Ford Issues Massive 4.38 Million Vehicle Recall for Trailer Controller Software Glitch

Ford is rolling out a huge recall that affects 4,380,609 vehicles after a problem was found with the Integrated Trailer Module, a key piece of hardware that helps manage trailer lighting and braking. According to safety filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the module can lose communication with the vehicle, which is a big deal for anyone towing since it can knock out trailer brake lights and turn signals, and in rarer cases even impact trailer brake function.

The recall spans 2021 through 2026 model years and covers a wide range of popular Ford and Lincoln vehicles, including the F-150, F-250 Super Duty, Expedition, Maverick, Ranger, E-Transit, and the Lincoln Navigator. Ford estimates only about 1% of the recalled vehicles actually have the defect, but with a population this large, that still translates to a lot of drivers who could run into the issue at the wrong time.

So what’s happening? The paperwork describes a software-related “race condition” during startup involving the trailer module and a control signal on the vehicle’s network. In certain conditions, the trailer module can power up but fail to properly connect with the rest of the vehicle. When that happens, the trailer’s brake lights and turn signals can stop responding, and while less common, there is also the possibility of reduced trailer braking assistance.

Drivers may get a warning before realizing anything is wrong, with a “Trailer brake module fault” message showing up in the instrument cluster. Some vehicles may also display a “Blind Spot Assist System fault” message, which makes sense given how towing related systems can share information and sensors. At the time the recall was filed, Ford said it was not aware of any crashes, injuries, or fires tied to the problem, which is good news, but this is still the kind of malfunction nobody wants to discover while pulling a trailer in traffic.

The fix is software-based, and Ford plans to push an over-the-air update to the Integrated Trailer Module starting in May 2026. Owners will be notified beginning March 17, and if you would rather not wait for an OTA update or just want the reassurance of having it handled in person, Ford and Lincoln dealers will also be able to perform the update. If you tow regularly, it’s worth keeping an eye out for those warning messages and checking your VIN on the official recall lookup tools once notifications begin.

Lloyd Tobias

Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.