Over 4.3 million Ford trucks, SUVs, and vans were recalled due to a software defect in the Integrated Trailer Module that can disable brake lights, turn signals, and braking systems.

Need a Texas Ford Truck Trailer Module Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you were injured in a Ford truck accident due to failure of the trailer module, contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.

Ford Recalls 4.3 Million Trucks and SUVs for Trailer Lighting and Brake Failure

In February 2026, Ford issued a recall for 4.3 million trucks, vans, and SUVs to fix a software defect in the Integrated Trailer Module that could result in failure of the trailer lights and braking systems.

Ford Truck Trailer Module Recall Report

The recall was filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on February 20, 2026, under campaign number 26V104000.

What is the Integrated Trailer Module Defect?

The defect involves the Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM), a software-controlled component that communicates with the trailer’s brake lights, turn signals, and (on some vehicles) trailer braking systems .

The problem is that the ITRM may unexpectedly lose communication with the vehicle, often during startup, even if no trailer is connected.

For Texas truck owners who frequently tow heavy loads across interstate highways such as I-10, I-35, I-45, and rural farm-to-market roads, sudden trailer brake or lighting failure is particularly dangerous.

What is the Risk?

No injuries or crashes were reported, but the safety risks include:

  • Trailer brake lights may not illuminate
  • Turn signal indicators may fail
  • Trailer braking systems on certain high-series models may stop functioning entirely

If the trailer brake lights and turn signals do not work, it reduces visibility to other drivers when your vehicle is turning or stopping.

If the trailer brakes fail, the driver may not be able to control a heavy load — especially in emergencies when a sudden stop is necessary while towing heavy equipment, livestock, RVs, or other loads.

According to the recall report provided by Ford Motor Company:

“On affected vehicles, the Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle. If a loss of communication condition occurs when a trailer is connected to the vehicle, it would result in the loss of stop lamps and turn signal indicators for both High and Low series ITRMs as well as the loss of trailer brake function for High series only.”

How Many Texas Drivers Could Be Affected?

While the recall is nationwide, Texas has one of the largest populations of Ford truck owners in the United States. Given the state’s strong truck market and heavy towing usage, a substantial number of recalled vehicles are probably registered in Texas.

In the recall, Ford reported over 400 warranty claims related to this defect and estimates that approximately 1% of recalled vehicles may actively exhibit the condition.

Even if the percentage seems small, the risk increases significantly for drivers in Texas because these trucks are so commonly used in construction, agriculture, energy, recreation, and the oil and natural gas industries.

What Ford Trucks and SUVs Are Being Recalled?

The recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2021–2026 Ford F-150
  • 2022–2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty
  • 2022–2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty
  • 2022–2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty
  • 2022–2026 Ford F-550 Super Duty
  • 2022–2026 Ford F-600 Super Duty
  • 2024–2026 Ford Ranger
  • 2022–2026 Ford Maverick
  • 2022–2027 Ford Expedition
  • 2022–2026 Lincoln Navigator
  • 2026 Ford E-Transit

Owners in Texas may verify whether their vehicle is subject to recall 26V104000 by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at www.nhtsa.gov/recalls or by contacting Ford directly at 1-866-436-7332.

What Should I Do?

  • Monitor for recall notifications — Ford is mailing recall notices to affected owners
  • Check your VIN immediately — Confirm recall status through NHTSA or Ford
  • Schedule a free software update — Dealers are providing ITRM software updates at no cost
  • Avoid towing if warning messages appear — If you see a “Trailer Brake Module Fault” warning, avoid towing until repairs are completed
  • Document any incidents — Preserve repair records, photographs, and accident reports if a malfunction occurred while towing

Texas drivers rely on the safety and power of Ford trucks to tow trailers across vast distances, on highways and rural roads. Examples include RVs, boats, livestock, equipment, agricultural loads, and more.

Any problem with the trailer system creates a significant safety risk for Texas truck owners who use these vehicles for towing, ranching, construction, oilfield work, daily commutes, and recreation.

When trailer brake lights or braking systems suddenly fail, the consequence can be a serious, or potentially even deadly collision — especially at highway speeds while carrying extremely heavy loads.

If you were involved in an accident, experienced trailer brake failure, or suffered injuries while towing with a Ford truck with a defective Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM), you may be able to file a lawsuit.

Do I Have a Texas Ford Truck Lawsuit?

Under Texas product liability law, vehicle manufacturers may be held accountable when defective components create unreasonable safety risks that result in accidents or injuries.

You may have a legal claim if you are a Texas Ford truck owner who was injured in an accident involving:

  • Trailer lighting failure
  • Trailer brake loss
  • Braking system failure
  • Truck accidents, collisions or a crash related to failure of the Trailer Brake Module, turn signals, or trailer brake lights

The Clark Firm, LLP is actively investigating claims involving defective Integrated Trailer Modules for Texas residents. If you believe this defect contributed to an accident, property damage, or personal injury, contact our attorneys immediately for a case consultation.

Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Texas?

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years of experience, participation in over 600 jury trials, and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.

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Collen A. Clark

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

“Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

To contact Collen, please fill out the contact form below:

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