Ford Explorer 2020–2022 — technical service bulletin
Bulletin SSM 50900 · NHTSA communication 10215368 · issued Jun 29, 2022
Technical service bulletin
communication type
Power Train
component
2020–2022
model years
9
vehicle entries
Official summary
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 rear differential. If signs of fluid leaks are found from any seals, repair as necessary. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 205-02. If no seal leaks are found but fluid is venti
Vehicles covered
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.