NHTSA Service Bulletin 10209506: 2021 Ford F-150
Official manufacturer communication context for 2021 Ford F-150, 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.
Certain 2021 Model Year F-150 Raptors with BlueCruise Prep Kit: Fords advanced BlueCruise hands-free driving technology has started rolling out to a wide variety of customers, beginning with more than 50,000 F-150 and Mustang Mach-E vehicles already equipped with the feature produced at our plants starting last July. Ford knows Raptor truck customers want the best of everything, which is why we delivered our most off-road capable version of the truck ever with plans to combine it with BlueCruise for breakthrough hands-free, on-road driving. We found in the final stages of software development that this specific implementation does not meet Ford and our customers highest standards when combined with the purpose-built off-road suspension and capability that our Raptor truck customers expect. As a result, Ford will refund customers the $795 hardware prep kit price and make new customers aware they are not being charged for the feature.
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 10209506?
Certain 2021 Model Year F-150 Raptors with BlueCruise Prep Kit: Fords advanced BlueCruise hands-free driving technology has started rolling out to a wide variety of customers, beginning with more than 50,000 F-150 and Mustang Mach-E vehicles already equipped with the feature produced at our plants starting last July. Ford knows Raptor truck customers want the best of everything, which is why we delivered our most.
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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