Ford Motor Co. is pulling in about 4.3 million pickup trucks and SUVs across the United States after engineers uncovered a software bug that can cut out trailer-linked braking and exterior-light functions while towing. The automaker says a software update will fix the glitch and that owners will be notified when repairs are ready.
The recall touches a huge slice of Ford's truck and SUV lineup and traces back to a software error that, when a trailer is hooked up, can cause a module to lose communication with the vehicle. That communication breakdown can potentially mean loss of brake function or loss of brake and turn-signal lights. The campaign covers model years and nameplates, including 2021–2026 F-150s, 2022–2026 F-250 SDs, Lincoln Navigator and Expedition SUVs, Maverick pickups and select Ranger and E-Transit vans; Ford plans to roll out a software update to address the issue, according to Reuters.
Which vehicles are affected
The recall spans recent model years across several Ford and Lincoln nameplates rather than a single production run, so it is not limited to one plant or a short build window. Vehicle owners can plug in their VIN and check recall status on Ford or use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall lookup tool to get the latest owner guidance and scheduling information from dealers and the manufacturer.
Why regulators are watching
Software-driven recalls have become increasingly common as vehicles get more connected and complex, and regulators have tightened expectations on how quickly automakers report and repair safety issues. Ford entered a consent order with the NHTSA in 2024 tied to earlier rearview-camera recall problems that brought civil penalties and oversight obligations, according to Ford's SEC filing, which has put extra scrutiny on big, fleet-wide software fixes.
What owners should do now
If you drive one of the listed models, start by checking your vehicle identification number for an official recall notice and follow any interim safety guidance from Ford or NHTSA. Owners should sign up for recall alerts, contact their local dealer to schedule a software update if instructed, and keep an eye on the automaker’s recall page and the NHTSA VIN lookup for details on timing and whether the remedy will arrive as an over-the-air update or through dealer service.
Ford says the update will correct the fault and the company will notify owners when it is ready. Until your vehicle is patched, drivers who tow trailers should stay especially alert to trailer lighting and braking performance, Reuters reports.
