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 failure and malfunctioning exterior lights. The affected models include select versions of Ford’s popular vehicles such as F-150s spanning from 2021 to 2026, Super Duty trucks from 2022 to 2026, Rangers from 2024 to 2026, and Mavericks from 2022 to 2026.
To address the issue, Ford will roll out an over-the-air software update for the impacted vehicles, with customers having the option to receive the update via mobile service or by visiting a Ford dealership. The software update is expected to be accessible for most Canadian vehicles before the end of March and for all vehicles by the end of May.
The software glitch, when towing a trailer, can disrupt communication between the trailer and the vehicle, resulting in non-functional stop lamps and turn signals on the trailer. Additionally, the trailer’s braking system may also be compromised in certain instances. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration mentioned that faulty trailer lights or brakes could hamper the driver’s ability to control the trailer, potentially increasing the risk of an accident.
If a vehicle experiences communication loss, drivers will receive a “Trailer Brake Module Fault” message and observe rapid flashing of the turn signal indicator. While Ford has been made aware of 407 incidents possibly linked to the recall issue, there have been no reported accidents or injuries associated with it.