Service bulletin SSM 51640

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

The communication, as NHTSA indexes it (as of 2026-10-19)
Type	Service bulletin
NHTSA id	10236341
Published by NHTSA	2023-05-16
Manufacturer's number	SSM 51640
Manufacturer's date	2023-05-12
NHTSA component	SUSPENSION

NHTSA's summary

Some 2020-2023 Aviator vehicles equipped with air suspension may require service of a front air spring/strut. Complete front air spring/strut assemblies are now available and can be replaced instead of replacing individual components of the front air spring or front struts for warranty and retail repairs. Part numbers are LC5Z-3C098-A (right) and LC5Z-3C098-C (left) for non-hybrid vehicles, and LC5Z-3C098-B (right) and LC5Z-3C098-D (left) for hybrid vehicles. Front spring/strut assembly replacement is recommended to make sure a successful repair is performed.

The document

The document is the manufacturer's. This site does not hold it. NHTSA files a document at one of these two addresses; we have not asked NHTSA which.

Components

Suspension

Vehicles listed
LINCOLN AVIATOR	2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

Listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned: the document says which.

Recalls for the same vehicles and component
21V870000	2021-11-10. SUSPENSION:REAR
21V154000	2021-03-10. SUSPENSION:REAR

A recall listed here may apply to some of the same vehicles. Only the manufacturer can say whether it applies to one vehicle.

Other bulletins for the same vehicles and component
TSB 25-2568 V2	2026-10-01. Service bulletin. This article supersedes TSB 25-2373 to update a print error on publication. Some vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C00A6 and/or C0631. This may be due to the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft.
TSB 25-2568	2026-01-13. Service bulletin. This article supersedes TSB 25-2373 to update a print error on publication. Some vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C00A6 and/or C0631. This may be due to the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft.
SSM 51821	2023-08-10. Service bulletin. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds. The concern may also be described as a grinding and/or chatter noise. If the Workshop Manual (WSM) leads to replacement of the rear axle, inspect the differential for damage and differential fluid for metallic chunks in the fluid. Note that some metallic flake in the fluid and/or discoloration is normal and the rear axle should not be replaced for it. If no damage is found to the rear differential, it is not recommended to replace the rear axle assembly. Instead, refer to the Symptom Charts in WSM, Section 307-07A for further diagnosis of the transfer case.
SSM 51621	2023-05-16. Service bulletin. Some 2020-2023 Aviator vehicles equipped with air suspension may exhibit a drive malfunction and/or suspension fault message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B1041 and U2100 stored in the SUMA. This may be due to the SUMA entering diagnostic service mode after an on-demand (OD) self-test following suspension system diagnosis or repair. Use the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) > SUMA > Run All CM (Continuous Memory) DTCs. Do not run FDRS > SUMA > OD and CM DTCs to prevent invalid DTCs. If an OD self-test was run, clear DTCs using FDRS > SUMA > Transport and Factory Mode Deactivation function. For other DTCs refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 204-05 (Vehicle Dynamic Suspension) for normal diagnostics.
SSM 50930	2022-07-20. Service bulletin. Some 2020-2021 Aviator vehicles equipped with air suspension may exhibit a Drive Malfunction and/or Suspension Fault message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B1041 and U2100 stored in the SUMA. This may be due to the SUMA entering into a diagnostic service mode after an on-demand self-test or module replacement. If no other DTCs are present, use the latest software version of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool to update and configure the SUMA. If other DTCs are present, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 204-05 for normal diagnostics. For claiming use causal part 5319 and applicable labor times found in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 48901	2020-07-07. Service bulletin. Some 2020 Aviator vehicles may exhibit various air suspension concerns. To assist with diagnosis and service of the air suspension system, the WSM has been updated. Refer to WSM, Section 204-05, Vehicle Dynamic Suspension > General Procedures > Air Suspension System Depressurize and Pressurize for the updated procedure.
SSM 48792	2020-06-04. Service bulletin. Some 2020 Aviator vehicles equipped with air suspension may exhibit a Drive Malfunction and/or Suspension Fault message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B1041 and U2100 stored in the SUMA. This may be due to the SUMA entering into a diagnostic service mode after an on-demand self-test or module replacement. If no other DTCs are present, use the latest software version of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool to run the SUMA-Transport and Factory Mode Deactivation function to clear the DTCs. Run an ALL Continuous Memory DTC test to verify DTCs have cleared as running an On-Demand Self-Test on the SUMA will set the DTCs again. If other DTCs are present, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 204-05 for normal diagnostics. Engineering is investigating. Monitor OASIS for updates.