NHTSA Service Bulletin 10201700: 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.
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 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.3L or 5.0L engine, Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.5L Duratec engine, and Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0106 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) after key-off transportation of the vehicle to higher altitudes. To correct the condition, clear the DTCs, 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
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 10201700?
Some 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.3L or 5.0L engine, Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.5L Duratec engine, and Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0106 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) after key-off transportation of the vehicle to higher altitudes. To correct.
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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