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Service bulletins for the 2020 Ford Transit

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.

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

By type

By component

By trouble code

Bulletins, newest first
TSB 21-23772021-11-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Transit vehicles may exhibit a harsh engagement/harsh shift/delayed shift. It is also possible to experience an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6, P07F7, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704 and/or P2705 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to sticking valves in the main control valve body. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to perform the PCM - Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In routine for the appropriate clutch(s) and/or overhaul main control valve body.
SSM 502362021-11-02. Service bulletin. SEAT BELTS. Some 2015-2021 Transit vehicles may exhibit front seat safety belts that do not extend or retract properly or may exhibit an abnormal noise. Verify if the vehicle has been modified, in particular if a bulkhead partition between the front seats and cargo area has been added to the vehicle. Fasteners or holes in the lower b-pillar are indicators that the seat belt retractor mechanism could have been compromised. If diagnostics lead to retractor replacement, inspect for drill or screw holes in the retractor housing. Damage to the seat belt retractor caused by a vehicle modifier is not warrantable.
TSB 21-23532021-11-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; SEATS; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Some 2019-2021 Transit vehicles built on or before 11-Feb-2021 may experience a front seat cushion sagging. This may be due to a broken seat suspension mat. To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to install additional webbing to the seat frame.
SSM 501812021-10-29. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2020-2021 Transit vehicles built on or before 05-Aug-2021 without SYNC may exhibit a concern where the FordPass Connect selection is missing in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) menu and/or the FordPass authorization pop-up does not appear in the IPC after hitting the Activate button on the FordPass app. This may be due to a mis-configured IPC. To correct this condition, download and run the IPC - Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Configuration application on the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool. For claiming, use causal part number 10849 and applicable labor times from Section 10 of the Service Labor Times Standard (SLTS) Manual.
TSB 21-23352021-10-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Some 2020-2021 Transit vehicles may experience a pop/sizzle/crack noise from the exhaust. This may be due to water dripping on the exhaust from the evaporator drain tube. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to extend the the length of the evaporator drain tube.
21B582021-09-30. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER; ENGINE. Certain 2020-2021 Model Year Transit Vehicles Equipped with 3.5L PFDI Engines Inactive Smart Acceleration Truncation Feature In all of the affected vehicles, the Smart Acceleration Truncation (SAT) feature is non-functional. The SAT feature is intended to provide common performance for an empty vehicle as would be expected for a fully loaded vehicle. The feature restricts the acceleration capability for empty vehicles where drivers utilize significant accelerator pedal input. When the SAT feature is non-functional, drivers who reach elevated torque/acceleration rates will not see the desired torque de-rate that the feature is expected to deliver.
TSB 21-23212021-09-30. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Some 2020-2021 Transit vehicles may exhibit a harsh engagement into drive. The vehicle may or may not have an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0772 and/or P2704 in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to sticking valves in the main control valve body. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to perform the transmission accelerated main control break-in routine and/or overhaul the main control valve body.
SSM 501392021-09-28. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. Some 2020-2021 Transit vehicles equipped with factory keyless entry remote may exhibit a broken flip-key at the base of the fob. A broken key can be replaced with the current service part, which is a like-for-like replacement. However, for customers that may require a more robust key due to high key cycle activity, a mechanical key (Rotunda part numbers: pre-cut 164-R8290, uncut 164-R8289) can be programmed to the vehicle and used in conjunction with the original fob that has the broken flip-key for the remote keyless entry functions. To program the keys, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-01B.
SSM 501102021-09-28. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Transit vehicles may exhibit an open master fuse in the high current battery junction box. The master fuses are now available as a separate service part and can be replaced without replacing the high current battery junction box or wiring harness. For master fuses F9 (500A), F10 (300A), F11 (250A), and F12 (150A), use service part number LJ8Z-14526-C. For master fuses F1 (125A), F2 (80A), F3 (150A), and F6 (150A), use service part number LJ8Z-14526-D. Tighten M8 nuts to 12 +/- 1.8 Nm (106 +/- 16 lb-in). Tighten M5 nuts to 5.4 +/- 0.9 Nm (48 +/- 8 lb-in).
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 500492021-09-04. 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 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.
TSB 21-22242021-08-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.5L Duratec engine and all 2021 Transit vehicles built on or before 01-Jul-2021 may experience an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021 and P0022. This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM). To correct the condition, perform a variable camshaft timing (VCT) cycling and reprogram the PCM.
SSM 499272021-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER. Some 2020 Transit vehicles equipped with factory keyless entry remote may exhibit a broken flip-key at the base of the fob. Ford has been provided feedback from fleet customers of this condition on some vehicles with high usage profiles. A robustness action is currently under development and expected availability will be provided when determined. In the interim, a broken key should be replaced with the current service part, which is a like-for-like replacement. Continue to monitor OASIS for updates.
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 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 498022021-06-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020 Transit vehicles upfitted by Utilimaster for Amazon may exhibit various heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) concerns and/or blind spot, crosswalk, tire pressure monitor faults with one or more communication diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) for the MS1 CAN network. This may be caused by the blind spot information system (BLIS) wiring harness chafing on the Utilimaster installed bumper. Prior to performing Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnostics, remove the rear bumper per WSM Section 501-19 to inspect the BLIS wire harness 15K868 for damage. If damage is not present, continue with normal diagnostics. This information is for diagnostic purposes and the repairs are not covered under the Bumper to Bumper Warranty. Have the customer contact Utilimaster for review of the repair for warranty.
TSB 21-21092021-05-04. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM. Some 2020 Transit vehicles may experience a pop/sizzle/crack noise from the exhaust. This may be due to water dripping on the exhaust from the evaporator drain tube. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to extend the the length of the evaporator drain tube.
TSB 21-21062021-05-04. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:CONDENSOR/EVAPORATOR. Some 2017-2021 Transit vehicles built on or before 30-Nov-2020 may experience a slow fill condition and/or illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0171, P0174, P0451, P0455, P0456, P0496 and/or P1450. This may be due to a kinked evaporator emissions fresh air vent line. To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to attach a zip tie to the fresh air vent line.
TSB 21-21022021-05-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2015-2021 Transit vehicles built with manual sliding door(s) may have an incorrectly adjusted ajar switch. To correct this condition, follow the service procedure to readjust the ajar switch.
SSM 497602021-05-03. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 2015-2021 Transit vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels (DRW) have a high mount rear marker lamp that does not illuminate with the stop lamps. This lamp assembly may appear to be a stop lamp but is intended to illuminate with the parking lamps only. This information is available in Workshop Manual Section 417-01. The JDDAB feature code description found under OASIS additional information is common between single rear wheel and DRW vehicles, and incorrectly reflects stop functionality when applied to DRW units.
SSM 497562021-05-03. 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 497472021-05-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Some 2018 Focus, 2019 Fiesta, 2019-2020 Transit and 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles may exhibit a concern where the radio randomly seeks through FM stations when a Bluetooth device is connected and streaming audio. Engineering is currently working on a solution for this condition. Inform customers that Ford is developing a software fix that is expected in May 2021. In the interim, let the customer know that the radio will still function without Bluetooth and schedule a follow-up appointment with the customer for late February. Once the update becomes available, contact the customer and confirm the service appointment is going forward. Monitor OASIS for additional information and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available.
TSB 21-20442021-04-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Transit vehicles equipped with a gas engine may exhibit a harsh engagement into drive with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0772 and/or P2704 in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to sticking valves in the main control valve body. Most vehicles will improve and no longer exhibit the condition after the first 8,000 km (5,000 mi) of driving. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to perform the transmission accelerated main control break-in routine and/or overhaul the main control valve body.
TSB 21-20642021-04-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2015-2021 Transit vehicles equipped with rear wheel drive (RWD), single rear wheel (SRW), and a U-joint at the transmission flange and rear driveshaft may experience a boom/hum/moan noise or vibration from the rear while driving. This noise or vibration is most prevalent at highway speeds (112-121 km/h 7075 mph for 4.10 axle ratio, 121-128 km/h 75-80 mph for 3.73 axle ratio, and 136-145 km/h 85-90 mph for 3.31 axle ratio) and may also be present to a lesser degree at roughly half of those speeds. This may be due to a 2nd order driveline frequency transmitted through the rear drive shaft, rear axle and into the body through the leaf springs. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to install a driveshaft torsional damper.

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