Service bulletins

What manufacturers tell their dealers

Manufacturers file copies of their communications to dealers with NHTSA: repair instructions for known problems, service campaigns, warranty extensions and notices of over-the-air software updates. A bulletin is not a recall. Over the last five years, 43% of vehicle recalls came after at least one bulletin on the same component.

Bulletins added in 2026 to date9,644-6% vs the same period of 2025, to Oct 3
Bulletins on file259,7231995 to 2026
Over-the-air notices1,480All years
Recalls that followed a bulletin43%Vehicle recalls, last five years
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Showing 75,573 bulletins, 2022 to 2026
Bulletins per year

Bulletin filings jumped ninefold in 2016 and peaked at 27,014 in 2017

Distinct manufacturer communications by the year NHTSA added them, 1995 to 2026. 2026 runs through October. Shown for all years whatever the period.

010k20k30k1995199820012004200720102013201627,014201920222026
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files. The lighter column is a partial year.
Type

Service bulletin or repair instructions make up 87% of bulletins since 2022

Distinct bulletins by communication type, 2022 to 2026. Each bulletin is counted once.

Service bulletin or repair instructions
65,998
Other communication
4,099
Service campaign
2,948
Over-the-air update notice
1,480
Warranty program or extension
703
Emissions
345
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.
Component

Electrical systems are the subject of 32% of bulletins since 2022

Distinct bulletins by the component group they concern, twelve most frequent, 2022 to 2026. Each bulletin is counted once.

Electrical system
23,881
Engine and cooling
9,745
Equipment
9,330
Other or unknown
8,040
Powertrain
4,643
Structure
4,294
Fuel system
1,965
Brakes
1,960
Back-over prevention
1,789
Visibility and wipers
1,689
Suspension
1,401
Steering
1,257
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files, NHTSA component groups.
Over-the-air notices

Over-the-air notices grew from 251 in 2024 to 529 in 2025

Notices of software updates delivered over the air, by the year NHTSA added them, 2024 to 2026. Shown for all years whatever the period.

0200400600800202420252026700
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files. 2026 runs through October.
Latest over-the-air notices

Software updates sent to cars, as filed with NHTSA

The 15 most recent over-the-air update notices, by the date NHTSA added them.
Latest over-the-air update notices
AddedVehicleComponentSummaryDocument
Oct 3, 2026Mazda CX-5 2026Electrical systemAnnouncement of Special Service Program (SSPE2) Ethernet Communication – Over The Air (OTA) Update Concerns and Manufacturer Service Program (MSP67 ) – Battery Depletion - 2026MY CX-5 vehicles URGENT - STOP DELIVERY OF AFFECTED VEHICLES: MAZDA SALES AND SERVICE TEAMS - ACTION ITEM: Between both campaigns there are approximately 27,565 vehicles (for both campaigns) in stock at U.S. Mazda dealers. All Mazda dealers must quarantine any affected New, Used or Certified Pre-Owned in-stock vehicles until the repair is completed. The affected dealer inventory list will be available to each District Service Manager with the notification of this dealer email. Once completed, the vehicle can be delivered, and the Warranty claim can be submitted later without penalty since the vehicle has been repaired. Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct two service programs Special Service Program (SSP) and Manufacturer Service Program (MSP) on certain 2026MY CX -5 vehicles sold in the U.S. and U.S. Territories. Vehicles also produced by Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) and Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) are affected and should be repaired if presented to your dealership. Please see the description, model, model year, and VIN ranges below for all vehicles in these two campaigns. There are 70,225 vehicles affected by SSPE2 and 53,653 vehicles affected by MSP67. All vehicles in MSP67 are also affected by campaign SSPE2. Please read this complete letter for all the repair information . Special Service Program SSPE2 – Ethernet Communication and OTA Update Concerns - SSPE2 addresses two concerns: 1) Ethernet communication (CDC -DCM communication) concern: Communication in the Cockpit Domain Controller (CDC) and Data Communication Module (DCM), may be interrupted, making the connected services unavailable. The interruption may cause the master warning light to illuminate and audible warning from the emergency call speaker. 2) OTA software update concern: Due to an improper communication control program in the CDC and DCM, may prevent OTA software updates to be completed. In addition, if an OTA software update is successfully completed, the vehicle's software configuration status may not be correctly transmitted to the server, which may prevent notification of subsequent software update successfully completed OTA software updates may not properly sync with Mazda’s servers potentially preventing future OTA updates. Repair Outline: Reprogram the DCM and CDC software, using a USB memory stick with modified software. Manufacturer Service Program MSP67 - Battery Depletion Concern - MSP67 addresses two concerns: On certain subject CX-5 vehicles, the vehicle may fail to start due to battery depletion after IG OFF. 1) Data Communication Module (DCM): Remote Diagnostics software may reset and fail to close a CAN communication channel after ignition OFF and the battery may drain over time. Note: Vehicles for Puerto Rico and Mexico markets are not affected by this factor as they are not equipped with the DCM. 2) Body Control Module (BCM): The Body Control Module (BCM) may intermittently reset during sleep mode operation. Vehicles may cycle between wake-up and sleep states, leading to battery depletion. Repair Outline: Reprogram the BCM software with M-MDS, using Mazda Diagnostic and Repair Software II (MDARS II). The DCM software is being re-programed by SSPE2. Note: When the BCM is reprogrammed, the Central Gateway (CGW) will also be updated automatically.SSPE2 Owner Ltr
Oct 2, 2026Ford Expedition 2025 to 2027, and 1 more modelElectrical systemQuality improvements include: -Software update to improve responsiveness of the door control system after the vehicle enters a low-power stateDDM-PDM-26.21.7 Exped&Nav
Oct 2, 2026Ford Expedition 2025 to 2027, and 1 more modelElectrical systemQuality improvements include: -Steering column memory calibration update to minimize unnecessary contact with mechanical hard stopsDSM-26.5.7.2 Exped&Nav
Oct 2, 2026Cadillac XT4 2024 to 2025Other or unknownThis update contains a required software change to help improve the overall software update and diagnostics process. Be sure to install this update to be able to receive future software updates. During the update process, your radio may stay on up to 5 minutes after you exit the vehicle. This is expected behavior.663.10
Oct 2, 2026Cadillac XT4 2024 to 2025Other or unknownImprovements to the availability of driver assistance features. Improvements to the performance of driver assistance features. Fixes to help ensure accurate driver display messages and alerts.663.10
Oct 2, 2026Cadillac Escalade IQ 2025 to 2026, and 1 more modelOther or unknownThis update contains a required software change to help improve the overall software update and diagnostics process. Be sure to install this update to be able to receive future software updates. During the update process, your radio may stay on up to 5 minutes after you exit the vehicle. This is expected behavior.663.20
Oct 2, 2026Cadillac Escalade IQ 2025 to 2026, and 1 more modelOther or unknownUpdates to enable memory seat buttons to be linked to a user profile. Up to two user profiles can be linked to your vehicle's memory seat buttons Better responsiveness for the driver display and rear-view camera After this update, you may need to turn your Turn Signal Activated View setting back on Improvements to system responsiveness Improvements to camera image clarity Fixes to prevent blank screens and audio drop-outs Improvements to vehicle software update installation Surround Vision Recorder, a new feature that allows you to record, watch, and save video from your vehicle's cameras Security Recording, a new feature that can automatically begin recording if your vehicle's alarm is triggered while it is parked Cabin Glance, a new feature that displays a live feed of the seating area on your infotainment screen. This allows you to check on passengers, such as kids or pets Fixes to help ensure responsiveness for the driver display and rear view camera Improvements to reliability for alerts and chimes663.10
Oct 2, 2026Cadillac Escalade IQ 2026, and 1 more modelOther or unknownFixes to help ensure start reliability and prevent battery drain Improved charging performance and messages663.30
Oct 2, 2026Cadillac Escalade IQ 2025Other or unknownFixes to help ensure start reliability and prevent battery drain Improved charging performance and messages663.30
Oct 2, 2026Cadillac Escalade IQ 2025Other or unknownImproved reliability for propulsion and acceleration663.40
Oct 2, 2026Buick Envision 2025Other or unknownThis update contains a required software change to help improve the overall software update and diagnostics process. Be sure to install this update to be able to receive future software updates. During the update process, your radio may stay on up to 5 minutes after you exit the vehicle. This is expected behavior.663.10
Oct 2, 2026Chevrolet Sierra 1500 2023, and 1 more modelOther or unknownImprovements to accuracy for Diesel Exhaust Fluid level shown in driver display Improvements to the performance of Super Cruise662.20
Oct 2, 2026Chevrolet Sierra 1500 2023, and 1 more modelOther or unknownImprovements to reliability when extending the running boards on your vehicle Improves transmission diagnostic software Reduces unnecessary check engine light activations662.10
Oct 2, 2026Chevrolet Acadia 2024, and 1 more modelOther or unknownFixes to help prevent loss of functionality for connectivity features such as OnStar, Wi-Fi, Navigation, and Super Cruise.662.80
Oct 2, 2026Cadillac Lyriq 2027Other or unknownDigital key will be available in the myCadillac mobile app a few minutes after the update completes. You can use your smartphone or smartwatch to lock, unlock, and drive your vehicle without your key fob. Digital key only requires an active OnStar account, no paid plan is needed. If digital key is not available within 24 hours after the update completes, contact OnStar. For more information, visit cadillac.com/support and search “digital key.”663.30
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files. Summaries as filed by the manufacturer.
Lead indicator

Bulletins that came before a recall

For each vehicle recall of the last five years, we count the distinct manufacturer communications on the same component group, make, model and model year dated in the 24 months before the recall report.
Vehicle recalls preceded by a bulletin43%1,927 of 4,509 recalls reported since October 4, 2021
Preceded by three or more28%1,252 recalls had at least three earlier bulletins on the component
Earlier bulletins per recall7.5Average across all 4,509 recalls, including those with none
By component

Electrical system recalls are the most likely to follow a bulletin: 66%

Share of vehicle recalls of the last five years preceded by at least one bulletin on the same component, components with 20 recalls or more.

Electrical system
66%
Back-over prevention
60%
Powertrain
60%
Engine and cooling
51%
Airbags
50%
Structure
44%
Visibility and wipers
43%
Steering
42%
Lighting
40%
Fuel system
34%
Seats
34%
Wheels
32%
Source: NHTSA recalls and manufacturer communications files, matched by make, model, model year and component group.
By manufacturer

83% of Volkswagen's recent recalls came after a bulletin, the highest share

Share of each manufacturer's vehicle recalls of the last five years preceded by at least one bulletin on the same component, manufacturers with 15 recalls or more.

Source: NHTSA recalls and manufacturer communications files.