DEARBORN, MI – Ford Motor Company has announced a major safety recall affecting over 4.3 million pickup trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles in the United States, citing a software flaw that could disable trailer braking and lighting functions. The recall, initiated late Thursday, spans several popular nameplates from recent model years according to reporting by Reuters, Cars.com and local news outlets.
The affected vehicles, built between model years 2021 and 2026, include high-volume trucks and SUVs such as the F-150, F-250 Super Duty series, Ranger, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator, as well as the Maverick compact pickup and the E-Transit van. The defect stems from the Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM), a software-controlled system that manages communication between the vehicle and a trailer’s electrical and braking circuits. When that communication fails—most often during startup—the trailer’s stop lamps, turn signals and, in some configurations, the trailer’s braking capability could be lost.
According to Ford’s recall notice, the module can stop communicating with the vehicle’s controller due to a software vulnerability often referred to as a “race condition,” which can lead to the affected systems going dark or inoperable when towing. While the underlying issue does not affect the vehicle’s own brakes, the loss of trailer lighting or braking could increase the risk of a collision by reducing the visibility and control of a towed load on public roads.
The company said there are currently no known crashes, injuries or fires linked directly to this malfunction as of the filing date, though federal safety regulators have flagged the risk of reduced trailer control as a significant concern under federal motor vehicle safety standards.
To remedy the defect, Ford plans to deploy a software update to fix the ITRM. The update will be delivered over-the-air (OTA) beginning March 17 for most vehicles, allowing owners to install the fix without visiting a service center, though dealership or mobile service installation options will also be available. The automaker estimates that OTA deployment should be completed for all affected units by May.
Owners will receive notification of inclusion in the recall along with instructions for installing the update; affected customers can also check their recall status online using their vehicle identification number through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) portal or via Ford’s own service platforms.
The recall is among the largest current actions by a U.S. automaker tied to a software or electrical system defect, reflecting the increasing complexity of modern vehicle systems as manufacturers integrate digital controls for safety and towing functions. Though towing electronics have long been a safety focus for regulators—particularly on powerful truck platforms such as the F-Series—the widespread impact of this particular software issue underscores the challenges of ensuring reliable communication between networked vehicle systems.
Key Facts and Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Automaker | Ford Motor Company |
| Recall Size | About 4.38 million vehicles |
| Affected Vehicles | 2021–2026 F-150, 2022–2026 F-250 Super Duty series, 2024–2026 Ranger, 2022–2026 Expedition, 2022–2026 Maverick, 2022–2026 Lincoln Navigator, 2026 E-Transit |
| Affected System | Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM) software |
| Main Risk | Trailer brake lights, turn signals and braking function may fail |
| Safety Concern | Increased risk of crash when towing |
| Fix Method | Over-the-air update beginning March 17; dealer and mobile service options |
| No Reported Injuries | Ford reports no known crashes or injuries linked to the defect so far |
| Recall Reference | NHTSA Recall No. 26V104 (Ford Recall 26C10) |
Consumer Advisory – What Ford Owners Should Do Now
Ford owners who tow trailers with affected trucks or SUVs are encouraged to verify whether their vehicle is included in the recall. Drivers can check their recall status by entering their Vehicle Identification Number – VIN – on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at NHTSA.gov/recalls or through Ford’s official owner portal.
Ford will also notify affected customers directly by mail with instructions regarding the over-the-air software update or dealership service options.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Until the update is installed, owners should be alert for:
- Dashboard messages related to trailer connection faults
- Trailer brake controller warnings
- Trailer turn signals or brake lights not functioning
- Intermittent loss of trailer braking response
If any of these issues occur, drivers should avoid towing until the system is inspected or updated, as loss of trailer lighting or braking can increase the risk of a crash.
Owners who rely heavily on towing for work or recreation may wish to schedule a dealership appointment rather than waiting for the automatic update rollout.
Joe Mcdermott is a staff reporter who keeps his eyes peeled for interesting automotive news. He works mainly for our Long Island Guide as well as our IT firm, SEARCHEN NETWORKS®. Mcdermott, one of our first and thus veteran reporters, is also a data analyst for select independent news and media organizations in the United States.