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Service bulletins for the 2018 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.

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

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Only bulletins with component: Electrical system are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
21N03-S22021-09-30. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:CONTROL MODULE; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE. Certain 2017-2020 Model Year F-150, 2018-2020 Expedition, and 2018-2020 Navigator Vehicles Equipped with a 3.5L GTDI Engine Cam Phaser Replacement; Owner letters are scheduled to mail during the week of September 27, 2021• Submitting Claims with Ford Protect for Balance Remaining: Added instruction on how to claim the customer paid portion of the FSA with Ford Protect.• Submitting Claims with Customer Loyalty Program for Balance Remaining: Added instruction on how to claim the customer paid portion of the FSA using CLP Funds. This program extends the warranty coverage of the engine cam phasers until January 1, 2023 provided the Repair Order (RO) date of Powertrain Control Module reflash under Customer Satisfaction Program 21B10 occurs on or before February 28, 2022
21N082021-09-30. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Certain 2017-2020 Model Year F-150, 2018-2020 Expedition, and 2018-2020 Navigator Vehicles Equipped with a 3.5L GTDI Engine PCM Reprogram Due to Engine Shudder ;In a very low percentage of the affected vehicles, an engine shudder may develop after receiving the PCM update provided in program 21B10. For peace of mind, Ford is providing a no-cost, one-time repair for customers who receive the PCM update under program 21B10 to revert the PCM calibration back to its original state before program 21B10.
21B10-S32021-09-30. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Certain 2017-2020 Model Year F-150, 2018-2020 Expedition, and 2018-2020 Navigator Vehicles Equipped with a 3.5L GTDI Engine Powertrain Control Module Reprogram for Cam Phaser Rattle
SSM 501542021-09-28. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. Some 2018-2020 Expedition/Navigator, 2015-2020 F150 and 2017-2020 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with power running boards (PRB) may exhibit a condition where the PRBs are disabled, changing the feature menu setting from Auto to Off mode in the instrumental panel cluster (IPC), DTC U3003:16 stored in the running board control module (RBM) and with or without an illuminated charging system indicator lamp. This may be due to a low battery voltage event or a fully discharged battery. To correct this condition, inspect the charging system and correct the low battery voltage event. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-08 > Diagnosis and Testing. Configure the PRB system mode from Off to Auto mode in the Advance Settings of the IPC. Refer to the Owner's Manual > Power Running Boards.
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 500582021-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2017-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L engine and a 10R80 transmission may experience an error message while performing Transmission Characterization/Solenoid IDN with IDS v122.05 or v122.06 stating "Unable To Communicate With The Module". This is due to an issue with the Transmission Characterization/Solenoid IDN tool in IDS v122.05 and v122.06. To resolve the issue, uninstall IDS from the computer. Then, run the IDS clean up utility tool, located on PTS > Rotunda Tab > Diagnostic Tool Support > IDS Support > IDS troubleshooting guide. Next, install IDS v123.01 (123_FULL) and retry the Transmission Characterization/Solenoid IDN tool using IDS level v123.01.
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.
SSM 500302021-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2017-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L engine and a 10R80 transmission may experience an error message while performing Transmission Characterization/Solenoid IDN with IDS v122.05 stating "Unable To Communicate With The Module". A temporary workaround to complete programming is as follows: Uninstall IDS from the computer. Then, run the IDS clean up utility tool, located on PTS > Rotunda Tab > Diagnostic Tool Support > IDS Support > IDS troubleshooting guide. Next, Install IDS v122.01 (122_FULL) and retry the Transmission Characterization/Solenoid IDN using IDS level 122.01. Monitor OASIS for updates.
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.
SSM 498202021-06-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicle owners may experience a condition of missing Authorization, Command and Control, Battery Charging Details or Phone-as-a-Key setup buttons/selections in their FordPass or LincolnWay App. This condition is due to an error within the FordPass or LincolnWay App and not due to a concern on the vehicle. Verify that the customers FordPass or LincolnWay App is at the latest version. Replacement or reprogramming of the telematics control unit (TCU)/gateway module (GWM)/remote function actuator (RFA) will not resolve this condition. If the condition persists, Utilize the FordPass Guides or Lincoln Way Concierge teams.
SSM 498032021-06-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Some 2018-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit inoperative remote features via the Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed or DTCs U2100 and/or B156D in the telematics control unit (TCU). These symptoms may persist even after performing a TCU software update and/or replacement. To correct this condition, start a new session with the latest version of the appropriate diagnostic scan tool and perform a PMI on the TCU. If issues persist, open a hotline assistance request and include the IDS version (if applicable) used to perform the PMI and the Authorization Status PID value in the TCU datalogger. For claiming use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor times in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 497952021-06-01. Service bulletin. COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may not be able to perform remote commands via the FordPass/LincolnWay App due to an erroneous deep sleep message. If the vehicle has been driven within 14 days and the battery state of charge is above 9.5 volts when the deep sleep message set, this is an erroneous message. Starting and running the vehicle will clear the message and allow the remote commands to function again. Inform customers that engineering is currently working on a solution for this condition that will be released via an over the air (OTA) update that is expected in June 2021. Replacement or reprogramming of the telematics control unit (TCU)/gateway module (GWM) will not resolve this condition. Monitor OASIS for additional information and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available.
TSB 21-20652021-04-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018 F-150 vehicles built on or before 25-Feb-2018 may experience an inoperative auto start-stop feature after the powertrain control module (PCM) software has been updated. This may be due to various software parameters within the PCM. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.
SSM 497082021-03-31. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018-2019 F-150/F-Super Duty/Expedition/Navigator and 2020 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit a 'Trailer Connected' or 'Trailer Disconnected' message in the vehicle's message center with no trailer attached to the vehicle. To address this condition, reprogram the trailer module (TRM) using the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming use causal part 19H332 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 496182021-03-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. Some 2018-2021 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P025A And/Or DTC U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to an intermittent or partial disconnect of the harness to the fuel pump control module (FPCM) connector, connector pin push-outs or loose/corroded grounds. Inspect FPCM connector, applicable grounds(F-150- G401, Expedition/Navigator- G403, Transit- G401, 2018-2019 Explorer G302, 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator- G407) and confirm FPCM connector (F-150- C4336, Expedition/Navigator- C433, Transit- C433, 2018-2019 Explorer C3239, 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator- C4033) is fully seated prior to performing PC/ED diagnostics or replacing any components.
TSB 20-24232021-01-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. Some 2018-2020 F-150/Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost High-Output engine and built on or before 11-Sept-2020 may exhibit excessive oil consumption with no visible oil leaks with or without diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0365 and/or P0369. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reprogram the powertrain control module (PCM) and if necessary, replace the engine valve covers.
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 492922020-11-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Some 2018-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit inoperative remote features via the Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed or DTCs U2100 and/or B156D in the telematics control unit (TCU). These symptoms may persist even after performing a TCU software update and/or replacement. To correct this condition, start a new session with the latest version of the appropriate diagnostic scan tool and perform a PMI on the TCU. If issues persist, open a hotline assistance request and include the IDS version (if applicable) used to perform the PMI and the Authorization Status PID value in the TCU datalogger. For claiming use causal part 14H092 and applicable labor times in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 492842020-11-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2018-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with TCU and WiFi Hotspot, May display Vehicle Hotspot feature not enabled on this vehicle when attempting to enter the Hotspot menu. When using the FordPass/Lincoln Way application, the customer may receive a message saying Wi-Fi has been disabled from this vehicle. Check the vehicle specifications or vehicle build information for the mfal code. If mfal = WAFAC or WAFAB do not replace the TCU, engineering is currently investigating this condition. Inform customers Ford is developing a software fix that is expected in early January. In the interim, let the customer know they can continue to drive the vehicle and schedule a follow-up appointment with the customer for early January. Once the update becomes available, contact the customer and confirm the service appointment is going forward. Monitor OASIS for updates.
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.
TSB 20-23242020-10-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Some 2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost engine may experience an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P2196, P2198, P2BF0, P2BF2, P2BF1, P2BF3, P2BEC, P2BED, P2BEE, P2BEF, P130D, P0300, P0316, P0301-P0306, P0171, P0174, P219A, P219B, P0172 and/or P0175 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to software in the powertrain control module (PCM) or direct injection fuel injectors leaking down. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM and/or replace the direct injection fuel injectors.
TSB 20-22672020-10-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:CAMERA/SENSOR. Some 2015-2020 F-150 except Raptor, 2017-2020 F-Super Duty, 2018-2020 Expedition vehicles equipped with a front camera washer may exhibit a washer fluid leak at the front camera washer jet when not in use. This may be due to the rubber seal internal to the jet. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the washer jet.
SSM 490652020-09-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL. Some 2011-2020 F-Super Duty, 2015-2019 Transit, 2016-2021 F-650/F-750 and 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6.7L, 3.2L or 3.0L engine may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P207F, P20EE, P229F, P2201 and/or P24AE. This may be a result of using aftermarket cleaning liquids or tools for the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler or intake. Ford does not recommend the cleaning of diesel intakes or EGR coolers using any aftermarket tool that injects a cleaning foam or liquid substance into the EGR cooler or intake. Using these types of fluids can result in sodium poisoning of the NOx and particulate matter (PM) sensors resulting in degraded operation and permanent damage to the after treatment system. Use of these cleaning tools may void the emissions warranty of the hot end after treatment exhaust system and the attached emissions sensors.
TSB 20-22552020-09-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F150/Focus/CMAX/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. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure.

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