NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10181869: 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 10181869 summary graphic for 2019, 2020 Ford F-150
10181869NHTSA 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

2019-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive (4WD) have a revised transfer case control module (TCCM) strategy that will affect integrated wheel end (IWE) operation after initial start-up. The TCCM will not energize the solenoid to supply vacuum to the IWEs after the initial key cycle and a driven gear is selected. The IWEs will remain engaged for 0.8 km (0.5 mi) when the temperature is above 0 deg C (32 deg F) and 3 km (2 mi) when below 0 deg C (32 deg F). The strategy changes were implemented to improve vacuum supply management and axle warm up in cold temperatures. The engine must run for a minimum of 5 minutes to build sufficient vacuum before performing any vacuum related testing. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 307-08A > Four-Wheel Drive Systems > System Operation and Component Description for additional information.

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 10181869?

2019-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive (4WD) have a revised transfer case control module (TCCM) strategy that will affect integrated wheel end (IWE) operation after initial start-up. The TCCM will not energize the solenoid to supply vacuum to the IWEs after the initial key cycle and a driven gear is selected. The IWEs will remain engaged for 0.8 km (0.5 mi) when the temperature is above 0 deg C (32.

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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