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Service bulletins for the 2026 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.

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

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By component

By trouble code

Only bulletins with component: Electrical system are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
SSM 552202026-10-12. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2024-2026 Nautilus and 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator/Expedition/Navigator vehicles may experience Android Auto connection or general Bluetooth pairing concerns for both Android and IOS after an APIM software update. This may be due to the APIM software. To temporarily correct the issue:<br /><br /> * For Android Auto related issues: Clear Android Auto app storage in the center display screen. Vehicle Settings > Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Clear Storage. <br /> * For general Bluetooth connectivity issues: Clear Contacts Storage app storage in the center display screen. Vehicle Settings > Apps > Uncheck hide system apps > Contacts Storage > Clear Storage.<br /><br /> If the condition persists, perform a master reset from the center display screen, remove the vehicle from the phone, then re-pair the device.<br /><br /> If the condition continues to persist, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00 for normal diagnostics and repair as necessary outside of this article.<br /><br /> If the condition is resolved, inform customers that engineering is currently working on a permanent solution
SSM 551312026-09-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2025-2026 Aviator/Explorer/Expedition/F-150/Mustang Mach-E/Nautilus/Navigator vehicles may exhibit the hands-free BlueCruise feature intermittently/consistently unavailable when BlueCruise is active and when traveling in a "Blue Zone". Speed sign recognition may also be inaccurate. If there are no active relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) present and the issue persists after multiple key cycles and if the BlueCruise System Health Check passes, download and run the "TCU - Reset Telematics Control Unit (TCU) Module" application using the latest software level of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). If the condition is resolved, inform customers that this may be a temporary fix and engineering is currently working on a solution expected in Q4 2026. Monitor Professional Technician System (PTS) for additional information and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available. For claiming, use causal 14G229 and labor operations 12651D and 12651D4. If the condition persists after a test drive, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-03B for normal
SSM 551162026-09-01. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some of the following vehicles: * 2025-2026 Expedition/Navigator built on or after 02-Feb-2025 * 2025-2026 F-Super Duty built on or after 02-Feb-2025 * 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator built on or after 02-Feb-2025 * 2025-2026 Nautilus built on or after 17-Feb-2025 * 2025-2026 F-150 built on or after 16-Jul-2025 may exhibit all of the following symptoms: - "No Key Detected" message displayed on the instrument panel cluster (IPC) - Key fob does not work in the backup slot. - Remote keyless entry (RKE) (lock and unlock from the key fob) functionality will work to lock/unlock the vehicle. If the vehicle exhibits these symptoms, manually enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) into the VIN entry dialog in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) and then start a session using the Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) II, VCM 3, Vehicle Communication and Measurement Module (VCMM) or later level device with a universal serial bus (USB) cable disconnected from the laptop. Download the "BCM - Body Control Module (BCM) Hardware Test" app
RGTM-26.AF Expl&Aviator2026-09-01. Over-the-air update. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Quality improvements include: -Rear Gate latch calibration update to permit unlatching via the release button when the system has lost position memory and is stuck in a middle-latch position
PHX-26.2.0.8 Expl&Aviator2026-08-18. Over-the-air update. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Quality improvements include: -Android system update
SSM 550712026-08-11. Service bulletin. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. Some 2025-2026 Aviator/Explorer/Expedition/F-150/Mustang Mach-E/Navigator vehicles may exhibit the hands-free BlueCruise feature intermittently/consistently unavailable when BlueCruise is active and when traveling in a "Blue Zone". Speed sign recognition may also be inaccurate. If there are no active relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) present and the issue persists after multiple key cycles and if the BlueCruise System Health Check passes, download and run the "TCU - Reset Telematics Control Unit (TCU) Module" application using the latest software level of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). If the condition is resolved, inform customers that this may be a temporary fix and engineering is currently working on a solution expected in Q4 2026. Monitor Professional Technician System (PTS) for additional information and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available. For claiming, use causal 14G229 and labor operations 12651D and 12651D4. If the condition persists after a test drive, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-03B for normal diagnosti
SSM 550602026-08-04. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY/WIPER. Some 2024-2026 Explorer vehicles built on or before 27-Feb-2026 and equipped with the panoramic glass roof may exhibit an uneven gap at the front edge of the roof opening panel shield when fully closed. The gap is an appearance issue only, but may allow outside light to pass through the opening. A new gap hider seal has been released to correct this condition (service part number SB5Z-7851884-A). Adjustment or replacement of the glass, shade or headliner assembly is not necessary. The new seal is installed directly onto the existing vertical flange that is present and visible at the front of the opening when the shade is opened. Once installed, the front edge of the shade will press against the new seal when fully closed. To install, center the seal in the opening with the flexible material facing the power shade and press the seal u-channel over the vertical flange. Explorer vehicles built on or after 27-Feb-2026 have the seal already installed and can be referenced if necessary. Once the seal is installed, perform the shield/shade initialization procedure in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-05 > Gen
SSM550592026-08-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; UNKNOWN OR OTHER; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine, 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine, and 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The vehicle may be unable to enter electric-only drive modes as expected during normal drive cycles. This may be due to the belt integrated starter generator (BISG). For vehicles with this condition, follow the necessary Pinpoint Test in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-06 for DTC P0A1E and repair the vehicle as directed. Note that previous replacement of the BISG does not negate the need for subsequent BISG replacements if directed to do so by the appropriate Pinpoint Test diagnostics. Engineering is investigating this BISG quality concern. Monitor PTS for updates regarding this investigation.
SSM 550312026-07-28. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2021-2026 Ford/Lincoln vehicles may exhibit various symptoms including but not limited to the auto start/stop system not operating as intended with a "Check Charging System" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) while the charging system is operating properly with no charging related diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) stored. This may be due to someone using an aftermarket programmer to change the body control module (BCM) configuration to disable the auto start/stop system or perform other unsupported programming modifications. To correct this condition on F-150 and Bronco vehicles, download and run the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) application titled "BCM-Charging System Configuration Correction". Running this application will determine if the BCM configuration was modified by the customer and if so, provide the option to return the configuration back to factory settings. For other vehicle models exhibiting concerns related to unsupported aftermarket BCM programming, submit a Technical Support Request (TSR) requesting support to revert the BCM configuration
TSB 26-22692026-07-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300 and/or P0316 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) (with no other relevant DTCs present) during a cold start after a 3 to 8 hours cold soak. This may be due to the machining surface of the intake ports in the cylinder head.
TSB 26-23022026-07-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STEERING. This bulletin supersedes 26-2150. Reason for update: To remove the M6 nut from the part list and remove the Steps to install the M6 nut from the Service Procedure. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions: * "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" message displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) * Reduced steering assist * Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U3008:1B and/or U3009:1B stored in the power steering control module (PSCM) This may be due to the PSCM ground connections.
SSM 549372026-06-17. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2025-2026 Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may have previously set a "Procedure Unsuccessful" message in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool during the passive anti-theft system (PATS) parameter reset. This may have occurred after replacing the body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM), electric brake booster (EBB) and/or secondary on-board diagnostic module C (SOBDMC). To correct this condition, download the latest version of the "PCM - Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Programming" application using the latest software version of the FDRS scan tool either by clicking the blue "Download" button in FDRS to the right of the application name, or by clicking the green refresh button (2 arrows in a circle) to the right of the application name, then run the application again and follow the prompts to perform "Module Initialization (Parameter Reset)".
SSM 548822026-06-03. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a no crank/no start/discharged battery condition with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) B144D:29, B144E:29, B1555:29, B1556:29 and/or U3003:16 stored in the rear gate trunk module (RGTM). The power liftgate may also be inoperative. This may be due to water intrusion into the left and/or right power liftgate motors caused by a loose grommet on the electrical harness at the body pass-through. To correct this condition, install a new power liftgate motor corresponding to the DTC(s) set in the RGTM (B144D:29/B144E:29 Ýleft¨ or B1555:29/B1556:29 Ýright¨). To prevent water intrusion into the new liftgate motor, make sure the grommet on the new motor is seated properly by pushing on the grommet at the body pass-through until it clicks into place. For claiming, use causal part 14B351 (Explorer) or 14B350 (Aviator) and labor operations 12651D and 14350AL (left) or 14350AR (right) or 14350AT (both) <br /><br /> If a vehicle with this concern exhibits water intrusion, corrosion, or unseated grommets in or around the liftgate motor, submit a Global Concern Report
TSB 26-21852026-05-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. This bulletin supersedes 25-2621. Reason for update: add 2026 model year vehicles and Transit, update the causal part number (15604), update the Service Procedure, update the service labor operations for 2023 F-Super Duty, and add service labor operations for Transit. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a no crank/no start condition where the customer cannot start their vehicle. The vehicle may also exhibit a "No Key Detected" message displayed on the instrument panel cluster (IPC), and no key fob works in the back up slot. The remote keyless entry (RKE) functionality will work to lock/unlock the vehicle.
SSM 548002026-05-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY. Some 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator and 2026 Expedition/Navigator vehicles may exhibit an intermittent inoperative remote start feature using either the key fobs or the Ford/Lincoln App. This may be due to the software in the body control module (BCM). After replicating the concern, use the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) to monitor the RMTSTRT_F_ARB_LST and RMTSTRT_F_TRGT_NM parameter identification (PIDS) in the BCM. If both PID values show "true" in any of the last 5 saved values, engineering is currently working on a solution for this condition that is expected in Q4 2026. Schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available. If either of the BCM PID values do not show "true" in any of the saved values, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-14 Handles, Locks, Latches, Entry Systems > Diagnosis and Testing > Locks, Latches and Entry Systems > Pinpoint Test R (Explorer/Aviator)/Pinpoint Test V (Expedition/Navigator) for normal diagnostics and repair as necessary outside of this article. For claiming, use causal part 15604 and labor operations 12651D and 12651D45
SSM 547952026-05-08. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The vehicle may be unable to enter electric-only drive modes as expected during normal drive cycles. This may be due to the software within the belt integrated starter generator (BISG). For vehicles with this condition, follow Pinpoint Test I: Battery Isolation/Voltage Stabilization Control Circuit Carry Outance located in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-06D and repair the vehicle as necessary. Note that the BISG is on backorder status at the time of this publication and Ford is working to make parts available. Engineering is investigating this concern. Monitor PTS for updates.
TSB 26-21962026-05-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. This bulletin supersedes 26-2100. Reason for update: To update vehicle symptoms, affected vehicle lines, and model years. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: Poor speaker sound quality (static, pop, crackle) while using Apple CarPlay® or Bluetooth audio Poor or muffled outbound phone call sound quality while using Apple CarPlay® or Bluetooth audio This may be due to the software in the accessory protocol interface module (APIM).
SSM 547922026-05-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine and built on 16-Aug-2025 and through 5-Mar-2026 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0335 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). DTC P033F may also be stored in the PCM. This may be due to a pin fit concern at PCM connector C1381E pin 7. To correct this condition, install a new terminal in wiring harness connector C1381E pin 7 (GN/BN) using terminal repair kit DU2Z-14474-CA. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 5 for wiring repair information. For claiming use causal part 12A581 and labor operations 12650D and 12650D45WR.
SSM 547602026-04-28. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator vehicles are no longer equipped with light emitting diode (LED) confirmation on the vehicles key fob indicating that the vehicle has remote started (or not remote started). Factory key fobs with remote start no longer contain an LED feedback indicator. Do not replace the key fob for this condition. This is a normal operating characteristic and no service action is necessary.
TSB 26-21502026-04-14. Service bulletin. STEERING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This TSB supersedes TSB 26-2035. Reason for update: update the Service Procedure to add figures 1, 2, 5 and 6 to clarify the ground location, update Steps (13-15, 21-22), and update the Parts list according to the type of vehicle variant and repair. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions: * "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" message displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) * Reduced steering assist * Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U3008:1B and/or U3009:1B stored in the power steering control module (PSCM) This may be due to the PSCM ground connections.
SSM 547202026-04-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION. Various 2020-2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) may experience an inoperative blind spot monitoring with a "Blind Spot System Fault" message displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This may also be accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B118C:11 and/or B118C:15 stored in the driver door module (DDM), and/or B118D:11 and/or B118D:15 stored in the passenger door module (PDM). This may be due to the wiring connector from the mirror to the BLIS module. If diagnostics lead to an internal mirror wiring harness fault, a new lower level BLIS light pigtail is now released for service. It is not necessary to replace the exterior mirror assembly. Use part number SC3Z-14A411-B to resolve the concern.
PHX-25.1.2.5.5 Explorer2026-04-01. Over-the-air update. EXTERIOR LIGHTING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "26C10 Recall remedy -Addresses instances where the trailer lights and trailer brakes may not function"
TCU-25.2.8.5 Explorer2026-03-03. Over-the-air update. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "Quality improvements include: -Addresses a loss of connectivity caused by a Cellular Domain Service outage"
SSM 546012026-02-27. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
SSM 545812026-02-17. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY/WIPER. Some 2024-2026 Nautilus and 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with power folding mirrors may exhibit concerns with the auto folding mirror functionality not matching the status selected by the switch in the center display screen menu. Examples include auto folding not operating when the switch is enabled and/or auto folding continuing to function when the switch is disabled. This may be due to the software in the driver door module (DDM) and passenger door module (PDM). Power folding mirror operation from the physical button is not affected by this condition. Inform customers that engineering is currently working on a solution for this condition that is expected in Q4 2026. Replacement or reprogramming of the accessory protocol interface module (APIM), DDM, or PDM will not resolve this condition. Monitor Professional Technician System (PTS) for additional information and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available.<br /><br /> If the vehicle exhibits this condition, submit a Vehicle Concern Report. To submit a report, click on the "Submit Global Concern Report"

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