NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10233725: 2020-2023 Ford Aviator

Official manufacturer communication context for 2020-2023 Ford Aviator, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10233725 summary graphic for 2020-2023 Ford Aviator
10233725NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
2affected 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 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator 4x4/AWD vehicles with hybrid powertrain may experience a harshness and/or vibration felt through the seat, steering wheel and/or center console after initial driveaway between 25-50 MPH (40-80 Km/h) that lessens after driving 5-10 minutes. This may be due to driveshaft center bearing bounce mode during cold ambient temperatures. To resolve the concern, install a softer durometer L1MZ-4A499-F driveshaft center bearing per Workshop Manual Section 205-01. For claiming, use causal part 4A499 and applicable labor operations in Section 4 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
LincolnAviator2020-2023Ask 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 10233725?

Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator 4x4/AWD vehicles with hybrid powertrain may experience a harshness and/or vibration felt through the seat, steering wheel and/or center console after initial driveaway between 25-50 MPH (40-80 Km/h) that lessens after driving 5-10 minutes. This may be due to driveshaft center bearing bounce mode during cold ambient temperatures. To resolve the concern, install a softer durometer.

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.

Get Full Report