NHTSA Service Bulletin 10177707: 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.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
Some 2020 Explorer PHEV vehicles built on or before 13-Dec-2019 may exhibit a hard brake pedal or reduced pedal travel when the transmission is initially placed in gear with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. This condition only occurs at initial vehicle start-up and will no longer be present after the brake pedal is released and re-applied during the same key cycle. This is not a lack of power brake assist. This may be caused by the software in the ABS module. To correct the condition, reprogram the ABS module using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford tool. Pls procced as the normal warranty 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
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 10177707?
Some 2020 Explorer PHEV vehicles built on or before 13-Dec-2019 may exhibit a hard brake pedal or reduced pedal travel when the transmission is initially placed in gear with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. This condition only occurs at initial vehicle start-up and will no longer be present after the brake pedal is released and re-applied during the same key.
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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