NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10172986: 2019, 2020 Ford F-150

Official manufacturer communication context for 2019, 2020 Ford F-150, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10172986 summary graphic for 2019, 2020 Ford F-150
10172986NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
1affected product rows
92/100quality 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

SSM 48630 - 2019-2020 F-150/Expedition/Navigator - Updated Diagnostic Procedure For The Intergrated Wheel End (IWE) System Some 2019-2020 F-150/Expedition/Navigator four wheel drive vehicles may exhibit a grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from front axle area in 2H mode under acceleration or heavy loads. The WSM diagnostic routine for the IWE vacuum system has been updated with new leak specifications and a more efficient diagnostic process. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308-07A > Symptom Chart - NVH for the symptom Grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from front axle in 2H mode under acceleration or heavy loads.

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

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 10172986?

SSM 48630 - 2019-2020 F-150/Expedition/Navigator - Updated Diagnostic Procedure For The Intergrated Wheel End (IWE) System Some 2019-2020 F-150/Expedition/Navigator four wheel drive vehicles may exhibit a grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from front axle area in 2H mode under acceleration or heavy loads. The WSM diagnostic routine for the IWE vacuum system has been updated with new leak specifications and a more.

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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