Ford Motor Company has issued one of the largest recalls in recent automotive history, covering 4,380,609 trucks and SUVs due to a software defect that can disable trailer brakes and lighting systems while towing.
The recall, filed in February 2026 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), centers on a flaw within the vehicle’s Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM).
What’s the Issue?
The defect stems from a software “race condition” within the ITRM — the system responsible for managing communication between the truck and a connected trailer.
When the vehicle starts up from sleep mode, the module can lose communication with the truck’s main computer network. If that occurs while towing, drivers could experience:
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Loss of trailer brake functionality (on certain configurations)
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Inoperative trailer brake lights
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Non-functioning trailer turn signals
In practical terms, this means a trailer may not slow down with the tow vehicle, and drivers behind may not see brake or signal indications — significantly increasing crash risk.
Ford reports 405 warranty claims potentially related to the issue and two formal complaints filed with NHTSA. The company says it is not aware of any crashes or injuries tied to the defect.
Drivers may see warning messages such as:
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“Trailer Brake Module Fault”
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Rapidly flashing turn signal indicators
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“Blind Spot Assist System Fault”
Ford advises owners to stop towing and seek the update immediately if these warnings appear.
Vehicles Affected
The recall (NHTSA ID: 26V104000; Ford internal number: 26C10) includes the following models:
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Ford F-150 (2021–2026) — approx. 2.3 million
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Ford F-250 Super Duty (2022–2026) — approx. 1.13 million
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Ford Maverick (2022–2026) — approx. 412,000
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Ford Expedition (2022–2026)
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Ford Ranger (2024–2026)
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Lincoln Navigator (2022–2026)
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Ford E-Transit (2026) — 13,115 vehicles
The F-150 and Super Duty models account for more than 3.4 million of the recalled vehicles.
Ford estimates that roughly 1% of affected vehicles — about 44,000 units — actually contain the defect. However, the company is recalling all potentially impacted vehicles out of caution.
The Fix: Software Update
Because the problem is software-based, the repair is relatively straightforward.
Ford will deploy an updated ITRM software patch designed to eliminate the startup timing error. The repair will be provided free of charge through either:
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Dealer installation (available starting March 17, 2026)
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Over-the-air (OTA) update, beginning in May 2026 for supported vehicles
Owners may visit any Ford or Lincoln dealership for the update at no cost.
How to Check Your VIN
Beginning March 17, 2026, owners can confirm recall status by entering their 17-digit VIN at:
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The NHTSA recall lookup tool
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Ford’s recall support website
VINs can be found on the driver’s door jamb sticker, vehicle registration, or the lower-left corner of the windshield.
A Broader Quality Question
The recall arrives during heightened scrutiny of Ford’s quality performance.
In 2025, Ford issued 153 recalls affecting more than 12.9 million vehicles — the highest annual recall count ever recorded for a single automaker. By comparison, the previous record of 77 recalls was set by General Motors in 2014.
Earlier in 2026, Ford had already announced eight recalls within the first 50 days of the year.
The timing is notable. Just weeks before this announcement, Ford CEO Jim Farley told employees during a February town hall that company-wide bonuses would be set at 130%, citing improvements in “initial quality” — a metric measuring defects reported within the first 90 days of ownership. According to Reuters, Farley described initial quality levels as the strongest in a decade.
Ford has argued that recall volume and initial quality measure different aspects of vehicle performance. Recalls can involve older vehicles or software defects that surface long after initial delivery. The company has also taken a more proactive stance following a $165 million NHTSA fine in 2024 related to delayed rearview camera recalls.
Still, the optics are challenging: record recall numbers followed by performance bonuses, followed by a 4.38 million-vehicle recall early in the year.
What Owners Should Do Now
If you regularly tow:
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Watch for dashboard warning messages
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Stop towing immediately if a trailer module fault appears
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Schedule the update or accept the OTA patch when available
If you are shopping for a used Ford or Lincoln truck or SUV:
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Check recall status by VIN
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Confirm recall repairs have been completed before purchase
An open recall is a known and correctable issue — but ensuring the repair has been performed is essential.
For now, Ford owners can take some comfort in the fact that the issue is software-based and fixable. Still, the scale of the recall underscores the growing complexity of modern vehicles — where a few lines of code can affect millions of trucks on the road.