Ford bulletin SSM 54431
What it saysSome 2021-2024 Bronco vehicles may exhibit an illuminated red brake warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0049:01 stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. NHTSA’s full summary ↓
Ford filed this with NHTSA as a service bulletin dated Dec 6, 2025, received Dec 10, 2025, about the service brakes. It names 4 model years (2021–2024). 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.
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What the bulletin says
Source: NHTSA's summary of the manufacturer's communicationSome 2021-2024 Bronco vehicles may exhibit an illuminated red brake warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0049:01 stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. Replace the brake fluid reservoir and the brake fluid level sensor electrical connector. Do not disconnect the brake fluid level sensor electrical connector, cut the connector 3-4 inches (75-100 mm) from the connector end and leave the brake fluid level sensor electrical connector attached to brake fluid reservoir. Include these parts in the same package when returning warranty replacement brake fluid reservoirs. The brake fluid reservoir with the electrical connector still connected should be packaged in the original box to protect it during shipping. For claiming, use causal part 2L210 and labor operations 2140A and 2219D45WR.
Trouble codes it names: C0049
Document filed under this number
| Document | Kind | Dated | NHTSA id | At NHTSA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSM 54431 | Service bulletin | Dec 6, 2025 | 11026520 | PDF, 66 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 themA 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 4 model years this bulletin names have filed 908 complaints with NHTSA since 2015. 67 of them name Service Brakes — 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.
When towing the vehicle in neutral tow mode, while using a suplimental braking system in the bronco, the brakes changed from a not active "vacuum " state, to and Active "powered" state, causing the brakes to lock up on the bronco. This has happened on multiple occasions. Very dangerous and damaging
2024 Ford Bronco · Service Brakes · filed with NHTSA Feb 16, 2025
The 21 Bronco is sold and marketed as being set up and safe to flat tow recreationally. The problem is with the 2.7l engine which has an Electric Brake Booster. After 45 mins the Battery Management system turns the Electric Brake Booster off.
2021 Ford Bronco · Service Brakes · filed with NHTSA Feb 23, 2022
The 2022 Bronco is listed as being able to be flat towed behind a motorhome and the software allows it to be put into flat tow mode. 49 states require that flat towed vehicles over a certain weight have supplemental braking.
2022 Ford Bronco · Service Brakes · filed with NHTSA Oct 17, 2022
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 service brakes
Source: same model, same component group9 other manufacturer communications filed against the Ford Bronco under the same component group (service brakes), newest first. The eight newest are listed; the rest are on the Ford list.
| Number | Kind | Dated | NHTSA’s summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSM 54848 | Service bulletin | May 20, 2026 | Some 2025 Bronco Raptor vehicles may exhibit a concern where certain selectable drive modes (G.O.A.T. modes) are unavailable after the ABS m… |
| SSM 54847 | Service bulletin | May 20, 2026 | Some 2025 Bronco non-Raptor vehicles may exhibit a concern where certain selectable drive modes (G.O.A.T. modes) are unavailable after the A… |
| SSM 54733 | Service bulletin | Apr 9, 2026 | Some 2025-2026 Bronco/Expedition/Navigator/F-150/Ranger vehicles may exhibit a "Check Brake System" message in the instrument panel cluster… |
| ABS-25.9.3B | Over-the-air update | Oct 1, 2025 | 25S77 Recall remedy: -Addresses a potential loss of brake boost while driving. Hydraulic braking assist will still be available |
| SSM 53988 | Service bulletin | Jun 26, 2025 | Some 2025 Bronco vehicles equipped with a 2.3/2.7L EcoBoost engine built on or before 12-June-2025 and 2025 Bronco Raptor vehicles equipped… |
| SSM 53986 | Service bulletin | Jun 26, 2025 | Some 2025 Bronco vehicles equipped with a 2.3/2.7L EcoBoost engine built on or before 12-June-2025 and 2025 Bronco Raptor vehicles equipped… |
| SSM 53875 | Service bulletin | Jun 4, 2025 | Some 2025 Bronco and Ranger vehicles may exhibit various illuminated brake system warning lamps/fault messages at start up with diagnostic t… |
| SSM 51261 | Service bulletin | Dec 16, 2022 | Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the… |
Quote the number at the service desk. It is what the dealer’s system is keyed on.
Every manufacturer communication NHTSA holds for Ford, by the number printed on the letter.
Common questions
Source: NHTSA, 49 CFR 579.5Is Ford SSM 54431 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 54431 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 54431 cover?
The manufacturer filed it against 4 model years: 2024 Ford Bronco, 2023 Ford Bronco, 2022 Ford Bronco, 2021 Ford Bronco. Whether one particular vehicle is affected is a matter of its VIN and its build, not its model year alone.