NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10198640: 2019-2021 Ford Aviator

Official manufacturer communication context for 2019-2021 Ford Aviator, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10198640 summary graphic for 2019-2021 Ford Aviator
10198640NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
25affected product rows
25source 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 2019-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an intermittent audio echo/robotic voice heard during a bluetooth phone call by the person that is not in the vehicle. Using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto instead of Bluetooth can help alleviate the concern. Also turning on, then off, the privacy setting in the SYNC touchscreen can temporarily alleviate the concern. Engineering is currently investigating this concern and will be releasing a service fix in early July 2021. Let the customer know they can continue to drive the vehicle and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available. Monitor OASIS for updates.

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
FordBronco Sport2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordEcosport2020, 2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordEdge2019, 2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordEscape2019, 2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordExpedition2019, 2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordExplorer2020, 2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordF-1502019, 2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordF-250 Sd2020, 2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordF-350 Sd2020, 2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordF-450 Sd2020, 2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordF-550 Sd2020, 2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordFusion2019, 2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordFusion Energi2019, 2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordFusion Hybrid2019, 2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordMustang2019-2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordRanger2019-2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordTransit Connect2019-2021Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
LincolnAviator2020, 2021Ask 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 10198640?

Some 2019-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an intermittent audio echo/robotic voice heard during a bluetooth phone call by the person that is not in the vehicle. Using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto instead of Bluetooth can help alleviate the concern. Also turning on, then off, the privacy setting in the SYNC touchscreen can temporarily alleviate the concern. Engineering is currently investigating this.

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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