4.3 Million Ford Trucks Recalled For Trailer Controller Software Glitch
Affected vehicles include pickups of all sizes, the Expedition, the Navigator, and even the E-Transit spanning various year models from 2021 to 2027.
On February 20, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V104000: Trailer Lighting and Brakes May Not Function. Sounds scary, especially if the trailer brakes stop working on one of those Super Duty trucks rated to pull freight-train loads while it’s hauling down I-70 from the Eisenhower Pass.
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Software Vulnerability
Ford’s Safety Recall Report explains that “a software vulnerability” within the integrated trailer module (ITRM) can result in “a race condition” between the ITRM and the CAN bus Standby Control bit. Basically, lots of computer modules all try to talk at once when the vehicle is started and some don’t get heard. If the ITRM’s electronic voice is the one that’s not heard, it can lose communication with the vehicle, hence compromising the trailer lighting, making it impossible for following motorists to know when the rig is braking, turning, or even to see it after dark. In extremely rare conditions, it can also result in the loss of the trailer brake control function.
Potential warning indication when the software glitch occurs.
Warning Messages
In cases where this happens, the driver is notified via a pop-up message on the instrument panel indicating “Trailer Brake Module Fault” as the turn signal telltale flashes quickly. Additionally, a “Blind Spot Assist System Fault” message may also appear.
OTA Fix in May
The good news is that Ford reckons an over-the-air update can fix it, though customers will have the option of getting the upgrade performed at a dealer as well. The less great news is it expects to roll said update out in May, but Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this problem. All official communications regarding this recall will commence on March 17, at which point customers will be able to search the online VIN database to see if their vehicle is affected.
Affected Vehicles:
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I started critiquing cars at age 5 by bumming rides home from church in other parishioners’ new cars. At 16 I started running parts for an Oldsmobile dealership and got hooked on the car biz. Engineering seemed the best way to make a living in it, so with two mechanical engineering degrees I joined Chrysler to work on the Neon, LH cars, and 2nd-gen minivans. Then a friend mentioned an opening for a technical editor at another car magazine, and I did the car-biz equivalent of running off to join the circus. I loved that job too until the phone rang again with what turned out to be an even better opportunity with Motor Trend. It’s nearly impossible to imagine an even better job, but I still answer the phone…
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