Ford Is Recalling 4.3 Million Vehicles That Can Lose Brake Light Function While Trailering

Car and Driver

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Ford is recalling over 4.3 million vehicles due to an issue with the Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM), which can cause trailer brake lights and turn signals to fail while towing. The affected models include popular trucks and SUVs like the F-150, E-Transit, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator, spanning model years from 2021 to 2026. This recall highlights a critical safety concern, as the loss of trailer brake lights can reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents while towing. The problem arises due to a software issue in the ITRM that creates a communication breakdown between the module and the vehicle during startup. When this happens, the trailer brake lights and turn signals stop working entirely, potentially leading to dangerous situations on the road. While Ford notes that actual loss of trailer brakes is less common, the failure of brake lights poses a significant safety risk. Owners may receive dashboard warnings like "Trailer brake module fault" or "Blind Spot Assist System fault," but no accidents or injuries have been reported so far. To address this issue, Ford will release an over-the-air software update in May 2026 to eliminate the vulnerability and restore proper communication between the ITRM and the vehicle. Owners will be notified by March 17, 2024, and can choose between an over-the-air update or visiting a dealership for the fix. This recall underscores the importance of regular software updates in modern vehicles, particularly those with advanced systems like trailer connectivity. For readers interested in automotive safety and reliability, this recall highlights the ongoing challenges of integrating complex technology into vehicles. While Ford has not identified any serious incidents linked to this issue, the scale of the recall and the potential risks involved emphasize the need for vigilance

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Originally published on Car and Driver on 2/26/2026