NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 11028849: 2024, 2025 Ford Explorer

Official manufacturer communication context for 2024, 2025 Ford Explorer, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 11028849 summary graphic for 2024, 2025 Ford Explorer
11028849NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
2affected 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 2024 Nautilus and 2025 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Google Maps Navigation System (minor feature code HKCGA) may experience a blank/white Google map screen, inoperative live traffic data, inoperative voice assistant, the inability to sign into a Google account in the center touch screen, unable to access the Google Play Store in the center display screen, and/or inability to connect to other apps in the center display screen. This may be due to the vehicles Connectivity Package not being activated. To verify if the vehicle has an active Connectivity Package (free or paid) enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) in Professional Technician System (PTS) then navigate to the upper blue tab titled Connected Vehicle > Vehicle Software Subscriptions. It will clearly state if the vehicle has a trial or paid subscription, along with the expiration date. These vehicles come with a free Connectivity Package that lasts for 1 year. To activate the free trial period or to subscribe to a paid subscription, have the customer follow the steps located within The Ford/Lincon App and follow the prompts

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
FordExplorer2025Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
LincolnNautilus2024Ask 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 11028849?

Some 2024 Nautilus and 2025 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Google Maps Navigation System (minor feature code HKCGA) may experience a blank/white Google map screen, inoperative live traffic data, inoperative voice assistant, the inability to sign into a Google account in the center touch screen, unable to access the Google Play Store in the center display screen, and/or inability to connect to other apps in.

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.

Get Full Report