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Service bulletins for the 2016 Ford Flex

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.

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

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Bulletins, newest first
SSM 471712018-05-21. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 and connected to an iPhone recently upgraded to iOS 11.2.5 may exhibit functional concerns where USB audio playback and App Link will not operate. This may also include, under certain conditions, no Bluetooth streaming. Apple has released iOS 11.2.6 to address this concern. Advise the customer to update the device to iOS 11.2.6 and re-evaluate before performing any diagnosis or repairs for this condition. To check the iOS software level on an Apple iOS device, select Settings > General > About on the device.
SSM 471672018-05-21. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Various 2016-2017 vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience a touch screen that does not respond to any input. Using the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website > OASIS tab > SYNC version, verify the vehicle SYNC software version. If the vehicle is at version 2.2 please update the module to the latest software level. After the software is updated make sure you shut the vehicle off, open the door for 2 minutes, then turn the key back on before testing the touch screen. If the software is at a later version than 2.2, proceed with normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the Service Labor Times Standards (SLTS) manual.
SSM 471002018-05-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln Vehicle equipped with SYNC 3 and connected to an iPhone recently upgraded to iOS 11.2.5 may exhibit a concern where USB Audio playback and App Link applications will not function properly. This may also include, under certain conditions, no Bluetooth Streaming. Apple is aware of the issue and is working on a resolution with a future iOS release. No repairs should be performed at this time. To check the iOS software level on an Apple iOS device, select Settings > General > About on the device. Monitor OASIS for updates. Customers can also check Apple Support or connect to iTunes for the latest available iOS release for their phone.
SSM 470802018-05-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. 2010-2018 various vehicles equipped with SYNC or SYNC 3 may not function when attempting to find or use the Spotify app via AppLink. As of an update released on 1/15/2018 Spotify will no longer be supporting their AppLink integration. No repair attempts should be attempted to correct this concern.
SSM 469472018-01-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; BACK OVER PREVENTION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; LANE DEPARTURE. Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may intermittently display an overhead image of a vehicle in the center of the SYNC touchscreen with no obstacle detection grids or warning chimes. SYNC may appear unresponsive when the overhead vehicle image is displayed. The vehicle image may intermittently display after shifting out of reverse or turning the vehicle off when in reverse. SYNC software updates are now available under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If an update is available, refer to WSM Section 415-00 and update the APIM software. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual.
SSM 469302018-01-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Some 2016-2018 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. This is due to the power saving features enabled while in transport mode and 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 allowing time for the SYNC system to complete all 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 469002018-01-29. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some vehicles may exhibit a no start condition with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and a DTC P161A after PCM replacement. This may be due to the parameter reset procedure not being properly completed. To clear this DTC, use the Ford Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) service tool or Ford J2534 Diagnostic Software, select - Toolbox - Body - Security - PATS Functions - Parameter Reset. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the procedure. This procedure will transfer the existing Key ID information between the modules without the need of having 2 programmed PATS keys present. There is no need to program keys when the PCM is going to be replaced. Additional information can be found in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-01. Missing or lost keys are not warrantable.
SSM 468612017-12-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may intermittently display an overhead image of a vehicle in the center of the SYNC touchscreen with no obstacle detection grids or warning chimes. SYNC may appear unresponsive when the overhead vehicle image is displayed. The vehicle image may intermittently display after shifting out of reverse or turning the vehicle off when in reverse. To recover the screen, perform any one of the following actions: touch the SYNC screen anywhere outside the vehicle image pop-up box, safely shift the vehicle into and out of reverse, or perform a complete ignition cycle (key off, open and close the driver's door then wait 5 minutes). If this does not resolve the concern, do not attempt any repairs at this time. Engineering is investigating, monitor OASIS for updates.
SSM 468602017-12-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Some 2016-2018 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. This is due to the power saving features enabled while in transport mode and 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 allowing time for the SYNC system to complete all 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 467032017-08-25. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Some 2013-2017 Edge/MKX/Escape/MKC/Fusion/MKZ/Flex/MKT/Mondeo/Kuga/EcoSport AWD vehicles where diagnosis leads to a RDU clutch issue, a rear drive unit (RDU) service kit is available. Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) in the parts catalog to look for base part 4A232. If clutch assembly (base 4A232) is not listed in the catalog, this message does not apply. For vehicle repairs refer to updated Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 205-02 on ATC clutch repairs. Use causal part 4A232 or equivalent and applicable labor operations.
16B322017-08-01. Service bulletin. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. Certain 2015 Model Year Edge, 2015-2016 Model Year F-150, MKT, and Police Interceptor Sedan, and 2016 Model Year Escape, Explorer, Flex, Fusion, MKX, Mustang, Police Interceptor Utility, Taurus, and Transit Vehicles - Electronic Throttle Body Repair
SSM 461022017-08-01. Service bulletin. SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR; SEAT BELTS. Some vehicles may have a concern where the safety belt retractor webbing does not extract from the stowed position or exhibits excessive pressure on the occupant during use. This may be due to a normal condition which happens when the seatbelt retracts at a high rate of speed. The Workshop Manual, Section 501-20A General Procedures has been updated with a locked seatbelt retractor releasing procedure.
SSM 460852017-08-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY; ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN. The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.
SSM 460732017-08-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2017 Escape, MKC, Fiesta, F150, Expedition, Navigator, Mustang, Transit, Focus, C-Max, MKX, Taurus, MKS, Flex, MKT, and Edge and 2017 Explorer, Fusion, MKZ, Super Duty, Transit Connect and Continental vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 might exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in Transport mode. Engineering is aware of this possibility and it is considered normal due to the power saving features enabled while in transportation mode. It is beneficial to extended battery life to keep the vehicle in Transport Mode until the vehicle is prepped for sale. If the vehicle should exhibit a blank screen or other SYNC symptoms after it has been taken out of Transport mode, refer to Workshop Manual, Section 415-00 for normal diagnosis. The SYNC version can be confirmed via OASIS.
SSM 460692017-08-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Some 2015-2016 vehicles equipped with 6F50/6F55 transmission Built On 11/2/2015 And Through 2/1/2016 may exhibit no reverse, 3rd and 5th gear and/or DTCs P0715, P0717, P0756 and/or P2701. This may be caused by the direct clutch snap ring out of position and/or damage to the direct clutch hub. The cause of the failure is the Tone Wheel surface putting uneven load on the snap ring. To repair this condition the Tone Wheel (7F283) must be replaced,(also referred to as Direct Clutch Cylinder/Tone wheel) in addition to the Tone Wheel, replace Direct Clutch Hub (7G384), Direct Clutch Return Spring (7F235), Direct Clutch Snap Ring (7C122), TSS Sensor (7M101), Seal Kit (7153) and filter in the kit. Disassemble, clean the transmission and main control to remove metal particles. Refer to WSM, Section 307-01. Use causal part 7F283 and applicable Labor ops from SLTS section 7.
SSM 460482017-08-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may have DTCs U3000:04, B108E:12 and/or U1A00:87 present in the APIM. If these DTCs are present and no other symptoms are reported by the customer, then clear the DTCs and retest. If the DTC(s) do not return then no further repairs should be attempted. If one or more DTCs return as current faults and/or the customer reports other symptoms, then refer to Workshop Manual, Section 415-00 for further diagnostics. The SYNC version can be confirmed via OASIS.
SSM 465222017-08-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT. 2013-2017 Edge/MKX/Flex/MKT/MKZ/MKS/Taurus/Taurus Police/Explorer/Explorer Police/Continental vehicles equipped with a 3.5L or 3.7L engine, all wheel drive (AWD) and a power transfer unit (PTU) that is being repaired or replaced for an internal failure must also have the vent hose replaced due to contamination in the hose.
TSB 17-20682017-08-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; BACK OVER PREVENTION: CAMERA SYSTEM. Some 2016-2017 Edge, Escape, Expedition, Fiesta, Flex, MKC, MKT, MKX, Mustang, Navigator and Taurus or 2017 Explorer and Super Duty vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 and built on 1-Jul-2015 and through 31-Dec-2016 may exhibit a SYNC display message of Please check your surroundings for safety along with no rear view camera image when in reverse gear. This will occur only at ambient temperatures ranging from -5 Å'C to 5 Å'C (23 Å'F to 41 Å'F). This maybe due to a temperature dependent issue within the APIM crystal oscillator circuitry. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SSM 464862017-05-24. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. SOME 2016-2017 FORD OR LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC 3 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 462102017-03-20. Service bulletin. STEERING. SOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES.
SSM 464122017-03-20. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE. SOME 2007-2016 EDGE/MKX/FLEX/MKT/MKZ/MKS/TAURUS/TAURUS POLICE/EXPLORER/EXPLORER POLICE EQUIPPED WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) AND BUILT ON OR BEFORE 30-JUN-2016 MAY EXHIBIT A TICKING AND/OR KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVELINE AREA. TO IDENTIFY THIS NOISE, REFER TO WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM), SECTION 100-04, AND FOLLOW THE SYMPTOM CHART. IF THE SOURCE OF THE NOISE IS IDENTIFIED AS THE PTU AND/OR INTERNAL TO THE PTU, DISASSEMBLE PTU ASSEMBLY. REFER TO UPDATED WSM, SECTION 308-07. IF THE PTU IS DETERMINED TO BE REPAIRABLE, UTILIZE KIT GB5Z-7P258-A AND THE INCLUDED INSTRUCTION SHEET. FOR CLAIMING, USE CAUSAL PART 7P258 AND APPLICABLE LABOR OPERATIONS IN SECTION 07 OF THE SERVICE LABOR TIME STANDARDS (SLTS) MANUAL.
SSM 463322017-03-15. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. REPLACING THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT SYNC/NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH EITHER AN AFTERMARKET SYNC/NAVIGATION KIT OR MODIFYING ORIGINAL SYNC/NAVIGATION PARTS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FEATURES IS NOT RECOMMENDED NOR SUPPORTED ON ANY FORD, MERCURY OR LINCOLN VEHICLE. ONLY APPROVED GENUINE FORD ACCESSORIES OR ORIGINALLY INSTALLED SYSTEMS ARE SUPPORTED AND CERTIFIED TO FUNCTION CORRECTLY WITH OTHER VEHICLE SYSTEMS. IF YOU SUSPECT A SYSTEM HAS BEEN MODIFIED, THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES CAN BE USED TO VERIFY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT: MONRONEY LABEL (WINDOW STICKER), PROFESSIONAL TECHNICIAN SOCIETY (PTS) OASIS TAB SELECT SYNC OR HVBOM. FOR GENUINE FORD ACCESSORIES USE: PTS WORKSHOP TAB SELECT DEALER INSTALLED ACCESSORY OR ACCESSORY INSTALLATION.
SSM 462952017-03-15. Service bulletin. ENGINE. TO HELP DIFFERENTIATE ENGINE OIL LEAKS FROM OTHER POSSIBLE SOURCES, A NEW WHITE-COLORED FLUORESCENT ENGINE OIL DYE IS AVAILABLE. WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM), SECTION 303-00 HAS BEEN REVISED TO REFERENCE THE NEW WHITE-COLORED DYE. THE NEW WHITE FLUORESCENT DYE PROVIDES A DISTINCT WHITE GLOW TO IDENTIFY ENGINE OIL LEAKS. THE NEW WHITE FLUORESCENT DYE REQUIRES A PURE UV DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION LAMP. THE WHITE-COLORED FLUORESCENT DYE AND PURE UV LAMP ARE NOW IN THE ROTUNDA CATALOG. DYE AND LAMP PART NUMBERS. GASOLINE ONLY DYE: 1 OUNCE BOTTLE 164-TP-33200601. DIESEL ONLY DYE: 8 OUNCE BOTTLE: 164-TP-3320-0008. PURE UV DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION LAMP 164-TP8695 OR 164-R3748.
SSM 462832017-03-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. SOME OWNERS OF 2016 FORD AND LINCOLN MKX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC 3 MAY INQUIRE ABOUT UPGRADING TO APPLE CARPLAY AND ANDROID AUTO. THIS UPGRADE IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR THOSE VEHICLES. APPLE CARPLAY AND ANDROID AUTO ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ONLY ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC 3 V2.0 OR LATER. THIS UPGRADE FOR 2016 FORD AND LINCOLN MKX VEHICLES WILL BE AVAILABLE IN 2017. THE SYNC VERSION CAN BE CONFIRMED VIA OASIS. MONITOR OASIS FOR FUTURE UPDATES.
SSM 459182017-02-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SOME 2016-2017 FORD/LINCOLN VEHICLES WITH SYNC 3 MAY SEE A NAVIGATION FAULT MESSAGE APPEAR ON THE MAP ON THE HOME SCREEN OR A SYSTEM LOCK UP WHEN THE PHONE IS CONNECTED. APPLINK MAYBE INOPERATIVE, OR THE SYSTEM MAY PERFORM RANDOM REBOOTS DURING AN IGNITION CYCLE WITH THE PHONE CONNECTED. DETERMINE IF THE CUSTOMER HAS AN ANDROID PHONE WITH THE BASEBALL APPLICATION MLB.COM AT BAT INSTALLED. IF THE CUSTOMER DOES NOT HAVE THIS APPLICATION LOADED THEN PROCEED TO THE WSM, SECTION 415-00 FOR NORMAL DIAGNOSIS. IF THE CUSTOMER DOES HAVE THIS APPLICATION LOADED VERIFY IF THE VERSION IS 5.1.3 OR LOWER ON THE ANDROID PHONE. IF THE ANDROID PHONE WITH MLB.COM AT BAT HAS VERSION 5.1.3 OR LOWER PLEASE RECOMMEND THAT THEY UPDATE THEIR APP TO VERSION 5.2 OR HIGHER AND RETEST FOR THE CUSTOMER SYMPTOM. THE SYNC VERSION CAN BE CONFIRMED VIA OASIS.

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