NHTSA Service Bulletin 10243538: 2021-2023 Ford Expedition
Official manufacturer communication context for 2021-2023 Ford Expedition, 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.
Some 2021-2023 F-150, 2022-2023 Expedition vehicles equipped with 10 channel audio digital signal processing (DSP) module may exhibit a pop noise and/or static in the speakers at start up that cannot be turned down or off using the audio system controls. To confirm a vehicle is built with a 10 channel DSP module, verify the minor feature code, F-150 (IDBBQ)/Expedition (IDBAP or IDBBR), by reviewing the build information by double-clicking the vehicle identification number (VIN) in the upper left corner in the Professional Technician System (PTS) website. To correct the condition, reprogram the DSP module to the latest software level using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 18B849 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 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
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 10243538?
Some 2021-2023 F-150, 2022-2023 Expedition vehicles equipped with 10 channel audio digital signal processing (DSP) module may exhibit a pop noise and/or static in the speakers at start up that cannot be turned down or off using the audio system controls. To confirm a vehicle is built with a 10 channel DSP module, verify the minor feature code, F-150 (IDBBQ)/Expedition (IDBAP or IDBBR), by reviewing the build.
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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