SSM 2025 Expedition Rattle/Scraping Noise — 54269

[modified]

Special Service Message · SSM 54269

This is a Special Service Message, not a recall. SSMs are informational notes Ford sends dealers about a known condition or a change in procedure. They are not repair orders, and they don't by themselves change what is covered.

Published: Oct 4, 2025
Applies to: Expedition (2025 model year)

Restrictions stated in the source:

• Engine: 3.5L
• Equipment: equipped with a 2

Also listed in the source (outside this forum's coverage): Expedition 2021–2024, F-150 2021–2025, F-250 SD 2021–2025, F-350 SD 2021–2025, F-450 SD 2021–2025, F-53 2021–2024, F-550 SD 2021–2025, F-650 SD 2021–2025, F-750 SD 2021–2025, Transit 2020–2025

Summary (official text)​

Some 2021-2025 Expedition/Navigator/F-150/F-Super Duty/F-53 Motorhome/F59 Commercial Stripped Chassis/F-650/F-750/Transit vehicles equipped with a 2.7L,3.5L EcoBoost (non-hybrid), 3.5L Cyclone, 6.8L or 7.3L engine, may exhibit a rattle/scraping noise from the bellhousing area on start-up. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 Engine System - General Information > Diagnosis and Testing and 303-06 > Starting System has been updated. Additionally, WSM, Section 303-01 > Removal and Installation > Engine to Transmission Spacer Plate has been added to address this condition. Refer to the revised WSM sections for normal diagnosis.

Sources​

• SSM 54269 (PDF, NHTSA document 11024021) — Oct 4, 2025

Details from NHTSA as of Oct 6, 2026. If NHTSA or Ford revises this notice, this post is updated and significant changes are noted in a reply. The linked documents are the authority, and a dealer can confirm whether it applies to your VIN.

Have you seen this on your vehicle? Share your model year and engine and what you or the dealer found.