By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Ford Motor said Thursday it is recalling 4.3 million pickup trucks and SUVs in the U.S. because a software error may cause trailer brakes not to function and exterior lights to fail.
The U.S. automaker said the recall covers the 2021 through 2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, Maverick along with some Ranger and E-Transit vehicles.
When towing a trailer, the Integrated Trailer Module may lose communication with the vehicle,
potentially causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. Ford will address the issue with an over-the-air software update.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford said it is aware of 407 incidents that may be related to the recall issue.
Ford and NHTSA discussed the issue during a monthly meeting in December and Ford in January reopened its investigation in consideration of NHTSA’s views.
Ford said it is unaware of any crashes tied to the recall issue.
The company said the issue may cause the trailer to stop communicating with the vehicle, which typically happens when the vehicle is first started.
(Reporting by David Shepardson. Editing by Louise Heavens and Mark Potter)
