NHTSA Service Bulletin 10172990: 2020 Ford Transit
Official manufacturer communication context for 2020 Ford Transit, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
SSM 48652 - 2020 Transit - Lack Of Power Steering Assist On Initial Engine Start-Up With Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) U2016:47 - Built On Or After 12-Aug-2019 Some 2020 Transit vehicles built on or after 12-Aug-2019 may exhibit a lack of power steering assist on initial engine start-up with DTC U2016:47 stored in the power steering control module (PCSM). If the DTC is present, before performing Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnostics, reprogram the PCSM with the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. If DTC U2016:47 returns, continue with diagnostics and repair direction from WSM, Section 211-02. For claiming, use causal part 3504 and applicable labor operations in Sections 03 and 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
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
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 10172990?
SSM 48652 - 2020 Transit - Lack Of Power Steering Assist On Initial Engine Start-Up With Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) U2016:47 - Built On Or After 12-Aug-2019 Some 2020 Transit vehicles built on or after 12-Aug-2019 may exhibit a lack of power steering assist on initial engine start-up with DTC U2016:47 stored in the power steering control module (PCSM). If the DTC is present, before performing Workshop Manual.
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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