NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10187998: 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 10187998 summary graphic for 2019, 2020 Ford F-150
10187998NHTSA document ID
Emissions communicationcommunication type
1affected product rows
1source rows grouped

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 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0021 and/or P0022 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The vehicle may also exhibit noise near the front of the valve covers from the intake variable camshaft timing (VCT) phasers. To resolve this condition, verify the engine oil is at the proper level. Adjust the engine oil level as necessary. If the condition persists, replace only the VCT solenoid(s) associated with the DTCs present. If the condition persists after VCT solenoid replacement, continue with normal Powertrain Controls and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual diagnostics and/or follow engine NVH diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in 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

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
FordF-1502019, 2020Ask 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 10187998?

Some 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0021 and/or P0022 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The vehicle may also exhibit noise near the front of the valve covers from the intake variable camshaft timing (VCT) phasers. To resolve this condition, verify the engine oil is at the proper level. Adjust the.

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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