Safety is the most critical component of any vehicle, and Zohari Cars is issuing an urgent update regarding a series of major recalls from Ford Motor Company. In a staggering month for the automaker, February 2026 has seen the release of several wide-reaching safety actions. The largest of these is a massive software-related recall affecting approximately 4.4 million trucks and SUVs, while others target critical hardware defects that could lead to fires or dangerous rollaway events.

The 4.4 Million Vehicle Software Glitch

The most significant action involves a "race condition" software bug in the Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM). This glitch can cause a total loss of communication between the towing vehicle and the trailer, leading to the failure of trailer turn signals, brake lights, and in some cases, the trailer's electric brakes entirely. While Ford estimates only 1% of the 4.4 million vehicles actually possess the defect, the sheer scale includes almost every major truck and SUV in their lineup from 2021 through 2026. A free over-the-air (OTA) software patch is scheduled to begin rolling out in May to resolve the issue.

Fire Risks and Rollaway Hazards

Beyond the software glitch, Ford is addressing a dangerous engine block heater fire risk in over 116,000 older Focus, Escape, and Lincoln MKC models. Cracked heater elements can leak coolant, causing a short circuit and underhood fires when the vehicle is plugged in. Additionally, nearly 273,000 late-model electric and hybrid vehicles—including the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E—are being recalled for a rollaway risk caused by a failing integrated park module. Finally, over 412,000 Explorers (2017-2019) are being called in for rear suspension toe link fractures that could result in a sudden loss of steering control.

For the Zohari Cars community, this is a vital time to be proactive. Owners should keep a close eye on their mailboxes for notification letters, many of which began shipping on February 2. If your vehicle shows a "Trailer Brake Module Fault" or a "Shift System Fault" on the dash, take it seriously and contact your local dealer immediately. You can also verify if your specific vehicle is affected by entering your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Stay tuned to Zohari Cars as we continue to track these safety actions and provide updates on when the final software and hardware remedies become available at dealerships.