NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10176948: 2020 Ford Explorer

Official manufacturer communication context for 2020 Ford Explorer, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10176948 summary graphic for 2020 Ford Explorer
10176948NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
1affected product rows
1source rows grouped

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

Some 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with a leather wrapped steering wheel may exhibit the leather covering becoming untucked or separating from the steering wheel. The leather may be able to be re-adhered to the steering wheel. Steering wheel replacement may not be necessary. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 211-04 Steering Column > General Procedures > Steering Wheel Cover Repair for the updated repair procedure. It is not necessary to remove the steering wheel to perform this procedure.

What this bulletin may mean before buying

Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.

Affected products listed in this communication

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
FordExplorer2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 10176948?

Some 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with a leather wrapped steering wheel may exhibit the leather covering becoming untucked or separating from the steering wheel. The leather may be able to be re-adhered to the steering wheel. Steering wheel replacement may not be necessary. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 211-04 Steering Column > General Procedures > Steering Wheel Cover Repair for the updated repair.

Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?

No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.

How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?

Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.

Check the exact VIN before you buy

Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.

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