Latest Updates
Ford announced on February 26, 2026 that it will provide software updates for approximately 4,380,609 vehicles to address an Integrated Trailer Module anomaly. [1] [2] The recall affects certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 Super Duty (F-250-600), 2024-2026 Ranger, 2022-2026 Expedition, 2022-2026 Navigator, 2022-2026 Maverick, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles.
Recalled Vehicles
2021-2026 Ford F-150: 2,297,857 units (production January 8, 2020 – February 6, 2026). 2022-2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty: 1,135,063 units (production April 5, 2021 – February 6, 2026).
2022-2026 Ford Maverick: 412,105 units (production February 3, 2021 – February 6, 2026). 2022-2026 Ford Expedition: 317,604 units (production April 15, 2021 – February 6, 2026).
2024-2026 Ford Ranger: 129,836 units (production December 9, 2022 – February 6, 2026). 2022-2026 Lincoln Navigator: 75,029 units (production April 15, 2021 – February 6, 2026).
2026 Ford E-Transit: 13,115 units (production February 25, 2025 – February 6, 2026). An additional 600,000 vehicles in Canada are included in the recall.
Software Defect
The Integrated Trailer Module may lose communication with the vehicle, typically at startup. A software vulnerability allows a “race condition” to occur between the module and CAN Standby Control bit during initial power-up, causing the module to remain powered on but unable to communicate.
When communication is lost while a trailer is connected, trailer stop lamps and turn signals will not illuminate. On vehicles equipped with “High series” trailer modules, the trailer’s braking function is also lost.
Safety Risks
Inoperable trailer lighting and braking functions reduce a driver’s ability to control an attached trailer. The loss of stop lamps and turn signals makes the trailer less visible to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect causes vehicles to violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108 for lighting equipment. Drivers will see a “Trailer Brake Module Fault” message on the instrument cluster, rapid flashing turn signal indicators, and possibly a “Blind Spot Assist System fault” message.
Ford Initially Refused Recall
Ford first became aware of the issue in October 2025 when it learned a software error can randomly occur within the integrated trailer module control logic. The automaker initially dismissed concerns because the problem occurs at startup and a warning message is displayed in the instrument cluster.
The NHTSA disagreed and pointed out the criticality of trailer lighting and potential FMVSS violations. Facing federal pressure, Ford eventually backed down and decided to conduct the recall despite initially believing the warnings were sufficient.
Warranty Claims
Ford had received over 800 warranty claims related to the issue by February 2026, including approximately 405 claims in the United States and 400 in Canada. Only an estimated 1% of recalled vehicles exhibit the defect, which still equals approximately 43,800 units.
Remedy Available
Starting March 17, 2026, the software update will be available for most vehicles via over-the-air (OTA) deployment, dealership service, or Ford mobile service. Ford expects OTA updates to be completed for all vehicles by May 2026.
Owners can contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332 or check their VIN at www.nhtsa.gov/recalls. Ford’s reference number for this recall is 26C10, and NHTSA’s campaign number is 26V104000.
No Injuries Reported
Ford states it is not aware of any accidents, injuries, or fires attributed to the issue as of the recall filing date. However, the company acknowledged over 800 warranty claims from owners experiencing the defect.
Manufacturer Responsibility
The supplier of the affected Integrated Trailer Module components is Horizon Global, Inc., based in Reynosa, Mexico. Ford bears ultimate responsibility as the vehicle manufacturer for designing and implementing the defective software logic.
Legal Claims
Vehicle owners may pursue strict products liability claims alleging the Integrated Trailer Module software is defectively designed. Negligence claims can assert Ford knew about the defect since October 2025 but initially refused to recall vehicles, requiring NHTSA intervention.
Breach of warranty claims may be filed since Ford impliedly warranted that trailer towing systems would function properly. Owners who experienced trailer accidents or near-misses due to loss of brake lights, turn signals, or braking function may pursue personal injury and property damage claims.
Damages
Owners may recover diminished vehicle value from purchasing defective vehicles with unreliable trailer towing systems. Additional damages include repair costs for accidents caused by non-functioning trailer lights or brakes, increased insurance premiums, and time lost dealing with warranty claims and software updates.
Class Action Potential
With over 4.3 million recalled vehicles across multiple model years and nameplates, a nationwide class action lawsuit could address Ford’s initial refusal to recall despite knowing about the defect. Economic damages for all owners who purchased vehicles with defective trailer modules could be substantial even without accidents occurring.
Contact an Attorney
If you experienced trailer lighting or braking failures, had an accident while towing, or incurred costs related to the Integrated Trailer Module defect, contact a product liability attorney. Document warning messages, software update attempts, and any incidents involving trailer control issues.
References
1. https://www.kbb.com/car-news/ford-recalls-4-million-vehicles-over-trailer-lights-and-brakes/
2. https://www.fromtheroad.ford.com/us/en/articles/2026/software-update-to-address-integrated-trailer-module-anomaly