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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
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.
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 518382023-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. In various 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, customers may receive a message in the FordPass or LincolnWay App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the (SYNC Connect) FordPass or LincolnWay app through the TCU Embedded Modem. If this message appears, the vehicle may be equipped with a fleet telematics module. Replacement of the TCU or TCU related repairs will not prevent this message from appearing. Refer the customer to in app FordPass Guides or LincolnWay Concierge Teams to aid with fleet telematics removal. Open app, select Account > Help > CHAT or CALL option.
SSM 518862023-09-03. Service bulletin. BACK OVER PREVENTION. Some 2023 Explorer vehicles built on or after 31-Jul-2023 are no longer equipped with the 360 degree view camera or reverse brake assist features. Vehicles affected will be equipped with only rear functioning cameras. The vehicle is not miss built. 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 Society (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 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.
SSM 518752023-09-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. On 2020-2023 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, customers may desire modifications that require access to the drivers door ajar circuit. In some cases customers may experience an ajar light on when the drivers door is fully closed. When using pin 13 on the factory 14-way connector to access the drivers 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 drivers door latch / door ajar light will remain on until it is compliant with police modifiers bulletin P-032, which can be found on the Police body builders site (https://fordbbas.com/publications).
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.
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 518452023-08-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; 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. To correct this condition, replace the headlamp switch (service base PN: 11654). Refer Workshop Manual, Section 417-01.
SSM 518242023-08-11. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR. 2020-2023 Explorer non-hybrid vehicles 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 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.
23B372023-08-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Certain 2023 Model Year Aviator and Explorer Vehicles equipped with 3.0L Engines Turbo Hose Routing Inspection and Repair
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 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 517542023-07-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2023 Bronco/Ranger/Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine and built on 27-Mar-2023 and through 18-May-2023 may experience a loss of coolant with coolant in the oil. This may be caused by a cracked engine block. If this condition is present, replace the engine long block assembly. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01. For claiming use causal part number 6010 and applicable labor operations in Section 06 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
TSB 23-21812023-06-30. Service bulletin. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES; STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE. Some 2020-2023 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.
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 517252023-06-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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 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.
SSM 516532023-05-31. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2020-2023 Escape/Explorer, 2021-2023 F-150 and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with a full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) powertrain may exhibit a cable connection error screen from the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger. The xRC-3363 will prompt the Technician to verify the low voltage connections, when no actual fault is present. The technician will need to delete the WiFi connection from the xRC-3365 so it will not automatically reconnect and adjust the date. Next go to Settings>Shop Information>Date/Time Settings and change the date prior to May 1, 2023 and stay off the internet so it will not auto correct itself. Press and hold the power button until the tool turns off. Then turn the xRC-3365 back on and attempt the rescue charge.

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