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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.

By type

By component

By trouble code

Bulletins, newest first
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 547872026-05-05. Service bulletin. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Some 2020-2023 Aviator and 2025-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit a "Refuel Error See Manual" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) after installing a replacement fuel filler door assembly (7827936). This may be due to a concern with the replacement fuel filler door assembly. This condition does not affect vehicle durability and no additional diagnosis or service is required for this condition at this time. Inform customers that they can continue to drive the vehicle and Ford is currently working on a solution for this condition that is expected Q3 2026. Further replacement of the fuel filler door assembly will not resolve this condition at this time. Monitor Professional Technician System (PTS) for additional information and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available.<br /><br /> If a customer vehicle exhibits this concern, submit a Vehicle Concern Report. To submit a report, click on the "Submit Global Concern Report (GCR)" link at the upper right of the PTS Vehicle ID screen (vehicle identification number ÝVIN¨ required) a
RCM-26.4.2.1 Explorer2026-05-01. Over-the-air update. SEAT BELTS. Quality improvements include: -Updates the Restraint Control Module to prevent a potential internal fault that may cause a warning light to illuminate for one key cycle
SSM 547832026-04-28. 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 547742026-04-28. Service bulletin. ENGINE. Some 2024-2026 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator (MIL) lamp with engine over-temperature warning in the message center and poor air conditioning (A/C) performance from the engine cooling fan not running. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) B3A1B, P0113, P0217, and/or P0480 may be stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to poor engine compartment ground connections at G105, G107, G111 and/or G122. Refer to the Wiring Diagram (WD) > Grounds Cell 010 > Pages 2, 3, 7 and 8. Prior to any Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnostics, verify all listed grounds are tightened to 62 lb-in (7 Nm) to resolve this condition. If symptoms or DTCs return after all grounds are tightened, follow normal WSM diagnostics.
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.
SSM 547562026-04-21. Service bulletin. ENGINE. 2021-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine may require air conditioning (A/C) compressor belt removal for various reasons. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-05A Accessory Drive - 2.3L EcoBoost > Removal and Installation > Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor Belt procedure has been revised to eliminate cutting the A/C compressor belt to remove it. Refer to the updated procedure to reuse the belt.
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.
SSM 547192026-04-10. 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 546822026-04-06. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. Some 2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and built on 22-Dec-2025 and through 02-Feb-2026 may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning lamp or "Check Brake System" warning message with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0049:01 and/or C0049:0A stored in the ABS module. This may be due to a pin fit concern at connector C124 located on the brake fluid reservoir.
SSM 546742026-04-06. 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.
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"
SSM 546552026-03-18. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a concern of inoperative, rattling, crackling and/or distorted sound from one or more speakers (but not all speakers). This may be due to other components located near the suspect speaker. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00 > Diagnosis and Testing > Pinpoint Test D (2020-2024 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility, 2025-2026 Aviator) and Pinpoint Test E (2020-2024 Aviator, 2025-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility) have been updated with additional direction when isolating the cause of the condition.
SSM 546142026-03-04. Service bulletin. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Some 2020-2024 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0/3.3L engine may require various repairs associated with the fuel tank and/or fuel pump and sender unit. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 310-00 > Removal and Installation for the fuel tank and fuel pump and sender unit have been revised to eliminate the need to remove the driveshaft as part of the service procedure. Labor times have also been updated to reflect this WSM revision.
HCM-25.5.0 Explorer2026-03-03. Over-the-air update. VISIBILITY/WIPER; EXTERIOR LIGHTING. "Quality improvements include: -Enhanced dynamic bending lights performance "
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 545922026-02-27. 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 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"
SSM 545802026-02-17. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2025-2026 Expedition and 2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Google Maps Navigation System (minor feature code HKCGA) may experience a blank/white Google map screen, inoperative live traffic data, inoperative voice assistant, the inability to sign into a Google account in the center touch screen, unable to access the Google Play Store in the center display screen, and/or the inability to connect to other apps in the center display screen. This may be due to the vehicles Ford Connectivity Package not being activated. To verify if the vehicle has an active Connectivity Package (free or paid) enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) in Professional Technician System (PTS) then navigate to the upper blue tab titled Connected Vehicle > Vehicle Software Subscriptions. It will clearly state if the vehicle has a trial or paid subscription, along with the expiration date. These vehicles will come with one of two connectivity options from the factory.<br /><br /> *A free Connectivity Package trial that lasts for 1-year (identified as minor feature code N01AB). A credit card is required to enable
TSB 26-20352026-02-12. Service bulletin. STEERING. This TSB supersedes TSB 25-2350 to update the Service Procedure, vehicles affected, and parts list. 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.

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