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.
By type
By component
By trouble code
| SSM 49541 | 2021-03-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. 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 on the PTS website (Detailed Vehicle Specifications). 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 March. 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 March. Monitor OASIS for updates. |
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| SSM 49483 | 2021-02-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2017-2021 F-Super Duty and 2016-2021 F650-750 with 6.7L diesel engines, 2015-2019 Transit with 3.2L diesel engines and 2018-2021 F-150 with 3.0L diesel engines may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P206C in the powertrain control module (PCM). Review of repair data supports that P206C is often the result of incorrect diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) concentration. Per Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Pinpoint Test (PPT) RJ, a DEF concentration reading below 28% will set P206C and cause vehicle derate. If low concentration is suspected, drain fluid and replace with known good DEF before replacing any parts. Low concentration of DEF is not a warrantable condition. |
| SSM 49477 | 2021-02-04. 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. |
| TSB 20-2423 | 2021-01-05. 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. |
| SSM 49318 | 2020-12-04. 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 49355 | 2020-12-04. 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 20-2307 | 2020-11-05. 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 20-2306 | 2020-11-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES; EQUIPMENT. The service part long block for 2017-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine built at Kansas City Assembly Plant on or before 23-Feb-2018 or Dearborn Truck Plant on or before 26-Feb-2018 and 2018 Expedition/Navigator vehicles built on or before 19-Mar-2018 has been changed to a one piece oil pan design. To make sure there is proper fitment of the new long block with the one piece oil pan, replacement of the transmission cooler coolant lines and an engine harness modification will be necessary. To correctly install, follow the Service Procedure steps to complete the repair. |
| TSB 20-2278 | 2020-11-05. 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 49292 | 2020-11-04. 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 49284 | 2020-11-04. 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 49217 | 2020-10-06. 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 49210 | 2020-10-06. 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. |
| SSM 49203 | 2020-10-06. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2017-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine, 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost or 5.0L engine, 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L engine, may exhibit a high pitched squeal or whistle type noise from the engine compartment after the engine is shut off. This condition may be due to the air conditioning (A/C) low side system pressure exceeding the high side pressure resulting in equalization of A/C system pressures through the A/C compressor. This noise is not detrimental to system operation or durability. Submit a Global Concern Report, and let the customer know they can continue to drive the vehicle. Set a follow-up appointment for June 2021 when repairs are expected to become available. Follow up with the customer to confirm the appointment once OASIS is updated. |
| TSB 20-2324 | 2020-10-02. 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 20-2315 | 2020-10-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2017-2020 F-150 2018-2020 Expedition/Navigator vehicles built on or before 31-Oct-2019 and equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine on initial start-up after a cold soak of 6 hours or more that may last for 2-5 seconds. This may be due to a worn variable cam timing (VCT) unit. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the VCT units and update the powertrain control module (PCM) calibration with revised VCT parameters. |
| TSB 20-2267 | 2020-10-01. 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 49065 | 2020-09-04. 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. |
| SSM 49050 | 2020-09-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0171, P0172, P0174 and/or P0175. This may be due to incorrect flex fuel learning, which is often caused by customer refueling habits when adding only small amounts of fuel, the vehicle mislearning of inferred ethanol fuel mixture (FF_INF value) or a component concern. Refer to pinpoint test H in the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual for diagnostics and Flex Fuel GSB for additional flex fuel system information and diagnostic tips. |
| SSM 49122 | 2020-09-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION; EQUIPMENT. Some 2015-2020 F-150, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019-2020 Nautilus, 2015-2020 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. |
| TSB 20-2294 | 2020-09-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). This article supersedes TSB 20-2162 to update the Labor Operations descriptions. Some 2018-2020 F-150 Raptor and 2019-2020 F-150 Limited vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost High-Output engine 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 for vehicles built on or before 1-Apr-2019 that have not previously had both valve covers replaced perform an oil consumption test. |
| TSB 20-2272 | 2020-09-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2015-2019 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.2L engine, 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L engine, 2017-2020 Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.7L engine built on or after 13-May-2017 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2002 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to a crack in the diesel particulate filter (DPF) substrate. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the DPF. |
| TSB 20-2264 | 2020-09-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN. This article supersedes TSB 18-2249 to update the vehicles affected and production fix date. Some 2018-2019 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost and built on or before 15-Mar-2019 may exhibit an intermittent lack of engine revolutions per minute (RPM) when coming to a stop while towing. This may be caused by the engine running leaner than expected under certain deceleration conditions. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the powertrain control module PCM. |
| TSB 20-2255 | 2020-09-02. 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. |
| TSB 20-2236 | 2020-08-06. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. Some 2015-2019 F-150, 2017-2019 F-Super Duty vehicles may exhibit a lack of heat or cooling from the cabin vents when the climate 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. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.