NHTSA Service Bulletin 11029538: 2025, 2026 Ford Expedition
Official manufacturer communication context for 2025, 2026 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 2025-2026 Expedition/Navigator vehicles may exhibit misalignment of the 3rd row power folding seats when in the full upright position after performing a reset for an obstruction event. This may be due to the software in the power fold seat module (PFSM). This module may also be referenced as the seat control module J (SCMJ). Inform customers that engineering is currently working on a solution for this condition that is expected in Q4 2026. If a vehicle comes in for this condition, instruct the customer that resetting the 3rd row power folding seats a second time will correct the condition. Monitor Professional Technician System (PTS) for additional information and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available.<br /><br /> The 3rd row power seat reset is performed with the following relearn procedure:<br /> 1. Start the vehicle and open the liftgate/tailgate.<br /> 2. Remove all items from the 2nd and 3rd row seats including any obstructions that can prevent from folding/unfolding.<br /> 3. Slide the 2nd row seats forward.<br /> 4. Press the center 3rd power fold
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 11029538?
Some 2025-2026 Expedition/Navigator vehicles may exhibit misalignment of the 3rd row power folding seats when in the full upright position after performing a reset for an obstruction event. This may be due to the software in the power fold seat module (PFSM). This module may also be referenced as the seat control module J (SCMJ). Inform customers that engineering is currently working on a solution for this.
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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