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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 523332024-03-20. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM. Many body control module C (BCMC) warranty return parts are coming back with no trouble found. To verify that the BCMC is at fault prior to replacing, perform the following. First, disconnect the battery then check all BCMC connectors for terminal pushout, pin damage, spread terminals, and corrosion. Refer to Workshop Manual Section 100-00 Wire Terminal Inspection and Replacement. If none found, reconnect the BCMC and battery terminals then recheck functionality. If concern still exists, proceed with BCMC replacement.
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.
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 523072024-03-05. 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 due to one of these conditions, follow normal Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 414-01 procedure to correct the concern. 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 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.
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.
SSM 522292024-02-14. 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. 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.
SSM 521892024-01-24. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2024 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 accessory protocol interface module (APIM) and audio front control module (ACM) components. If wiring/connector concerns are found, repair per Wiring Diagram Cell 5.
SSM 521522024-01-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator and/or 4WD Fault Service Required message with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C00A6:71, C00A6:74, C00A6:99, C00A7:11, C00A7:13, C00A8:11, and/or C00A8:13 present in the AWD module. This may be due to a damaged wiring harness rubbing against the underbody heat shield where it routes over and into the transfer case actuator motor. Inspect the wire harness for damage and repair as necessary following the procedures in the Wiring Diagram Manual. If no damage is found, continue with normal diagnostics.
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.
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.
SSM 519882023-11-03. Service bulletin. WHEELS. 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, with no repairs required, after the customer drives a minimum of 200 miles (320 km). Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 204-4A if diagnosis or repair is required after the vehicle has been driven this minimal distance.
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.
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
23B362023-11-02. Service bulletin. TIRES; WHEELS. Customer Satisfaction Program 23B36 Certain 2023 Model Year Explorer ST Vehicles with the Street Package - Wheel and Tire Replacement
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 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 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.
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 519352023-10-05. Service bulletin. BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE. Some 2022 Edge vehicles built on and after 16-Nov-2022, 2022 Explorer vehicles built on and after 20-Sep-2022, 2023 Edge vehicles built on and before 24-Mar-2023, and 2023 Explorer vehicles built on and before 06-Mar-2023 may exhibit a brief illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the vehicle is shifted into park (P) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0919 and/or P0929 stored in the gear shift module (GSM). This may be due to the GSM software. To correct this condition, update the software in the GSM using the latest software level of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS).

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