NHTSA Service Bulletin 10194411: 2007, 2020, 2021 Ford Aviator
Official manufacturer communication context for 2007, 2020, 2021 Ford Aviator, 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.
Some 2020-2021 Corsair/Aviator/Navigator and 2021 Nautilus/Mach-E customers may be unable to activate Phone-as-a-key, have intermittent Phone-as-a-key connectivity, missing Phone-as-a-key button in the App, receiving Pairing Failed, Key Download Error or Connection Trouble message during Phone-as-a-key setup, Bluetooth Disconnected, Unable To Start, Backup Code Needed And/or Key Not Detected. Prior to performing any RFA diagnostics, verify the customer's phone app is at the latest version, the phone app is authorized to the vehicle and Location Service is enabled in customer's phone to allow for proper Phone-as-a-key operation. If a Phone-as-a-key concern remains, continue with normal RFA diagnosis. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-01. Utilize the FordPass Guides or Lincoln Way Concierge teams as needed to understand Phone-as-a-key operation.
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 10194411?
Some 2020-2021 Corsair/Aviator/Navigator and 2021 Nautilus/Mach-E customers may be unable to activate Phone-as-a-key, have intermittent Phone-as-a-key connectivity, missing Phone-as-a-key button in the App, receiving Pairing Failed, Key Download Error or Connection Trouble message during Phone-as-a-key setup, Bluetooth Disconnected, Unable To Start, Backup Code Needed And/or Key Not Detected. Prior to performing.
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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