NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 52390: 1995-1997 Ford E Series

Official manufacturer communication context for 1995-1997 Ford E Series, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 52390 summary graphic for 1995-1997 Ford E Series
52390NHTSA document ID
Warranty program / extensioncommunication type
4affected product rows
90/100quality 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

SPECIAL FIELD ACTION 96L11 - AUDIO GUIDES PLACED IN THE MOUNTAINEERS DID NOT INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE OPERATION OF THE OPTIONAL JBL/LUXURY AUDIO SYSTEM - THE WARRANTY INFORMATION BOOKLETS IN THE AFFECTED E AND F SERIES TRUCKS DO NOT HAVE A CORRECT WARRANTY STATEMENT - THE VEHICLE EMISSIONS CONTROL INFORMATION LABELS ATTACHED TO THE AFFECTED LINCOLN TOWN CARS HAVE AN INCORRECT STATEMENT ABOUT THE EMISSION PERFORMANCE WARRANTY TESTING. *TW

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
FordE Series1995, 1996Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
FordF Series1995, 1996Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
LincolnTown Car1996Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
MercuryMountaineer1997Ask 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 52390?

SPECIAL FIELD ACTION 96L11 - AUDIO GUIDES PLACED IN THE MOUNTAINEERS DID NOT INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE OPERATION OF THE OPTIONAL JBL/LUXURY AUDIO SYSTEM - THE WARRANTY INFORMATION BOOKLETS IN THE AFFECTED E AND F SERIES TRUCKS DO NOT HAVE A CORRECT WARRANTY STATEMENT - THE VEHICLE EMISSIONS CONTROL INFORMATION LABELS ATTACHED TO THE AFFECTED LINCOLN TOWN CARS HAVE AN INCORRECT STATEMENT ABOUT THE EMISSION.

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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