2021 Ford Explorer technical service bulletins
297 technical service bulletins and manufacturer communications cover the 2021 Ford Explorer.
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2226
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2226
- Some 2020-2026 Aviator/Explorer/F-150/Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L (non-diesel)...
- Blue or black exhaust smoke on startup for the first 5 minutes after an overnight cold soak with no...
- This article supersedes TSB 25-2373 to update a print error on publication
- This article supersedes 26-2287
- For Various Ford and Lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion...
- Sunshield with localized bunching or binding/inoperative
- Illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in...
- New vehicle delivery hold
- This article supersedes 25-2302
- Customer Satisfaction Program 26N09 Certain 2020 Model Year Escape, 2020-2021 Corsair, 2020-2021 Aviator,...
- For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R60 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test...
- 2020-2026
- This bulletin supersedes 25-2213
- Some 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles may require replacement of the front...
- Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and...
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2046
- Illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in...
- "Refuel Error See Manual" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) after installing a replacement...
- 2021-2026
- Customer Satisfaction Program 23B64 Certain 2020-2024 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Equipped with High...
- For 20212026 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test...
- Various 2020-2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) may...
- Certain 2021
- Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines...
- For 2021-2026 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak...
- Concern of inoperative, rattling, crackling and/or distorted sound from one or more speakers (but not all...
- Some 2020-2024 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor...
- Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless...
- For 20172026 vehicles equipped with a 10R transmission, a revision to the Road Testing Vehicle procedure...
- Various connectivity concerns with The Ford App Lincoln App including but not limited to: missing...
- This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2611
- 2020-2026
- Cupholder base that is damaged or broken
- This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2474 for 3 Part List corrections
- Special Field Action 25L02 Certain 2017-2024 Model Year California Emissions-Certified Vehicles...
- This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2429 for a labor operation correction
- Inoperative blind spot monitoring with a "Blind Spot System Fault" message displayed in the instrument...
- Some 2021-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine, 2021-2023 Aviator vehicles equipped...
- 2020-2025 my
- This article supersedes TSB 22-2177 to update labor times from M-time to AP-time and add a limit
- Certain Model Year Multiple Vehicles Ford Pass/Lincoln Way Connectivity Concerns
- This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2300 to update the production fix date
- New vehicle demonstration / delivery hold
- This article supersedes TSB 23-2174 to update the Service Procedure, Part List and adding an additional...
- This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2131 to add reprogram for later level software, new Steps 1-4 in Service...
- This article supersedes TSB 24-2252 to update the Title, Action Statement, Service Procedure and Part List
- Various 2021-2025 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with the rear camera on demand feature may exhibit...
- Various 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a partially or fully black...
- May exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and/or powertrain malfunction (wrench)...
- Some 2021-2024 Edge/Nautilus, 2021-2025 Bronco/Bronco...
- Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2450:00 stored in the...
- Some 2021-2025 Ford/ Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC4 may not be able to perform an update to the...
- Certain 2021
- Harsh or delayed engagement/shift concerns
- Delayed reverse engagement
- This article supersedes TSB 25-2121 to update the affected production build dates
- Some 2020 Continental, 2020-2024 Edge/Nautilus, 2020-2025 Explorer/Aviator/Escape/Corsair/F-150/F-Super...
- Certain 2018-2024 model year various vehicles — update sync software
- This bulletin supersedes TSB 24-2436
- Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2450:00 stored in the...
- Click/pop noise while turning the steering wheel from straight ahead to full lock during low speed turning...
- Some 2020-2025 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may require removal of the...
- Whine noise at idle and/or while driving.
- Engine oil leak from the crankshaft rear seal with retaining plate.
- Inoperative driver door window control switch (windows inoperative, mirror control unresponsive, etc.).
- At least one of the following conditions: • Harsh engagement • Delayed engagement • Harsh shift • Delayed...
- Certain 2018
- Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement...
- Engine oil leak from the crankshaft rear seal with retaining plate.
- In some of the affected vehicles, the rear axle bolt may fracture
- While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal...
- Various Vehicles Equipped With A 10R80 Automatic Transmission
- Overhead console sunglass bin cannot be locked in a closed position.
- Erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition.
- Harsh/delayed engagements and/or harsh/delayed shifts, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)...
- Harsh/delayed engagements and/or harsh/delayed shifts, an illuminated MIL with DTC P0751, P0752, P0756,...
- Location toggle button in the Connectivity setting menu grayed out with an inability to switch it off.
- Cable connection error screen from the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger
- Concern where the second row outboard manual/power seats do not fold, exhibit excess effort to fold, or do...
- Certain 2018
- Various FordPass/LincolnWay connectivity concerns including but not limited to: missing activation prompt...
- Programming Error
- Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Axle Bolt Fractures In some of the affected vehicles,...
- Programming Error
- This article supersedes TSB 23-2307 to update the Service Procedure and vehicle model years affected
- This article supersedes TSBs 24-2100 and 24-2070 to add 2023 F-150 vehicles, update the TSB Issue...
- Various vehicles equiped with 10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100/10R140 transmissions may require replacement of the...
- Illuminated MIL with DTC P237F and/or P2C23 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) and no affect on...
- Illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0627, P025A, P025B, P00C6, P008A and/or U0109 stored...
- Keyless entry keypad inoperative and/or does not illuminate when any keypad button is pressed following...
- All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code
- Various issues with the roof rack side
- This article supersedes TSB 24-2059 to update the Service Procedure LTIS statement
- This TSB supersedes TSB 22-2377 to update the vehicle model years affected and Parts List
- This article supersedes TSB 23-2351 to remove 2023 F-150 10R80 and 10R80 MHT vehicle applications
- For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an...
- During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper,...
- Inaccurate notification in the FordPass®/LincolnWay® app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode
- This article supersedes TSB 23-2208 to add 2024 model year vehicles
- This article supersedes TSB 23-2181 to add 2024 vehicle model year
- Poor speaker sound quality and/or tick-tock noise while activating turn signals and streaming audio over...
- Illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator and/or 4WD Fault Service Required message with...
- Harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with...
- Harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with...
- Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and/or powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with...
- This article supersedes TSB 23-2120 to exclude Police Interceptor vehicles with column shift
- Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect,...
- Illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P084B stored in the...
- Whine noise at idle and/or while driving
- Harshness and/or vibration felt through the seat, steering wheel and/or center console at 25-50 mph (40-80...
- Power folding mirrors that are inoperative or exhibit a clicking sound
- Binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds
- Powertrain malfunction indicator lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain...
- Concern where the EV power flow does not display in the center display screen
- 2020-2023
- This article supersedes TSB 22-2428 and 23-2176 to update the Issue, Action and Service Procedure
- Condition of intermittent headlamp operation while the vehicle is OFF and have diagnostic trouble code...
- In various 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, customers may receive a message in the FordPass or...
- 2020-2023
- Illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) C00A6 and/or C0631
- Poor speaker sound quality and/or tick-tock noise while activating turn signals and streaming audio over...
- Radio static and/or poor radio sound quality when moving
- Some 2020-2021 Escape built on/before 23-Nov-2021, 2021 F-150 built on/before 08-Oct-2021, 2021 Mustang...
- Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and low oil pressure warning in the instrument panel cluster...
- Lack of audio and/or a water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or water in the spare tire area
- Concern where the second row outboard manual/power seats do not fold, exhibit excess effort to fold, or do...
- Inaccurate notification in the FordPass®/LincolnWay® app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode
- Illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator and stop safely now warning
- The Service Awareness Newsletter is an informal communication that contains information that may not be...
- TSB 22-2428 is missing some labor operations
- Delayed reverse engagement
- Harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift
- Upper engine thump/knock noise coming from the left cylinder head
- 2020-2023
- Momentary transmission neutral-out condition while in drive
- Condition of intermittent headlamp operation while the vehicle is OFF and have diagnostic trouble code...
- There is a parts and labor time error for Explorer/Aviator 3.0L EcoBoost and Aviator 3.0L plug-in hybrid...
- For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to
- Harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift concerns
- Differential fluid venting from the differential fluid vent
- 2020-2023
- Harshness and/or vibration felt through the seat, steering wheel and/or center console after initial...
- Lack of heat from the passenger side vents of the vehicle when using the climate control
- Some vehicles equipped with a 2.7L, 3.0L,3.5L or 5.0L engine may require replacement of the long block...
- A/C blowing warm air with DTCs P0645, P2CFC, and/or P2CFD present in the heating ventilation and air...
- Illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator and stability-traction control warning...
- 2020-2022
- Illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0627, P025A, P025B, P00C6, P008A and/or U0109 stored...
- Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2D40. This may be due to...
- This article supersedes TSB 22-2176 to increase the labor operation allowance and update the part list
- Noise when the brakes are applied
- Wireless charger inoperative or poor performance when using some Apple iPhone models that use MagSafe...
- Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with multiple diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These DTCs may...
- Inoperative power liftgate
- Inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, and/or...
- Ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine on initial start-up after...
- Inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, and/or...
- Some 2021-2022 Explorer
- Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Axle Bolt Replacement REF : NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION...
- Illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2D40. This may be due to the chiller not interpreting...
- Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) contamination in the engine cooling system due to the transmission cooler
- Delayed acceleration response under heavy to wide open throttle input after an engine start
- Some 2018-2021 F-150 3.3L, 2020-2021 Explorer 3.3L, and 2020-2021 Transit 3.5L may experience an...
- One of the following if the customer is using a Magsafe iPhone (iPhone 12 or 13): slow charging,...
- Some 2017-2022 Ford/Lincoln customers may experience a notification in the...
- Audio is not synchronized with the video display when using the vehicle speakers
- Lack of audio and/or a water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or water in the spare tire area
- Rear differential that is venting rear axle fluid
- 2020-2022
- Concern of inoperative, rattling, crackling and/or distorted sound from one or more speakers
- Erratic transfer case operation and/or noise
- Slow fuel fill and/or spit back condition during refueling
- Condition of missing authorization, command and control, battery charging details or phone-as-a-key setup...
- Second row folding seat that is inoperative or requires excessive effort to fold
- Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer (Non-Police) Vehicles
- Illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0627, P025A, P025B, P00C6, P008A and/or U0109 stored...
- Inoperative third row power seat folding
- Inoperative power liftgate when using intelligent access (IA) features such as the hands free liftgate or...
- A/C blowing warm air with DTCs P0645, P2CFC, and/or P2CFD present in the heating ventilation and air...
- 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate...
- Illuminated airbag warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1404:13 and/or B1407:13. This may...
- Erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition
- Concern of the audio inoperative, no sound from audio speakers, chimes default to coming through the...
- 2019-2021
- Inoperative side marker turn signals
- Concerns with rear camera zoom, wrong map matching or a blank display
- Illuminated MIL with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P025A, P025B, P00C6, P008A and/or U0109 stored in the...
- In various 2017-2022 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, customers may receive a message in the FordPass or...
- Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may appear to have a low...
- Some 2020
- This article supersedes TSB 21-2185 to update the vehicle model years affected
- Radio static and/or poor radio sound quality when moving
- Some 2018-2021 Expedition and 2020-2021 Explorer vehicles may intermittently exhibit doors unable to...
- Harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift concerns
- Some 2017-2018 Focus/MKX/C-MAX, 2017-2019 MKC/Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2017-2020 Fusion/MKZ/Continental, 2017-2022...
- Illuminated stability-traction control and/or powertrain malfunction warning indicators with diagnostic...
- Delayed acceleration response, hesitation and/or a buck/jerk condition at low vehicle speeds with no...
- Lack of rear heat
- Rear axle mounting bolt that has broken
- Red brake warning lamp and/or brake system warning message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) with a...
- Inoperative driver door window control switch (windows inoperative, mirror control unresponsive, etc.)....
- Wind/whistle type noise at highway speeds originating from the front A-pillar applique (either side or both)
- Driveline vibration
- Front Camera Fault, Lane Keeping Fault, and/or Collison Warning Not Available message with various...
- Inoperative roof opening panel motor
- Harsh/delayed engagement and/or a harsh/delayed shift with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator...
- Condition where the navigation voice prompts are inoperative after a SYNC map update
- Poor sound quality from the left and/or right front speaker while using Bluetooth audio
- Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P04F0 and/or P144C stored...
- Inoperative remote features via the Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, no...
- Illuminated MIL with multiple diagnostic trouble codes (DTC). These DTCs may include P04F0, P008A, P0451,...
- Harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift concerns
- Some 2018-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator; 2019-2021 Ranger; 2020-2021 Escape, Corsair, Explorer,...
- This article supersedes TSB 21-2342 to update the Issue, Action, and Service Procedure
- Slow fuel fill and/or spit back condition during refueling
- Certain 2021 Explorer Vehicles Equipped with 2.3L Engines ; Inspect Left Hand Engine Mount in some of the...
- Harsh or delayed engagement/shift concerns
- Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect,...
- Lack of power with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC)...
- Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0106 stored in the...
- No-start with a Stop Safely Now warning message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). The vehicle may...
- Illuminated airbag warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1404:13 and/or B1407:13. This may...
- A/C blowing warm air with DTC P0645 present in the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) module
- Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect,...
- Brake pedal pulsation or vibration when the brakes are applied
- Inoperative driver switchpack (windows inop, mirror control unresponsive, etc.). DTC B1088:87 may be...
- Noise when the brakes are applied
- AutoHold System Fault message displayed in the IPC message center on vehicle start-up with no diagnostic...
- Inoperative charging pad, slow charging, a notification that the phone has been mispositioned on the...
- Transmission fluid leak at the engine disconnect clutch pressure sensor
- Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicle customers may receive a message in their FordPass or Lincoln Way...
- Blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode
- Some 2020-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles are equipped with an anti-fogging feature known as enhanced...
- Inoperative cooling fan and/or a vehicle overheat message
- Intermittent blue screen on the center infotainment display for one or more cameras when the 360 degree...
- Seat pan looseness, lateral movement and/or clunk/thump noise on turns
- Customer concern of undesirable powertrain sounds inside the vehicle and/or less than optimal speaker...
- In some of the effected vehicles the active noise cancelation (ANC) and electronic sound enhancement (ESE)...
- Light to moderate ticking type noise at idle (600-700 RPM). The noise is usually more prominent in the...
- Inoperative power liftgate
- Inoperative second row seat power fold function
- Intermittent audio echo/robotic voice heard during a bluetooth phone call by the person that is not in the...
- Lack of heat from the passenger side of the vehicle when using the climate control
- Erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition
- Buzzing noise coming from the center console or cowl area with engine speed around 1500 RPM at idle or...
- Condition of missing Authorization, Command and Control, Battery Charging Details or Phone-as-a-Key setup...
- Some 2018-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may not be able to perform remote commands via the...
- Some 2018-2021 vehicles supported by FDRS may not list a software update for a module under the SW Updates...
- Transmission fluid leak that appears to be coming from between the hybrid drive unit and transmission case...
- Certain 2021 Model Year Explorer/Aviator All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Equipped with 3.0L Engines Engine...
- For 2018-2021 EcoSport/Expedition/Navigator, 2019-2021 Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021...
- Intermittent no crank, inoperative remote start, and/or an illuminated wrench light with diagnostic...
- 2020-2021
- Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P27B2 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) memory
- Illuminated MIL with DTC P025A And/Or DTC U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be...
- In all of the affected vehicles, the installed high-output alternator and powertrain control module (PCM)...
- Various electrical concerns due to an open 3 or 4 post fuse array on the high current battery junction box...
- Harsh or delayed engagement/shift concerns with or without transmission diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) in...
- Illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0020...
- Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U0100, U0155, P166B,...
- Flashing powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator while in transport mode with diagnostic trouble code...
- Illuminated malfunction indicator (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0106 stored in the powertrain...
- Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may appear to have low...
- Inoperative 3rd row power seat folding with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B1231:54 and/or B1232:54...
- Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 07-Dec-2020 may falsely store diagnostic...
- Illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning lamp with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C0031, C0034,...
- Lack of power with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)...
- Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0100 stored in the...
- Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B154D:15 and/or B11CE:15 stored in the power fold seat module (SCMJ). If...
- Water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or exhibit water in the spare tire area
- Illuminated malfunction indicator (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0106 stored in the powertrain...
- 2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles without a diesel engine and/or without a...
- Inoperative air conditioning, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp, and/or an illuminated powertrain...
- Flashing powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator while in transport mode with diagnostic trouble code...
- Intermittent no crank, inoperative remote start, and/or an illuminated wrench light with diagnostic...
- Light to moderate ticking type noise at idle (600-700 RPM). The noise is usually more prominent in the...
- Flashing powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator while in transport mode with diagnostic trouble code...
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