2021-2027 Ford & Lincoln Trailer Module Communication Recall
Ford Motor Company has issued a recall (NHTSA ID: 26V104000) for various 2021-2027 Ford and Lincoln vehicles due to a software defect in the integrated trailer module (ITRM). This can lead to a loss of trailer brake and turn signal lights, or even a complete loss of trailer brake function…
Also applies to
- Ford Expedition
- 2022–2027
- Ford F-150
- 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025
- Ford Maverick
- 2022–2026
Why this matters
This recall addresses a critical safety concern where the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle. This communication loss can lead to the trailer's brake and turn signal lights failing to operate, or even a complete loss of trailer brake function. Such failures significantly reduce the driver's ability to control the trailer and decrease its visibility to other road users, substantially increasing the risk of a crash. These conditions violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, which governs "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
What's being recalled
Ford Motor Company is recalling specific 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. The core of the issue lies with the integrated trailer module (ITRM), which may intermittently lose communication with the vehicle when a trailer is being towed. This recall, identified by Ford's number 26C10 and NHTSA ID 26V104000, targets the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL component, affecting vehicles like the 2026 Ford F-150.
How to check if your vehicle is affected
Owners of potentially affected 2021-2027 Ford and Lincoln vehicles should check if their specific vehicle is included in this recall. You can do this by visiting the NHTSA recall website and entering your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). VINs involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov starting March 17, 2026.
Affected vehicles include:
| Year | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Ford | F-150 |
| 2027 | Ford | Expedition |
| 2026 | Ford | Maverick |
| 2026 | Ford | Expedition |
| 2025 | Ford | Maverick |
| 2025 | Ford | F-150 |
| 2025 | Ford | Expedition |
| 2024 | Ford | Maverick |
| 2024 | Ford | F-150 |
| 2024 | Ford | Expedition |
| 2023 | Ford | Maverick |
| 2023 | Ford | Expedition |
| 2022 | Ford | Maverick |
| 2022 | Ford | F-150 |
| 2022 | Ford | Expedition |
| 2021 | Ford | F-150 |
Manufacturer's remedy
Ford will resolve this issue by updating the integrated trailer module (ITRM) software. This software update can be performed by a Ford or Lincoln dealer, or it may be delivered as an over-the-air (OTA) update. This repair will be provided free of charge to vehicle owners. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 25, 2026. For further assistance regarding this 2026 Ford F-150 recall, owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, referencing Ford's recall number 26C10.
NHTSA ID: 26V104000
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the problem with the integrated trailer module (ITRM) in affected Ford and Lincoln vehicles?
- The integrated trailer module (ITRM) in certain 2021-2027 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may lose communication with the vehicle. This can lead to a loss of trailer brake and turn signal lights, or a complete loss of trailer brake function.
- What are the safety risks associated with this recall?
- The loss of trailer brake and turn signal lights or brake function can significantly impair a driver's ability to control the trailer and reduce its visibility to other road users, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
- How will Ford fix the integrated trailer module issue?
- Ford will update the integrated trailer module (ITRM) software. This update can be performed by a dealer or delivered as an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge to the owner.
- When will owners be notified about the 2026 Ford F-150 recall and other affected models?
- Owner notification letters for this recall (NHTSA ID: 26V104000) were mailed on March 25, 2026. You can also check if your VIN is affected on NHTSA.gov starting March 17, 2026.
What Ford F-150 owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 46 model years.
- 39,812
- Owner complaints
- 226
- Recalls
- 2,759
- Service bulletins
- 1,679
- Crashes reported
- 2,104
- Fires reported
- 1,496
- Injuries reported
The 2026 model year
18 complaints, the 42nd most of 46 model years on file. Owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries for this year, which also has 9 recalls on file.
Electrical System, the system this article covers, accounts for 4,362 of 39,812 complaints (11%), including 3 for 2026.
Complaints by model year
| 1997 | 2,758 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2,029 | |
| 2011 | 2,194 | |
| 2012 | 1,784 | |
| 2013 | 2,994 | |
| 2014 | 1,539 | |
| 2015 | 1,746 | |
| 2016 | 2,093 | |
| 2018 | 2,327 | |
| 2026 | 18 |
Most-reported systems
- Power Train — 9,483
- Engine — 4,618
- Electrical System — 4,362
- Service Brakes — 3,838
- Vehicle Speed Control — 2,924
Latest recalls for the 2026 model year
- 26V689000 — Structure (Oct 2026)
- 26V653000 — Electrical System (Oct 2026)
- 26V655000 — Seats (Oct 2026)
Recent owner reports about electrical system
The contact owns a 2026 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service Charging Battery" was displayed.
Read owner complaints →Intermittently, the instrument cluster does not turn on upon startup. Speedometer and all other gauges within that screen go dark.
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
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