Ford Recalls 4.4 Million Vehicles Over Trailer Module

Updated: 2/26/26

Starting March 17, the update will be available for the majority of vehicles via Over-the-Air (OTA), dealership, or mobile service. OTA updates are expected to be deployed for all vehicles by May.

Ford Motor Company is recalling approximately 4.38 million trucks and SUVs due to a software flaw in the Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM). The defect can cause a loss of trailer stop lamps, turn signals, and brake function while towing. As a result, affected vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108 for lighting equipment. Ford has filed the recall under NHTSA Campaign Number 26V104000.

Highlights

4,380,609 vehicles across seven Ford and Lincoln nameplates from model years 2021–2026 are affected by the ITRM software defect.
Trailer stop lamps, turn signals, and brake function may be lost when the module fails to communicate with the vehicle during startup.
An over-the-air (OTA) software update is expected to begin in May 2026, with dealer repairs also available at no cost.
Ford is not aware of any accidents, injuries, or fires linked to the condition as of the recall filing date.

Affected Vehicles

The recall covers the following models equipped with Integrated Trailer Module feature codes:

2021–2026 Ford F-150: 2,297,857 units (production Jan. 8, 2020 – Feb. 6, 2026)
2022–2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty: 1,135,063 units (production Apr. 5, 2021 – Feb. 6, 2026)
2022–2026 Ford Maverick: 412,105 units (production Feb. 3, 2021 – Feb. 6, 2026)
2022–2026 Ford Expedition: 317,604 units (production Apr. 15, 2021 – Feb. 6, 2026)
2024–2026 Ford Ranger: 129,836 units (production Dec. 9, 2022 – Feb. 6, 2026)
2022–2026 Lincoln Navigator: 75,029 units (production Apr. 15, 2021 – Feb. 6, 2026)
2026 Ford E-Transit: 13,115 units (production Feb. 25, 2025 – Feb. 6, 2026)

Ford estimates that roughly 1% of affected vehicles exhibit the defect.

Defect Description

A software vulnerability in the ITRM allows a race condition between the module and the CAN Standby Control bit (STBCC) during initial power-up. When this occurs, the module powers on but cannot communicate with the vehicle.

If a trailer is connected at the time, the defect causes the following failures:

High-series ITRM: Loss of trailer stop lamps, turn signal indicators, and trailer brake function.
Low-series ITRM: Loss of trailer stop lamps and turn signal indicators.

The condition can occur with or without a trailer connected after the vehicle exits sleep mode. However, the safety risk applies only when a trailer is attached. Drivers will see a “Trailer Brake Module Fault” pop-up on the instrument panel cluster (IPC). Additionally, the turn signal telltale will flash rapidly, and a “Blind Spot Assist System Fault” message may appear.

Investigation Timeline

Ford’s Software and Digital Design Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) first reviewed the issue on Oct. 21, 2025. The group initially closed the investigation on Nov. 6, 2025. At that time, the CCRG determined the vehicle would be stationary when the fault occurs and that IPC warnings would alert drivers before they began driving.

However, NHTSA raised concerns during a monthly review in December 2025. The agency indicated the loss of trailer lighting could represent a noncompliance with FMVSS 108, Section 6.2.1. In response, the CCRG reopened its investigation on Jan. 20, 2026.

Warranty Claims

Originally, Ford had identified 57 warranty claims potentially related to the condition. By Feb. 4, 2026, that number had grown to 405 warranty claims and two Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs). Ford’s Field Review Committee approved a field action on Feb. 13, 2026.

Remedy and Owner Notification

The fix involves a software update to the ITRM that eliminates the race condition vulnerability. Ford plans to deploy the update through two channels:

Over-the-air (OTA): Ford Software Update and Lincoln Software Update deployment is expected to begin in May 2026.
Dealer service: Owners may take their vehicle to any Ford or Lincoln dealer for the update at no charge.

The supplier of the affected ITRM components is Horizon Global, Inc., based in Reynosa, Mexico.

Recall Schedule

Dealer notification: March 17, 2026
Owner notification letters: Expected to mail between March 17 and March 27, 2026
VIN search availability: March 17, 2026 on NHTSA.gov

Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s internal recall number is 26C10.

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