NHTSA Service Bulletin 10250842: 2024 Ford Ranger
Official manufacturer communication context for 2024 Ford Ranger, 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 2024 Ranger vehicles may exhibit a condition where the vehicle's center display screen shows the towing screen after every key cycle with Active Trailer indicated even when no trailer is connected. When the No Active Trailer selection is subsequently made, the previously selected trailer is still shown as active. This may be due to the software in the accessory protocol interface module (APIM). Reprogramming or replacing the APIM will not resolve this condition. Inform customers that engineering is currently working on a solution for this condition and will be released via Ford Power-Up software updates delivered over-the-air (OTA) expected in Q4. Software will update automatically if vehicle connectivity is enabled in the vehicles settings. Schedule a service visit for customers who have disabled vehicle connectivity or who report that they did not receive the update in December 2024. Monitor OASIS for additional information.
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 10250842?
Some 2024 Ranger vehicles may exhibit a condition where the vehicle's center display screen shows the towing screen after every key cycle with Active Trailer indicated even when no trailer is connected. When the No Active Trailer selection is subsequently made, the previously selected trailer is still shown as active. This may be due to the software in the accessory protocol interface module (APIM). Reprogramming.
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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