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.

• 10200743Aug 10, 2021Equipment, Electrical 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 and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure.
• 10200995Aug 6, 2021Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Equipment. Some 2020-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles are equipped with an anti-fogging feature known as enhanced windshield anti fogging strategy (EWAFS). This feature automatically adjusts airflow in the cabin to prevent the windshield from fogging up and may be perceived by customers as irregular climate control functionality.
• 10199651Jul 27, 2021Engine cooling. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit an inoperative cooling fan and/or a vehicle overheat message. This may be due to water intrusion into the cooling fan relay, a loose ground connection, or damaged wiring. Before replacement of the cooling fan assembly, perform Pinpoint Test KN. Also, locate the cooling fan relay and inspect for water intrusion or damage. The correct…
• 10199514Jul 26, 2021Electrical system. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Corsair vehicles may exhibit an intermittent blue screen on the center infotainment display for one or more cameras when the 360 degree camera view is activated. To correct the condition, reprogram the image processing module B (IPMB) using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. Once complete, perform the 360 degree camera alignment procedure. Refer…
• 10199519Jul 19, 2021Seats. Some 2020-2021 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.
• 10199506Jul 12, 2021Other or unknown, Engine cooling. Some 2021 Explorer ST and Aviator vehicles may exhibit a customer concern of undesirable powertrain sounds inside the vehicle and/or less than optimal speaker sound from the vehicle. This may be due to the engine sound enhancement (ESE) on Explorer ST vehicles and the active noise control (ANC) on Aviator vehicles not being activated. To correct the condition, use the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) >…
• 10199483Jul 2, 2021Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. In some of the effected vehicles the active noise cancelation (ANC) and electronic sound enhancement (ESE) features were not activated in the audio control module (ACM). This can cause undesirable powertrain sounds inside the vehicle, and less than optimal speaker sound from ST products, resulting in customer dissatisfaction.
• 10199497Jul 1, 2021Fuel system, Engine cooling. Some 2019 MKC, 2019-2021 Edge/Nautilus/Escape/Ranger/Explorer, 2020-2021 Corsair, and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.3L EcoBoost engines may exhibit a light to moderate ticking type noise at idle (600-700 RPM). The noise is usually more prominent in the area of the high-pressure fuel pump, located on the top of the engine just behind the number 4 ignition coil. This noise is not detrimental to…
• 10198658Jun 28, 2021Electrical system, Equipment. Some 2015-2021 Edge, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019-2021 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.
• 10198646Jun 17, 2021Electrical system, Seats. Some 2021 Explorer Limited vehicles built on or before 10-Dec-2020 may exhibit an inoperative second row seat power fold function. This may be due to the configuration of the body control module c (BCMC) and the power fold seat module (SCMJ). To correct the condition, reconfigure the BCMC using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool.
• 10198640Jun 14, 2021Equipment. Some 2019-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an intermittent audio echo/robotic voice heard during a bluetooth phone call by the person that is not in the vehicle. Using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto instead of Bluetooth can help alleviate the concern. Also turning on, then off, the privacy setting in the SYNC touchscreen can temporarily alleviate the concern. Engineering is currently investigating this…
• 10198634Jun 8, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2021 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.
• 10198633Jun 8, 2021Equipment. Some 2020-2021 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a lack of heat from the passenger side of the vehicle when using the climate control. When diagnosing for insufficient, erratic or no heat from passenger side floor vents, first perform pinpoint test (PPT) K.
• 10194648May 27, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a buzzing noise coming from the center console or cowl area with engine speed around 1500 RPM at idle or while driving. This may be due to the transmission park manual release cable vibrating against the transmission. This can be resolved by isolating the transmission park manual release cable with Rotunda PVC foam tape (164-R4901) or equivalent, where it…
• 10194425May 24, 2021Electrical system, Equipment. Some 2017-2021 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.
• 10194433May 13, 2021Equipment, Electrical 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 and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure.
• 10194413May 12, 2021Electrical system, Other or unknown. Some 2018-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may not be able to perform remote commands via the FordPass/LincolnWay App due to an erroneous deep sleep message. If the vehicle has been driven within 14 days and the battery state of charge is above 9.5 volts when the deep sleep message set, this is an erroneous message. Starting and running the vehicle will clear the message and allow the remote commands to function again.
• 10191521Apr 28, 2021Back-over prevention (rear camera). Some 2018-2021 vehicles supported by FDRS may not list a software update for a module under the SW Updates tab although an SSM or TSB is published for a software update. This may be due to the module already being at the latest software level. A later software level may have been programmed at the assembly plant, during a previous dealer visit or by an over the air (OTA) update for vehicles that have automatic…
• 10191102Apr 26, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility and 2021 F-150 Hybrid vehicles equipped with a 10R80 modular hybrid transmission (MHT) and with less than 100 miles (160 kilometers) may exhibit a transmission fluid leak that appears to be coming from between the hybrid drive unit and transmission case joint. This condition may be due to residual transmission fluid trapped between the front module and…
• 10189753Mar 30, 2021Engine cooling. Certain 2021 Model Year Explorer/Aviator All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Equipped with 3.0L Engines Engine Assembly Replacement All of the affected vehicles, an oversized right-hand exhaust camshaft journal was installed in the engine assembly. This may result in a misfire and low compression condition. The check engine light will be illuminated
• 10189587Mar 26, 2021Engine cooling. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a buzzing noise coming from the center console or cowl area with engine speed around 1500 RPM at idle or while driving. This may be due to the transmission park manual release cable vibrating against the transmission. This can be resolved by isolating the transmission park manual release cable with Rotunda PVC foam tape (164-R4901) or equivalent, where it…
• 10189581Mar 25, 2021Electrical system. For 2018-2021 EcoSport/Expedition/Navigator, 2019-2021 Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 Escape/Explorer/SuperDuty/Transit/Aviator/Corsair, 2021 Bronco Sport/F-150/Mustang/Mach-E the Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnostics may direct to replace a module on vehicles that use Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). First, an FDRS session must be created on the vehicle prior to removing the faulted module.
• 10189577Mar 22, 2021Electrical system. Some 2020-2021 Aviator and Explorer vehicles built on and before 24-Feb-2021 may experience an intermittent no crank, inoperative remote start, and/or an illuminated wrench light with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P07E4, B135C and/or U0103. This may be due to a loose ground G210 and/or G214. Check grounds G210 and G214, refer to the Wiring Diagram for location information.
• 10189567Mar 16, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit an illuminated AWD indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C00A6:07, C00A6:18, C00A6:19, C00A6:4B, C00A6:66, C00A6:71, C00A6:74, and/or C00A6:99. It may not be necessary to replace the transfer case clutch actuator. Follow the updated transfer case clutch actuator Pinpoint Tests in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308-07A for…
• 10189553Mar 3, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with an 10R60 automatic transmission may exhibit diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P27B2 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) memory. This DTC may be present due to activation of the transmission park by wire manual release during vehicle assembly and has not yet achieved the 40 warm up cycles needed to be cleared from memory.
• 10188010Feb 23, 2021Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2018-2021 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P025A And/Or DTC 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.
• 10187813Feb 18, 2021Engine cooling, Electrical system. In all of the affected vehicles, the installed high-output alternator and powertrain control module (PCM) calibration were not aligned. A mismatch between the alternator and PCM calibration could cause idle control issues such as engine speed fluctuations, which may cause customer dissatisfaction.
• 10187986Feb 16, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, excluding hybrid, with 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or less may exhibit harsh or delayed engagement/shift concerns with or without transmission diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) in the powertrain control module (PCM). Most concerns at low mileage may be addressed with the accelerated main control break-in routine.
• 10187984Feb 16, 2021Electrical system. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit various electrical concerns due to an open 3 or 4 post fuse array on the high current battery junction box (BJB). Service part LU5Z-14526-ALD has been released for the 3 post fuse array and LU5Z-14526-ANC has been released for the 4 post fuse array. It is no longer necessary to order the complete wiring harness to obtain these parts.
• 10187831Feb 3, 2021Brakes, Electrical system. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built on or before 24-Dec-2020 may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator lamp with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0020 stored in the ABS module. It may not be necessary to replace the ABS module/hydraulic control unit (HCU) to resolve DTC C0020. This may be due to a poor ground connection and/or improper plating on…
• 10187917Feb 1, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2021 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 10R60/10R80-MHT automatic transmission and built on or before 29-Oct-2020 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U0100, U0155, P166B, P0929, and/or P0919. The vehicle may also exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator lamp. This may be due to the software in the gear shift module (GSM).
• 10186648Jan 29, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, excluding hybrid, with 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or less may exhibit harsh or delayed engagement/shift concerns with or without transmission diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) in the powertrain control module (PCM). Most concerns at low mileage may be addressed with the accelerated main control break-in routine.
• 10186622Jan 22, 2021Equipment. Some 2021 F-150/Transit/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor vehicles may exhibit a flashing powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator while in transport mode with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P112A stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to excessive engine starts while the vehicle is in transport mode. To correct the condition, deactivate transport mode. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM)…
• 10186600Jan 14, 2021Engine cooling. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may appear to have low engine oil level if the proper procedures are not followed. Refer to the Owners Guide, 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 can be…
• 10186598Jan 14, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2021 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.2L or 7.3L engine, F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.3L or 5.0L engine, and Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0106 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) while in transport mode, especially in higher altitudes. To correct the…
• 10186402Jan 13, 2021Seats, Electrical system. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with 3rd row power seats may exhibit inoperative 3rd row power seat folding with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B1231:54 and/or B1232:54 stored in the power fold seat module (SCMJ). This may be due to the software in the SCMJ. To correct the condition, connect a battery charger and reprogram the SCMJ using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford…
• 10186401Jan 12, 2021Electrical system, Equipment. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 07-Dec-2020 may falsely store diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U0415 and/or U3000:42 in the image processing module B (IPMB). These DTCs may be associated with camera display issues or a Reverse Brake Assist Unavailable fault message. To correct the condition, reprogram the IPMB using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool.
• 10186400Jan 7, 2021Equipment, Wheels, Brakes. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning lamp with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C0031, C0034, C0037, and/or C003A. This may be due to metal contamination on the wheel speed sensors or wheel speed sensor rings. Verify that all wheel speed sensors and wheel speed sensor rings are free of metal contamination before replacing…
• 10186564Jan 5, 2021Electrical system. Some 2019-2020 Edge/Nautilus/Ranger, 2020 Escape and 2020-2021 Corsair/Explorer 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 (DTCs) P02AB, P0243, P0299, P1464, P25B3, P25B4, P2AB7, P2AB8 and/or P2AB9. This may be due to a missing wastegate actuator e-clip.
• 10184781Dec 24, 2020Transmission and drivetrain, Equipment, Electrical system. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine and built on or before 21-Oct-2020 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0100 stored in the battery energy control module (BECM). This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to…
• 10184636Dec 16, 2020Equipment, Seats. Some 2021 Explorer Limited trim vehicles equipped with the 300A convenience package including 2nd row power-fold backrest and 3rd row manual folding seats may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B154D:15 and/or B11CE:15 stored in the power fold seat module (SCMJ). If these DTCs are noticed during diagnosis of unrelated concerns, they should be ignored. No repairs should be attempted to address these DTCs.
• 10184645Dec 15, 2020Equipment. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicle may exhibit a water leak in the rear liftgate area and/or exhibit water in the spare tire area. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to identify the leak path.
• 10184633Dec 11, 2020Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain, Engine. Some 2021 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.2L or 7.3L engine and Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0106 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) while in transport mode, especially when operated in higher altitudes. To correct the condition, clear the DTCs and deactivate…
• 10184631Dec 9, 2020Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain, Equipment, Engine cooling. 2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles without a diesel engine and/or without a 10R80 MHT transmission have a new PCM-Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In routine added to the Diagnosis and Testing Section of the WSM. This new routine uses the Ford diagnostic scan tool to cycle the shift solenoids and clutch control valves to free them from contamination that may be sticking the…
• 10184629Dec 4, 2020Electrical system, Engine. Some 2021 F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor vehicles may exhibit a flashing powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator while in transport mode with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P112A stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to excessive engine starts while the vehicle is in transport mode. To correct the condition, deactivate transport mode. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section…
• 10184626Dec 4, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine and built on or before 01-Dec-2020 may exhibit inoperative air conditioning, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp, and/or an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with various diagnostic trouble codes present and a blown fuse F14. This may be due to wiring harness 14290 chaffing on the A/C compressor pulley. If…
• 10183569Nov 11, 2020Equipment, Fuel system, Engine cooling. Some 2019 MKC, 2019-2020 Edge/Nautilus/Escape/Ranger, 2020 Corsair, 2019-2021 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.3L EcoBoost engines may exhibit a light to moderate ticking type noise at idle (600-700 RPM). The noise is usually more prominent in the area of the high-pressure fuel pump, located on the top of the engine just behind the number 4 ignition coil. This noise is not detrimental to engine function…
• 10183390Nov 11, 2020Electrical system, Engine, Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2020-2021 Aviator and Explorer vehicles may experience an intermittent no crank, inoperative remote start, and/or an illuminated wrench light with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P07E4, B135C and/or U0103. This may be due to a loose ground G210 and/or G214. Check grounds G210 and G214, refer to the Wiring Diagram for location information.
• 10181910Oct 16, 2020Engine cooling, Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor vehicles may exhibit a flashing powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator while in transport mode with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P112A stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to excessive engine starts while the vehicle is in transport mode. To correct the condition, deactivate transport mode. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-10 >…

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