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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

Bulletins, newest first
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 516652023-05-29. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2021-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L engine may exhibit an upper engine thump/knock noise coming from the left cylinder head. This condition is most noticeable at idle and may lessen at higher engine speed or while driving. This condition does not affect vehicle durability and will not get worse over time. Use a stethoscope or chassis ears and listen just behind the left cylinder head intake VCT solenoid on the cam cover to determine if the thump/knock noise is coming from the cylinder head/camshaft. The left cylinder head and the camshaft roller followers are available as service parts.
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 516252023-05-16. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 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 coolant flow is blocked, replace the L1MZ-8A365-AAD engine-to-degas bottle hose. If flow is steady, return to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-03A diagnostics.
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 515362023-05-04. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE. For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using the correct VIN.
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 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 515152023-04-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator with start/stop push button ignition switch may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B108A:01 (general electrical failure), B108A:24 (signal stuck high), and/or B108A:9E (stuck on). The ignition mode light emitting diode (LED) indicator may also flash quickly. This condition may be caused by loose wiring terminal crimps on connector C2195 at the push button ignition switch. Examine Pin 1 (CPK34/Gn) first, since it is the only pin with the smallest (26 gauge) wire. To correct this condition, repair terminal crimps per Wiring Diagram (WD) Cell 5. If no wiring terminal faults are found, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 211-05 for normal diagnostics. The push button ignition switch pinpoint tests in the WSM have been updated.
23B082023-04-06. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Certain 2023 Model Year Explorer, Bronco, Ranger Vehicles Equipped with 2.3L Gas Engine In all of the affected vehicles, a damaged tool used during the engine block machining process may have allowed the main oil galley to exceed specification, resulting in an insufficient seal of the main oil galley plug. An insufficient seal at the main oil galley plug may result in an oil leak from the engine block.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
23B052023-03-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Certain 2023 Model Year Explorer, Bronco, Ranger Vehicles Equipped with 2.3L Gas Engine In all of the affected vehicles, a damaged fixture used during the engine block machining process may have allowed the dimension of one of the head bolt bore holes to exceed specification, reducing head bolt thread engagement.
SSM 513802023-03-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2023 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 513332023-03-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2022-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine may exhibit an intermittent check engine light on 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 start in cold (at or below freezing) ambient temperatures. The vehicle may also enter fail safe cooling open loop mode when this concern occurs. If the engine does not show any obvious signs of overheating and Workshop Manual, Section 303-03A diagnostics are inconclusive, clear the DTCs to reset the fail safe cooling open loop mode. Inform the customer that Ford is currently investigating this concern and that they can continue to drive the vehicle. Monitor OASIS for further updates.
SSM 513062023-02-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018-2023 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.
SSM 512972023-01-31. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2D40. This may be due to the high voltage battery thermal system not cooling as it should. Follow the updated WSM Section 414-03 including listed possible sources, visual inspection and prechecks, and diagnostic procedures.
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.
SSM 512612023-01-06. 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.

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