Ford is recalling more than half a million vehicles in Canada due to a software issue that can cause trailer brakes and exterior lights to fail, a defect that raises road safety and liability concerns for Canadian motorists and their insurers.
The recall affects 590,191 vehicles in Canada and a further 4.3 million in the United States. Impacted Canadian models include certain:
Ford says the problem stems from a software glitch that may cause the trailer to stop communicating with the tow vehicle when a trailer is attached. When that happens, a trailer’s stop lamps and turn signals may not illuminate, and in some cases, the trailer’s braking function can be lost.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has warned that trailer lights or brakes that do not function “can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer,” increasing crash risk. US regulators say Ford is aware of 407 incidents that may be related to the defect, although the company reports no crashes or injuries linked to the issue so far.
For affected Canadian vehicles, Ford will deploy an over-the-air (OTA) software update, with customers also having the option to receive the fix via mobile service or at a Ford dealer. According to the automaker, the update will be available for most models starting March 17, and is expected to be rolled out across all affected vehicles by May.
Drivers may receive an early warning if their vehicle is affected while towing. Ford says vehicles experiencing the communication loss will display a “Trailer Brake Module Fault” message, and the turn signal indicator will flash rapidly.
For Canadian brokers and risk managers, the recall underscores the potential exposure associated with towing risks, particularly for commercial fleets and personal lines clients who regularly haul trailers, RVs, equipment or boats. With the affected nameplates among Ford’s most popular light trucks and SUVs in Canada, the recall will be closely watched by the market, particularly ahead of the spring and summer towing season.
