Millions of Trucks and SUVs Being Recalled Due to Crash Risk
Ford Motor Company is recalling approximately 4.4 million vehicles across the United States after identifying a software issue that could disable critical trailer functions — including tail lights, turn signals, and braking systems — potentially increasing the risk of crashes.
The recall affects a wide range of Ford trucks, vans, and SUVs from the 2021 through 2026 model years. According to CBS News, the Ford F-150 and F-250 pickups account for the majority of impacted vehicles, with roughly 3.4 million units included in the recall.
Other affected models include the E-Transit, Expedition, Maverick, Ranger, and the Lincoln Navigator, as detailed in a Feb. 20 notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
At the center of the issue is a software vulnerability involving the Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM). NHTSA reports that a “race condition” — a timing conflict between the ITRM and another vehicle component — can occur when the vehicle is first started. This glitch may result in a temporary loss of connectivity between the towing vehicle and the attached trailer.
If that connection fails, the trailer’s lighting system may not activate properly. In more serious cases, the trailer’s brake function could stop working. According to Ford, drivers may see a “Trailer Brake Module Fault” warning message on the dashboard. Some vehicles may also display a fault alert related to the Blind Spot Assist System due to the communication loss.
NHTSA emphasized the safety implications in its notice, stating that inoperable trailer lighting and braking functions “can reduce a driver’s ability to control an attached trailer and make the attached trailer less visible to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.” While the defect does not affect the primary braking system of the towing vehicle itself, impaired trailer braking can create dangerous instability, especially at highway speeds or under heavy load conditions.
Ford has indicated that it is not aware of any accidents, injuries, or fires related to the defect. The company began investigating the issue in October 2025 and estimates that approximately 1 percent of the recall population is likely affected by the software defect.
To address the problem, Ford plans to deploy a remote over-the-air software update beginning in May. Vehicle owners will be notified when the update is available and can have it installed automatically. Alternatively, owners may visit a Ford or Lincoln dealership to receive the update free of charge.
Owners are encouraged to monitor official communications from Ford or check NHTSA’s recall database for additional details.