Service bulletins for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator
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.
271 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
By trouble code
| SSM 50045 | 2021-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018-2021 Ford/Lincoln vehicles equipped with a wireless charging pad may exhibit an inoperative charging pad, slow charging, a notification that the phone has been mispositioned on the charging pad and/or the phone charging icon in the center screen is not showing. This may be due to the customer's phone if they are using an iPhone 12. Vehicles equipped with a wireless charging pad are designed to charge best with phones that follow the Qi standard. The iPhone 12 hardware currently does not follow the Qi standard for wireless charging. This may make it difficult for Ford and Lincoln vehicles to wirelessly charge this specific phone. The phone can still be charged using the USB cable if the vehicle experiences the above symptoms. If the customer is using an iPhone 12, verify the wireless charging pad works with a Qi certified phone prior to any part replacements. |
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| SSM 50039 | 2021-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2021 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 or SYNC 4 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. This is considered normal due to the power saving features enabled while in transport mode. It is beneficial for battery life to keep the vehicle in transport mode until the vehicle is prepped for sale. To prevent a SYNC system lockup during transport mode deactivation, follow the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure exactly allowing time for the SYNC system to complete its tasks such as fully booting up or powering down and shutting off before moving to the next step of the procedure. If the vehicle exhibits a blank screen or SYNC symptoms after transport mode deactivation, refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for normal diagnosis. The SYNC version can be confirmed via OASIS. |
| SSM 50015 | 2021-09-04. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM; VISIBILITY; EQUIPMENT. Some 2020-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles are equipped with an anti-fogging feature known as enhanced windshield anti fogging strategy (EWAFS). This feature automatically adjusts airflow in the cabin to prevent the windshield from fogging up and may be perceived by customers as irregular climate control functionality. To reduce fogging, the EWAFS functions include: the air condition (A/C) button may turn on and off automatically, recirculated air may turn off automatically in all air modes except MAX A/C, recirculated air may also turn on and off automatically in various airflow modes in order to improve heating or cooling efficiency, and in auto climate control, high humidity conditions may automatically engage A/C compressor, increase blower motor speed and/or direct more air to windshield. Continue to monitor the Workshop Manual (WSM) for EWAFS updates. |
| TSB 21-2276 | 2021-09-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an AutoHold System Fault message displayed in the IPC message center on vehicle start-up with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. This may be due to the software in the ABS module. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reprogram the powertrain control module (PCM) and/or ABS module using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. |
| TSB 21-2263 | 2021-09-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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 and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure. |
| SSM 49982 | 2021-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit an inoperative cooling fan and/or a vehicle overheat message. This may be due to water intrusion into the cooling fan relay, a loose ground connection, or damaged wiring. Before replacement of the cooling fan assembly, perform Pinpoint Test KN. Also, locate the cooling fan relay and inspect for water intrusion or damage. The correct location of the cooling fan relay is in the front right portion of the engine bay. If the cooling fan relay is not in the correct location, check behind the front right wheel well in between the splash shield. If any water intrusion or damage is found to the relay, G103, or the connector C1048, replace and correctly mount the affected component as necessary. |
| TSB 21-2185 | 2021-08-02. Service bulletin. SEATS. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Corsair vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement and/or clunk/thump noise on turns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reinforce the cushion hook. |
| SSM 49980 | 2021-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:CAMERA/SENSOR. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Corsair vehicles may exhibit an intermittent blue screen on the center infotainment display for one or more cameras when the 360 degree camera view is activated. To correct the condition, reprogram the image processing module B (IPMB) using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. Once complete, perform the 360 degree camera alignment procedure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 413-13. For claiming, use causal part 19H405 and applicable labor operations in the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 49968 | 2021-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Corsair/Nautilus/Navigator/Aviator, 2021 F-150/Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with Phone-as-a-Key may have diagnostic trouble code(s) (DTC) U200D:15, U200E:15, U200F:15, B15**:31, B15**:49 and/or B15A5:56 stored in the remote function actuator (RFA) module. If any of these DTCs are detected during normal diagnostics, clear the DTCs, reflash RFA to the latest software level and start a new Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) session. Verify that DTCs are no longer present. If only the B15**:31, B15**:57 and/or B15A5:56 DTC(s) returns in the RFA after a self test, follow normal Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnostics, Section 419-01C. |
| SSM 49953 | 2021-08-02. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2021 Explorer ST and Aviator vehicles may exhibit a customer concern of undesirable powertrain sounds inside the vehicle and/or less than optimal speaker sound from the vehicle. This may be due to the engine sound enhancement (ESE) on Explorer ST vehicles and the active noise control (ANC) on Aviator vehicles not being activated. To correct the condition, use the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) > select Toolbox > ACM > ACM - Enable Engine Sound Enhancement and Active Noise Control. Click RUN and follow the on-screen instructions carefully. If prompted with a window stating Feature Not Supported, select OK and continue through the installation application. For claiming use causal 18K810 and applicable labor operations found in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| 21U04 | 2021-08-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. In some of the effected vehicles the active noise cancelation (ANC) and electronic sound enhancement (ESE) features were not activated in the audio control module (ACM). This can cause undesirable powertrain sounds inside the vehicle, and less than optimal speaker sound from ST products, resulting in customer dissatisfaction. |
| SSM 49914 | 2021-07-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2015-2021 Edge, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019-2021 Nautilus, 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator, and 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair/Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an inoperative power liftgate. This may be due to the rear gate trunk module (RGTM) software. To correct the condition, reprogram the RGTM using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 14B291 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 49885 | 2021-07-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2019-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an intermittent audio echo/robotic voice heard during a bluetooth phone call by the person that is not in the vehicle. Using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto instead of Bluetooth can help alleviate the concern. Also turning on, then off, the privacy setting in the SYNC touchscreen can temporarily alleviate the concern. Engineering is currently investigating this concern and will be releasing a service fix in early July 2021. Let the customer know they can continue to drive the vehicle and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available. Monitor OASIS for updates. |
| SSM 49870 | 2021-07-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition. If during the preliminary inspection the transmission fluid is found to be a foamy pink color this may indicate possible cross contamination of engine coolant and transmission fluid due to an internally leaking transmission fluid cooler assembly. When repairing or replacing the transmission assembly for an internally leaking transmission fluid cooler assembly, use causal part 7869 and applicable labor operations in Section 07 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| TSB 21-2150 | 2021-06-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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 and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure. |
| SSM 49830 | 2021-06-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a buzzing noise coming from the center console or cowl area with engine speed around 1500 RPM at idle or while driving. This may be due to the transmission park manual release cable vibrating against the transmission. This can be resolved by isolating the transmission park manual release cable with Rotunda PVC foam tape (164-R4901) or equivalent, where it is contacting the transmission. Replacement of the transmission park manual release cable is not necessary. |
| SSM 49821 | 2021-06-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
| SSM 49820 | 2021-06-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicle owners may experience a condition of missing Authorization, Command and Control, Battery Charging Details or Phone-as-a-Key setup buttons/selections in their FordPass or LincolnWay App. This condition is due to an error within the FordPass or LincolnWay App and not due to a concern on the vehicle. Verify that the customers FordPass or LincolnWay App is at the latest version. Replacement or reprogramming of the telematics control unit (TCU)/gateway module (GWM)/remote function actuator (RFA) will not resolve this condition. If the condition persists, Utilize the FordPass Guides or Lincoln Way Concierge teams. |
| SSM 49795 | 2021-06-01. Service bulletin. COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may not be able to perform remote commands via the FordPass/LincolnWay App due to an erroneous deep sleep message. If the vehicle has been driven within 14 days and the battery state of charge is above 9.5 volts when the deep sleep message set, this is an erroneous message. Starting and running the vehicle will clear the message and allow the remote commands to function again. Inform customers that engineering is currently working on a solution for this condition that will be released via an over the air (OTA) update that is expected in June 2021. Replacement or reprogramming of the telematics control unit (TCU)/gateway module (GWM) will not resolve this condition. Monitor OASIS for additional information and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available. |
| SSM 49784 | 2021-06-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Corsair/Aviator/Navigator and 2021 Nautilus/Mach-E customers may be unable to activate Phone-as-a-key, have intermittent Phone-as-a-key connectivity, missing Phone-as-a-key button in the App, receiving Pairing Failed, Key Download Error or Connection Trouble message during Phone-as-a-key setup, Bluetooth Disconnected, Unable To Start, Backup Code Needed And/or Key Not Detected. Prior to performing any RFA diagnostics, verify the customer's phone app is at the latest version, the phone app is authorized to the vehicle and Location Service is enabled in customer's phone to allow for proper Phone-as-a-key operation. If a Phone-as-a-key concern remains, continue with normal RFA diagnosis. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-01. Utilize the FordPass Guides or Lincoln Way Concierge teams as needed to understand Phone-as-a-key operation. |
| SSM 49756 | 2021-05-03. Service bulletin. BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE. Some 2018-2021 vehicles supported by FDRS may not list a software update for a module under the SW Updates tab although an SSM or TSB is published for a software update. This may be due to the module already being at the latest software level. A later software level may have been programmed at the assembly plant, during a previous dealer visit or by an over the air (OTA) update for vehicles that have automatic updates enabled in the SYNC system settings. To review a vehicle's OTA update history, visit the Connected Vehicle > OTA Dashboard tab in OASIS. Information about the OTA Dashboard can be found on FMCDealer.com when performing a search on OTA History Job Aid. |
| SSM 49753 | 2021-05-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility and 2021 F-150 Hybrid vehicles equipped with a 10R80 modular hybrid transmission (MHT) and with less than 100 miles (160 kilometers) may exhibit a transmission fluid leak that appears to be coming from between the hybrid drive unit and transmission case joint. This condition may be due to residual transmission fluid trapped between the front module and transmission case joint during the assembly process. Clean the area thoroughly and reevaluate with the vehicle at operating temperature before attempting any leak related repairs. |
| 21B18 | 2021-04-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Certain 2021 Model Year Explorer/Aviator All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Equipped with 3.0L Engines Engine Assembly Replacement All of the affected vehicles, an oversized right-hand exhaust camshaft journal was installed in the engine assembly. This may result in a misfire and low compression condition. The check engine light will be illuminated |
| SSM 49696 | 2021-03-31. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a buzzing noise coming from the center console or cowl area with engine speed around 1500 RPM at idle or while driving. This may be due to the transmission park manual release cable vibrating against the transmission. This can be resolved by isolating the transmission park manual release cable with Rotunda PVC foam tape (164-R4901) or equivalent, where it is contacting the transmission. Replacement of the transmission park manual release cable is not necessary. |
| SSM 49690 | 2021-03-31. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. For 2018-2021 EcoSport/Expedition/Navigator, 2019-2021 Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 Escape/Explorer/SuperDuty/Transit/Aviator/Corsair, 2021 Bronco Sport/F-150/Mustang/Mach-E the Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnostics may direct to replace a module on vehicles that use Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). First, an FDRS session must be created on the vehicle prior to removing the faulted module. Once the session is started, run the Programmable Module Installation and replace the module only when instructed by FDRS. Installing a new module prior to starting a scan tool session may result in incomplete module configuration with DTCs U2100, U2101 and/or U2200. Once a session has been started, continue to follow normal WSM procedures to repair the vehicle. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.