NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10164508: 2010-2020 Ford C-max

Official manufacturer communication context for 2010-2020 Ford C-max, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10164508 summary graphic for 2010-2020 Ford C-max
10164508NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
42affected 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 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the glass and cause visual distortion and/or discoloration on the outer surface which cannot be removed by further cleaning. If this type of distortion is found, inspect the area of the glass that is covered by the cowl and/or molding. The portion of glass that is covered by the cowl or molding will not be affected by the acid. Hydrofluoric acid damage is not a defect in material or workmanship and is not a warrantable condition.

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-max2013-2018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordC-max Energi2013-2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordC-max Hybrid2013, 2015, 2016Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordCrown Victoria2010-2012Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordE-1502010-2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordE-2502010-2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordE-3502010-2019Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordE-4502010-2018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordEcosport2019Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordEdge2010-2019Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordExpedition2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordExplorer Sport Trac2010Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordF-2502020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordF-250 Sd2011-2019Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordF-3502020Ask 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 10164508?

Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the glass and cause visual distortion and/or discoloration on the outer surface which cannot be removed by further cleaning. If this type of distortion is found,.

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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