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.
By type
By component
By trouble code
Only bulletins with component: Transmission and driveline are shown. Show all
| SSM55059 | 2026-08-03. 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. |
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| SSM 54948 | 2026-06-24. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; POWER TRAIN; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Some 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility non-hybrid vehicles built on 06-Feb-2025 and through 13-Dec-2025 may exhibit various drivability symptoms including a rough idle or hesitation shortly after refueling. These symptoms may also be accompanied by liquid fuel in the fuel vapor lines and fuel vapor canister as well as an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0133, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, and/or P0306 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This condition may be due to an intermittently sticking fuel level vent valve on the fuel tank allowing fuel to enter the evaporative emissions system lines and evaporative emissions canister during refueling. If the customer states that the drivability symptoms occurred after recently filling the vehicle, replace the fuel tank (9002) and evaporative emissions canister (9D653). Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 310-01 to replace the fuel tank. Refer to WSM, Section 303-13 to replace the evaporative emission canister. For claiming use causal part 9002 and labor operations 90 |
| SSM 54902 | 2026-06-09. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R60 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer (PVT) when available. Workshop Manual (WSM) updates related to this diagnostic procedure are planned for release in Q4 2026. The new test improves the accuracy of detecting leaks within transmission fluid circuits and replaces the previous air check method. The previous air check procedure has been shown to produce a high rate of false positives, which may lead to unnecessary repairs when no actual leak is present. Accordingly, the air check procedure is not to be used for diagnosing internal transmission hydraulic leaks or as justification for transmission replacement. |
| 26B12 | 2026-06-05. Other. POWER TRAIN. Certain 2026 Model Year Aviator, Explorer and Bronco Vehicles with 10R60 Transmissions: Transmission and Fluid Cooler Replacement |
| 26B08 | 2026-06-05. Other. POWER TRAIN. Certain 2025 Bronco/Ranger and 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator 4-wheel drive vehicles equipped with a 10R60 transmission. Transmission Replacement |
| TSB 26-2263 | 2026-06-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. This bulletin supersedes 26-2112. Reason For Update: add 2026 model year vehicles, update LV fluid XT-10-QLVC and CXT-10-LV6 description to add "Transfer Case Fluid 4WD Only", and update Step 4 to inspect/replace 7H351 and 7B177 outside of this article. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: - No upshift past second gear - Unable to achieve third gear ratio - Illuminated MIL with DTCs P0757 and P2701 This may be due to a damaged one-way clutch (OWC). |
| SSM 54827 | 2026-05-19. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles may require replacement of the front drive halfshaft inner/outer CV joint boot for various reasons. If Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 205-04 > Diagnosis and Testing leads to CV joint boot replacement, L1MZ-3A331-G (Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility front inner/outer CV joint boot kit), L1MZ-3A331-H (Aviator front inner/outer CV joint boot kit), L1MZ-3A331-F (Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility front inner CV joint boot kit) and L1MZ-3A331-E (Aviator front inner CV joint boot kit) have been released for service. Refer to WSM, Section 205-04 for Removal and Installation procedures. |
| SSM 54795 | 2026-05-08. 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. |
| SSM 54792 | 2026-05-05. 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 54783 | 2026-04-28. Service bulletin. 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 G 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. |
| SSM 54719 | 2026-04-10. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. For 20212026 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer (PVT) when available. When referred to a specific clutch (A-F) test by a pinpoint test in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01 > Diagnosis and Testing, the Clutch Assembly tests have been updated with a hyperlink to the new Transmission Line Pressure Test - Pressure Vacuum Transducer (PVT) Is Available procedure in WSM, Section 307-01 > General Procedures. This procedure provides instructions to perform the FDRS Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test when applicable. The new test improves the accuracy of detecting leaks within transmission fluid circuits and replaces the previous air check method. The previous air check procedure has been shown to produce a high rate of false positives, which may lead to unnecessary repairs when no actual leak is present. Accordingly, the air check procedure is not to be used for diagnosing internal transmission hydraulic leaks or as justification |
| SSM 54674 | 2026-04-06. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. For 2021-2026 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer (PVT) when available. The Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated under Section 307-01 > Diagnosis and Testing to include this procedure. The new test improves the accuracy of detecting leaks within transmission fluid circuits and replaces the previous air check method. |
| SSM 54592 | 2026-02-27. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. For 20172026 vehicles equipped with a 10R transmission, a revision to the Road Testing Vehicle procedure has been made in the WSM, located in Section 307-01 > Diagnosis and Testing. This updated procedure improves the diagnosis of customer reported transmission concerns and aids in locating the proper root cause. During diagnosis and testing, details regarding whether the condition is more prevalent when the vehicle is hot or cold, throttle percentage at the time of occurrence, vehicle speed, the specific shift involved, and whether the issue occurs during transmission engagements (N>R, N>D, R>D, or D>R) should be noted. Engineering requests including these detailed operating conditions that will significantly assist with root cause analysis. Diagnosis, testing, and repair should use established labor times outside this article. |
| SSM 54548 | 2026-02-12. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. Some 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine built on or after 16-Aug-2025 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. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.