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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.

By type

By component

By trouble code

Bulletins, newest first
21B10-S22021-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. In some of the affected vehicles, an undesirable noise may develop from the cam phasers in the 3.5L GTDI engine. This noise might occur as a rattle when starting the engine after the vehicle was turned off for an extended period of time, or as a knocking noise when the engine is idling after it is warmed up. A cam phaser that has developed an undesirable noise does not affect the vehicle safety, performance, or emissions.
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 21-20842021-08-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2017-2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0096 in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to an issue with the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the MAP sensor.
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 21-21682021-07-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and/or Engine Coolant Over Temperature warning with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0116, P0117, P0118, P0119, P0128, P0217, P0330, P1026, and/or P1299. This condition may be caused by an intermittent drop in the engine coolant temperature (ECT) voltage. To correct this condition, replace the heater hose with the new relocated ECT and install a jumper harness.
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 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 498052021-06-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2011-2021 vehicles equipped with a diesel engine may have engine oil in the exhaust after turbocharger replacement for various reasons. To correct the condition, remove the exhaust and stand the exhaust up with the turbocharger inlet side facing down using a suitable drain pan. Allow the exhaust to drain for at least 24 hours and reinstall. Do not perform a manual exhaust regeneration.
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.
CSR 5162021-05-28. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Ford Motor Company has issued an emissions recall on certain 2018 model year F-150, 2019 model year F-250 through F-550 Super Duty, and 2019 model year F-650 through F-750 medium duty Ford vehicles equipped with a diesel engine. Contact your local Ford dealer to schedule a service date to perform the recall. Refer to the included communication from Ford for additional information. Altec is not able to complete this repair. All work must be completed by an authorized Ford dealer.
21B10-S12021-05-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Certain 2017-2020 Model Year F-150 Equipped with a 3.5L GTDI Engine Powertrain Control Module Reprogram for Cam Phaser Rattle Reports of Transmission Shudder after PCM Reprogram: Dealers are instructed to stop performing this field service action until further notice. This shudder is under investigation.
TSB 21-21192021-05-04. 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.
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.
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.
21B102021-04-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Certain 2017-2020 Model Year F-150 Equipped with a 3.5L GTDI Engine Powertrain Control Module Reprogram for Cam Phaser Rattle In some of the affected vehicles, an undesirable noise may develop from the cam phasers in the 3.5L GTDI engine. This noise might occur as a rattle when starting the engine after the vehicle was turned off for an extended period of time, or as a knocking noise when the engine is idling after it is warmed up. A cam phaser that has developed an undesirable noise does not affect the vehicle safety, performance, or emissions
21N032021-04-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Certain 2017-2020 Model Year F-150 Equipped with a 3.5L GTDI Engine Cam Phaser Replacement In some of the affected vehicles, an undesirable noise may develop from the cam phasers in the 3.5L GTDI engine. This noise might occur as a rattle when starting the engine after the vehicle was turned off for an extended period of time or as a knocking noise when the engine is idling after it is warmed up. A cam phaser that has developed an undesirable noise does not affect the vehicle safety, performance, or emissions
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 496622021-03-31. Service bulletin. STEERING. Some 2018 F-150 vehicles may exhibit temporary heavy, stiff, or slow steering assist and/or diagnostic trouble code U3003:68 after an engine auto start stop event. This may be due to a reduced steering assist state caused by a low state of charge battery. Follow the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 414-01 to evaluate the health of the battery, and reprogram the PSCM with the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 3504 and applicable labor operations in Section 3 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.

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