Service bulletins for the 2018 Ford Mustang
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.
198 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
By trouble code
| SSM 50251 | 2021-12-07. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS. Some 2017-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization and/or no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition prior to programming, remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes then reinstall. Delete all previous session files for the vehicle. Verify that the electronic serial number (ESN) is now displayed. Start a new IDS/FDRS session. Program the TCU to the latest IDS/FDRS version level. Make sure you are connected to the internet before retesting. If the concern is still present, follow normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual(WSM), Section 415-00. Refer to PTS OASIS home page for TCU version identification. For claiming, use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. |
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| TSB 21-2315 | 2021-10-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Some 2017-2020 F-150, 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang and 2019-2021 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 10R80 automatic transmission may exhibit a harsh engagement/harsh shift/delayed shift. It is possible the vehicle may also have an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to incompatibility of the adaptive calibration to adapt to hardware wear-in over time. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to overhaul the main control valve body and/or perform an adaptive learning drive cycle. |
| SSM 50089 | 2021-09-28. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with 3.3L, 3.5L EcoBoost, or 5.0L engines may exhibit stalling, lack of power, low fuel rail pressure and/or DTCs P0087 or P008A after a repair was made that required the removal of the fuel line that connects the high-pressure fuel pump to the port injection rail, such as injector replacements or base engine repairs. This line must be installed in the correct orientation as it has an internal one-way check valve. To determine if the fuel line has been installed improperly, look at the position of the Oetiker clamp (stainless band clamped around the black fuel line). The clamp holds the one-way check valve in place and should be located closest to the end connected to the port injection rail. If the clamp is not closest to the port injection rail, remove and reinstall the line in the proper orientation. |
| SSM 50067 | 2021-09-04. 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 50064 | 2021-09-04. 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 50049 | 2021-09-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:DOGS/SYNCHROS. Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicle customers may receive a message in their FordPass or Lincoln Way App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the SYNC Connect or FordPass Connect feature or Lincoln Connect or Embedded Modem Do not replace the TCU or perform any repair to resolve this condition. Refer the owner of the vehicle to Ford Pass Guides or Lincoln Way Concierge Teams to assist in removing the fleet telematics subscription. |
| SSM 50039 | 2021-09-04. 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 21-2236 | 2021-08-02. 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. |
| TSB 21-2220 | 2021-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2018-2021 Mustang coupe vehicles may exhibit a sagging headliner or gap where the headliner meets the upper door weatherstrip. This may be due to an outward bent door frame moulding not allowing the weatherstrip to overlap the headliner properly. To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the door frame moulding. |
| TSB 21-2175 | 2021-07-01. 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 49821 | 2021-06-01. 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 49820 | 2021-06-01. 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 49803 | 2021-06-01. 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 49795 | 2021-06-01. 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. |
| SSM 49761 | 2021-05-03. 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. |
| SSM 49756 | 2021-05-03. Service bulletin. BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE. Some 2018-2021 vehicles supported by FDRS may not list a software update for a module under the SW Updates tab although an SSM or TSB is published for a software update. This may be due to the module already being at the latest software level. A later software level may have been programmed at the assembly plant, during a previous dealer visit or by an over the air (OTA) update for vehicles that have automatic updates enabled in the SYNC system settings. To review a vehicle's OTA update history, visit the Connected Vehicle > OTA Dashboard tab in OASIS. Information about the OTA Dashboard can be found on FMCDealer.com when performing a search on OTA History Job Aid. |
| 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. |
| 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 49303 | 2020-12-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; SEATS. Some 2015-2020 Mustang vehicles may exhibit a concern of the rear seat cover appearing loose or having the foam underneath the seat cover exposed. This condition is most apparent at the front outer corners of the lower seat cushion. This may be due to the seat cover coming loose. This can be corrected by tucking the corners of the seat cushion underneath the seat cover. Any loose seat cover material can also be tucked under the cover. Replacement of the seat cushion cover is not necessary to correct this condition. |
| 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 49244 | 2020-11-04. Service bulletin. SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST; SEATS. Some 2015-2020 Mustang vehicles may exhibit a concern of no horizontal movement of the front power seats. This may be caused by a defective seat track motor or separation of the drive motor cable from the seat track. The seat track motor assembly is available separately (14547) and replacement of the complete seat frame assembly (9661711) may not be required. Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 501-10A for seat track motor removal. |
| 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 49084 | 2020-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2017-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app , incomplete user authorization and/or no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition prior to programming, remove the TCU fuse for 5 minutes then reinstall. Delete all previous session files for the vehicle. Verify that the electronic serial number (ESN) is now displayed. Start a new IDS/FDRS session. Program the TCU to the latest IDS/FDRS version level. Make sure you are connected to the internet before retesting. If the concern is still present, follow normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual(WSM), Section 415-00. Refer to PTS OASIS home page for TCU version identification. For claiming, use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 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.