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Service bulletins for the 2018 Ford C-max

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.

61 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

By type

By component

By trouble code

Bulletins, newest first
SSM 489082020-07-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a SYNC 3 Touchscreen may experience the volume control unresponsive from the Front Control Interface Module (FCIM) and steering volume controls when using Apple Car Play. When the Apple device is removed, volume control is restored. This is due to a concern with the Waze Navigation App software and Apple iOS version. To correct the condition, update the Waze App software and iOS to the latest version available and reboot the customer's Apple device. Perform an ignition cycle and reconnect the Apple device via USB. Open Apple Car Play and confirm volume control is restored. Installing/Updating third party software/applications is not warrantable.
SSM 489112020-07-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2016-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2016-2018 Focus/C-MAX, And 2016-2018 Transit Connect vehicles may exhibit a concern where the radio will revert to an AM or FM station after the vehicle's ignition has been turned off and turned back on. To address this condition, reprogram the audio control module (ACM) using the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 18C869 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
TSB 20-21712020-06-05. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS; SEATS. Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Escape/Fusion/MKZ, 2015-2018 Focus,2015-2019 MKC, 2015-2020 Edge/F150/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017-2020 F-Super Duty, 2018-2020 EcoSport/Expedition, 2019-2020 Ranger/Nautilus vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement, or a clunk/thump noise on turns. This may be due to the seat pan track. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to install a reinforcement.
SSM 488582020-06-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2012-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit an inoperative remote start with a 'Vehicle Failed To Start' message when using MyFord Mobile/Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile applications. The cellular cloud systems will only allow two remote start requests from the MyFord Mobile/Ford Pass/Lincoln Way apps without a vehicle drive event occurring. If a third remote start request is received, a Vehicle Failed To Start message will be displayed quickly in the mobile app. Once the vehicle is driven, the remote start counter is reset and will allow remote start commands to be sent from the mobile app. If the remote start system is not functioning using the key fob, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 303-06 for further diagnosis.
SSM 487572020-05-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some customers may experience a notification in the FordPass and/or LincolnWay apps that indicates their vehicle has entered "deep sleep mode". This mode is enabled due to the vehicle not being started for 14 consecutive days or battery voltage is at/or below 9.5 volts. Some 2020 models will also set a warning if the telematic control unit (TCU) has received an automatic over the air update. The purpose of deep sleep mode is to conserve battery voltage. When deep sleep mode is enabled, the TCU is powered down and all communication with the FordPass and/or LincolnWay apps are disabled. To wake the vehicle from deep sleep mode, manually start the vehicle. More deep sleep mode information can be found in the FordPass or LincolnWay apps under: More > Guides > click in search entry box > type "deep sleep" and click on "Ask".
SSM 486192020-04-02. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SSM 48619 - Various Vehicles - Perimeter Alarm Armed And Original Vehicle Keys Cannot Be Accessed to Enter Vehicle - CAN Protection Strategy Some 2013-2016 Model Year Vehicles may exhibit a concern in which the Perimeter Alarm is active and the original keys cannot be accessed to disable the perimeter alarm. This concern would most often occur when a customer loses keys and the dealership is attempting to program new keys to the vehicle. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-01A Perimeter Anti-Theft Alarm - System Operation and Component Description has been updated to inform of the Controller Area Network (CAN) Protection Strategy. Follow the procedure outlined to prevent replacement of the Body Control Module (BCM) on CAN Protection Strategy equipped vehicles when original keys are lost and perimeter alarm is active. Refer to the WSM for further detail on the CAN Protection Strategy. Lost keys and replacement of BCM for lost keys is non-warrantable.
SSM 485982020-03-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Fusion Hybrid/MKZ Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a MIL with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0340 and/or P0344. This may occur due to excessive moisture build up in the engine oil. Excess moisture occurs when the vehicle is driven short distances and/or less than 6,000 combined miles per year. To correct the condition, replace the camshaft position sensor (CMP) and change the engine oil. Advise the customer to perform more frequent oil changes and allow the internal combustion engine to reach operating temperature when running to prevent reoccurrence. Refer to the owners guide - maintenance - engine oil check - operating in cold climates and short driving cycles.
SSM 484232020-01-08. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2015-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 483402019-12-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2019 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a map displayed on the left half of the SYNC screen with no other information/soft buttons present after updating to the latest version of V3.0 software. This issue occurs when the SYNC 3 system has been previously modified using an aftermarket device to display the Ford GT welcome screen/HMI Theme. To correct this issue, please contact the Technical Hotline Assistance Center to have the vehicle restored back to its original state.
SSM 481302019-09-06. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR; VISIBILITY. Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the glass and cause visual distortion and/or discoloration on the outer surface which cannot be removed by further cleaning. If this type of distortion is found, inspect the area of the glass that is covered by the cowl and/or molding. The portion of glass that is covered by the cowl or molding will not be affected by the acid. Hydrofluoric acid damage is not a defect in material or workmanship and is not a warrantable condition.
SSM 481232019-09-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. For Ford and Lincoln vehicles that require positive or negative battery terminal replacement, it is not necessary to replace the complete battery cable harness (14300 and 14301) for this concern. Positive battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-AA and negative battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-BA are available for this type of repair. Do not cut or shorten the battery cable, instead carefully remove the affected battery cable clamp and clean the cable end as necessary to preserve wire length. Some rework may be necessary for some vehicle environments. Bend the new positive battery cable clamp as needed and crimp it to the existing battery cable. Make sure to use heat shrink tubing over the battery cable to battery cable clamp connection. Obtain the heat shrink tube locally.
SSM 480532019-07-08. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2019 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 not at the latest software level may exhibit Various Performance Related concerns such as Display Operation, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Phone Pairing, Applink, Travel Link, Slow System Response, etc. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If an update is available refer to WSM,Section 415-00 and update the APIM software. After Installation, complete pop-up appears, remove USB flash drive and install into IDS tool to update Ford database. Perform a complete ignition cycle by turning the key off for 5 minutes which is critical for a successful installation. If no updates are available or a blue or black screen is present after an update refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for diagnosis or SYNC 3 intermittent blank screen GSB for tips. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual. Section
SSM 479762019-06-07. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01.
TSB19-21582019-06-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Some 2017-2019 Fusion Hybrid/Fusion Energi/MKZ Hybrid and 2017-2018 C-Max vehicles built on or before 27-Jan-2019 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P013A stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to downstream oxygen sensor parameters in the PCM software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the PCM software.
SSM 478502019-05-07. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM). To support the proper diagnosis of this compressor, the EVDC control valve tester has been developed and is available from Rotunda (339-EVDC100). A tester has been provided to each U.S. dealership free of charge with shipments completed 19-Apr-2019 (reference EFC07013 on FMCDealer.com). This tester will help reduce the potential for misdiagnosis and unnecessary compressor replacement. Make sure that this tester is used for warranty repairs and document the test results in the Technician Comments field. Refer to the Rotunda catalog for a video and user manual which provide detailed operating instructions.
SSM 477902019-04-08. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE. Some 2013-2019 Fusion/MKZ and 2013-2018 C-Max vehicles with 2.0L HEV/PHEV engine may exhibit multiple drivability or electrical concerns with one or more diagnostic trouble codes, being the most common P26C3, P26CA, P26D0, P2800, P2802, U019F and U0284. On Fusion/MKZ inspect connectors C146, C1651, C1812, C168C, C1717 and C134 for signs of water entry or corrosion. On C-Max, inspect connectors C134, C140, C144, C1651, C1717 and C1812 and service as necessary. NOTE: Connector C1717 is only equipped on PHEVs for both Fusion and C-Max.
SSM 478752019-04-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2014-2019 Escape, 2014-2018 C-MAX, Focus, and Transit Connect vehicles not equipped with an auto start/stop system may exhibit an inability to program and/or no electrical power after installation of a service part body control module (BCM). Inspect the BCM for the presence of fuse F88. If fuse 88 is missing, install a 25 amp fuse and then re-evaluate the concern. If fuse 88 is installed in a vehicle with an auto start/stop system, the vehicle may exhibit concerns where the radio is turning off during an auto start/stop event and the instrument panel cluster (IPC) back lighting slowly goes dim during auto start/stop events.
SSM 477902019-04-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2013-2019 Fusion/MKZ and 2013-2018 C-Max vehicles with 2.0L HEV/PHEV engine may exhibit multiple drivability or electrical concerns with one or more diagnostic trouble codes, being the most common P26C3, P26CA, P26D0, P2800, P2802, U019F and U0284. On Fusion/MKZ inspect connectors C146, C1651, C1812, C168C, C1717 and C134 for signs of water entry or corrosion. On C-Max, inspect connectors C134, C140, C144, C1651, C1717 and C1812 and service as necessary. NOTE: Connector C1717 is only equipped on PHEVs for both Fusion and C-Max.
SSM 477652019-03-04. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Some 2013-2018 C-MAX, 2013-2019 Fusion Energi, and 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ Hybrid vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P04B5. This may be due to inadvertent actuation of the fuel door release button by the customer when exiting the vehicle. If the fuel filler door is not fully closed after a refueling event or the fuel filler door is open from erroneously pressing the fuel door release button, a message displays during the third drive cycle to indicate the fuel filler door is not closed and the DTC sets. Before performing Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnosis, consult the customer about the potential for accidental fuel door actuation and explain the need to fully latch the fuel door after every refueling event. Malfunction Indicator Lamp will turn off after (3) drive cycles with fuel filler door closed.
SSM 477492019-03-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2012-2019 Vehicles may require repairs to the Smartlink system. Smartlink is a Ford Licensed Accessory which has a warranty provided by the accessory manufacturer. Warranty replacement parts for Smartlink that are ordered through Ford are not reimbursable through the Ford Motor Company warranty system. Please see the Warranty and Policy Manual for further information on Ford Licensed Accessories.
SSM 477482019-03-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2019 Escape and 2016-2018 Focus/C-Max vehicles may exhibit a customer perceived concern of a FDIM screen flicker during transitions between day/night mode and/or during auto headlamp on/off. The FDIM utilizes a ramp up and ramp down strategy of controlling the back lighting when the display setting is in auto dimming mode. This is a normal condition that does not affect the function or durability of the FDIM. Auto dimming mode can be turned off to minimize the ramp up and ramp down lighting strategy. To turn off the auto dimming mode feature in the FDIM display: select> FDIM settings> Display settings> Auto Dim selection. Do not confuse the auto dimming mode selection with the selection for auto day/night operation. Turning off auto dimming mode only effects the back lighting strategy and does not affect any other function or FDIM reliability.
SSM 477032019-03-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Some 2014-2019 Escape, 2014-2018 C-MAX,Focus, and Transit Connect vehicles may exhibit a concern of not able to program and/or no electrical power after installation of a service part Body Control Module(BCM). Inspect the BCM for the presence of fuse F88. If the fuse is missing, install the correct size replacement fuse as outlined in the Wiring Manual and then re-evaluate the concern.
TSB 18-23612019-03-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; SEATS. Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2019 Escape/Fusion/MKZ, 2015-2018 Focus, 2015-2019 Edge/F150/MKC/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017 Super Duty, 2018-2019 EcoSport/Expedition, and 2019 Nautilus vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement, or clunk/thump noise on turns. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SSM 476492019-01-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2013 2018 C-Max, Fusion, and MKZ Hybrid vehicles using SOBDM-C module connectors do not require electrical/dielectric grease. If used it may induce module communication concerns. Codes present may be U0293 and a P0AA6. The Workshop Shop Manual (WSM) does not state to use it on these module connectors.
SSM 475382018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit the Android Auto Preference menu selection is not present after an update to version 3.0 software. In prior versions of SYNC 3 software this menu was present, however in version 3.0 software the Android Auto Preference menu will only show up once an Android Phone has been initially connected to SYNC. This an operating characteristic of the Android Auto application after the SYNC 3.0 update and no repairs should be attempted.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.