Ford has announced a sweeping recall of more than 4.3 million vehicles in the United States after identifying a software defect that can disable trailer brake lights and, in some cases, trailer braking systems. The issue affects several of the company’s best-selling pickup trucks and SUVs from recent model years.
The recall, disclosed Thursday in filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, centers on a malfunction within the Integrated Trailer Module. While Ford says it is not aware of any crashes or injuries linked to the defect, regulators warn that non-functioning trailer lights or brakes can increase the risk of a collision.
The recall covers model year 2021 through 2026 F-150 pickups, 2022-2026 F-250 Super Duty trucks, as well as the Expedition, Maverick, Ranger, E-Transit and Lincoln Navigator. In Canada, more than 600,000 vehicles are also affected, as reported by CBC News.
Software Glitch Disrupts Trailer Communication
At the heart of the recall is the Integrated Trailer Module, or ITRM, which manages communication between the vehicle and a towed trailer. According to documents filed with NHTSA and cited by Car and Driver, a software issue can create a race condition during vehicle start-up. If specific conditions are met, the module may power on but fail to communicate properly with the vehicle.
When that happens, the trailer’s brake lights and turn signals may stop working. In less common cases, the trailer’s braking function can also be lost. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce a driver’s ability to control the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.
Drivers are alerted to the malfunction through dashboard warnings. Ford says a “Trailer Brake Module Fault” message will appear on the instrument panel, and the turn signal indicator may flash rapidly. A “Blind Spot Assist System fault” message may also be displayed.
According to Reuters, Ford is aware of 407 incidents that may be related to the issue. The company has said it is unaware of any crashes tied to the defect. Separately, Forbes reported that Ford had received more than 400 warranty claims identifying the problem as of early February.
Over-The-Air Update Planned amid Record Recall Year
Ford plans to resolve the issue through a software update. The automaker said updates will begin rolling out over the air starting March 17, with deployment expected to continue through May. Owners will also have the option to visit Ford or Lincoln dealerships for the repair at no cost.
According to CBC News, most affected vehicles in Canada are expected to receive the update before the end of March, with all vehicles addressed by the end of May. The updated software is designed to eliminate the vulnerability within the Integrated Trailer Module and prevent future communication failures.
The recall adds to what has already been an extraordinary year for the automaker. Forbes noted that Ford issued 153 recalls in 2025, the most ever by a single manufacturer in a single year in the United States, involving approximately 12.9 million vehicles. Earlier actions included recalls tied to rearview camera malfunctions and suspension components.
