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.

• 10251952Mar 6, 2024Engine cooling. For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause…
• 10251934Mar 1, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section…
• 10250852Feb 29, 2024Electrical system. Some 2020-2023 Ford and Lincoln SYNC3 equipped vehicles may experience an inaccurate notification in the FordPass®/LincolnWay® app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode message is expected if the vehicle has not been started for 14 consecutive days, battery voltage is at/below 9.5 volts or the body control module (BCM) 12 volt battery state of charge (SoC) drops…
• 10251468Feb 22, 2024Equipment, Body and structure. This article supersedes TSB 23-2181 to add 2024 vehicle model year. Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a lack of audio and/or a water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or water in the spare tire area. The customer may indicate that this concern is more noticeable after a car wash or rainfall. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to identify the leak path.
• 10251467Feb 22, 2024Electrical system, Equipment. This article supersedes TSB 23-2208 to add 2024 model year vehicles. Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator non-hybrid vehicles may exhibit radio static and/or poor radio sound quality when moving. This may be more noticeable on AM radio stations. This may be caused by an electromagnetic interference concern
• 10249176Jan 18, 2024Electrical system. Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit poor speaker sound quality and/or tick-tock noise while activating turn signals and streaming audio over Bluetooth. Customers may describe static heard during a Bluetooth phone call or a door speaker buzz or tick noise with the pulse of the turn signal. This may be due to concerns with the 14401/14A005 wiring harnesses or connector damage.
• 10248062Dec 21, 2023Electrical system. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator and/or 4WD Fault Service Required message with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C00A6:71, C00A6:74, C00A6:99, C00A7:11, C00A7:13, C00A8:11, and/or C00A8:13 present in the AWD module. This may be due to a damaged wiring harness rubbing against the underbody heat shield…
• 10246123Nov 15, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2021-2023 F-150, 2022-2023 Expedition/Navigator, 2022-2023 Mustang, 2020-2023 Transit, 2020-2023 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. stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM).
• 10246128Nov 14, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine, 2022-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine, and 2023-2024 Expedition/Navigator vehicles 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. This may be due…
• 10246125Nov 14, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator and 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles equipped with a 10R60 transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM).
• 10245354Nov 7, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. This article supersedes TSB 23-2120 to exclude Police Interceptor vehicles with column shift. Some 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator and 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 10R80/10R80 MHT or 10R60 (excluding Police Interceptor vehicles with column shift) may exhibit a momentary transmission neutral-out condition while in drive.
• 10244707Oct 5, 2023Equipment, Electrical system, Other or unknown. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator, 2021 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. This may be due to the SYNC Software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update…
• 10243655Sep 28, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 10R80 MHT transmission may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P084B stored in the PCM. The Workshop Manual (WSM) has recently been updated to provide new direction for DTC P084B.
• 10243648Sep 21, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100 transmission may exhibit a whine noise at idle and/or while driving. This may be identified as coming from the bellhousing and the front of the transmission fluid pan. The whine noise may become louder when the transmission is at operating temperature and may increase with engine revolutions per minute (RPM) in the park (P)…
• 10243609Sep 20, 2023Equipment. Some vehicles equipped with power folding mirrors may exhibit power folding mirrors that are inoperative or exhibit a clicking sound. This may be due to the mirrors being manually folded in, during transportation, going through a car wash, bumped in a parking lot, or found during pre-delivery inspection (PDI). Prior to the replacement of any components, attempt to synchronize the mirrors by following the Power…
• 10242845Sep 20, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles with a hybrid powertrain may experience a harshness and/or vibration felt through the seat, steering wheel and/or center console at 25-50 mph (40-80 km/h). This may be due to constant velocity (CV) joint instability at dynamic angles close to zero. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to install a driveline shim.
• 10243495Sep 13, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds. The concern may also be described as a grinding and/or chatter noise. If the Workshop Manual (WSM) leads to replacement of the rear axle, inspect the differential for damage and differential fluid for metallic chunks in the fluid.
• 10243478Sep 1, 2023Electrical system. Some 2020-2022 Aviator/Explorer Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a concern where the EV power flow does not display in the center display screen. This may be due to the SYNC module (APIM) software. Download and run the APIM-SYNC Module (APIM) Standard Programming application using the latest software level of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). After programming the APIM to the latest level, the EV power flow…
• 10242851Sep 1, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L hybrid engine, 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine and 2020-2023 Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L hybrid engine may exhibit a powertrain malfunction indicator lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the belt integrated starter generator (BISG). To correct this…
• 10241601Aug 24, 2023Engine cooling, Transmission and drivetrain. 2020-2023 Explorer non-hybrid vehicles and equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost or 3.3L Duratec engine and 2020-2023 Aviator non-hybrid vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine built on or before 01-Jan-2023 may exhibit an exhaust rattle requiring replacement of the left or right exhaust flexible pipe (5G203). The updated part locates the flexible joint portion of the pipe closer toward the catalytic converter than…
• 10241447Aug 14, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. This article supersedes TSB 22-2428 and 23-2176 to update the Issue, Action and Service Procedure. Some 2017-2023 F-150, 2018-2023 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger, 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Transit and 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80/10R80MHT transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with…
• 10240724Aug 4, 2023Exterior lighting, Electrical system. Some 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a condition of intermittent headlamp operation while the vehicle is OFF and have diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1533 stored in the body control module (BCM). This may be due to the internal logic within the headlamp switch. To correct this condition, replace the headlamp switch (service base PN: 11654). Refer Workshop Manual, Section 417-01.
• 10241627Aug 2, 2023Electrical system. In various 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, customers may receive a message in the FordPass or LincolnWay App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the (SYNC Connect) FordPass or LincolnWay app through the TCU Embedded Modem. If this message appears, the vehicle may be equipped with a fleet telematics module. Replacement of the TCU or TCU related repairs will not prevent…
• 10240578Aug 1, 2023Engine cooling, Fuel system. 2020-2023 Explorer non-hybrid vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost or 3.3L Duratec engine and 2020-2023 Aviator non-hybrid vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an exhaust rattle requiring replacement of the left or right exhaust flexible pipe (5G203). The updated part locates the flexible joint portion of the pipe closer toward the catalytic converter than the originally equipped part.
• 10240575Aug 1, 2023Transmission and drivetrain, Suspension. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds. The concern may also be described as a grinding and/or chatter noise. If the Workshop Manual (WSM) leads to replacement of the rear axle, inspect the differential for damage and differential fluid for metallic chunks in the fluid.
• 10240240Jul 26, 2023Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) built on or before 30-Aug-2021 may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) C00A6 and/or C0631. This may be due to the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the front axle disconnect…
• 10239483Jul 14, 2023Electrical system, Equipment. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit poor speaker sound quality and/or tick-tock noise while activating turn signals and streaming audio over Bluetooth. Customers may describe static heard during a Bluetooth phone call, or a door speaker buzz or tick noise with the pulse of the turn signal. This may be due to concerns with the 14401/14A005 wiring harnesses or connector damage.
• 10239474Jul 13, 2023Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator non-hybrid vehicles may exhibit radio static and/or poor radio sound quality when moving. This may be more noticeable on AM radio stations. This may be caused by an electromagnetic interference concern. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to install new grounds on the rear knuckle.
• 10239099Jul 7, 2023Back-over prevention (rear camera), Equipment. Some 2020-2021 Escape built on/before 23-Nov-2021, 2021 F-150 built on/before 08-Oct-2021, 2021 Mustang Mach-E built on/before 29-Mar-2021, 2021 Expedition built on/before 05-Aug-2021, 2021 Explorer built on/before 27-Sep-2021 and 2020-2022 Edge may exhibit a concern of the audio system does not power on, no sound from audio speakers, chimes default to coming through the instrument cluster, no communication with…
• 10238468Jul 3, 2023Transmission and drivetrain, Engine cooling. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and low oil pressure warning in the instrument panel cluster (IPC), with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0521 and/or P0524 in the powertrain control module (PCM). This condition may be caused by an internal oil pressure leak.
• 10238283Jun 23, 2023Body and structure, Latches, locks and linkages. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a lack of audio and/or a water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or water in the spare tire area. The customer may indicate that this concern is more noticeable after a car wash or rainfall. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to identify the leak path.
• 10237977Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. Some 2020-2023 Ford and Lincoln SYNC3 equipped vehicles may experience an inaccurate notification in the FordPass®/LincolnWay® app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode message is expected if the vehicle has not been started for 14 consecutive days, battery voltage is at/below 9.5 volts or the body control module (BCM) 12 volt battery state of charge (SoC) drops below…
• 10237972Jun 16, 2023Seats, Equipment. Some 2020-2023 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 Manual > Seats > Rear Seats > Adjusting…
• 10237795Jun 12, 2023Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. Some 2020-2023 Aviator/Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.0L hybrid engine may exhibit illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator and stop safely now warning. Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0AA6:00 may be stored in the battery energy control module (BECM). Inspect the right side frame rail area near the bank 1 charge air cooler (CAC) intake pipe clamp for chafing the orange high voltage harness.
• 10240743Jun 8, 2023Equipment. The Service Awareness Newsletter is an informal communication that contains information that may not be presently available in a TSB, SSM, GSB, or other electronic communication. This article includes information on warranty, technical service tips and other service information.
• 10237786Jun 7, 2023Transmission and drivetrain, Equipment, Other or unknown. TSB 22-2428 is missing some labor operations. For any missing labor operations, claim available new model labor operations or m-time. Refer to this article on the repair order. When replacing the CDF cylinder, the current TSB does not require a complete transmission overhaul or cooler and converter flushing. Ford is currently reviewing the TSB. Monitor OASIS for updates.
• 10237785Jun 6, 2023Transmission and drivetrain, Other or unknown. Some 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission may exhibit a delayed reverse engagement. 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.
• 10236680May 29, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2017-2023 F-150, 2018-2023 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger, 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Transit and 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles equipped with a 10R60 transmission and built on or before 23-Dec-2022 or with a 18R80/10R80MHT transmission and built on or before 15-Aug-2022 may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift.
• 10236688May 26, 2023Engine cooling. Some 2021-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L engine may exhibit an upper engine thump/knock noise coming from the left cylinder head. This condition is most noticeable at idle and may lessen at higher engine speed or while driving. This condition does not affect vehicle durability and will not get worse over time.
• 10236590May 22, 2023Electrical system. 2020-2023 Escape/Explorer, 2021-2023 F-150 and 2022-2023 Maverick 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. The technician will need to delete the WiFi connection…
• 10236573May 16, 2023Brakes, Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator and 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 10R80/10R80 MHT or 10R60 may exhibit a momentary transmission neutral-out condition while in drive. Vehicle may also have diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P07E6 and/or P07E4 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM) and/or a possible audible noise. This may be due to a leak in the park…
• 10236339May 11, 2023Equipment, Exterior lighting. Some 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a condition of intermittent headlamp operation while the vehicle is OFF and have diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1533 stored in the body control module (BCM). This may be due to the internal logic within the headlamp switch. Switch and/or module replacement will not resolve this condition. Headlamp operation is not affected while the vehicle is ON. A new headlamp switch…
• 10236031May 6, 2023Steering, Body and structure, Electrical system. There is a parts and labor time error for Explorer/Aviator 3.0L EcoBoost and Aviator 3.0L plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Ford is in the process of updating TSB 23-2114. Explorer or Aviator with 3.0L EcoBoost or 3.0L PHEV engine require new sub frame bolts and a steering shaft pinch bolt. Aviator will also require suspension nuts and bolts missing from the TSB that are related to halfshaft removal and…
• 10234127Apr 6, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) built on or before 30-Aug-2021 may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) C00A6 and/or C0631. This may be due to the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the front axle disconnect…
• 10235153Apr 4, 2023Body and structure. For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist.
• 10234125Apr 3, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Transit, 2021-2023 F-150/Bronco, 2022-2023 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang and 2023 F-250/F-350 Super Duty vehicles may exhibit harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift concerns. These may be addressed with the powertrain control module (PCM)/transmission control module (TCM) Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In Routine and/or a main control overhaul.
• 10233577Mar 30, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2021-2023 Explorer Timberline vehicles may exhibit differential fluid venting from the differential fluid vent. The customer may notice differential fluid pooling below the vehicle or saturating the wheel well liner. This may be due to the differential vent tube not having enough positive incline. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the differential vent tube.
• 10233922Mar 28, 2023Electrical system. 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator with start/stop push button ignition switch may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B108A:01 (general electrical failure), B108A:24 (signal stuck high), and/or B108A:9E (stuck on). The ignition mode light emitting diode (LED) indicator may also flash quickly.
• 10233738Mar 15, 2023Equipment. Some 2020-2023 Ford and Lincoln SYNC3 equipped vehicles may experience an inaccurate notification in the FordPass®/LincolnWay® app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode message is expected if the vehicle has not been started for 14 consecutive days, battery voltage is at/below 9.5 volts or the body control module (BCM) 12 volt battery state of charge (SoC) drops…
• 10233725Mar 14, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator 4x4/AWD vehicles with hybrid powertrain may experience a harshness and/or vibration felt through the seat, steering wheel and/or center console after initial driveaway between 25-50 MPH (40-80 Km/h) that lessens after driving 5-10 minutes. This may be due to driveshaft center bearing bounce mode during cold ambient temperatures. To resolve the concern, install a softer durometer…

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