NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10236688: 2007, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 Ford Aviator

Official manufacturer communication context for 2007, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 Ford Aviator, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10236688 summary graphic for 2007, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 Ford Aviator
10236688NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
8affected 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 2021-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L engine may exhibit an upper engine thump/knock noise coming from the left cylinder head. This condition is most noticeable at idle and may lessen at higher engine speed or while driving. This condition does not affect vehicle durability and will not get worse over time. Use a stethoscope or chassis ears and listen just behind the left cylinder head intake VCT solenoid on the cam cover to determine if the thump/knock noise is coming from the cylinder head/camshaft. The left cylinder head and the camshaft roller followers are available as service parts.

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
FordEdge2020-2023Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
LincolnAviator2020-2023Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
LincolnMkx2007Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
LincolnMkx2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
LincolnNautilus2020-2023Ask 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 10236688?

Some 2021-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L engine may exhibit an upper engine thump/knock noise coming from the left cylinder head. This condition is most noticeable at idle and may lessen at higher engine speed or while driving. This condition does not affect vehicle durability and will not get worse over time. Use a stethoscope or chassis ears and listen just behind the left cylinder.

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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