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.

• 10233695Mar 8, 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)…
• 10232485Feb 28, 2023Equipment. Some vehicles equipped with a 2.7L, 3.0L,3.5L or 5.0L engine may require replacement of the long block engine assembly. New service kits have been released which include all the one-time-use components required in the service procedure for removal and replacement of the long block engine assembly. Refer to the Ford Electronic Parts Catalog (ECAT) for long block service kit part number by application.
• 10232484Feb 28, 2023Back-over prevention (rear camera). Some 2020-2021 Explorer vehicles with 2.3L engine may exhibit a lack of heat from the passenger side vents of the vehicle when using the climate control. When diagnosing for insufficient, erratic or no heat from passenger side vents, perform Workshop Manual (WSM) pinpoint (PPT) tests K, and referred pinpoint tests G/H, and/or AE as applies. If WSM PPT tests are inconclusive, replace heater core per WSM Section…
• 10232481Feb 23, 2023Electrical system. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit the A/C blowing warm air with DTCs P0645, P2CFC, and/or P2CFD present in the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) module. This may be due to spread terminal/terminal pushout in wire harness 14290 and on the corresponding pins to the body control module C (BCMC). Before replacement of the BCMC, disconnect all connectors from the BCMC and check the BCMC…
• 10232477Feb 21, 2023Transmission and drivetrain, Brakes. Some 2020-2021 Escape/Bronco Sport/Explorer and 2020-2021 Corsair/Aviator vehicles equipped with electric brake booster (EBB) built on or before 1-Aug-2022 may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator and stability-traction control warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U3000:96 erroneously stored in the ABS module. This condition occurs during connection or power…
• 10230780Jan 30, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. 2020-2022 Aviator/Explorer/Police Interceptor, 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 10R80 MHT transmission and built on or before 15-Nov-2022 may exhibit an 8th gear start after coming to a stop and/or a no movement in Reverse condition. This may be due to the driver applying the accelerator pedal and brake pedal simultaneously during regenerative braking.
• 10230835Jan 19, 2023Electrical system. Some 2018-2023 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer 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). This may be due to an intermittent or partial disconnect of the harness to the fuel pump control module (FPCM) connector, connector pin push-outs, damaged pins/terminals…
• 10230800Jan 13, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2D40. This may be due to the high voltage battery thermal system not cooling as it should. Follow the updated WSM Section 414-03 including listed possible sources, visual inspection and prechecks, and diagnostic…
• 10228881Dec 20, 2022Equipment, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). 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…
• 10228876Dec 16, 2022Brakes. Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting…
• 10228761Dec 16, 2022Fuel system. This article supersedes TSB 22-2176 to increase the labor operation allowance and update the part list. Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair vehicles built on or before 3-Jan-2022, 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles built on or before 14-Feb-2022, 2020-2022 Aviator vehicles built on or before 07-Feb-2022 and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles built on or before 3-Dec-2021 may exhibit a slow fuel fill and/or spit back condition…
• 10228800Dec 13, 2022Equipment. Some 2020-2021 Expedition/Navigator, 2020-2022 F Super Duty/Explorer, 2021-2022 Bronco/Corsair/Escape/Bronco Sport, 2022 Maverick vehicles may exhibit the wireless charger inoperative or poor performance when using some Apple iPhone models that use MagSafe wireless charging including iPhone 12 and 13. This may be due to limited compatibility with the wireless accessory charging module (WACM). To correct the…
• 10228866Dec 12, 2022Back-over prevention (rear camera). Some 2015-2020 Edge, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019-2020 Nautilus, 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator, and 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair/Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an inoperative power liftgate. This may be due to the rear gate trunk module (RGTM) software. To correct the condition, reprogram the RGTM using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool.
• 10228864Dec 12, 2022Electrical system. Some 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with multiple diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These DTCs may include P04F0, P008A, P0451, P0455, P0456, P0496 and/or P018C. This may be due to the wiring harness connection at connector C1198 on driver's side lower frame area underneath the brake lines that route near the electric brake booster…
• 10228846Dec 1, 2022Other or unknown. Some 2020-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a telematic control unit (TCU) may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, and/or modem electronic serial number (ESN) could not be displayed in the center display screen. To correct this condition prior to programming, remove the TCU fuse for 5-minutes then reinstall. Delete all previous session…
• 10225445Oct 18, 2022Engine cooling. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost 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 seconds. This may be due to a worn variable cam timing (VCT) unit. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the VCT units.
• 10224335Oct 14, 2022Electrical system. Some 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with multiple diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These DTCs may include P04F0, P008A, P0451, P0455, P0456, P0496 and/or P018C. This may be due to the wiring harness connection at connector C1198. Prior to replacement of any components, inspect the connector and wiring harness for any damage or pin…
• 10224334Oct 13, 2022Other or unknown. Some 2020-2022 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a telematic control unit (TCU) may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, and/or modem electronic serial number (ESN) could not be displayed in the center display screen. To correct this condition prior to programming, remove the TCU fuse for 5-minutes then reinstall. Delete all previous session…
• 10222788Oct 6, 2022Brakes. Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting…
• 10222064Sep 26, 2022Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2021-2022 Explorer - Timberline - vehicles may exhibit a rear differential that is venting rear axle fluid. This may result in a noise, odor, or leak noticed by the customer. Inspect the rear of the vehicle for signs of rear differential fluid venting into the rear wheel well, or leaking from the rear differential. If signs of fluid leaks are found from any seals, repair as necessary per Workshop Manual…
• 10222520Sep 23, 2022Suspension, Wheels. Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Axle Bolt Replacement REF : NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD Safety Recall 22S27 Supplement #3
• 10222524Sep 22, 2022Electrical system. Certain 2020 - 2022 Model Year Aviator PHEV and Explorer PHEV Vehicles Reprogram Powertrain Control Module In all of the affected vehicles, if the vehicle is charging via the charging cable and the customer requests a remote start, disconnects the charging cable, and then drives the vehicle, the engine may not start when needed and the vehicle will be limited to high voltage battery power.
• 10220380Sep 12, 2022Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a hybrid powertrain may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2D40. This may be due to the chiller not interpreting the correct cooling value of the high voltage battery chiller. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to diagnose the cause of the incorrect value.
• 10218605Aug 18, 2022Transmission and drivetrain, Engine cooling. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit automatic transmission fluid (ATF) contamination in the engine cooling system due to the transmission cooler. If the cooling system becomes contaminated with ATF, the system must be flushed clear of the contamination after the source of the contamination has been repaired.
• 10217835Aug 8, 2022Engine cooling. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L Duratec engine may exhibit delayed acceleration response under heavy to wide open throttle input after an engine start. This concern occurs only during the first 30 seconds from key on with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The customer may perceive this as a delayed throttle response or…
• 10217832Aug 2, 2022Engine cooling. Some 2018-2021 F-150 3.3L, 2020-2021 Explorer 3.3L, and 2020-2021 Transit 3.5L may experience an illuminated low oil pressure and malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0521 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) after a short block or long block replacement. This may be due to a design change of the engine oil pressure (EOP) sensor, which is not backwards compatible.
• 10217830Aug 1, 2022Equipment. Some 2018-2022 Ford/Lincoln vehicles equipped with a wireless charging pad may exhibit one of the following if the customer is using a Magsafe iPhone (iPhone 12 or 13): slow charging, inoperative, notification that the phone has been mispositioned on the charging pad and/or the phone charging icon in the center screen display is not showing.
• 10217028Jul 29, 2022Electrical system. Some 2017-2022 Ford/Lincoln customers may experience a notification in the FordPass®/LincolnWay® app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. This occurs when 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 50%. A warning may also set if the…
• 10216544Jul 22, 2022Equipment. Some 2019-2022 Edge/Nautilus, 2018-2022 Expedition/Navigator, 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a family entertainment system may experience the audio is not synchronized with the video display when using the vehicle speakers. To correct this condition, contact the VOXX Customer Service Department at 1-866-869-7888. For claiming, refer to the Warranty and Policy manual for Ford Licensed Accessories.
• 10215589Jul 1, 2022Equipment. Some 2020-2022 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.
• 10215368Jun 29, 2022Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit a rear differential that is venting rear axle fluid. This may result in a noise, smell, or leak noticed by the customer. Inspect the rear of the vehicle for signs of rear differential fluid venting in the right rear wheel well (oil staining in the wheel well liner and/or oil residue on the wheel end assembly below) or leaking from the…
• 10214878Jun 29, 2022Back-over prevention (rear camera). 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…
• 10214870Jun 28, 2022Transmission 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…
• 10214841Jun 24, 2022Transmission and drivetrain. 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator and 2021-2022 F-150 hybrid vehicles equipped with a 10R80 MHT require the Transmission Strategy Download application in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) to be run after certain transmission or module repairs. The Transmission Strategy Download routine is failing in FDRS levels 32.5.3 and 32.5.4. The FDRS development team is working to resolve this in a future release of FDRS.
• 10214839Jun 23, 2022Equipment. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a concern of inoperative, rattling, crackling and/or distorted sound from one or more speakers. In order to correct the condition, make sure to completely follow the diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00, Pinpoint Test D for vehicles without SYNC 3, and WSM, Section 415-00B, Pinpoint Test E for vehicles equipped with SYNC 3.
• 10214825Jun 22, 2022Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic transfer case operation and/or noise. This may be due to water intrusion between the transmission and the transfer case. The transfer case installation procedure has been updated in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-07B to prevent this concern from reoccurring. Follow the updated WSM procedure to make sure the top of the…
• 10214832Jun 21, 2022Electrical system. Some 2017-2022 Ford and Lincoln vehicle owners may experience a condition of missing authorization, command and control, battery charging details or phone-as-a-key setup buttons/selections in their FordPass or LincolnWay App. This condition is due to an error within the FordPass or LincolnWay App and not due to a concern on the vehicle. Verify that the customers FordPass or LincolnWay App is at the latest version.
• 10214753Jun 21, 2022Fuel system. Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair vehicles built on or before 3-Jan-2022, 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles built on or before 14-Feb-2022, 2020-2022 Aviator vehicles built on or before 07-Feb-2022 and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles built on or before 3-Dec-2021 may exhibit a slow fuel fill and/or spit back condition during refueling. This may be due to the design of the fuel tank filler pipe. To correct the condition…
• 10214496Jun 20, 2022Seats. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a second row folding seat that is inoperative or requires excessive effort to fold. This may be due to tension built up within the seat and seat track that leads to more force required to manually fold the seat. To correct the condition, the second row seat frame will need to be unbolted from the floor and tightened in the correct sequence.
• 10214129Jun 10, 2022Suspension. Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer (Non-Police) Vehicles - Rear Axle Repair After Bolt Fracture. In some of the affected vehicles, the rear axle mounting bolt may fracture during vehicle acceleration. A fractured rear axle bolt will allow the rear axle housing to move out of position, resulting in severe noise and vibration.
• 10214125Jun 9, 2022Electrical system. 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…
• 10214158Jun 8, 2022Electrical system. Some 2018-2022 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer 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). This may be due to an intermittent or partial disconnect of the harness to the fuel pump control module (FPCM) connector, connector pin push-outs, damaged pins/terminals…
• 10212961May 30, 2022Seats. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit inoperative third row power seat folding. This may be due to the software in the power fold seat module (SCMJ). To correct the condition, connect a battery charger and reprogram the SCMJ using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. After reprogramming the SCMJ, perform a manual re-learn procedure.
• 10212959May 26, 2022Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit the A/C blowing warm air with DTCs P0645, P2CFC, and/or P2CFD present in the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) module. This may be due to spread terminal/terminal pushout in wire harness 14290 and on the corresponding pins to the body control module C (BCMC). Before replacement of the BCMC, disconnect all connectors from the BCMC and check the BCMC…
• 10212958May 26, 2022Body and structure. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an inoperative power liftgate when using intelligent access (IA) features such as the hands free liftgate or when using the outside control button on the liftgate handle when the doors are locked. This may be due to a poor wiring connection at connector C4332 for the rear keyless entry antenna. If these symptoms are present, inspect C4332 (below the liftgate…
• 10212957May 24, 2022Electrical system. Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as door lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle location, etc. The battery drain may be caused by excessive calls for data through the vehicle network keeping it in an…
• 10211911May 13, 2022Electrical system, Air bags. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator and 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles may exhibit an illuminated airbag warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1404:13 and/or B1407:13. This may be due to contamination and relative movement in the connection between the wiring harness and the side airbag. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the affected connector with a service pigtail and the…
• 10211731May 5, 2022Engine, Engine cooling. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition. If during the preliminary inspection the transmission fluid is found to be a foamy pink color this may indicate possible cross contamination of engine coolant and transmission fluid due to an internally leaking transmission fluid cooler assembly.
• 10211724May 3, 2022Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2020-2021 Escape vehicles and 2021 F-150/Mustang Mach-E/Expedition/Explorer vehicles built on or before 22-Nov-2021 may exhibit a concern of the audio inoperative, no sound from audio speakers, chimes default to coming through the Instrument cluster, no communication with audio control module (ACM) or digital signal processor (DSP) module, and/or DTC U1084, U0237 and/or U0238. This may be due to the software…
• 10211722May 2, 2022Engine cooling. 2019-2021 Ranger and 2020-2021 Explorer with 2.3L EcoBoost engines and customer concern of increased engine oil level and/or fuel smell in oil. This may occur when operating conditions do not regularly allow the oil to reach full operating temperature such as: frequent short trips, long periods of idling or driving in stop and go traffic, and/or prolonged driving in cold climates.

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