NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10202796: 2021, 2022 Ford F-250 Sd

Official manufacturer communication context for 2021, 2022 Ford F-250 Sd, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10202796 summary graphic for 2021, 2022 Ford F-250 Sd
10202796NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
1affected product rows
82/100quality 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 2021-2022 F-250 vehicles equipped with a 6.7L engine, 10.5 inch Sterling rear axle with a 3.55 gear ratio (tag S403N), and four-wheel drive (4WD) built on 01-Jun-2021 and through 01-Oct-2021 may exhibit a driveline vibration and/or growl/roar noise between 1700-2100 RPM. Before performing normal diagnostics in the Workshop Manual (WSM), inspect the rear axle to verify if a damper is installed on the pinion flange. If a damper is present, refer to WSM, Section 100-04 for normal diagnostics. If no damper is present, replace the rear axle drive pinion flange using service part number HC3Z-4851-A. Also, replace the rear pinion seal. Refer to WSM, Section 205-02. For claiming, use causal part 4001 and applicable labor operations in Section 04 of 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-250 Sd2021, 2022Ask 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 10202796?

Some 2021-2022 F-250 vehicles equipped with a 6.7L engine, 10.5 inch Sterling rear axle with a 3.55 gear ratio (tag S403N), and four-wheel drive (4WD) built on 01-Jun-2021 and through 01-Oct-2021 may exhibit a driveline vibration and/or growl/roar noise between 1700-2100 RPM. Before performing normal diagnostics in the Workshop Manual (WSM), inspect the rear axle to verify if a damper is installed on the pinion.

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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