Ford has announced a recall of over 600,000 vehicles in Canada and around 4.3 million in the U.S. due to a software problem that could lead to malfunctioning trailer brakes and exterior lights failure. The affected models include select years of popular Ford vehicles such as F-150s, Super Duty trucks, Rangers, and Mavericks.
To address the issue, Ford will provide an over-the-air software update for the impacted vehicles. Customers can also opt for mobile service or visit a Ford dealer to receive the update. The software update is expected to be accessible for most Canadian vehicles by the end of March and for all vehicles by the end of May.
The software glitch can disrupt communication between the vehicle and the trailer while towing, resulting in non-functional stop lamps and turn signals on the trailer. In some instances, the trailer’s braking capability may also be compromised. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that malfunctioning trailer lights or brakes can impede the driver’s control over the trailer, potentially increasing the risk of an accident.
Drivers will receive a “Trailer Brake Module Fault” notification along with a rapid flashing turn signal indicator if their vehicle experiences communication issues. Ford has reported 407 incidents possibly linked to the recall, although there have been no reported accidents or injuries associated with the problem.