Ford Recalls Nearly 4.4 Million Trucks and SUVs Over Towing Software Bug
Recall affects roughly 4.3–4.4 million Fords and Lincolns; over-the-air patches start March 17 for most and full deployment is expected by May, Ford said.
Fox BusinessFord recalls over 4.3 million vehicles due to software issue
Daily CallerClassic US Car Firm Recalls Over 4,000,000 Vehicles For Dangerous Issue
CBS NewsFord recalls 4.4 million vehicles over faulty software. See which models are affected.
ARS TechnicaFord is recalling 4.3 million trucks and SUVs to fix a towing software bug
Overview
Ford is recalling roughly 4.3 to 4.4 million trucks, vans and SUVs over a software vulnerability that can disable trailer tail lights, turn signals and trailer brakes, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.
A Feb. 20 NHTSA notice said a race condition between the Integrated Trailer Module and a CAN standby control bit during initial power-up can cause loss of communication between the towing vehicle and trailer, increasing crash risk.
Ford said it is not aware of any accidents, injuries or fires and estimates roughly 1% of the recall population is impacted by the software defect.
The recall covers many models, including F-150s (2021–2026), Super Duty/F-250s (2022–2026), Rangers (2024–2026), Expeditions, Mavericks, Lincoln Navigators and the 2026 E-Transit, with sources citing F-150s at about 2.3 million and F-150/F-250s at over 3.4 million.
Ford said over-the-air updates will begin March 17 for most vehicles and that updates are expected to be deployed for all affected vehicles by May, with dealers offering free repairs and owners to be notified when updates complete.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cast the recall as part of a broader Ford problem by using evaluative phrasing ("truth be told, Ford’s not doing too hot"), emphasizing record-high recall totals and comparisons with Tesla, and spotlighting technical recall language about a 'software vulnerability' to amplify safety risk while structuring the piece around large affected populations.
FAQ
The recall affects 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 Super Duty (F-250-600), 2024-2026 Ranger, 2022-2026 Expedition and Maverick, 2022-2026 Lincoln Navigator, and 2026 E-Transit.
Ford is recalling 4,380,609 vehicles due to the Integrated Trailer Module issue.
A software race condition in the Integrated Trailer Module can cause loss of communication with the vehicle, disabling trailer brake lights, turn signals, and brakes. Drivers see a 'Trailer brake module fault' message and fast-flashing turn signals.
Ford will deploy over-the-air software updates starting March 17, 2026, for most vehicles, with full deployment by May 2026. Dealers offer free repairs.
Owners can check their VIN at www.nhtsa.gov/recalls or the FordPass app (recall 26C10). Ford reports no accidents, injuries, or fires, with about 1% affected.
