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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.

By type

By component

By trouble code

Only bulletins with component: Transmission and driveline are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
TSB 24-20592024-04-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. This article supersedes TSB 23-2351 to remove 2023 F-150 10R80 and 10R80 MHT vehicle applications. The 2023 F-150 10R80 and 10R80 MHT vehicles will be the subject of a separate article. Some 2021-2022 F-150, 2022-2023 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang and 2020-2023 Transit/Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 10R80/10R80MHT transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes that are stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM), the transmission solenoid ID strategy, sticking valves in the main control valve body and/or axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder (7H351) sleeve.
SSM 523142024-03-20. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure.
SSM 522442024-02-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). 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 malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) and auto start/stop disabled. This may be due to a loose wiring connection to the belt integrated starter generator (BISG). The Workshop Manual (WSM) has recently been updated to provide new direction for DTC P0A1E. Refer to the WSM, Section 303-06 Starting System, Diagnosis and Testing, Starting System for applicable diagnosis.
SSM 522302024-02-14. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2023 F-150/Escape/Explorer/Maverick vehicles equipped with a full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) powertrain may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0A7D and/or P0DE6 and the vehicle identification number (VIN) is not recognized by the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger. This may be due to the software level of the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger. To correct this condition, update the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger to the latest software level by navigating to the Main Menu > Settings > About (i) then selecting the download button in the bottom right corner of the tool's screen.
TSB 23-23532023-12-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine, 2022-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine, and 2023-2024 Expedition/Navigator vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and/or powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P25B3, P25B4, P25B5, P25B6, P2ABA, P2ABB, P2ABC, P2AB7, P2AB8, and/or P2AB9. This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.
TSB 23-23522023-12-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator and 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles equipped with a 10R60 transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM), the transmission solenoid ID strategy and/or sticking valves in the main control valve body. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to identify and correct the condition.
TSB 23-23512023-12-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2021-2023 F-150, 2022-2023 Expedition/Navigator, 2022-2023 Mustang, 2020-2023 Transit, 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 10R80/10R80MHT transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes. stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM), the transmission solenoid ID strategy, sticking valves in the main control valve body and/or axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder (7H351) sleeve.
SSM 519842023-11-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2022-2023 Explorer vehicles with 2.3L engine built on or before 20-Jul-2023 may exhibit an intermittent malfunction indicator light (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P1026 and/or P1299 present in the powertrain control module (PCM) and an engine over-temperature message displayed on the instrument panel cluster (IPC) after a cold engine start. The vehicle will also exhibit reduced performance when it enters fail safe cooling open loop mode. If the engine is not overheating, clear the DTCs to reset the fail safe cooling open loop mode. Start and idle the engine while viewing coolant flow at the top inner (engine side) degas bottle hose port through the semitransparent top. If there is no coolant flow, replace the L1MZ-8A365-AAD engine-to-degas bottle hose. If if there is any coolant flow, return to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-03A diagnostics.
SSM 519512023-10-06. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 10R80 MHT transmission may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P084B stored in the PCM. The Workshop Manual (WSM) has recently been updated to provide new direction for DTC P084B.
SSM 519392023-10-06. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100 transmission may exhibit a whine noise at idle and/or while driving. This may be identified as coming from the bellhousing and the front of the transmission fluid pan. The whine noise may become louder when the transmission is at operating temperature and may increase with engine revolutions per minute (RPM) in the park (P) position. A small amount of whine noise is considered to be characteristic of the 10R60/10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100 transmissions due to the offset gear drivetrain in the front support and has no effect on durability. Use the Report a Vehicle Concern link at the bottom of OASIS to submit a report if there is a customer concern of whine noise describing operating conditions and noise severity.
TSB 23-22792023-09-26. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L 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 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 23-20722023-09-26. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles with a hybrid powertrain may experience a harshness and/or vibration felt through the seat, steering wheel and/or center console at 25-50 mph (40-80 km/h). This may be due to constant velocity (CV) joint instability at dynamic angles close to zero. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to install a driveline shim.
SSM 518812023-09-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN. 2020-2023 Explorer non-hybrid vehicles and equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost or 3.3L Duratec engine and 2020-2023 Aviator non-hybrid vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine built on or before 01-Jan-2023 may exhibit an exhaust rattle requiring replacement of the left or right exhaust flexible pipe (5G203). The updated part locates the flexible joint portion of the pipe closer toward the catalytic converter than the originally equipped part. This is due to a design change with these replacement components which will not cause any functional issues with the vehicle.
TSB 23-22502023-08-30. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. This article supersedes TSB 22-2428 and 23-2176 to update the Issue, Action and Service Procedure. Some 2017-2023 F-150, 2018-2023 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger, 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Transit and 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80/10R80MHT transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an 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 the software in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM), the transmission solenoid ID strategy, sticking valves in the main control valve body and/or axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder (7H351) sleeve. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to identify and correct the condition.
SSM 517642023-07-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and low oil pressure warning in the instrument panel cluster (IPC), with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0521 and/or P0524 in the powertrain control module (PCM). This condition may be caused by an internal oil pressure leak. If pinpoint test E in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 303-01B directs you to the replacement of the oil pump, upon reassembly inspect that the main oil gallery tube (6718) is assembled and aligned properly on the back of the engine front cover. The engine oil gallery seal (00815) must be replaced any time the front cover is removed (per WSM Section 303-01B). The WSM front cover removal and installation procedure is in the process of being updated.
SSM 517562023-07-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Some 2022-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine may exhibit an intermittent malfunction indicator light (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P1026 and/or P1299 present in the powertrain control module (PCM) and an engine over-temperature message displayed on the instrument panel cluster (IPC) after a cold engine start. The vehicle will also exhibit reduced performance when it enters fail safe cooling open loop mode. If the engine is not overheating, clear the DTCs to reset the fail safe cooling open loop mode. Start and idle the engine while viewing coolant flow at the top inner (engine side) degas bottle hose port through the semitransparent top. If there is no coolant flow, replace the L1MZ-8A365-AAD engine-to-degas bottle hose. If if there is any coolant flow, return to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-03A diagnostics.
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 517012023-06-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2023 Aviator/Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.0L hybrid engine may exhibit illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator and stop safely now warning. Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0AA6:00 may be stored in the battery energy control module (BECM). Inspect the right side frame rail area near the bank 1 charge air cooler (CAC) intake pipe clamp for chafing the orange high voltage harness. If the harness is damaged, de-energize high voltage system per Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 414-03A. Reposition the clamp and replace the high voltage harness (14290). If the harness is not damaged continue P0AA6 diagnostics in WSM, Section 414-03A, Pinpoint Test T. For a P0AA6 diagnostic aid video, refer to Professional Technician System (PTS) > Home > Technical Assistance > Technical Support Videos > enter P0AA6 in search box and click video returned.
TSB 23-21442023-06-07. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2023 Bronco/Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 10R60 automatic transmission built on 8-Dec-2022 and through 22-Dec-2022 may exhibit a whine noise during coast down from 25 mph (40 km/h). Vehicles built on 6-Feb-2023 and through 1-Mar-2023 may exhibit a whine noise during acceleration in 1st gear. These conditions may be caused by the machining of the No. 4 shell and sun gear. To correct the conditions, follow the Service Procedure to replace No. 4 shell and sun gear.
TSB 22-24282023-05-30. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2017-2023 F-150, 2018-2023 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger, 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Transit and 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles equipped with a 10R60 transmission and built on or before 23-Dec-2022 or with a 18R80/10R80MHT transmission and built on or before 15-Aug-2022 may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift. It is possible the vehicle may also have an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or 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 the software in the PCM or TCM, the transmission solenoid ID strategy, sticking valves in the main control valve body and/or axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder (7H351) sleeve.
SSM 515312023-05-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Transit, 2021-2023 F-150/Bronco, 2022-2023 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang and 2023 F-250/F-350 Super Duty 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 514602023-04-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. 2023 F-150/Escape/Explorer/Maverick vehicles equipped with a full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) powertrain may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0A7D and/or P0DE6 and the vehicle identification number (VIN) is not recognized by the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger. The technician will need to manually enter the vehicle charging mode by selecting 2022 model year, then enter the make and model versus entering the VIN.
SSM 514392023-04-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator 4x4/AWD vehicles with hybrid powertrain may experience a harshness and/or vibration felt through the seat, steering wheel and/or center console after initial driveaway between 25-50 MPH (40-80 Km/h) that lessens after driving 5-10 minutes. This may be due to driveshaft center bearing bounce mode during cold ambient temperatures. To resolve the concern, install a softer durometer L1MZ-4A499-F driveshaft center bearing per Workshop Manual Section 205-01. For claiming, use causal part 4A499 and applicable labor operations in Section 4 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 514192023-04-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100 transmission may exhibit a whine noise at idle and/or while driving. This may be identified as coming from the bellhousing and the front of the transmission fluid pan. The whine noise may become louder when the transmission is at operating temperature and may increase with engine revolutions per minute (RPM) in the park (P) position. A small amount of whine noise is considered to be characteristic of the 10R60/10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100 transmissions due to the offset gear drivetrain in the front support and has no effect on durability.
TSB 22-24062023-04-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2021-2023 Explorer Timberline vehicles may exhibit differential fluid venting from the differential fluid vent. The customer may notice differential fluid pooling below the vehicle or saturating the wheel well liner. This may be due to the differential vent tube not having enough positive incline. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the differential vent tube.

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