Ford is initiating a recall for over 600,000 vehicles in Canada and approximately 4.3 million in the U.S. due to a software malfunction that could lead to trailer brake malfunctions and exterior light failures. The affected vehicles include specific models of Ford’s popular lineup, such as F-150s from 2021-2026, Super Duty trucks from 2022-2026, Rangers from 2024-2026, and Mavericks from 2022-2026.
To address the issue, Ford will provide an over-the-air software update for the impacted vehicles. Customers can also opt for mobile service or visit a Ford dealership for the update. The software update is expected to be available for most Canadian vehicles before the end of March and for all vehicles by the end of May.
The software glitch may disrupt communication between the vehicle and a trailer, resulting in non-functioning stop lamps and turn signals on the trailer, with potential loss of braking function in some instances. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has highlighted that malfunctioning trailer lights or brakes can compromise the driver’s ability to control the trailer, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.
Drivers will receive a “Trailer Brake Module Fault” message and observe rapid flashing of the turn signal indicator if their vehicle experiences communication loss. While Ford has reported 407 incidents possibly linked to the recall issue, there have been no reported accidents or injuries associated with it.