2026 Ford Explorer TSBs

46 manufacturer communications for the 2026 Ford Explorer sit in NHTSA's public file. A TSB is factory repair guidance, not a recall — the repair is not automatically free. The 2026 Explorer problem report covers complaints, recalls, and investigations.

46Communications
4Campaigns & extensions

What the bulletins cover

Electrical24 bulletins
Transmission & drivetrain14 bulletins
Body & structure6 bulletins
Fuel system6 bulletins
Visibility & wipers5 bulletins
Engine4 bulletins

Warranty extensions, campaigns & software updates

Worth checking your VIN against — these can mean free or reimbursed work if your vehicle qualifies.

Seat belts RCM-26.4.2.1 Explorer April 29, 2026 Software update

Quality improvements include: -Updates the Restraint Control Module to prevent a potential internal fault that may cause a warning light to illuminate for one key cycle

Electrical PHX-25.1.2.5.5 Explorer March 5, 2026 Software update

"26C10 Recall remedy -Addresses instances where the trailer lights and trailer brakes may not function"

Electrical TCU-25.2.8.5 Explorer February 27, 2026 Software update

"Quality improvements include: -Addresses a loss of connectivity caused by a Cellular Domain Service outage"

Visibility & wipers · Electrical HCM-25.5.0 Explorer February 19, 2026 Software update

"Quality improvements include: -Enhanced dynamic bending lights performance "

Most recent service bulletins

The 20 most recent of 46 communications on file. The complete set is searchable on NHTSA's page for this vehicle.

Driver assistance · Speed control · Electrical SSM 55071 August 5, 2026

Some 2025-2026 Aviator/Explorer/Expedition/F-150/Mustang Mach-E/Navigator vehicles may exhibit the hands-free BlueCruise feature intermittently/consistently unavailable when BlueCruise is active and when traveling in a "Blue Zone". Speed sign recognition may also be inaccurate.…

Visibility & wipers · Body & structure · Electrical SSM 55060 August 4, 2026

Some 2024-2026 Explorer vehicles built on or before 27-Feb-2026 and equipped with the panoramic glass roof may exhibit an uneven gap at the front edge of the roof opening panel shield when fully closed. The gap is an appearance issue only, but may allow outside light to pass…

Fuel system · Electrical · Transmission & drivetrain SSM55059 August 3, 2026

Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine, 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine, and 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench)…

Fuel system · Electrical SSM 55031 July 23, 2026

Some 2021-2026 Ford/Lincoln vehicles may exhibit various symptoms including but not limited to the auto start/stop system not operating as intended with a "Check Charging System" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) while the charging system is operating properly with…

Engine · Electrical TSB 26-2269 July 8, 2026

Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300 and/or P0316 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) (with no other relevant DTCs present) during a cold start…

Steering · Electrical TSB 26-2302 June 30, 2026

This bulletin supersedes 26-2150. Reason for update: To remove the M6 nut from the part list and remove the Steps to install the M6 nut from the Service Procedure. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions: * "Steering…

Transmission & drivetrain · Fuel system SSM 54948 June 18, 2026

Some 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility non-hybrid vehicles built on 06-Feb-2025 and through 13-Dec-2025 may exhibit various drivability symptoms including a rough idle or hesitation shortly after refueling. These symptoms may also be accompanied by liquid…

Transmission & drivetrain SSM 54902 June 5, 2026

For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R60 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer (PVT) when available. Workshop Manual (WSM)…

Transmission & drivetrain TSB 26-2263 May 30, 2026

This bulletin supersedes 26-2112. Reason For Update: add 2026 model year vehicles, update LV fluid XT-10-QLVC and CXT-10-LV6 description to add "Transfer Case Fluid 4WD Only", and update Step 4 to inspect/replace 7H351 and 7B177 outside of this article. Some of the vehicles…

Body & structure · Electrical SSM 54882 May 29, 2026

Some 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a no crank/no start/discharged battery condition with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) B144D:29, B144E:29, B1555:29, B1556:29 and/or U3003:16 stored in the rear gate trunk module (RGTM). The power liftgate may also be…

Transmission & drivetrain 26B12 May 28, 2026

Certain 2026 Model Year Aviator, Explorer and Bronco Vehicles with 10R60 Transmissions: Transmission and Fluid Cooler Replacement

Fuel system SSM 54857 May 21, 2026

2020-2026 Explorer/Escape/Corsair, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport/Bronco, 2022-2026 Maverick, 2024-2026 Mustang/Ranger/Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L EcoBoost engine may require removal of the turbocharger wastegate control actuator linkage for various reasons. The…

Body & structure · Visibility & wipers SSM 54829 May 16, 2026

Some 2024-2026 Nautilus and 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with power autofold exterior mirrors may exhibit concerns with the passenger mirror not automatically folding in or out at times, while the driver side mirror automatically folds properly. This may be due…

Transmission & drivetrain SSM 54827 May 15, 2026

Some 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles may require replacement of the front drive halfshaft inner/outer CV joint boot for various reasons. If Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 205-04 > Diagnosis and Testing leads to CV joint boot replacement,…

Electrical TSB 26-2185 May 7, 2026

This bulletin supersedes 25-2621. Reason for update: add 2026 model year vehicles and Transit, update the causal part number (15604), update the Service Procedure, update the service labor operations for 2023 F-Super Duty, and add service labor operations for Transit. Some…

Body & structure · Electrical SSM 54800 May 5, 2026

Some 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator and 2026 Expedition/Navigator vehicles may exhibit an intermittent inoperative remote start feature using either the key fobs or the Ford/Lincoln App. This may be due to the software in the body control module (BCM). After replicating the concern,…

Transmission & drivetrain 26B08 May 5, 2026

Certain 2025 Bronco/Ranger and 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator 4-wheel drive vehicles equipped with a 10R60 transmission. Transmission Replacement

Engine · Electrical · Transmission & drivetrain SSM 54795 May 4, 2026

Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control…

Transmission & drivetrain · Electrical SSM 54792 April 30, 2026

Some 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine and built on 16-Aug-2025 and through 5-Mar-2026 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0335 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). DTC P033F may…

Fuel system SSM 54787 April 29, 2026

Some 2020-2023 Aviator and 2025-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit a "Refuel Error See Manual" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) after installing a replacement fuel filler door assembly (7827936). This may be due to a concern with…

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Data updated 2026-08-20 from NHTSA's public records

Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.