Ford Explorer 2020–2021 — technical service bulletin
Bulletin SSM 50817 · NHTSA communication 10212961 · issued May 30, 2022
Technical service bulletin
communication type
Seats
component
2020–2021
model years
4
vehicle entries
Official summary
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. With the engine running, tailgate open, and no objects in the third row seats, press and hold the both seat fold button for one minute until both seats completely fold and unfold. Refer to Owner's Manual for informa
What a TSB means. Technical service bulletins are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls, and repairs are not automatically free (warranty extensions are an exception worth checking). The full document is available via NHTSA’s vehicle lookup.