2021 Ford Explorer Technical Service Bulletins

297 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2021 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.

• 11038440Oct 8, 2026Other or unknown, Engine. Some 2020-2026 Aviator/Explorer/F-150/Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L (non-diesel) engine may need the front engine cover removed and reinstalled for various reasons.
• 11038165Oct 6, 2026Other or unknown, Engine. Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0L EcoBoost/hybrid engine may exhibit blue or black exhaust smoke on startup for the first 5 minutes after an overnight cold soak with no illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or powertrain diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) present. This may be due to engine oil breaching the dynamic oil seals separating the bearing core from the turbine housing in the…
• 11037671Sep 16, 2026Suspension, Other or unknown, Vehicle speed control. This article supersedes TSB 25-2373 to update a print error on publication. Some vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C00A6 and/or C0631. This may be due to the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft.
• 11036595Aug 26, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown, Transmission and drivetrain. This article supersedes 26-2287. Reason for update: update the labor operation numbers to add MT to operations C, F, G, H, J, K, L and M, and correct the part number LIMZ-4A015-B to L1MZ-4A015-B.
• 11036530Aug 22, 2026Seats, Other or unknown. For Various Ford and Lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion cover J-clips, lower-level service parts are now available. Use service part W709919-S901 if the J-clip is completely detached from the seat cover and W715386-S424 if the clip is still partially attached. It is not necessary to replace the seat cover if only the J-clip is separating from the cover.
• 11036103Aug 5, 2026Electrical system, Body and structure, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Some 2020-2025 Explorer vehicles equipped with a power roof opening panel may exhibit a sunshield with localized bunching or binding/inoperative. This may be due to a broken or missing sunshield fabric retainer/clip. A revised sunshield clip (LJ6Z-5452118-B) is now available to address this condition. It is not necessary to replace the entire sunshield assembly if the clip(s) are broken or missing.
• 11035556Aug 3, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown, Fuel system, Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine, 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine, and 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost 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…
• 11035465Jul 9, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 26E04 Certain 2021-2025 Model Year F-150, Maverick, Mustang, Ranger, Expedition, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Bronco, Navigator, and Aviator Vehicles Powertrain Control Module Software Update
• 11034011Jun 18, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This article supersedes 25-2302. Reason for update: update the labor time allowance for F-150 vehicles, update the Parts list to replace the part number W716979-S439 with W721084-S439, and add a note for LV fluids XT-10-QLVC and CXT-10-LV6 "Transfer Case Fluid".
• 11034228Jun 11, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Customer Satisfaction Program 26N09 Certain 2020 Model Year Escape, 2020-2021 Corsair, 2020-2021 Aviator, and 2020- 2021 and 2023 Explorer Vehicles Front Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement, if Required After Dealer Evaluation
• 11033775Jun 5, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R60 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. Workshop Manual (WSM) updates related to this diagnostic procedure are planned for release in Q4 2026. The new test improves the accuracy of detecting leaks within…
• 11032924May 21, 2026Fuel system. 2020-2026 Explorer/Escape/Corsair, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport/Bronco, 2022-2026 Maverick, 2024-2026 Mustang/Ranger/Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L EcoBoost engine may require removal of the turbocharger wastegate control actuator linkage for various reasons. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-04 Fuel Charging and Controls - Turbocharger - 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost > Removal and Installation > Wastegate…
• 11032909May 19, 2026Suspension. This bulletin supersedes 25-2213. Reason for update: update the Service Procedure to add notes to clarify the customer symptoms, applicability of this TSB, directing technicians to evaluate both front strut mounts, and add Figure 1 to identify the specific area of the strut mount to observe. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a click/pop noise while turning the steering wheel from…
• 11032760May 15, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles may require replacement of the front drive halfshaft inner/outer CV joint boot for various reasons.
• 11033577May 9, 2026Engine. Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model Year Maverick, 2016-2019 Model Year MKC and 2019-2024 Model Year Ranger Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L Engine and Engine Block Heater System Block Heater Replacement
• 11032697May 8, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin supersedes 26-2046. Reason For Update: update the parts list to change the claim quantity of the C clutch friction plates (HL3Z-7B164-A), C clutch steel plates (HL3Z-7B442-F), D clutch steel plates (HL3Z-7B442-D), add the rear driveshaft flange CV joint-to-pinion flange cup bolts and retaining straps (LK4Z-4B496-B) for Transit, and update the parts description for the transfer case fluids applicable…
• 11032565May 4, 2026Transmission and drivetrain, Engine, Electrical system. 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…
• 11032252Apr 29, 2026Fuel system, Other or unknown, Body and structure. Some 2020-2024 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.
• 11031640Apr 27, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. 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…
• 11031411Apr 20, 2026Engine. 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…
• 11031780Apr 8, 2026Electrical system, Fuel system. Customer Satisfaction Program 23B64 Certain 2020-2024 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Equipped with High Voltage Batteries Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Software Update
• 11031263Apr 2, 2026Electrical system, Lane departure. 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…
• 11031262Apr 2, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. 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.
• 11030911Mar 31, 2026Engine. Certain 2021 - 2022 Model Year Various Vehicles Engine Valve Inspection Test This submission includes : Technical Instructions Updated wording and description with additional photo.
• 11030282Mar 25, 2026Other or unknown, Back-over prevention (rear camera), Lane departure. Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
• 11030791Mar 19, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. 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…
• 11030107Mar 12, 2026Other or unknown. 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.
• 11029539Feb 28, 2026Fuel 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…
• 11029052Feb 24, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system, Body and structure. 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).
• 11029595Feb 17, 2026Electrical system. Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various connectivity concerns with The Ford App Lincoln App including but not limited to: missing activation prompt pop-upon the vehicle's center display screen when attempting to activate vehicle through The Ford App Lincoln App, incorrect location global positioning system GPS reported through The Ford App Lincoln App, problems with…
• 11029081Feb 17, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. 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.
• 11028832Feb 13, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2611. Reason For Update: Change the part number for the transmission fluid heat exchanger bolt (Expedition/Navigator) as well as change the claim/package quantities for HL3Z-7B442-F and HL3Z-7B164-C.
• 11027821Jan 23, 2026Body and structure. 2020-2026 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may require level III ballistic panels to be replaced due to broken mounting tabs. Individual level III ballistic panel mounting tab service parts are now available: right-hand (78201B68) and left-hand (78201B69). Replacement of the level III ballistic panel assembly is not required for this condition. Level IV ballistic panels do not have removable mounting tabs and…
• 11027718Jan 16, 2026Other or unknown. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a cupholder base that is damaged or broken. This may be due to the heat stake clips detaching from the cup holder assembly.
• 11027608Jan 7, 2026Other or unknown, Vehicle speed control, Suspension. This article supersedes TSB 25-2373 to update a print error on publication. Some vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C00A6 and/or C0631. This may be due to the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft.
• 11027124Dec 18, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2474 for 3 Part List corrections. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed shift * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701…
• 11026928Dec 2, 2025Other or unknown. Special Field Action 25L02 Certain 2017-2024 Model Year California Emissions-Certified Vehicles Transmission Control Assembly Reimbursement
• 11024872Oct 30, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2429 for a labor operation correction. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed shift * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701…
• 11024526Oct 21, 2025Electrical system, Lane departure. Some 2020-2025 various 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…
• 11024271Oct 7, 2025Engine. Some 2021-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine, 2021-2023 Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost or 3.0L plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) engine, 2021-2023 Edge/Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost, 2021-2024 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost, and 2021-2024 Bronco and 2024 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a…
• 11023374Sep 29, 2025Body and structure. 2020-2025 MY Explorer hood- customer script
• 11023301Sep 19, 2025Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. This article supersedes TSB 22-2177 to update labor times from M-time to AP-time and add a limit. Some of the vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with only diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P1A0C stored in the PCM. This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM).
• 11023858Sep 17, 2025Other or unknown. Certain Model Year Multiple Vehicles Ford Pass/Lincoln Way Connectivity Concerns
• 11023198Sep 13, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2300 to update the production fix date. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed shift * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700…
• 11022354Aug 25, 2025Other or unknown, Engine. NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD Safety Recall 24S55 – Supplement #1 Dated: August 15, 2025 Customer Satisfaction Program 24N12 Dated June 19, 2025 New! REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT • Rental Vehicles: Added specification that long block replacement must be approved by SSSC for rental coverage to apply. • Labor Allowances: Added labor operation for photo submission on all vehicles and labor operation for…
• 11022389Aug 22, 2025Transmission and drivetrain, Vehicle speed control. This article supersedes TSB 23-2174 to update the Service Procedure, Part List and adding an additional labor operation. Some vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C00A6 and/or C0631. This may be due to the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft.
• 11021973Aug 16, 2025Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. This article supersedes TSB 24-2252 to update the Title, Action Statement, Service Procedure and Part List. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions:  Harsh engagement  Delayed engagement  Harsh shift  Delayed shift  Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC)s P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762…
• 11021971Aug 16, 2025Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2131 to add reprogram for later level software, new Steps 1-4 in Service Procedure. Updated Part List with 3 superseded part numbers.
• 11021975Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Various 2021-2025 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with the rear camera on demand feature may exhibit "Please Check Surroundings For Safety" or "Full View Not Available" messages when the rear camera button is pressed and the vehicle is not in reverse. Inform customers this condition is considered normal operation and does not affect vehicle durability because the full rear view camera image can only be shown…
• 11021803Aug 7, 2025Electrical system, Other or unknown. Various 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a partially or fully black center display screen at start-up using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This does not affect rear camera operation. This may be due to interference from the phone being connected into the media hub using a universal serial bus (USB) cable during SYNC system boot up. To correct his condition, advise the customer…

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