NHTSA safety recall National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Ford recall: When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose

Recall published 8 months ago

When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such…

The hazard: Brake system defect

A braking defect prompted this notice. The remedy is free and the appointment is usually short; the risk of leaving it is not proportionate to the inconvenience.

What the notice says: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

Why it matters: A fault in the braking system can lengthen stopping distances or cause a loss of braking. Unlike most vehicle faults, this one gives very little warning before it matters.

Recall details

Recall number
26V104000
Published
February 20, 2026
Risk level
NHTSA safety recall
Status
Open safety recall
Issued by
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Brand
Ford
Product type
Electrical System
Distribution
Nationwide
Vehicles
Ford Expedition · Ford F-350 SD · Ford F-450 SD · Ford F-550 SD · Ford F-600 SD · Lincoln Navigator
Lot / code info
NHTSA campaign number 26V104000

Products covered by this recall

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Vehicles in this campaign

Check your product

The notice names 11 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Vehicle

Match this against the make and model on your registration.

  • F-150
  • F-250 SD
  • F-350 SD
  • F-450 SD
  • F-550 SD
  • Maverick
  • Ranger
  • F-600 SD
  • Lincoln Navigator
  • Expedition
  • and 2026 E-Transit

Codes are lifted verbatim from the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Brakes

Ford — A braking defect prompted this notice. The remedy is free and the appointment is usually short; the risk of leaving it is not proportionate to the inconvenience.

  1. Book this repair promptly, and in the meantime leave a larger gap than usual to the vehicle in front.
  2. Keep the repair order the dealer hands you. It is your proof the campaign was closed out, and it matters at resale.
  3. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you do anything else. A campaign covers a build range, not every car of that model year, and the VIN lookup is the only thing that confirms yours is included.
  4. Call any franchised dealer for the brand, give them the campaign number from this page, and ask them to confirm parts are in stock before you book — part supply, not labour, is what delays a fresh recall.

Getting the repair booked and paid for

The money side of a vehicle recall is simple. The scheduling side is where people lose weeks.

  • Ask whether the parts are physically in stock before you accept a date. A booking without parts is a wasted morning.
  • Reimbursement claims for earlier out-of-pocket repairs go to the manufacturer, not the dealer, and need the original itemised invoice.
  • If you get nowhere, file at nhtsa.gov. Complaints tied to an open campaign number carry weight.
  • If the dealer says the remedy is not yet available, ask to be put on their notification list and get that in writing by email.

Remedy named in the notice: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.

Company contact: Ford Motor Company

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Ford electrical system recalled?

When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such… Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

The notice does not publish package codes for this recall. Compare the product name, size and the purchase window against the official NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record, and contact the company if you are unsure.

What should I do with it right now?

Book this repair promptly, and in the meantime leave a larger gap than usual to the vehicle in front.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.

Does the repair cost me anything?

No. Safety recall repairs are performed free of charge at a franchised dealer for as long as the campaign is open, whether or not the vehicle is still under warranty.

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