Ford has announced one of the largest recalls in its history, affecting 4,380,609 vehicles in the United States. The recall is linked to a software malfunction in the braking system that may occur while towing a trailer.
The issue is associated with the Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM), which is responsible for communication between the vehicle and trailer electronics. Due to a software error, the module may lose connection with other onboard systems during vehicle startup. This malfunction can lead to the loss of trailer brake lights, turn signals, and in some cases the trailer’s braking function itself.
According to official documents, the recall affects a wide range of popular Ford and Lincoln models, including the Ford F-150 (2021–2026), F-250 Super Duty (2022–2026), Maverick (2022–2026), Expedition (2022–2026), Ranger (2024–2026), Lincoln Navigator (2022–2026), and the E-Transit (2026).
Ford states that only around 1% of the recalled vehicles are expected to be affected by the defect. However, the problem may cause a sudden loss of trailer lighting and braking functionality during engine startup, which significantly increases safety risks when towing, especially in dense traffic or poor visibility conditions.
At this stage, there have been no confirmed reports of accidents, injuries, or fires directly linked to the defect. Nevertheless, both the manufacturer and regulators warn that impaired trailer braking and lighting could reduce vehicle control and raise the likelihood of dangerous situations on the road.
To address the issue, Ford plans to deploy an over-the-air (OTA) software update starting in May 2026. Vehicle owners will receive the update automatically or may visit an authorized dealer to have it installed free of charge.
This recall is part of a broader series of technical issues identified by Ford in recent years, once again highlighting growing concerns over software reliability in modern vehicles, where electronic systems increasingly control critical safety and operational functions.
