Ford recalls 4.3 million vehicles (trailer module software issue)

Quick Take

• Recall size: About 4.38 million vehicles in the U.S.
• What can happen: Trailer stop lamps and turn signals may fail; some vehicles may also lose trailer braking.
• Root cause: A software issue in the Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM) can cause a communication loss, often at startup.
• Fix: Ford plans an over-the-air (OTA) software update, with owner notifications starting mid-March.

What’s the Problem?

Ford says a software error may cause the vehicle to lose communication with the Integrated Trailer Module. If you’re towing, that communication drop can knock out critical trailer lighting — and on certain configurations, it can also disable trailer braking. That’s a big deal because it reduces visibility to other drivers and can reduce control while towing, increasing crash risk.

Possible Warning Signs

• Instrument-cluster messages like “Trailer brake module fault”
• Rapidly flashing turn-signal indicators
• Other system fault messages may appear at the same time

Vehicles Reported as Included

Model years vary by nameplate. Ford’s recall population includes high-volume trucks and SUVs, including:

• Ford F-150 (2021–2026)
• Ford Super Duty (including F-250 and other Super Duty series; 2022–2026)
• Ford Expedition (2022–2026)
• Ford Maverick (2022–2026)
• Ford Ranger (2024–2026)
• Ford E-Transit (certain 2026 models)
• Lincoln Navigator (2022–2026)

Important: Not every vehicle in these ranges will have symptoms — but the recall is so large because the software/architecture is shared across multiple platforms.

What Owners Should Do Now

1. If you tow regularly, stay alert. If you see trailer-related fault messages, treat it as urgent.
2. Don’t ignore lighting issues. Loss of trailer stop lamps/turn signals is a safety hazard — pull over and verify.
3. Watch for the fix. Ford’s remedy is a software update (many vehicles should receive it OTA).
4. Confirm your VIN status. Check Ford owner tools and/or the NHTSA recall lookup using your VIN.

If your vehicle receives OTA updates, keep connected services active so you don’t miss the repair when it rolls out. If you prefer, dealers can also perform the update.

Need Help?

Use your VIN to confirm if your specific vehicle is included. If you’re actively towing and you suspect a problem, contact your Ford/Lincoln dealer before your next haul.