Ford bulletin SSM 54544
What it saysSome 2025 Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P04DB stored in the powertrain control module (PCM)… NHTSA’s full summary ↓
Ford filed this with NHTSA as a service bulletin dated Feb 2, 2026, received Feb 12, 2026, about the power train. It names 2 model years (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.
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What the bulletin says
Source: NHTSA's summary of the manufacturer's communicationSome 2025 Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P04DB stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) with no other relevant DTCs present. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-08B Engine Emission Control > Diagnosis and Testing > Crankcase Ventilation > Pinpoint Test > steps HG1-3 to check for leaks in the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) and repair as needed. If no leaks are found in the PCV system, this condition may be due to the software in the PCM. This condition does not affect vehicle durability and no additional diagnosis is required for this condition at this time. The replacement of components or reprogramming of modules will not resolve this condition. Clear the DTC and return the vehicle to the customer. Inform customers that they can continue to drive the vehicle and engineering is currently working on a solution for this condition that is expected in Q2 2026. If a vehicle comes in for this condition, submit a Global Concern Report (GCR) and monitor Professional Tech
Trouble codes it names: P04DB
Document filed under this number
| Document | Kind | Dated | NHTSA id | At NHTSA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSM 54544 | Service bulletin | Feb 2, 2026 | 11028793 | PDF, 71 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 2 model years this bulletin names have filed 94 complaints with NHTSA since 2015. 42 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
Purchased this truck new and took on a trip over the weekend. Put on just under 800 miles no issues. This morning while driving to get my wondows tinted I noticed my truck flashing to apply brakes as it was trying to shift itself into 4wd low setting.
2025 Ford Ranger · Power Train · filed with NHTSA Jun 16, 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 group64 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… |
| 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 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 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 26-2309 | Service bulletin | Jul 2, 2026 | This bulletin supersedes 26-2241. Reason For Update: update the parts list to correct the claim quantity of the part number JB3Z-4B496-B fro… |
| PCM-26.20.0 | Over-the-air update | Jul 2, 2026 | Quality improvements include: -Powertrain Control Module calibration update to prevent a DTC that may lead to a wrench light |
| PCM-26.10.0 | Over-the-air update | Jul 2, 2026 | Quality improvements include: -Updates the Powertrain Control Module documentation to ensure vehicles can receive the latest updates |
| TSB 26-2291 | Service bulletin | Jun 19, 2026 | This bulletin supersedes 26-2006. Reason for update: update the Parts list to correct the ambient air temperature service part number. Some… |
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 54544 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 54544 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 54544 cover?
The manufacturer filed it against 2 model years: 2025 Ford Bronco, 2025 Ford Ranger. Whether one particular vehicle is affected is a matter of its VIN and its build, not its model year alone.