NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10201606: 2015-2020 Ford Expedition

Official manufacturer communication context for 2015-2020 Ford Expedition, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10201606 summary graphic for 2015-2020 Ford Expedition
10201606NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
7affected product rows
100/100quality 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

Some 2018-2020 Expedition/Navigator, 2015-2020 F150 and 2017-2020 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with power running boards (PRB) may exhibit a condition where the PRBs are disabled, changing the feature menu setting from Auto to Off mode in the instrumental panel cluster (IPC), DTC U3003:16 stored in the running board control module (RBM) and with or without an illuminated charging system indicator lamp. This may be due to a low battery voltage event or a fully discharged battery. To correct this condition, inspect the charging system and correct the low battery voltage event. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-08 > Diagnosis and Testing. Configure the PRB system mode from Off to Auto mode in the Advance Settings of the IPC. Refer to the Owner's Manual > Power Running Boards.

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
FordExpedition2018-2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordF-250 Sd2017-2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordF-350 Sd2017-2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordF-450 Sd2017-2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordF-550 Sd2017-2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
LincolnNavigator2018-2020Ask 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 10201606?

Some 2018-2020 Expedition/Navigator, 2015-2020 F150 and 2017-2020 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with power running boards (PRB) may exhibit a condition where the PRBs are disabled, changing the feature menu setting from Auto to Off mode in the instrumental panel cluster (IPC), DTC U3003:16 stored in the running board control module (RBM) and with or without an illuminated charging system indicator lamp. This may.

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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