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Service bulletins for the 2016 Ford F-150

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.

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

By type

By component

By trouble code

Bulletins, newest first
SSM 500972021-09-28. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM. Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with a new body control module (BCM) installed may exhibit a programming error when using IDS versions 122.03 through 123.01 stating 'Data Corrupt' or 'Configuration Failed, would you like to retry?'. IDS scan tool version 123.02 contains a fix for this programming error. Install IDS version 123.02 or later from PTS > Rotunda tab > Diagnostic Tool Support > Download Software. Once installed, perform the BCM programmable module installation (PMI). Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-10 > Removal and Installation.
SSM 500672021-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) 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 HK12 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 500642021-09-04. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC:SOFTWARE/PROGRAMMING. Some 2013-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.
SSM 500592021-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:MODULE:ONBOARD (OBCM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM. Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with a new Body Control Module (BCM) installed may exhibit a programming error using IDS v122.03 and newer stating "Data Corrupt" or Configuration Failed, would you like to retry?. A temporary work around has been released to complete the BCM programming process. Uninstall IDS from the computer. Run the IDS clean up utility tool located on PTS > Rotunda Tab > Diagnostic Tool Support > IDS Support > IDS troubleshooting guide. Install IDS v122.01 (122_FULL) by copying the following link into an internet address bar https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/IDS/SoftwareUpdates/IDS-122.01_full.exe. Retry the BCM Programmable Module Installation (PMI) using IDS level 122.01. Monitor OASIS for updates.
SSM 500392021-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2021 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 or SYNC 4 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. This is considered normal due to the power saving features enabled while in transport mode. It is beneficial for battery life to keep the vehicle in transport mode until the vehicle is prepped for sale. To prevent a SYNC system lockup during transport mode deactivation, follow the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure exactly allowing time for the SYNC system to complete its tasks such as fully booting up or powering down and shutting off before moving to the next step of the procedure. If the vehicle exhibits a blank screen or SYNC symptoms after transport mode deactivation, refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for normal diagnosis. The SYNC version can be confirmed via OASIS.
TSB 21-22362021-08-02. Service bulletin. SEATS. Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Fusion/MKZ, 2013-2021 Escape, 2015-2018 Focus, 2015-2019 MKC, 2015-2021 Edge/F150/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017-2021 F-Super Duty, 2018-2021 EcoSport/Expedition, 2019-2021 Ranger/Nautilus, 2021 Bronco Sport/Mustang Mach-E 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.
20M042021-08-02. Service bulletin. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. On your vehicle, moisture and water entering a power door lock actuator housing could cause the actuator motor to momentarily freeze in cold temperatures and may also cause actuator motor corrosion over time. Frozen water within a power door lock actuator housing or corrosion of the power door lock actuator motor could result in an inoperative power door lock function on the affected door.
TSB 21-21992021-07-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. This article supersedes TSB 21-2144 to update the vehicle model years affected and the Part List. Some 2015-2020 F-150 and 2017-2021 F-Super Duty vehicles may exhibit a lack of heat or cooling from the cabin vents when the climate control settings are adjusted between hot and cold. This may be due to a stuck/binding temperature door within the climate control housing or binding/inoperative temperature door actuator. Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1081:07 may be present in the front controls interface module (FCIM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to remove the climate control housing and replace the temperature door actuator(s) and/or lubricate the temperature blend door bearing surface.
21M042021-07-01. Service bulletin. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. In some of the affected vehicles, moisture and water entering a power door lock actuator housing can cause the actuator motor to momentarily freeze in cold temperatures and may also cause actuator motor corrosion over time. Frozen water within a power door lock actuator housing or corrosion of the power door lock actuator motor could result in an inoperative power door lock function on the affected door.
TSB 21-21752021-07-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns.
TSB 20-22682021-06-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2015-2020 F-150 XL/XLT vehicles may exhibit warping/separation of the instrument panel at the defrost vents. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the instrument panel upper section.
TSB 21-21442021-06-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2015-2021 F-150 and 2017-2021 F-Super Duty vehicles may exhibit a lack of heat or cooling from the cabin vents when the climate control settings are adjusted between hot and cold. This may be due to a stuck/binding temperature door within the climate control housing or binding/inoperative temperature door actuator. Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1081:07 may be present in the front controls interface module (FCIM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to remove the climate control housing and replace the temperature door actuator(s) and/or lubricate the temperature blend door bearing surface.
SSM 498212021-06-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) 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 497612021-05-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2011-2021 Mustang and F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit a ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change. It is often referred to as typewriter noise because of its similarity to the sound of a mechanical typewriter. The noise in question may be heard on some engines when engine temperatures reach 150F (65Å’C) or higher and engine speed is at idle up to approximately 1700 RPMs. It can typically be heard at the front wheel well and is often isolated to the transmission bell housing or oil pan area. The typewriter noise is not detrimental to the engine function or durability and has no short or long term effects on the engine. This an operating characteristic of the 5.0L engine and no repairs should be attempted.
TSB 21-20762021-04-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2013-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with electronic shift on-the-fly (ESOF) 4-wheel drive (4WD) may exhibit an intermittent grinding noise while driving in 2-wheel drive (2WD) mode most commonly on acceleration. ESOF can be identified as it does not have a 4WD AUTO (4A) position on the mode selector switch (MSS). This may be due to a loss of vacuum to the integrated wheel end (IWE) actuators and/or wear of the IWE components. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components.
SSM 494772021-02-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2015-2021 F-150, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019-2021 Nautilus, 2015-2021 Edge, 2017-2019 Fusion, 2017-2020 MKZ And 2017-2020 Continental vehicles equipped with a 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost engine may appear to have a low engine oil level if the proper procedures are not followed. Refer to the Owner's Manual > Maintenance > Engine oil check section. When checking the engine oil level after shutting off the engine wait at least 15 minutes prior to checking in order to allow the oil to drain back to the oil pan. The engine oil level can be checked immediately if the engine has not been started. When changing the engine oil the engine needs to be at normal operating temperature and the oil filter removed before draining the oil. Allow the oil pan to drain completely for up to 5 minutes. Check oil level after filling by following the oil level check procedure.
16U112020-12-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. In some of the affected vehicles, the engine coolant to water concentration may be less than specification. Low coolant concentration could result in reduced cooling system freeze protection, reduced corrosion resistance, heater and radiator performance degradation, and water pump noise or leaks
16B102020-12-07. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. In some of the affected vehicles, the front control/display interface module (FCDIM) may have been unintentionally programmed for the European market instead of the North American market
SSM 493182020-12-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. For 2011-2020 F-150/Mustang vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine when installing a replacement secondary timing chain tensioner (6K254) or secondary timing chain guide (6K297), it is necessary to replace both components as a pair, using the latest level parts. Make sure to use secondary timing chain tensioner part number ML3Z-6K254-A and secondary timing chain guide part number ML3Z-6K297-A.
SSM 493552020-12-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2015-2020 F-150 and 2018-2020 Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L/2.7L EcoBoost engine and four-wheel drive (4WD) may exhibit an intermittent grinding type noise while driving in two-wheel drive (2WD), most commonly on acceleration. This noise could appear to be turbocharger related. After engineering analysis of returned turbochargers that have been replaced for this condition, no concerns were identified with the turbochargers. The grinding type noise may be related to the 4WD system integrated wheel ends (IWE). To aid in diagnosis, shift the vehicle to 4WD and attempt to verify the condition. If the grinding noise no longer occurs with the vehicle in 4WD a IWE vacuum system and/or mechanical fault may be present.
TSB 20-23072020-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; WHEELS; EQUIPMENT. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with TOD transfer cases may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to remove and cap the vacuum supply line.
TSB 20-22782020-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT; POWER TRAIN. Some 2013-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with Electronic Shift On-The-Fly (ESOF) 4-wheel drive (4WD) may exhibit an intermittent grinding noise while driving in 2-wheel drive (2WD) mode most commonly on acceleration. This may be due to a loss of vacuum to the integrated wheel end (IWE) actuators and/or wear of the IWE components. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components.
SSM 492212020-10-06. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. When installing a replacement short block in 2015-2017 vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engine, the engine must be converted to use a belt driven oil pump with the following parts: left exhaust camshaft JT4Z-6250-B, left intake camshaft - JT4Z-6250-A, belt driven oil pump - KT4Z-6600-A, oil pump belt - JT4Z-6B651-A, crankshaft sprockets - FT4Z-6306-A (x2), crankshaft oil pump belt drive - JT4Z-6306-A. Follow the engine assembly procedure in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01 using these new parts without installing the chain tensioner or guides as they are not needed with the belt driven oil pump. Fill out the Authorized Modification Label (FPS-8262) with the following text: 'Engine has been modified to use a belt-driven oil pump per SSM XXXXX' and attach it to the underside of the hood.
SSM 492172020-10-06. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:BLINDSPOT:SOFTWARE. Some 2015-2020 F-150/Mustang, 2016-2020 Edge, 2016-2018 MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles built on or before 18-Jan-2020 may exhibit a mirror click and/or ratcheting noise when using memory functions or easy entry/exit function. This may be due to the software in the driver door module (DDM) and passenger door module (PDM). To correct the condition, reprogram the DDM and PDM with the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming use causal part 14B291 and applicable labor times in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 492102020-10-06. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may collect on the turbocharger, it is very rare for a turbocharger to leak oil. To isolate the source of the leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 General Information > Diagnosis and Testing > Engine > Engine Oil Leaks - Fluorescent Oil Additive Method procedure. When an oil leak is present at a turbocharger oil supply or drain tube, remove the affected oil tube and inspect for damage, and replace the O-ring seals, pedestal gasket or oil tube as required. Refer to WSM, Section 303-04. For claiming, use the affected oil tube or pedestal gasket as the causal part and applicable labor operations in Sections 6 and 9 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.

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