Ford is recalling approximately 4.3 million trucks, vans, and SUVs in the United States over a software defect that can disable trailer brake lights, turn signals, and trailer brake function while towing. The recall, announced in February 2026, covers model-year 2021 through 2026 F-150s, 2022 through 2026 Super Duty pickups, and 2024 through 2026 E-Transit commercial vans, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The defect sits in the body control module software that communicates with a connected trailer. When the signal drops, trailer brakes may not engage and rear lighting can go dark, both conditions that sharply increase the risk of a rear-end collision or jackknife, especially under heavy loads. Ford told NHTSA it is not aware of any crashes or injuries linked to the issue as of the filing date, according to CBS News.
Which vehicles are affected
The sheer number of vehicles involved reflects how central towing capability is across Ford’s lineup. According to an Edmunds breakdown of the NHTSA filing, the recall includes roughly 2.3 million F-150s (model years 2021 through 2026) and more than 1.1 million F-250s (2022 through 2026). E-Transit vans and select SUVs account for the remainder. A separate federal summary reviewed by AutoEvolution placed the combined total closer to 4.4 million when all sub-campaigns are counted together.
Ford said the fix is a software update that can be performed over the air for vehicles equipped with the company’s connected update system or at a dealership for those that are not. The repair will be provided at no cost to owners, according to Kelley Blue Book.
Separate rollaway and door latch recalls add to the pressure
The towing software campaign lands on top of other active recalls that overlap some of the same nameplates. In a separate action, Ford recalled 272,645 vehicles, including 2025 and 2026 Maverick hybrids and select Mustang models, because a faulty park-lock module may fail to hold the transmission in Park. A vehicle that slips out of Park while unattended can roll freely, creating a crash risk. Ford told NHTSA it plans to notify owners and perform a free repair at dealerships, with mailings expected between April and May 2026, according to Motor Safety.
The Mustang Mach-E carries its own burden. Ford recalled more than 197,000 Mach-E crossovers for a door latch defect that can prevent occupants from opening or fully securing a door. That issue is mechanically unrelated to the towing or rollaway problems but adds to a pattern of overlapping campaigns that has dogged Ford’s quality record. A review of Ford’s 2025 recall history by Woodard Injury Law found that three of the company’s largest campaigns last year involved battery defects, oil leaks, and cracked engine components prone to coolant leaks.
What owners should do right now
Owners of any Ford truck, SUV, or van built within the affected model years should check whether their vehicle is covered before their next towing trip. The fastest way is to enter a 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number into the NHTSA recall lookup tool, which lists every open safety campaign tied to that specific VIN. Ford’s own recall page and the FordPass app also show pending actions.
A few practical points for owners waiting on the fix:
- Towing in the interim: Ford has not issued a do-not-tow advisory, but drivers pulling heavy trailers should verify that trailer brake lights and brakes respond correctly before every trip. A quick walk-around with a helper watching the trailer lights while the driver presses the brake pedal takes less than a minute.
- Over-the-air updates: Owners with Ford Power-Up capability should make sure their vehicle is connected to Wi-Fi and that automatic updates are enabled. The software patch may arrive before a dealership appointment is even scheduled.
- Rollaway risk models: Until the park-lock module is repaired, Maverick hybrid and affected Mustang owners should confirm the vehicle is fully in Park and consider using the parking brake as a backup every time they leave the vehicle.
- Keep records: Save any recall completion receipts. Documentation protects resale value and is useful if a related issue surfaces later.
Owners who still have questions after receiving a mailed recall notice can reach Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, the number listed in the NHTSA filings for these campaigns.
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