NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10109079: 2012-2017 Ford C-max

Official manufacturer communication context for 2012-2017 Ford C-max, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10109079 summary graphic for 2012-2017 Ford C-max
10109079NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
23affected product rows
100/100quality score

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

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.

What this bulletin may mean before buying

Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.

Affected products listed in this communication

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
FordC-max2013-2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordE-series2012-2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordEdge2012-2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordExpedition2012-2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordFiesta2012-2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordFlex2012-2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordFocus2012-2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordSuper Duty F Seriesmodel years not specifiedAsk for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordTaurus2012-2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordTransit2015-2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordTransit Connect2012-2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
LincolnContinental2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
LincolnMkc2015-2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 10109079?

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.

Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?

No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.

How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?

Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.

Check the exact VIN before you buy

Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.

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