Ford is recalling roughly 4.4 million trucks, SUVs, and vans across seven model lines — and the F-150 alone accounts for 2.3 million of them. According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notice filed on Feb. 20, 2026, a software flaw in the Integrated Trailer Module can disable trailer brake lights, turn signals, and braking while towing — raising crash risk. Below: the full list of affected models and years, what warning signs to watch for on the dashboard, and how to get the free fix before peak towing season.

Which models are affected

The recall — NHTSA Campaign Number 26V104000, Ford’s internal code 26C10 — spans model years 2021 through 2026. Here is every nameplate and the approximate unit count, based on the NHTSA filing:

At a glance

Ford F-150 (2021–2026): ~2,297,857 units
Ford F-250 Super Duty (2022–2026): ~1,135,063 units
Ford Maverick (2022–2026): ~412,105 units
Ford Expedition (2022–2026): ~317,604 units
Ford Ranger (2024–2026): ~129,836 units
Lincoln Navigator (2022–2026): ~75,029 units
Ford E-Transit (2026 only): ~13,115 units

Ford's Massive 4.4M Recall: Every Truck and SUV on the List

The F-Series trucks — F-150 and F-250 combined — make up more than 3.4 million of the total 4,380,609 vehicles. Production dates range from Jan. 8, 2020, through Feb. 6, 2026, depending on the model.

What the defect actually does

The problem sits inside the Integrated Trailer Module, a software-driven component that manages communication between a truck and whatever it tows. A coding flaw creates what engineers call a “race condition” during startup: the module powers on but fails to sync with the vehicle’s network. That communication loss can occur whether or not a trailer is attached.

The safety impact, though, applies specifically when a trailer is connected. If the module drops out while hooked up, three things can break at once — trailer stop lamps, turn signals, and trailer braking on certain configurations. The NHTSA notice put it plainly: those failures make the trailer harder to control and less visible to other drivers.

Fair warning: Ford estimates only about 1% of recalled vehicles actually exhibit the fault. But with 4.4 million trucks in the pool, that still means tens of thousands could be affected.

Dashboard warning signs

Drivers whose vehicles experience the fault should see clear signals on the instrument panel. The primary alert reads “Trailer Brake Module Fault.” The turn signal indicator will also flash faster than normal — a rapid blink, not the standard cadence. Some owners may see a secondary message: “Blind Spot Assist System Fault.”

If any of those warnings appear while towing, Ford recommends pulling over safely and restarting the vehicle. The fault occurs at startup, so a fresh ignition cycle can clear it.

How to get the fix (free, two options)

The NHTSA Part 573 report (Recall 26V104 / Ford 26C10) outlines two remedy paths — both at no cost to owners.

Dealer service comes first. Ford’s dealer notification begins March 17, 2026, and owners can contact any Ford or Lincoln dealer to schedule the software update after that date. Owner notification letters are expected to start mailing March 23, with completion by March 27, 2026. Vehicle identification numbers will also be searchable on the NHTSA recall-lookup page starting March 17.

The over-the-air option arrives later. Ford anticipates beginning OTA deployment through Ford Software Update and Lincoln Software Update in May 2026. Owners whose trucks support Power-Up updates may not need a dealer visit at all — but the wait is roughly two months longer than the dealer path.

Anyone who wants to check sooner can call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Context: Ford’s recall pace in 2025 and 2026

This is not an isolated event. According to CarEdge’s analysis of NHTSA filings, Ford issued 153 separate recalls in 2025 covering more than 12.9 million vehicles — the most any single automaker has filed in a calendar year. General Motors held the previous record at 77, set in 2014.

The 2026 pace has not slowed. Before this trailer-module recall was announced, Ford had already filed eight recalls in the first 50 days of the year. That context matters for anyone deciding whether to check a VIN or wait for a letter — checking sooner reduces the window of risk.

If you only do one thing

Check the VIN on the NHTSA recall page starting March 17, or call 1-866-436-7332 now to confirm. The dealer fix is free and fast — and peak towing season is roughly eight weeks out.

Ford’s Massive 4.4M Recall: Every Truck and SUV on the List