2021 Ford Explorer Technical Service Bulletins

299 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.

• 11021975Aug 14, 2025Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Other or unknown. 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, 2025Other or unknown, Electrical system. 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…
• 11020959Jul 29, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2023 Explorer, 2022-2023 F-150, and 2023-2024 Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with a 2.3L/3.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and/or powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P25B3, P25B4, P25B5, P25B6, P2ABA, P2ABB, P2ABC, P2AB7, P2AB8, and/or P2AB9 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may…
• 11020053Jun 25, 2025Fuel system. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator, 2020-2025 Police Interceptor Utility, 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2450:00 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to an evaporative emission system concern or may also be caused by the customer…
• 11020044Jun 25, 2025Engine, Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2021-2024 Edge/Nautilus, 2021-2025 Bronco/Bronco Sport/E-Series/Escape/Corsair/Expedition/Navigator/Explorer/Aviator/F-150/F-Super Duty/Mustang/Ranger, and 2022-2025 Maverick vehicles may require an A/C compressor clutch assembly replacement be performed for various concerns. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 412-00 Removal and Installation has been updated to eliminate the need to remove and install the A/C…
• 11019702Jun 20, 2025Other or unknown, Electrical system. Some 2021-2025 Ford/ Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC4 may not be able to perform an update to the accessory protocol interface module (APIM). This may be due to the software in the APIM. Ford Engineering has de-activated the ability to update these SYNC4 APIM modules as applicable, and the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) will not present an update for the APIM module.
• 11020078Jun 19, 2025Engine. Certain 2021 - 2022 Model Year Various Vehicles Engine Valve Inspection Test
• 11019492Jun 4, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2023 Aviator/Explorer and 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles equipped with a 10R60 transmission may exhibit harsh or delayed engagement/shift concerns. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01 > Diagnosis and Testing for normal diagnostics. The WSM has been updated with information from previously published articles related to this concern.
• 11018780May 29, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit delayed reverse engagement. This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM).
• 11018597May 21, 2025Steering. This article supersedes TSB 25-2121 to update the affected production build dates. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a click/pop noise while turning the steering wheel from straight ahead to full lock during low speed turning events. This noise may be due to front upper strut mount washer movement under steering loads.
• 11018521May 13, 2025Engine, Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020 Continental, 2020-2024 Edge/Nautilus, 2020-2025 Explorer/Aviator/Escape/Corsair/F-150/F-Super Duty/Ranger/Transit/E-Series, 2021-2025 Bronco, and 2022-2025 Maverick vehicles may require an engine cooling system flush to be performed for various concerns. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-03 has been updated to eliminate the need to remove and install the radiator assembly to perform a radiator flush.
• 11019259May 10, 2025Other or unknown. Certain 2018-2024 model year various vehicles — update sync software
• 11017121Apr 17, 2025Other or unknown. This bulletin supersedes TSB 24-2436. Reason for update: update the Part List and Service Procedure 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…
• 11017059Apr 8, 2025Other or unknown. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator, 2020-2025 Police Interceptor Utility, 2020-2025 Escape/Corsair, 2022-2025 Maverick, and 2024-2025 Nautilus vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2450:00 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to an evaporative emission system concern or may also be caused by…
• 11016084Mar 28, 2025Other or unknown. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a click/pop noise while turning the steering wheel from straight ahead to full lock during low speed turning events. This noise may be due to front upper strut mount washer movement under steering loads.
• 11016068Mar 24, 2025Other or unknown. Some 2020-2025 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may require removal of the left turbocharger oil supply tube due to various concerns.
• 11013132Jan 17, 2025Other or unknown. Some 2017-2025 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100 transmission may exhibit a whine noise at idle and/or while driving.
• 11012854Jan 11, 2025Other or unknown. Some 2018-2024 F-150/Edge, 2018 MKX, 2019-2023 Nautilus, 2020-2025 Explorer/Aviator, 2021-2024 Bronco, and 2024 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an engine oil leak from the crankshaft rear seal with retaining plate.
• 11012856Jan 10, 2025Other or unknown. "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"
• 11012851Jan 10, 2025Other or unknown. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Escape/Corsair, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport, and 2022 Maverick vehicles may exhibit an inoperative driver door window control switch (windows inoperative, mirror control unresponsive, etc.).
• 11012217Dec 4, 2024Other or unknown. Certain 2018 - 2024 Model Year Various Vehicles Update SYNC Software
• 11010950Nov 27, 2024Other or unknown. Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs. Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs.
• 11009445Oct 24, 2024Other or unknown. Some 2018-2024 F150/Edge, 2018 MKX, 2019-2023 Nautilus, 2020-2025 Explorer/Aviator, 2021-2024 Bronco, and 2024 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost or a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an engine oil leak from the crankshaft rear seal with retaining plate.
• 11009831Oct 15, 2024Suspension. In some of the affected vehicles, the rear axle bolt may fracture. A fractured rear axle bolt will allow the rear axle housing to move out of position, resulting in severe noise and vibration. If the rear axle bolt breaks, the driveshaft or half shafts may become disconnected, resulting in loss of transmission torque to the rear wheels. Transmission torque is necessary to hold the vehicle in park and is also needed…
• 11008948Oct 10, 2024Other or unknown. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.
• 11008391Sep 26, 2024Other or unknown. Various Vehicles Equipped With A 10R80 Automatic Transmission - Harsh/Delayed Engagement And/Or Harsh/Delayed Shift - Built On Or Before 15-Aug-2022
• 11007977Sep 20, 2024Other or unknown. Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator/Corsair, 2021-2024 F-150/Bronco, 2023-2024 F-Super Duty, and 2024-2025 Nautilus vehicles may experience the overhead console sunglass bin cannot be locked in a closed position.
• 11007973Sep 19, 2024Other or unknown. Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition.
• 11006772Aug 26, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2022 Explorer, 2020-2023 Transit, 2021-2022 F-150, 2021-2022 Mustang and 2022 Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with a 10R80 transmission (excluding hybrid) may exhibit harsh/delayed engagements and/or harsh/delayed shifts, an illuminated MIL with DTC P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732…
• 11006770Aug 26, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator and 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 10R80 MHT transmission may exhibit harsh/delayed engagements and/or harsh/delayed shifts, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735…
• 11006862Aug 23, 2024Other or unknown. Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a telematics control unit module (TCU) may exhibit the Location toggle button in the Connectivity setting menu grayed out with an inability to switch it off.
• 11006458Aug 2, 2024Seats. Some 2020-2025 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may have a concern where the second row outboard manual/power seats do not fold, exhibit excess effort to fold, or do not slide forward/backward easily. Power or manual second row seats must be pushed forward manually during easy entry function since the assist spring will reduce but not eliminate manual effort. Refer to the Owner's Manua
• 11006452Aug 2, 2024Other or unknown. Some 2020-2024 Escape/Explorer, 2021-2024 F-150, 2022-2024 Maverick and 2024 Nautilus vehicles equipped with a full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) powertrain may exhibit a cable connection error screen from the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger. The xRC-3363 will prompt the technician to verify the low voltage connections when no actual fault is present. This may be due to the software level…
• 11006036Jul 23, 2024Other or unknown. Certain 2018 - 2024 Model Year Various Vehicles Update SYNC Software In all the affected vehicles, due to an error in the SYNC software, you may experience SYNC system instability concerns and/or a failure to preserve certain settings across ignition cycles. This may result in a black infotainment screen that does not affect rear view camera, incorrect language setting, erased or unsaved radio presets, and…
• 11005746Jul 16, 2024Other or unknown. Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various FordPass/LincolnWay connectivity concerns including but not limited to: missing activation prompt (pop-up) on the vehicle's center display screen when attempting to activate vehicle through FordPass/LincolnWay, incorrect location/global positioning system (GPS) reported through FordPass/LincolnWay, problems with remote commands…
• 11005710Jul 9, 2024Other or unknown. Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/response from module using the universal USB updater. This may be due to low memory in the APIM commonly occurring on software level NU5T-14G381-AB/BB.
• 11006038Jul 4, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Axle Bolt Fractures In some of the affected vehicles, the rear axle bolt may fracture. A fractured rear axle bolt will allow the rear axle housing to move out of position, resulting in severe noise and vibration. If the rear axle bolt breaks, the driveshaft or half shafts may become disconnected, resulting in loss of transmission torque to the rear wheels.
• 11003146Jun 28, 2024Other or unknown. Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System, or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/response from module using the universal USB updater. This may be due to low memory in the APIM commonly occurring on software level
• 11001646Jun 6, 2024Other or unknown. This article supersedes TSB 23-2307 to update the Service Procedure and vehicle model years affected. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Transit Connect, 2019-2023 Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger, 2020-2021 Expedition/Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair/Super Duty/EcoSport, 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator/Transit, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience…
• 11001180May 31, 2024Other or unknown. This article supersedes TSBs 24-2100 and 24-2070 to add 2023 F-150 vehicles, update the TSB Issue statement and the TSB Service Procedure.
• 11000297May 18, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. Various vehicles equiped with 10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100/10R140 transmissions may require replacement of the seal kits (7153) when internal repairs are being performed. These kits come with 4 wheel drive (4WD) seals and will no longer include the 2WD seals. When working on a 2WD vehicle, any 2WD seals must be ordered separately. Refer to the parts catalog for the proper 2WD seals required.
• 11000295May 16, 2024Electrical system. Some 2021-2024 F-150-3.5L FHEV, 2020-2024 Explorer 3.3L FHEV, 2020-2024 Escape 2.5L FHEV, and 2022-2024 Maverick 2.5L FHEV vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P237F and/or P2C23 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) and no affect on drivability. This may be due to seal damage, corrosion and/or water intrusion in the exhaust coolant temperature (ECT) sensors 3 and/or 4 connector.
• 10254143Apr 25, 2024Other or unknown. Some 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles may exhibit keyless entry keypad inoperative and/or does not illuminate when any keypad button is pressed following ignition off timeout period with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) in the body control module (BCM). This may be due to network wake up signal processing. To correct this condition, reprogram the BCM using the latest software level of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair…
• 10254141Apr 25, 2024Other or unknown. Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0627, P025A, P025B, P00C6, P008A and/or U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Diagnosis should include checking the fuel pump monitor (VE518) and/or a fuel pump control (VE225) circuits, connector pin push-outs, damaged pins/terminals, and/or loose/corroded grounds.
• 10254138Apr 24, 2024Equipment. All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet…
• 10253684Apr 10, 2024Body and structure, Other or unknown. Some 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles may exhibit various issues with the roof rack side. If there is an issue with the roof rack side that requires replacement, a lower level service part is now available separately (7855114 and 7855115). It is no longer necessary to replace the entire roof rack assembly.
• 10252673Mar 29, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. This article supersedes TSB 24-2059 to update the Service Procedure LTIS statement. Some 2021-2022 F-150, 2022-2023 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang and 2020-2023 Transit/Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 10R80/10R80MHT transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) that are stored in the…
• 10252520Mar 22, 2024Engine cooling. This TSB supersedes TSB 22-2377 to update the vehicle model years affected and Parts List. Some 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine or 2020-2023 Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost or 3.0L PHEV engine may exhibit a ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine on initial start-up after a cold soak of 6 hours or more that may last for 2-5…
• 10252662Mar 13, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. This article supersedes TSB 23-2351 to remove 2023 F-150 10R80 and 10R80 MHT vehicle applications. The 2023 F-150 10R80 and 10R80 MHT vehicles will be the subject of a separate article.
• 10252664Mar 12, 2024Electrical system. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator 3.0L plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and/or powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P084B stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the software thresholds in the PCM. To correct this condition, perform the Service Procedure below to reprogram the PCM to…

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