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.

• 10210424Apr 15, 2022Exterior lighting, Electrical system, Body and structure. Some 2021 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative side marker turn signals. This may be due to incorrect data in the driver door module (DDM). To correct the condition, run the DDM and passenger door module (PDM) Configuration Application using the latest level of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). For claiming, use causal part 14B291 and applicable labor times found in Section 10 of the Service Labor…
• 10210242Apr 6, 2022Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2018-2022 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) 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 or loose/corroded grounds.
• 10210240Apr 6, 2022Electrical system, Equipment, Back-over prevention (rear camera). Some 2017-2022 Transit Connect/Transit/Explorer vehicles equipped with a fleet telematics global positioning system (GPS) and a connected human machine interface (HMI) radio (CHR) may experience concerns with rear camera zoom, wrong map matching or a blank display. If these concerns are present, it's likely to be a software issue caused by the audio control module (ACM) that can be remedied by updating the ACM…
• 10210941Apr 5, 2022Equipment, Other or unknown. In various 2017-2022 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…
• 10209382Mar 28, 2022Engine cooling, Equipment. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may appear to have a low engine oil level if the proper procedures are not followed. Refer to the Owner's Manual, 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…
• 10209414Mar 22, 2022Electrical system, Fuel system, Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020 - 2022 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)…
• 10209207Mar 21, 2022Seats, Equipment. This article supersedes TSB 21-2185 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Corsair vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement and/or clunk/thump noise on turns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reinforce the cushion hook.
• 10209212Mar 15, 2022Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2017-2022 Transit Connect/Transit/Explorer vehicles equipped with a fleet telematics global positioning system (GPS) and a connected human machine interface (HMI) radio (CHR) may experience concerns with rear camera zoom, wrong map matching or a blank display.
• 10209202Mar 15, 2022Equipment. Some 2020-2022 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.
• 10209028Mar 9, 2022Body and structure, Latches, locks and linkages, Equipment. Some 2018-2021 Expedition and 2020-2021 Explorer vehicles may intermittently exhibit doors unable to lock/unlock and/or difficult to open in freezing temperatures. This may be due to water entering the interior door latch lock indicator cable assembly. To resolve the condition, replace the affected latch and cable assembly per Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-14. Use the latest level service parts only.
• 10208154Feb 21, 2022Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2021-2022 Bronco/F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility and 2022 Transit 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.
• 10208148Feb 17, 2022Electrical system. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit an illuminated stability-traction control and/or powertrain malfunction warning indicators with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C00A8:11, C00A8:13, C00A6:71, C00A6:74, and C00A6:99 present in the AWD module. This may be due to a damaged wiring harness rubbing against the underbody heat shield where it routes over and into the…
• 10208146Feb 17, 2022Seats. Some 2017-2018 Focus/MKX/C-MAX, 2017-2019 MKC/Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2017-2020 Fusion/MKZ/Continental, 2017-2022 Mustang/Edge/Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Escape/F-150/F-Super Duty, 2018-2022 Expedition/Navigator, 2019-2022 Ranger/Nautilus, 2020-2022 Corsair/Aviator, and 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E vehicles may exhibit a noisy, incorrectly operating, and/or inoperative seat motor. This may be due to a damaged or…
• 10208142Feb 16, 2022Engine cooling, Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.3L hybrid engine may exhibit delayed acceleration response, hesitation and/or a buck/jerk condition at low vehicle speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The customer may perceive this as a delayed throttle response or lack of power. This may be more noticeable when switching between…
• 10208108Feb 10, 2022Engine cooling. Some 2021-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine and built on 01-Aug-2021 and through 03-Jan-2022 may exhibit a lack of rear heat. This may be due to incorrectly routed coolant hoses in the engine bay. To correct the condition, inspect the 90 degree quick connect coolant hoses attached to the heater outlet hose on the driver's side of the engine.
• 10207899Feb 7, 2022Brakes. Some 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with the 2.3L engine may exhibit a red brake warning lamp and/or brake system warning message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) with a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P050F in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module and a firm brake pedal. This may be due to contamination in a brake booster vacuum line. To correct this condition, replace the vehicle's vacuum hose…
• 10207898Feb 7, 2022Suspension. Some 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a rear axle mounting bolt that has broken. In order to correct the condition, the rear subframe, differential cover, and mounting bolts will need to be replaced in addition to any other damaged components. Inspect the halfshafts, drive shaft, and differential for any damage, replacing damaged components as necessary. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 502-00 for…
• 10207895Feb 2, 2022Electrical system, Body and structure, Other or unknown. Some 2020-2021 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.). Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1088:87 may be present in the driver door module (DDM). This may be due to the software in the DDM. To correct the condition, reprogram the DDM with the latest software…
• 10207888Feb 1, 2022Body and structure, Other or unknown. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a wind/whistle type noise at highway speeds originating from the front A-pillar applique (either side or both). This may be due to a small gap between the outboard side of the A-pillar applique and the moulding. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to install thin strips of flock tape on the A-pillar applique.
• 10207134Jan 28, 2022Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a driveline vibration. Workshop Manual (WSM) Pinpoint Tests G (driveline shudder) and H (driveline vibration) have been updated in WSM, Section 205-01.
• 10207114Jan 12, 2022Forward collision avoidance, Electrical system, Lane departure. Some 2020-2022 F-Super Duty/Explorer/Aviator and 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles may exhibit a Front Camera Fault, Lane Keeping Fault, and/or Collison Warning Not Available message with various diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) stored in the image processing module A (IPMA).
• 10207049Jan 7, 2022Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Some 2011-2022 Explorer and 2020-2022 Aviator vehicles may experience an inoperative roof opening panel motor. If diagnostics lead to a motor replacement, visually inspect the original motor for signs of water intrusion. If found, determine source of water leak prior to replacing the motor. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-17, Pinpoint Test A for 2011-2016 and Pinpoint Test B for 2017-2022 for…
• 10205717Dec 24, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles and 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 10R80 MHT automatic transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or a harsh/delayed shift with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6, P07F7, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704…
• 10205694Dec 23, 2021Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2016-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a condition where the navigation voice prompts are inoperative after a SYNC map update. This may be due to an incomplete installation of the SYNC map software. If possible, using the original USB that installed the update, reperform the update and verify the navigation voice prompts have returned. Multiple reboots are expected when this…
• 10205531Dec 17, 2021Engine cooling. Some 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P04F0 and/or P144C stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to loose or partially connected evaporative emissions (EVAP) vapor lines. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to make sure the EVAP vapor lines are…
• 10205488Dec 17, 2021Electrical system, Equipment. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit poor sound quality from the left and/or right front speaker while using Bluetooth audio. This may be due to concerns with the wiring harness or connections of connector C2383A, C202, and/or C4240B. Prior to the replacement of the affected speaker, inspect the inline connections at connectors C2383A, C202, and C4240B for damage or incorrect pin fit.
• 10205484Dec 14, 2021Electrical system. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with multiple diagnostic trouble codes (DTC). 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 fit concerns. If any damage or pin fit concerns…
• 10205482Dec 14, 2021Equipment. Some 2018-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit inoperative remote features via the Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed or DTCs U2100 and/or B156D in the telematics control unit (TCU). These symptoms may persist even after performing a TCU software update and/or replacement. To correct this condition, start a new session with the…
• 10205474Dec 8, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2021 Bronco/F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, non-hybrid, 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. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01, DTC Chart and/or Diagnosis By Symptom to identify the…
• 10205444Dec 6, 2021Transmission 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.
• 10204040Nov 23, 2021Engine cooling. Some 2018-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator; 2019-2021 Ranger; 2020-2021 Escape, Corsair, Explorer, Transit; 2021 Bronco, Bronco Sport, Edge, Nautilus, F-150, Mustang; 2019-2022 Transit Connect; 2020-2022 Aviator, F-Super Duty; and 2022 Maverick vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0496, P0456, P0455, P04F0, and/or P0451. Ford has tested…
• 10203656Nov 19, 2021Electrical system, Equipment. This article supersedes TSB 21-2342 to update the Issue, Action, and Service Procedure. 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 and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Sirius audio…
• 10202721Oct 19, 2021Equipment, Engine. Certain 2021 Explorer Vehicles Equipped with 2.3L Engines ; Inspect Left Hand Engine Mount in some of the affected vehicles, the left hand (LH) engine mount may leak hydraulic fluid. Once it leaks enough fluid, the mount will no longer perform as intended. This can lead to increased vehicle vibration and noise.
• 10202698Oct 19, 2021Fuel system, Equipment. Some 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair vehicles built on or before 30-Mar-2021 and Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 09-Apr-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, follow the Service Procedure to replace the fuel tank filler pipe.
• 10202705Oct 8, 2021Electrical system, Equipment. 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 and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software.
• 10202622Oct 8, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2021 Bronco/F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, excluding hybrid, may exhibit harsh or delayed engagement/shift concerns. Most concerns may be addressed with the PCM/TCM Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In Routine. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01, DTC Chart and/or Diagnosis By Symptom to identify the clutch(s) to be cycled.
• 10202614Oct 4, 2021Engine cooling. Some 2019-2021 Edge/Nautilus/Ranger, 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair/Explorer, and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost may exhibit a lack of power with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P02AB, P0243, P0299, P1464, P25B3, P25B4, P2AB7, P2AB8 and/or P2AB9. This may be due to an inoperative wastegate actuator, missing wastegate actuator e-clip or…
• 10201700Sep 28, 2021Engine cooling. Some 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.3L or 5.0L engine, Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.5L Duratec engine, and Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0106 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) after key-off transportation of the vehicle to higher altitudes.
• 10201604Sep 24, 2021Electrical system. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator Hybrids, 2021 Corsair Hybrid, 2021 F-150 PowerBoost, and 2021 Mustang Mach-E vehicles may exhibit a no-start with a Stop Safely Now warning message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). The vehicle may have one or more of the following DTCs P0A23, P0A6F, P0A72, P0A75, P0A71, P0A74, P0A77, P0DFA, P06B1, P0A47, P1A0E set by the secondary on-board diagnostic module C (SOBDMC) or…
• 10201624Sep 13, 2021Electrical system, Air bags. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator and 2021 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 steps to replace the affected connector with a service pigtail and the…
• 10201589Sep 10, 2021Electrical system, Equipment. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit the A/C blowing warm air with DTC P0645 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 pins and wire…
• 10201620Sep 9, 2021Equipment, Transmission and drivetrain. 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 and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software.
• 10201619Sep 6, 2021Equipment, Electrical system, Brakes. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator hybrid vehicles may exhibit a brake pedal pulsation or vibration when the brakes are applied. The customer may state that the anti-locking brake system (ABS) system is activating without any indicators on the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This may be due to the regenerative braking software in the ABS module. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure Steps to perform a…
• 10201576Sep 2, 2021Electrical system, Equipment. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an inoperative driver switchpack (windows inop, mirror control unresponsive, etc.). DTC B1088:87 may be present in the DDM. To correct the condition perform the Driver Door Module (DDM) configuration application using the Ford diagnostic scan tool. After running the configuration application, perform a window learn routine via the ford diagnostic scan tool. The…
• 10201034Aug 25, 2021Brakes. Some 2013-2021 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…
• 10200762Aug 20, 2021Electrical system. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an AutoHold System Fault message displayed in the IPC message center on vehicle start-up with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. This may be due to the software in the ABS module. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reprogram the powertrain control module (PCM) and/or ABS module using…
• 10201019Aug 17, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicle customers may receive a message in their FordPass or Lincoln Way App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the SYNC Connect or FordPass Connect feature or Lincoln Connect or Embedded Modem Do not replace the TCU or perform any repair to resolve this condition. Refer the owner of the vehicle to Ford Pass Guides or Lincoln Way Concierge…
• 10201016Aug 17, 2021Transmission and drivetrain, Engine. Some 2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility/F-150 Hybrid vehicles equipped with a 10R80 modular hybrid transmission (MHT) may exhibit a transmission fluid leak at the engine disconnect clutch pressure sensor. This condition may be due to loose engine disconnect clutch pressure sensor fasteners. To correct the condition, tighten the engine disconnect clutch pressure sensor fasteners per Workshop Manual…
• 10201015Aug 17, 2021Electrical system. Some 2018-2021 Ford/Lincoln vehicles equipped with a wireless charging pad may exhibit an inoperative charging pad, slow charging, a notification that the phone has been mispositioned on the charging pad and/or the phone charging icon in the center screen is not showing. This may be due to the customer's phone if they are using an iPhone 12. Vehicles equipped with a wireless charging pad are designed to charge best…
• 10201013Aug 16, 2021Electrical system. Some 2016-2021 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 or SYNC 4 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. This is considered normal due to the power saving features enabled while in transport mode. It is beneficial for battery life to keep the vehicle in transport mode until the vehicle is prepped for sale.

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