NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10186598: 2021 Ford Explorer

Official manufacturer communication context for 2021 Ford Explorer, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10186598 summary graphic for 2021 Ford Explorer
10186598NHTSA document ID
Emissions communicationcommunication type
7affected product rows
100/100quality score

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 2021 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.2L or 7.3L engine, F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.3L or 5.0L engine, and Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0106 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) while in transport mode, especially in higher altitudes. To correct the condition, clear the DTCs and deactivate transport mode. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-10 > General Procedures. Before starting the engine in the procedure, cycle the ignition to OFF, cycle the ignition to ON, wait ten seconds, cycle the ignition to OFF, wait ten seconds, then start the engine. If the condition remains, refer to the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual for diagnostics.

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
FordExplorer Police Intercept2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordF-250 Sd2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordF-350 Sd2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordF-450 Sd2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordF-550 Sd2021Ask 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 10186598?

Some 2021 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.2L or 7.3L engine, F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.3L or 5.0L engine, and Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0106 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) while in transport mode, especially in higher altitudes. To correct the.

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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