Ford has announced 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 and exterior light failures. The affected models include select years of the F-150, Super Duty trucks, Rangers, and Mavericks.
The company plans to release an over-the-air software update for the impacted vehicles, with the option for customers to receive the update through mobile service or at a Ford dealership. The software update is scheduled for completion in Canada by the end of March for most vehicles and by the end of May for all vehicles.
The software issue can disrupt communication between the vehicle and trailer when towing, resulting in inoperative trailer stop lamps and turn signals, and potential loss of trailer braking function. This malfunction could compromise the driver’s ability to control the trailer, increasing the risk of an accident, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Drivers will receive a “Trailer Brake Module Fault” notification and notice rapid flashing of the turn signal indicator if their vehicle experiences communication loss. Ford has reported 407 incidents possibly linked to the recall but confirmed no accidents or injuries associated with the issue.
