Ford bulletin SSM 53971
What it saysSome 2023-2025 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L/2.0L EcoBoost engine, 2023-2025 Corsair vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, 2024-2025 Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, 2024-2025… NHTSA’s full summary ↓
Ford filed this with NHTSA as a service bulletin dated Jun 25, 2025, received Jul 2, 2025, about the power train. It names 13 model years across Ford and Lincoln (2023–2025). A service bulletin is not a safety recall: it is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a condition, and whether the work is paid for depends on the warranty in force. Quoting the number at a service desk can save a diagnosis.
One page for every brand it was filed under. Each brand’s bulletins: Ford · Lincoln.
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What the bulletin says
Source: NHTSA's summary of the manufacturer's communicationSome 2023-2025 Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5L/2.0L EcoBoost engine, 2023-2025 Corsair vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, 2024-2025 Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, 2024-2025 Mustang vehicles with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine, and 2025 Bronco/Explorer/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an engine misfire condition with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0301, P0302, P0303 and/or P0304 set in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the spark plugs and/or ignition coils. To correct the condition, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-07 for normal diagnostics.
Trouble codes it names: P0301 P0302 P0303 P0304
Document filed under this number
| Document | Kind | Dated | NHTSA id | At NHTSA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSM 53971 | Service bulletin | Jun 25, 2025 | 11020041 | PDF, 68 KB |
The summary is NHTSA’s abstract of the document, as filed under 49 CFR 579.5. One communication is usually filed as several documents — the bulletin, a dealer notice, an owner letter — and the number on any of them finds this page. A PDF link is shown only once NHTSA’s own server has been seen to serve that document; the rest are checked over the following nights. Quote the number at a service desk; it is what the dealer’s system is keyed on.
Model years it names
Source: as the manufacturer filed themFord 8 model years
Lincoln 5 model years
A vehicle page’s bulletin list shows the newest few communications filed against that model year; the count there is every one.
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What owners reported
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseOwners of the 13 model years this bulletin names have filed 664 complaints with NHTSA since 2015. 170 of them name Engine, Power Train — the same broad component group this bulletin is filed under. NHTSA groups complaints coarsely, so that means the same area of the vehicle, not necessarily the same fault.
The contact owned a 2025 Ford Bronco. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, another driver pulled closer to the vehicle and honked to get the contact's attention. The contact stated that upon rolling down the window, the contact noticed flames coming from the front driver's side wheel well. There was no warning light illuminated.
2025 Ford Bronco · Engine · filed with NHTSA Mar 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Bronco. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle depressing the brake pedal, heard a clunking noise and on for second the vehicle attempts to move while in park. The contact mention he could hear clunking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. A dealer was contacted.
2025 Ford Bronco · Power Train · filed with NHTSA May 18, 2026
In Lincoln's own words the lithium batteries are flawed and can cause a short circuit which can lead to a fire. This could lead to grave danger to life. I keep my car in my garage which could lead to a house fire and harm to my family. Their original temporary fix was to set the charging system to stop at 80%.
2024 Lincoln Corsair · Engine · filed with NHTSA Sep 9, 2026
A complaint is one owner’s account, not a defect finding, and a bulletin is not a recall. Nothing here says this bulletin was issued because of these complaints, or that the repair it describes fixed them. Complaint files on this site begin in 2015.
More bulletins about the power train
Source: same model, same component group159 other manufacturer communications filed against these Ford models under the same component group (power train), newest first. The eight newest are listed; the rest are on the Ford list.
| Number | Kind | Dated | NHTSA’s summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB 26-2408 | Service bulletin | Sep 22, 2026 | This bulletin supersedes 26-2309. Reason For Update: update the Model section to remove Aviator 10R80, update the Parts list to add 3.3L to… |
| TSB 26-2341 v2 | Service bulletin | Sep 17, 2026 | This bulletin supersedes 26-2171. Reasons for update: update the Parts list to add a note to clarify the application of the part numbers W52… |
| PCM-26.10.3 | Over-the-air update | Sep 10, 2026 | 25S75 Recall remedy -Powertrain Control Module update to introduce logic to prevent low pressure fuel pump binding and maintain fuel flow to… |
| SSM 55142 | Service bulletin | Sep 1, 2026 | Some 2023-2025 Escape vehicles built on or before 16-Sep-2024 equipped with 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an "Engine Coolant Over-Tempera… |
| SSM 55073 | Service bulletin | Aug 10, 2026 | Some 2021-2026 Bronco vehicles may require the removal and installation of the transfer case for various reasons. Installation requires Loct… |
| SSM 55072 | Service bulletin | Aug 6, 2026 | Some 2025-2026 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 5.0L or 2.3L engine and built on 15-Aug-2025 and through 01-Dec-2025 may exhibit various dri… |
| SSM 55044 | Service bulletin | Jul 27, 2026 | Some 2025-2026 Bronco/Ranger vehicles may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes… |
| TSB 26-2341 | Service bulletin | Jul 23, 2026 | This bulletin supersedes 26-2171. Reasons for update: update the Parts list to add a note to clarify the application of the part numbers W52… |
Quote the number at the service desk. It is what the dealer’s system is keyed on.
Every manufacturer communication NHTSA holds for Ford and Lincoln, by the number printed on the letter.
Common questions
Source: NHTSA, 49 CFR 579.5Is Ford SSM 53971 a recall?
No. A service bulletin is a manufacturer communication filed with NHTSA under 49 CFR 579.5; a safety recall carries an NHTSA campaign number (two digits, a letter, six digits) and a federal duty to repair for free. Check the vehicle’s recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or on its page here.
Is the SSM 53971 repair free?
Not automatically. A service bulletin describes how to diagnose or repair a condition; who pays depends on the warranty in force, any extension, and the dealer. Quoting the number can save a diagnosis either way.
Which vehicles does SSM 53971 cover?
The manufacturer filed it against 13 model years across 2 brands (Ford and Lincoln): 2025 Ford Bronco, 2025 Ford Escape, 2024 Ford Escape, 2023 Ford Escape, 2025 Ford Explorer, 2025 Ford Mustang and more. Whether one particular vehicle is affected is a matter of its VIN and its build, not its model year alone.