Washington – Ford is recalling approximately 4.4 million vehicles in the United States due to a software defect that could cause trailer lights and braking systems to fail, potentially increasing the risk of a crash. The recall, announced Thursday, affects a range of Ford trucks, vans and SUVs, with the popular F-150 pickup truck accounting for the largest portion of affected vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has posted documents detailing the recall, which includes models from the 2021 to 2026 model years, such as the F-250 SD, E-Transit, Expedition, Maverick, Ranger, F-150, and Lincoln Navigator. More than 2.29 million of the recalled vehicles are Ford F-150s, the company’s best-selling vehicle. This recall addresses a critical safety concern for drivers who frequently tow trailers.
According to NHTSA, the issue stems from a potential loss of communication between the vehicle and the trailer’s Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITRM). When this communication is disrupted, particularly when a vehicle is first started, the trailer’s brake lights and turn signals may not function correctly, and the trailer braking system could grow inoperable. Drivers may witness a “Trailer Brake Module Fault” message and rapidly flashing turn signals as indicators of the problem.
What the Recall Means for Ford Owners
The software glitch poses a significant safety risk, as malfunctioning trailer lights and brakes can reduce a driver’s ability to control an attached trailer and create it less visible to other motorists. NHTSA stated that “inoperable trailer lighting and trailer braking functions can…increase the risk of a crash.” CBS News reported that Ford began investigating the issue in October 2025.
Ford has assured owners that It’s unaware of any accidents, injuries, or fires related to this software flaw. The company plans to address the issue with a remote, automatic software update, scheduled to roll out in May. Affected vehicle owners will be notified once the update is complete. However, Ford is also offering a free fix at Ford or Lincoln dealerships for those who prefer not to wait for the over-the-air update.
Beyond the F-150: Which Vehicles Are Affected?
While the Ford F-150 represents the largest segment of the recall, a substantial number of other Ford vehicles are also impacted. The recall encompasses a broad range of models, including:
- F-250 SD
- E-Transit
- Expedition
- Maverick
- Ranger
- Lincoln Navigator
This wide-ranging recall underscores the complexity of modern vehicle systems and the increasing reliance on software to manage critical functions, such as trailer towing. The issue highlights the potential for software glitches to compromise vehicle safety.
Separate NHTSA Investigation into F-150 Transmissions
This recall comes as NHTSA is also investigating a separate issue affecting nearly 1.3 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks from the 2015, 2016, and 2017 model years. Car and Driver reports that these trucks may experience sudden downshifts, potentially causing the rear wheels to lock up. The investigation focuses on trucks equipped with the 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission, where a signal loss in the Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor is suspected.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has received over 300 complaints from owners of affected trucks, with more than 40 percent reporting at least one instance of wheel lockup due to the unexpected transmission downshifts. The investigation is ongoing, and a determination on whether to issue a recall related to this transmission issue has not yet been made.
Ford has not yet commented on the separate transmission investigation. The company is focused on implementing the software update to address the trailer brake and lighting issue, and is encouraging owners to take advantage of the free repair options available.
Owners can check if their vehicle is affected by the trailer brake recall by visiting the Ford website or contacting their local Ford dealership. The company is committed to resolving this issue quickly and efficiently to ensure the safety of its customers.
The next update from Ford regarding the rollout of the software update is expected in early May. Vehicle owners are encouraged to monitor Ford’s official communications for further details.
Have you been affected by this recall? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below.
