Ford announced a U.S. safety recall of approximately 4,380,609 vehicles on February 26, 2026, to fix an Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM) software fault that can disable trailer lights while towing and, on some vehicles, trailer brakes. A model and year on the list do not guarantee inclusion: check your vehicle’s VIN for recall 26C10.
Is my Ford affected by the 4.3 million vehicle recall?
Ford’s U.S. recall covers certain vehicles in these model and year ranges. Eligibility is VIN-specific, so the list is a starting point, not confirmation that a particular vehicle is included.
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| Vehicle | Model years listed by Ford |
|---|---|
| F-150 | 2021–2026 |
| Super Duty, F-250 through F-600 | 2022–2026 |
| Ranger | 2024–2026 |
| Expedition | 2022–2026 |
| Lincoln Navigator | 2022–2026 |
| Maverick | 2022–2026 |
| Transit | 2026 |
To check, use the VIN recall lookup linked from Ford’s recall information or contact a Ford dealer and ask about recall 26C10. The NHTSA recall resources explain how to search recalls, but Ford directs customers to check their VIN for this campaign. The sources do not provide model-by-model population totals or an individual vehicle’s completion status.
What is the Ford trailer brake module fault?
The Integrated Trailer Module can lose communication with the vehicle, typically when the vehicle is first started. If a trailer is connected when the fault occurs, its stop lamps and turn signals may not illuminate. Ford says vehicles fitted with a “High series” trailer module may also lose trailer braking.
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Ford says the condition does not comply with federal safety standards. A trailer without working lights may be less visible to other drivers; loss of trailer braking can make it harder to control. Transport Canada describes comparable lighting and braking risks in its recall notice 2026079. That Canadian notice applies under Canadian recall rules and should not be used to determine U.S. eligibility.
What warning signs might appear?
Ford identifies these possible clues:
- A “Trailer Brake Module Fault” message.
- Rapid turn-signal flashing.
- A possible “Blind Spot Assist System fault” message.
These signs do not confirm recall eligibility, and the absence of a warning does not establish that the vehicle is unaffected. Use the VIN lookup to check.
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Can this recall affect trailer brakes?
Yes, on vehicles with the “High series” trailer module, the communication fault may also interrupt trailer braking. Ford says trailer stop lamps and turn signals may fail when the module loses communication while towing; the braking risk is specific to vehicles with that module configuration.
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Ford’s stated remedy is an ITRM software update. Its February 26 announcement said the update would start becoming available March 17, 2026, and that Ford expected over-the-air deployment for all vehicles by May 2026. The announcement does not establish whether the update is currently available for, or completed on, any particular VIN. Check your vehicle’s status before assuming the recall is closed.
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Ford identified three service channels:
| Remedy channel | What to know |
|---|---|
| Over-the-air (OTA) update | Ford said most vehicles could receive the update this way; availability depends on the specific vehicle and its recall status. |
| Mobile service | Ford listed mobile service as an option. Contact Ford or a dealer to confirm whether it is available for your VIN and location. |
| Ford dealer | Contact a dealer to check eligibility and arrange the software update. |
Ford’s announcement does not say that each channel is available for every vehicle. Confirm the remedy and completion status using your VIN or with a Ford dealer. Do not buy a generic towing accessory expecting it to repair this software fault; Ford identifies a software update as the remedy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did Ford say about incidents?
In its February 26, 2026 announcement, Ford said: “Ford is not aware of any accidents, injuries, or fires attributed to this issue.” That is Ford’s statement about what it was aware of when it issued the announcement, not proof that no incidents occurred.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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