2020 Ford ExplorerService bulletins
2020 Ford Explorer Technical Service Bulletins
366 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2020 Ford Explorer. TSBs are notes manufacturers send to dealers about repair procedures for issues seen in the field. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault.
- 10181911Oct 16, 2020Equipment, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Some 2020 Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built on 26-May-2020 and through 28-May-2020 may have been built with windshield washer fluid contaminated with brake fluid. If a vehicle exhibits a-pillar and/or rear liftgate trim or tail lamp appearance concerns, collect a sample of the washer fluid using a suction device and place in a white paper or Styrofoam cup. Washer fluid that appears green in color…
- 10181870Oct 8, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 30-Sep-2020 may experience an intermittent or constant blank/black screen on the center infotainment display due the low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) cable at the SYNC accessory protocol interface module (APIM) not being fully seated. Verify that the connector is fully seated into the APIM prior to performing any other diagnostics or repairs on the…
- 10181918Oct 2, 2020Electrical system, Equipment, Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0C48, P0C49, P2B29, P0CFF, P0E1F, P0C4B, P0C4A, P2CF3, P0A06, P0A07, P2D01, P2D00, P2D03, P2D04, P0C73, and/or P2D02 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the software in the battery energy…
- 10180428Sep 25, 2020Engine cooling. Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may collect on the turbocharger, it is very rare for a turbocharger to leak oil. To isolate the source of the leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 General Information > Diagnosis and Testing > Engine > Engine Oil…
- 10180421Sep 24, 2020Electrical system. Some 2020 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). Service part LU5Z-14526-ALD has been released for the 3 post fuse array and LU5Z-14526-ANC has been released for the 4 post fuse array. It is no longer necessary to order the complete wiring harness to obtain these parts.
- 10180415Sep 23, 2020Equipment. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor vehicles built on or before 19-Aug-2019 may exhibit an A/C system that is inoperative or does not cool properly. This may be due to a low refrigerant charge and/or system leak. Normal Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnosis and testing procedures may not verify any leaks.
- 10180407Sep 22, 2020Engine cooling. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a hybrid engine and built on or before 04-Aug-2020 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and/or engine overheating fault message with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0217 and/or P06EF stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to an assembly pin left in the accessory drive belt tensioner during…
- 10180404Sep 22, 2020Seats. Some 2020 Explorer vehicles may exhibit loose fitting side trim panels on the front row lower seat cushions and upper seat backs. This may cause the seat cover to appear to be cut improperly. The seat cover should not be replaced for this concern. Adjust the seat side trim panels for proper fit.
- 10180374Sep 18, 2020Latches, locks and linkages. Some 2020 Police Interceptor vehicles built on or before 24-Jul-2020 may exhibit a front door lock cylinder that is difficult to turn with the key. This may be caused by the lock pawl in the front door latch. To correct the condition, revised front door latches LB5Z-78219A65-F (left) and LB5Z-78219A64-F (right) have been released for service. Use Rotunda key part number 164-R0479 in conjunction with the updated…
- 10180399Sep 14, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. In some of the affected vehicles, a leak in the transmission oil cooler may occur due to a crack developing near the oil cooler line fittings. Loss of transmission fluid could lead to transmission noise, harsh shifts or the inability to shift out of park.
- 10180390Sep 9, 2020Steering. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built on 07-Nov-2019 and through 04-Aug-2020 may exhibit a lack of power steering assist at initial engine start-up with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C102D stored in the power steering control module (PCSM). This may be due to the software in the PCSM.
- 10180340Sep 9, 2020Electrical system, Back-over prevention (rear camera). Some 2019 MKZ, 2019-2020 Mustang/Continental/Fusion/F-150/Transit Connect/ Ranger/Edge/Nautilus and 2020 Escape/Corsair/Aviator/Explorer/Expedition/ Navigator/F-Super Duty vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure.
- 10180367Sep 4, 2020Engine, Electrical system, Equipment. Some 2020 Escape and Explorer hybrid vehicles may experience discharge of the high voltage battery (HVB) with DTCs P0DE6 and P0A7D. This may be due to the vehicle not being operated for an extended length of time or from a crank/no-start condition. If the HVB is discharged, refer to the applicable GSB and Workshop Manual section to confirm if off-board charging is required. Note that the voltages in the GSB do not…
- 10180365Sep 4, 2020Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may display a distance to empty value in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) that does not correctly represent the actual fuel level of the vehicle. This may be due to excessive idling and/or a learned value in the powertrain control module (PCM) that is incorrect. To correct the condition, perform the PCM - Reset the Keep Alive Memory (KAM) application…
- 10180336Sep 2, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. This article supersedes TSB 20-2107 to update the Part List. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 19-May-2020 and equipped with a 10R60 automatic transmission may exhibit a harsh 7-6 gear downshift. This may be caused by the A clutch piston return spring snap ring becoming dislodged. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the front support and A clutch assemblies.
- 10180334Sep 2, 2020Engine cooling, Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P062C or P179D stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) and a possible lack of power. This may be due to the software in the PCM. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.
- 10179156Aug 31, 2020Brakes. This article supersedes TSB 20-2135 to correct the Service Procedure. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Corsair vehicles built on or before 23-Jul-2020 may inadvertently activate the reverse braking assist system while backing up. This may be perceived as the system is too sensitive to surrounding objects. This may be due to the software in the image processing module B (IPMB).
- 10179189Aug 26, 2020Electrical system. Some 2020 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with SYNC built on or before 30-Aug-2019 may exhibit a discharged battery/no crank condition. This may be caused by the software in the accessory protocol interface module (APIM), body control module (BCM) and/or the telematics control unit (TCU) module. To correct the condition, reprogram the APIM, BCM, and the TCU using the latest software level of…
- 10179152Aug 21, 2020Engine cooling. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a rattle type noise originating from the exhaust flexible pipe. This may be due to the natural harmonic frequency of the pipe. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to install a worm gear clamp over the exhaust flexible pipe.
- 10179179Aug 18, 2020Seats. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 04-Sep-2019 equipped with memory seats may exhibit the driver front seat moving forward during easy entry/exit operation when the vehicle is turned off. This may be due to the software in the driver front seat module (DSM). To correct the condition, reprogram the DSM using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool.
- 10179176Aug 18, 2020Engine cooling. Some 2020 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. When checking the engine oil level after shutting off the engine wait at least 15 minutes prior to checking in order to allow the oil to drain back to the oil pan. The engine oil level can be…
- 10179344Aug 12, 2020Electrical system, Engine, Equipment. Some 2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit incomplete user authorization, no authorization pop-up on the SYNC infotainment system, vehicle connectivity concerns, vehicle location disabled message and/or various FordPass/LincolnWay App command/control concerns. To correct these conditions, ensure that customer connectivity settings (CCS) are turned on in the SYNC system.
- 10179334Aug 12, 2020Electrical system. Some 2017-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app , incomplete user authorization and/or no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition prior to programming, remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes then reinstall. Delete all previous session files for the vehicle. Verify that the electronic serial number…
- 10179121Aug 12, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2019 MKZ, 2019-2020 Mustang/Continental/Fusion/F-150/Transit Connect/ Ranger/Edge/Nautilus and 2020 Escape/Corsair/Aviator/Explorer/Expedition/ Navigator/F-Super Duty vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure
- 10179330Aug 11, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may not be able to properly disable remote start through the SYNC interface. This may be due to the current level SYNC software installed. To correct this condition, program the SYNC module. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00. If no update is available or the condition persists after programming, refer to WSM, Section 303-06 for further diagnosis.
- 10179317Aug 10, 2020Equipment. Some 2020 Explorer vehicles built on or before 01-Dec-2019 may exhibit heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) airflow or temperature not operating as commanded. This may be perceived as a lack of airflow from various vents or inconsistent temperature from side to side. This may be due to the software in the HVAC module. To correct the condition, reprogram the HVAC module using the latest software level of…
- 10179115Aug 5, 2020Electrical system, Fuel system. Some 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost/3.3L Duratec engine and a rotary gear shift knob built on or before 14-Jul-2020 may exhibit slow fuel fill, premature fuel nozzle shut off, and/or spit back during refueling with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the software in the PCM. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure…
- 10179311Aug 4, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) and built on or before 15-Jul-2020 may exhibit various warning/fault indicators with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C006A:74 and/or P166E stored in the AWD module and/or U0102 stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. This may be due to the software in the AWD module.
- 10178050Jul 31, 2020Engine cooling. Some 2020 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L Hybrid engine and built on or before 17-Jul-2020 may exhibit a harsh shift, a harsh engagement to DRIVE and/or REVERSE and/or a buck/jerk/hesitation condition at low speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the software in the PCM. To correct the condition, follow the Service…
- 10177885Jul 31, 2020Brakes, Electrical system, Engine. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 15Jul-2020 may exhibit a perceived soft/low brake pedal at initial vehicle start up with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0047:64 stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. The vehicle may also exhibit an illuminated ABS, Advance Trac, and/or red brake warning lamp, and possible Advance Trac Fault message displayed. This may be due to the software in the…
- 10178049Jul 29, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine built on or before 14-Jul-2020 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0299. This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.
- 10178010Jul 29, 2020Latches, locks and linkages. Some 2020 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built on or before 21-Apr-2020 may exhibit inoperative manual rear door locks. This may be due to the manual rear door lock cable becoming dislodged from the rear door. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to apply adhesive to the manual rear door lock cable.
- 10177876Jul 29, 2020Back-over prevention (rear camera), Electrical system, Equipment. Some 2020 Corsair/Explorer/Super Duty vehicles built on or before 27-May-2020 and not equipped with a 360-camera system may exhibit various rear parking aid camera concerns such as poor image quality, flickering and/or completely inoperative. If a vehicle exhibits any of these conditions, replace the rear parking aid camera. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 413-13.
- 10177714Jul 23, 2020Latches, locks and linkages, Electrical system. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 17-Feb-2020 may exhibit an intermittent partial opening of the power liftgate and/or false activation of the anti-theft alarm with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B144D, B144E, B1555 and/or B1556 stored in the rear gate trunk module (RGTM). This may be due to the software in the RGTM improperly sensing that the liftgate is ajar.
- 10177713Jul 21, 2020Brakes. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 13-Dec-2019 may exhibit a hard brake pedal or reduced pedal travel when the transmission is initially placed in gear with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. This condition only occurs at initial vehicle start-up and will no longer be present after the brake pedal is released and re-applied during the same key…
- 10177711Jul 20, 2020Engine cooling. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and/or Engine Coolant Over Temperature warning with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0116, P0117, P0118, P0119, P0128, P0217, P0330, P1026, P1299, and/or P130D. This may be due to the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor or ECT sensor wiring harness. To correct the condition…
- 10177855Jul 17, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 19-May-2020 and equipped with a 10R60 automatic transmission may exhibit a harsh 7-6 gear downshift. This may be caused by the A clutch piston return spring snap ring becoming dislodged. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the front support and A clutch assemblies.
- 10177709Jul 17, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine and built on or before 10-Jan-2020 may exhibit various transmission concerns requiring either disassembly and repair or complete transmission replacement. When performing transmission service, inspect the transmission oil cooler. If the cooler is not equipped with a support bracket fastened to the transmission bellhousing, replace the transmission oil…
- 10177707Jul 17, 2020Brakes. Some 2020 Explorer PHEV vehicles built on or before 13-Dec-2019 may exhibit a hard brake pedal or reduced pedal travel when the transmission is initially placed in gear with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. This condition only occurs at initial vehicle start-up and will no longer be present after the brake pedal is released and re-applied during the same key…
- 10177863Jul 13, 2020Body and structure. This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
- 10177701Jul 10, 2020Brakes. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a perceived lack of power brake assist or extended brake pedal travel at initial vehicle start up with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0047:64 stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. The vehicle may also exhibit an illuminated ABS, Advance Trac, and/or red brake warning lamp, and possible Advance Trac Fault message displayed. This may be caused by the…
- 10177702Jul 9, 2020Body and structure. Some 2020 Explorer/Police Interceptor vehicles built on or after 14-Nov-2019 may not be equipped with an installation point behind the front fascia to mount a front recovery hook. The installation point was deleted as a running change. The vehicle is not misbuilt. The addition of any parts would not be considered a warrantable repair. Do not submit a claim for this condition.
- 10177695Jul 1, 2020Electrical system. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built on or before 22-June-2020 may exhibit a Front Camera Fault message and/or Collision Warning Not Available message with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U3000:49 stored in the image processing module A (IPMA). This may be due to the software in the IPMA. To correct the condition, reprogram the IPMA using the latest software level of the appropriate…
- 10177124Jun 30, 2020Engine cooling. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a rattle type noise originating from the exhaust flexible pipe. This may be due to the natural harmonic frequency of the pipe. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to install a worm gear clamp over the exhaust flexible pipe.
- 10177122Jun 26, 2020Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system, Engine cooling. Some 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine and built on or before 02-Dec-2019 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P062C and/or P2243. This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.
- 10177033Jun 22, 2020Electrical system. Some 2020 Escape/Corsair/Explorer/Aviator vehicles may have diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0100 stored in the audio front control module (ACM). This DTC will not cause observable conditions or warning indicators for the customer. If this DTC is detected during pre-delivery inspection (PDI) or while diagnosing unrelated conditions, it should be disregarded.
- 10177032Jun 22, 2020Equipment. Some 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may experience an intermittent or constant blank/black screen on the center infotainment display due the low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) cable at the SYNC accessory protocol interface module (APIM) not being fully seated. Verify that the connector is fully seated into the APIM prior to performing any other diagnostics or repairs on the vehicle for this concern. If the…
- 10177040Jun 18, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. Some 2020 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles that had dark car mode enabled or disabled with FDRS on or before 21-May-2020 may have inadvertently had the remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitters disabled. To correct the condition, reprogram the RKE transmitters with FDRS application BCM - Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter Programming. For claiming, use causal part 15607 and applicable labor operations in…
- 10177042Jun 17, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. Some 2016-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a SYNC 3 Touchscreen may experience the volume control unresponsive from the Front Control Interface Module (FCIM) and steering volume controls when using Apple Car Play. When the Apple device is removed, volume control is restored. This is due to a concern with the Waze Navigation App software and Apple iOS version.
- 10176948Jun 16, 2020Steering, Equipment. Some 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with a leather wrapped steering wheel may exhibit the leather covering becoming untucked or separating from the steering wheel. The leather may be able to be re-adhered to the steering wheel. Steering wheel replacement may not be necessary. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 211-04 Steering Column > General Procedures > Steering Wheel Cover Repair for the updated repair…
← All problems reported for the 2020 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.