TSB RCM-26.4.2.1 — Ford Software update
RCM-26.4.2.1 is a software update on file with NHTSA for 6 Ford models, 2025–2026 model years, filed and re-filed as 5 documents. A TSB is factory repair guidance, not a recall — the repair is not automatically free.
What the bulletin says. Quality improvements include: -Updates the Restraint Control Module to prevent a potential internal fault that may cause a warning light to illuminate for one key cycle
NHTSA's own summary of the document, quoted from the public manufacturer-communications file.
Worth checking your VIN against. RCM-26.4.2.1 is filed as a software update, which unlike an ordinary bulletin can mean free or reimbursed work when a vehicle qualifies. Ask a dealer using the document ID below, and check open recalls separately at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles and model years RCM-26.4.2.1 names
| Vehicle | Model years |
|---|---|
| Ford Expedition | 2026 |
| Ford Explorer | 2025, 2026 |
| Ford F-150 | 2026 |
| Ford F-250 | 2026 |
| Ford F-350 | 2026 |
| Ford Transit | 2026 |
Every document filed under RCM-26.4.2.1
Manufacturers re-issue a bulletin as the repair changes, and file separate copies for technicians and for owners. All of them carry the same number.
| Document ID | Filed | Type |
|---|---|---|
| RCM-26.4.2.1 Exped & Nav | July 30, 2026 | Software update |
| RCM-26.4.2.1 Transit | July 7, 2026 | Software update |
| RCM-26.4.2.1 SuperDuty | May 7, 2026 | Software update |
| RCM-26.4.2.1 F-150 | April 30, 2026 | Software update |
| RCM-26.4.2.1 Explorer | April 29, 2026 | Software update |
What RCM-26.4.2.1 covers
Electrical, Seat belts — the component vocabulary NHTSA files this communication under.
Questions buyers ask
What is TSB RCM-26.4.2.1?
RCM-26.4.2.1 is a software update filed with NHTSA by Ford, covering 6 Ford models across the 2025–2026 model years. NHTSA's summary reads: Quality improvements include: -Updates the Restraint Control Module to prevent a potential internal fault that may cause a warning light to illuminate for one key cycle
Which vehicles does RCM-26.4.2.1 cover?
NHTSA's file names Ford Expedition (2026); Ford Explorer (2025–2026); Ford F-150 (2026); Ford F-250 (2026); Ford F-350 (2026); Ford Transit (2026). A bulletin number can be re-issued against more vehicles later, so check the model-year list on this page against your own.
Is TSB RCM-26.4.2.1 a recall, and is the repair free?
RCM-26.4.2.1 is filed as a software update, not a recall — but this is the kind of communication that can mean free or reimbursed work if your VIN qualifies. Take the number to a dealer and ask. Recalls are separate and always free; check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How do I get the full text of RCM-26.4.2.1?
Take the document ID to a dealer's service desk, or search NHTSA's manufacturer-communications records. This page carries every document ID filed under RCM-26.4.2.1, its date, and NHTSA's own summary from the public file.
Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. This page lists only what NHTSA's manufacturer-communications file records under RCM-26.4.2.1. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.