Ford Motor Company has issued a massive recall affecting 4,380,609 vehicles across the United States due to a critical software defect in the Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM) – a component responsible for managing trailer brake lights, turn signals, and braking functions when towing.
This recall was filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under campaign number 26V104 and impacts a wide range of Ford and Lincoln trucks, SUVs, and vans from model years 2021 through 2026.
What’s the Defect?
According to the official NHTSA recall report, the issue stems from a software vulnerability within the ITRM that can cause the module to lose communication with the vehicle upon startup. When this communication loss occurs – especially while a trailer is connected – essential trailer lighting and braking functions can become inoperative.
A loss of these functions violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108 (which governs lighting and signaling devices) and can significantly increase the risk of a crash by making towed trailers less visible or harder to control.
NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report 26V104 Recall Facts at a Glance
| Recall Detail | Information |
| NHTSA Campaign No. | 26V104 |
| Total Vehicles Recalled | 4,380,609 |
| Estimated Defect Rate | ~1% of affected population |
| Defect Component | Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM) software |
| Risk | Loss of trailer stop lamps, turn signals, and trailer brake function (on some units) |
| Federal Standard Affected | FMVSS No. 108 (Lamps and Reflective Devices) |
| Warning Indicators | “Trailer Brake Module Fault” + “Blind Spot Assist System Fault” dashboard messages |
| Remedy | Over-the-air software update (starting May 2026) or free dealer update |
| Customer Notification | Early notifications begin March 2026 |
| Accidents Reported | None confirmed to date (as of filing) |
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
The recall covers a broad spectrum of popular Ford and Lincoln nameplates equipped with the ITRM feature code, including:
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Ford F-150 (2021–2026) – ~2.3M units
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Ford F-250 Super Duty (2022–2026) – ~1.13M units
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Ford Maverick (2022–2026)
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Ford Ranger (2024–2026)
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Ford Expedition (2022–2026)
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Lincoln Navigator (2022–2026)
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Ford E-Transit (2026)
Ford estimates roughly 1% of these vehicles may actually exhibit the defect, meaning not all owners will encounter the problem – but the recall applies to the entire affected population.
Why the Recall Matters
When the ITRM fails to communicate with the vehicle:
- Trailer brake lights may not illuminate
- Turn signals on trailers may fail
- Trailer brake function may be lost on higher-end modules
These failures can reduce a driver’s ability to control a towed trailer and increase the risk of a collision, especially in low-visibility or high-traffic situations.
Dashboard warnings will alert drivers to a potential problem when the defect occurs, but the underlying failure can still pose a serious safety issue when towing.
How Ford Is Fixing It
Ford will fix the ITRM software through:
- Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: Rolling out starting May 2026.
- Dealership Service: Owners can also schedule a visit to receive the free software update.
Notifications to dealerships and owners are expected to begin in mid-March 2026, with VIN lookup tools available for owners to check their vehicles.
The Ford Integrated Trailer Module recall is one of the largest safety actions of 2026, affecting millions of vehicles and a core safety function – towing performance. With millions of Ford trucks, SUVs, and vans on the road, it’s critical that vehicle owners check their VIN status, ensure their software is updated, and understand their legal rights if the defect has impacted them.
Legal Considerations for Owners
If you own one of the recalled vehicles and have experienced trailer lighting or brake issues, this recall could have legal implications – from potential accidents to diminished vehicle safety.
At Auto Lemon Lawyer, we help drivers understand their rights when automakers fail to adequately disclose defects or provide timely remedies. If you believe your vehicle defect has led to damage, loss, or injury, it may be worth consulting an attorney to explore your options.
Lucas graduated cum laude from Southern University Law Center in 2025, finishing second overall in his graduating cohort. He was a recipient of the Southern University Law Center Merit Scholarship, awarded to students in the top five percent (5%) of the class based on merit, academic performance, and character. Lucas is admitted to practice law in the State of Louisiana. While his time in formal legal practice is recent, he has been part of the Auto Lemon Lawyer team for over five years, during which he has worked in every position within the firm. This experience provides him with a comprehensive understanding of Lemon Law cases from intake through litigation and resolution.