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TSB List for the 2021 Ford Explorer

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the 2021 Explorer are official communications between Ford & their dealerships that describe processes for troubleshooting or fixing certain common problems. All vehicle manufacturers are required by U.S. law to make their TSBs available to the public.

  • BRAKES (PWS)
  • ENGINE (PWS)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
  • FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
  • POWER TRAIN
  • POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
  • POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
  • WHEELS
  • SEATS
  • EQUIPMENT
  • EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
  • EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:VEHICLE CONTROLS:BRAKING
  • EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
  • BRAKES (PWS)

    • TSB #TSB 21-2030

      Date Announced:
      FEB 03, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10187831

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built on or before 24-Dec-2020 may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0020 stored in the ABS ... Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49433

      Date Announced:
      JAN 07, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10186400

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning lamp with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C0031, C0034, C0037, and/or C003A. Read More »

    ENGINE (PWS)

    • TSB #SSM 49393

      Date Announced:
      DEC 11, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10184633

      Some 2021 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.2L or 7.3L engine and Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3. Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49380

      Date Announced:
      DEC 04, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10184629

      Some 2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor vehicles may exhibit a flashing powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator while in transport mode with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P112A stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49329

      Date Announced:
      NOV 11, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10183390

      Some 2020-2021 Aviator and Explorer vehicles may experience an intermittent no crank, inoperative remote start, and/or an illuminated wrench light with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P07E4, B135C and/or U0103. Read More »

    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    • TSB #21B18

      Date Announced:
      MAR 30, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10189753

      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. Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49696

      Date Announced:
      MAR 26, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10189587

      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. Read More »

    • TSB #21B17

      Date Announced:
      FEB 18, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10187813

      In all of the affected vehicles, the installed high-output alternator and powertrain control module (PCM) calibration were not aligned. Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49449

      Date Announced:
      JAN 14, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10186600

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may appear to have low engine oil level if the proper procedures are not followed. Refer to the Owners Guide, Maintenance, Engine oil check section. Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49328

      Date Announced:
      NOV 11, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10183569

      Some 2019 MKC, 2019-2020 Edge/Nautilus/Escape/Ranger, 2020 Corsair, 2019-2021 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.3L EcoBoost engines may exhibit a light to moderate ticking type noise at idle (600-700 RPM). Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49269

      Date Announced:
      OCT 16, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10181910

      Some 2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor vehicles may exhibit a flashing powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator while in transport mode with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P112A stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Read More »

    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

    • TSB #SSM 49388

      Date Announced:
      DEC 09, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10184631

      2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles without a diesel engine and/or without a 10R80 MHT transmission have a new PCM-Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In routine added to the Diagnosis and Testing ... Read More »

    FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

    • TSB #SSM 49328

      Date Announced:
      NOV 11, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10183569

      Some 2019 MKC, 2019-2020 Edge/Nautilus/Escape/Ranger, 2020 Corsair, 2019-2021 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.3L EcoBoost engines may exhibit a light to moderate ticking type noise at idle (600-700 RPM). Read More »

    POWER TRAIN

    • TSB #SSM 49753

      Date Announced:
      APR 26, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10191102

      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 ... Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49669

      Date Announced:
      MAR 16, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10189567

      2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit an illuminated AWD indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C00A6:07, C00A6:18, C00A6:19, C00A6:4B, C00A6:66, C00A6:71, C00A6:74, and/or C00A6:99. Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49642

      Date Announced:
      MAR 03, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10189553

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with an 10R60 automatic transmission may exhibit diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P27B2 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) memory. Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49618

      Date Announced:
      FEB 23, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10188010

      Some 2018-2021 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P025A And/Or DTC U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49582

      Date Announced:
      FEB 16, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10187986

      Some 2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, excluding hybrid, with 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or less may exhibit harsh or delayed engagement/shift concerns with or without transmission diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) ... Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49519

      Date Announced:
      FEB 01, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10187917

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80-MHT automatic transmission and built on or before 29-Oct-2020 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U0100, U0155, ... Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49507

      Date Announced:
      JAN 29, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10186648

      Some 2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, excluding hybrid, with 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or less may exhibit harsh or delayed engagement/shift concerns with or without transmission diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) ... Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49446

      Date Announced:
      JAN 14, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10186598

      Some 2021 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.2L or 7.3L engine, F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.3L or 5.0L engine, and Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3. Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49393

      Date Announced:
      DEC 11, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10184633

      Some 2021 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.2L or 7.3L engine and Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3. Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49388

      Date Announced:
      DEC 09, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10184631

      2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles without a diesel engine and/or without a 10R80 MHT transmission have a new PCM-Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In routine added to the Diagnosis and Testing ... Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49329

      Date Announced:
      NOV 11, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10183390

      Some 2020-2021 Aviator and Explorer vehicles may experience an intermittent no crank, inoperative remote start, and/or an illuminated wrench light with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P07E4, B135C and/or U0103. Read More »

    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

    • TSB #SSM 49269

      Date Announced:
      OCT 16, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10181910

      Some 2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor vehicles may exhibit a flashing powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator while in transport mode with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P112A stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Read More »

    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

    • TSB #TSB 20-2429

      Date Announced:
      DEC 24, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10184781

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine and built on or before 21-Oct-2020 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0100 stored ... Read More »

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    • TSB #SSM 49690

      Date Announced:
      MAR 25, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10189581

      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 ... Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49685

      Date Announced:
      MAR 22, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10189577

      Some 2020-2021 Aviator and Explorer vehicles built on and before 24-Feb-2021 may experience an intermittent no crank, inoperative remote start, and/or an illuminated wrench light with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P07E4, B135C and/or ... Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49618

      Date Announced:
      FEB 23, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10188010

      Some 2018-2021 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P025A And/Or DTC U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Read More »

    • TSB #21B17

      Date Announced:
      FEB 18, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10187813

      In all of the affected vehicles, the installed high-output alternator and powertrain control module (PCM) calibration were not aligned. Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49580

      Date Announced:
      FEB 16, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10187984

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit various electrical concerns due to an open 3 or 4 post fuse array on the high current battery junction box (BJB). Read More »

    • TSB #TSB 21-2030

      Date Announced:
      FEB 03, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10187831

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built on or before 24-Dec-2020 may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0020 stored in the ABS ... Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49427

      Date Announced:
      JAN 05, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10186564

      Some 2019-2020 Edge/Nautilus/Ranger, 2020 Escape and 2020-2021 Corsair/Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.0L/2. Read More »

    • TSB #TSB 20-2429

      Date Announced:
      DEC 24, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10184781

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine and built on or before 21-Oct-2020 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0100 stored ... Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49393

      Date Announced:
      DEC 11, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10184633

      Some 2021 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.2L or 7.3L engine and Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3. Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49388

      Date Announced:
      DEC 09, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10184631

      2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles without a diesel engine and/or without a 10R80 MHT transmission have a new PCM-Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In routine added to the Diagnosis and Testing ... Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49377

      Date Announced:
      DEC 04, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10184626

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine and built on or before 01-Dec-2020 may exhibit inoperative air conditioning, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp, and/or an illuminated powertrain ... Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49380

      Date Announced:
      DEC 04, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10184629

      Some 2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor vehicles may exhibit a flashing powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator while in transport mode with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P112A stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49329

      Date Announced:
      NOV 11, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10183390

      Some 2020-2021 Aviator and Explorer vehicles may experience an intermittent no crank, inoperative remote start, and/or an illuminated wrench light with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P07E4, B135C and/or U0103. Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49269

      Date Announced:
      OCT 16, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10181910

      Some 2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor vehicles may exhibit a flashing powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator while in transport mode with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P112A stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Read More »

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

    • TSB #SSM 49438

      Date Announced:
      JAN 13, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10186402

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with 3rd row power seats may exhibit inoperative 3rd row power seat folding with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B1231:54 and/or B1232:54 stored in the power fold seat module (SCMJ). Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49437

      Date Announced:
      JAN 12, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10186401

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 07-Dec-2020 may falsely store diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U0415 and/or U3000:42 in the image processing module B (IPMB). Read More »

    WHEELS

    • TSB #SSM 49433

      Date Announced:
      JAN 07, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10186400

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning lamp with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C0031, C0034, C0037, and/or C003A. Read More »

    SEATS

    • TSB #SSM 49438

      Date Announced:
      JAN 13, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10186402

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with 3rd row power seats may exhibit inoperative 3rd row power seat folding with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B1231:54 and/or B1232:54 stored in the power fold seat module (SCMJ). Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49404

      Date Announced:
      DEC 16, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10184636

      Some 2021 Explorer Limited trim vehicles equipped with the 300A convenience package including 2nd row power-fold backrest and 3rd row manual folding seats may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B154D:15 and/or B11CE:15 stored in the ... Read More »

    EQUIPMENT

    • TSB #SSM 49484

      Date Announced:
      JAN 22, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10186622

      Some 2021 F-150/Transit/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor vehicles may exhibit a flashing powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator while in transport mode with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P112A stored in the powertrain control module ... Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49433

      Date Announced:
      JAN 07, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10186400

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning lamp with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C0031, C0034, C0037, and/or C003A. Read More »

    • TSB #TSB 20-2429

      Date Announced:
      DEC 24, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10184781

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine and built on or before 21-Oct-2020 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0100 stored ... Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49404

      Date Announced:
      DEC 16, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10184636

      Some 2021 Explorer Limited trim vehicles equipped with the 300A convenience package including 2nd row power-fold backrest and 3rd row manual folding seats may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B154D:15 and/or B11CE:15 stored in the ... Read More »

    • TSB #TSB 20-2425

      Date Announced:
      DEC 15, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10184645

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicle may exhibit a water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or exhibit water in the spare tire area. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to identify the leak path. Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49388

      Date Announced:
      DEC 09, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10184631

      2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles without a diesel engine and/or without a 10R80 MHT transmission have a new PCM-Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In routine added to the Diagnosis and Testing ... Read More »

    • TSB #SSM 49328

      Date Announced:
      NOV 11, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10183569

      Some 2019 MKC, 2019-2020 Edge/Nautilus/Escape/Ranger, 2020 Corsair, 2019-2021 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.3L EcoBoost engines may exhibit a light to moderate ticking type noise at idle (600-700 RPM). Read More »

    EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

    • TSB #TSB 20-2429

      Date Announced:
      DEC 24, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10184781

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine and built on or before 21-Oct-2020 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0100 stored ... Read More »

    EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:VEHICLE CONTROLS:BRAKING

    • TSB #SSM 49437

      Date Announced:
      JAN 12, 2021
      NHTSA ID:
      #10186401

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 07-Dec-2020 may falsely store diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U0415 and/or U3000:42 in the image processing module B (IPMB). Read More »

    EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

    • TSB #SSM 49377

      Date Announced:
      DEC 04, 2020
      NHTSA ID:
      #10184626

      Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine and built on or before 01-Dec-2020 may exhibit inoperative air conditioning, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp, and/or an illuminated powertrain ... Read More »

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