree camera credit on the window sticker. Diagnosis and repair for any parking aid concerns on these vehicles should follow Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 413-13B for Rear Parking Aid Camera System only. Do not use the 360 degree view camera or reverse brake assist diagnostics or repair procedures.
SSM 523512024-04-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM. Certain 2023-2024 Explorer vehicle trim levels built on or after 6-Feb-2023 are no longer equipped with the rear heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control panel on the rear of the center console. The following Explorer trim levels no longer include the rear HVAC control panel: Base, XLT 200A, XLT 202A without the Sport Appearance Package (sales code: 68M). Customers can adjust the rear climate control system via the front HVAC control panel. Installation of a rear HVAC control panel is not warrantable.
TSB 24-20442024-03-07. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE; EQUIPMENT. This article supersedes TSB 23-2181 to add 2024 vehicle model year. Some 2020-2024 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.
TSB 24-20432024-03-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This article supersedes TSB 23-2208 to add 2024 model year vehicles. Some 2020-2024 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
SSM 522692024-02-23. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE; EQUIPMENT. 2022-2024 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or after 28-May-2022, 2022-2024 Expedition/Navigator vehicles built on or after 08-Jun-2022, 2022-2024 Escape vehicles built on or after 01-Jun-2022 and 2022 Corsair vehicles built on or after 01-Jun-2022 are no longer equipped with a hands free liftgate system. The vehicle is not misbuilt. The addition of any parts is not a warrantable repair. Do not submit a claim for this condition.
TSB 23-23472023-11-21. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT. This article supersedes TSB 23-2279 to update the Service Procedure. Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid engine, 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine and 2020-2023 Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L hybrid engine may exhibit a powertrain malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the belt integrated starter generator (BISG). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to diagnose and repair this symptom.
TSB 23-23072023-11-02. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT: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 SYNC module (APIM) software.
23B422023-11-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER. Customer Satisfaction Program 23B42 Certain 2023 Model Year Explorer, Bronco, Ranger Vehicles Equipped with 2.3L Gas Engine - Engine Long Block Replacement
SSM 519452023-10-06. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. 2020-2023 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may require level III ballistic panels to be replaced due to broken mounting tabs. Level III ballistic panel mounting tab service kits are now available (right LB5Z-78201B68-F and left LB5Z-78201B69-F). 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.
SSM 519372023-10-05. Service bulletin. 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.
SSM 519062023-10-04. Service bulletin. TIRES; EQUIPMENT. Some 2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on 15-Mar-2023 and through 01-Sep-2023 may exhibit a vehicle vibration felt at 35-80 mph (55 130 km/h) in the steering wheel and/or seat. This may be due to tire flat spotting caused by vehicles being held at the Chicago Assembly Plant awaiting 360-degree camera repairs. Tire flat spotting on these vehicles may be a temporary concern that is resolved after driving the vehicle a minimum of 200 miles (320 km) with no repair required. Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 204-4A if further diagnosis or repair is required after the vehicle has been driven this minimal distance.
TSB 23-23012023-10-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2022-2023 Explorer vehicles built on or before 01-Jun-2023 may exhibit a buzz/vibration/rattle from the center left of the IP during tip-in when the vehicle is up to operating temperature. This may be due to heater tube movement against the tube bracket.
SAN-Vol1 I12023-08-16. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. The Service Awareness Newsletter is an informal communication that contains information that may not be presently available in a TSB, SSM, GSB, or other electronic communication. This article includes information on warranty, technical service tips and other service information.
SSM 517922023-07-18. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit poor speaker sound quality and/or tick-tock noise while activating turn signals and streaming audio over Bluetooth. Customers may describe static heard during a Bluetooth phone call, or a door speaker buzz or tick noise with the pulse of the turn signal. This may be due to concerns with the 14401/14A005 wiring harnesses or connector damage. Prior to the replacement of the affected speaker, inspect for incorrect pin fit/crimp, bent pins, broken wire strands, or other damage at inline connectors C202, C2383A, and/or C4240B. These circuits join the SYNC module (APIM) and audio front control module (ACM) components. If wiring/connector concerns are found, repair per Wiring Diagram Cell 5.
TSB 23-22082023-07-18. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. Some 2020-2023 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 517202023-06-22. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; SEATS. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may have a concern where the second row outboard manual/power seats do not fold, exhibit excess effort to fold, or do not slide forward/backward easily. Power or manual second row seats must be pushed forward manually during easy entry function since the assist spring will reduce but not eliminate manual effort. Refer to the Owner's Manual > Seats > Rear Seats > Adjusting the Second Row Rear Seats for further details. If the seats do not easily push forward manually, it maybe due to tension in the seat track due to uneven assembly torque. To correct these conditions, unbolt the second row seat frame from the floor to relax tension. Start the bolts by hand, then tighten in the correct sequence and torque per Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 501-10B.
SSM 516872023-06-16. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; POWER TRAIN. TSB 22-2428 is missing some labor operations. For any missing labor operations, claim available new model labor operations or m-time. Refer to this article on the repair order. When replacing the CDF cylinder, the current TSB does not require a complete transmission overhaul or cooler and converter flushing. Ford is currently reviewing the TSB. Monitor OASIS for updates.
SSM 516282023-05-16. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Some 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a condition of intermittent headlamp operation while the vehicle is OFF and have diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1533 stored in the body control module (BCM). This may be due to the internal logic within the headlamp switch. Switch and/or module replacement will not resolve this condition. Headlamp operation is not affected while the vehicle is ON. A new headlamp switch is currently under development to correct this condition. The customer can continue to drive the vehicle until parts become available. Monitor OASIS for updated repair information.
SSM 516222023-05-16. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. 2022-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or after 28-May-2022, 2022-2023 Expedition/Navigator vehicles built on or after 08-Jun-2022 and 2022 Escape/Corsair vehicles built on or after 01-Jun-2022 are no longer equipped with a hands free liftgate system. The vehicle is not misbuilt. The addition of any parts is not a warrantable repair. Do not submit a claim for this condition.
SSM 515642023-05-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. 2022-2023 Police Interceptor Utility (gas engine) and all 2022-2023 Explorer vehicles built on or after 14-Jul-2022, 2022-2023 Police Interceptor Utility (hybrid) vehicles built on or after 17-Aug-2022, 2023 Aviator (gas engine) vehicles built on or after 18-Jul-2022, and 2023 Aviator (hybrid) vehicles built on or after 27-Jul-2022 are not equipped with a rear parking aid camera wash feature. The feature was deleted; however, the rear parking aid camera washer jet may still be present without a hose attached to it. This is normal and no repair attempts should be made.
SSM 514492023-04-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Some 2020-2023 Ford and Lincoln SYNC3 equipped vehicles may experience an inaccurate notification in the FordPass®/LincolnWay® app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode message is expected if 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%. If the vehicle is going into deep sleep outside these conditions, this may be due to the telematics control unit (TCU) software. To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the TCU to the latest software. For claiming, use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
TSB 23-20792023-04-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2022-2023 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a buzz/vibration/rattle from the center left of the IP during tip-in when the vehicle is up to operating temperature. This may be due to heater tube movement against the tube bracket.
SSM 512652023-01-06. 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.

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