Ford recalls hundreds of thousands of vehicles in Canada

A line of unsold 2024 F150 pickup trucks sit at a Ford dealership Sunday, May 19, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Hundreds of thousands of Ford vehicles are being recalled in Canada, with the manufacturer noting two separate issues possible in several popular models.

In separate recalls, the company warned of issues with windshield wiper motors and integrated trailer modules, noting the problems could increase the risk of a crash.

Trailer module recall: 627,000 vehicles impacted

A recall notice posted through Transport Canada earlier this year and updated Wednesday applies to 627,267 Ford trucks, vans and SUVs in Canada.

The following vehicles may have a software problem related to the integrated trailer module, according to the notice:

• Ford Expedition, model years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026;
• Ford F-150, model years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026;
• Ford F-250 Super Duty, model years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026;
• Ford F-350 Super Duty, model years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026;
• Ford F-450 Super Duty, model years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026;
• Ford F-550 Super Duty, model years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026;
• Ford F-600, model years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026;
• Ford Maverick, model years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026;
• Ford Ranger, model years 2024, 2025 and 2026;
• Ford Transit, model year 2026; and
• Lincoln Navigator, model years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026.

The company said the software problem may cause trailer lights not to work when the above vehicles are being used for towing. Additionally, the trailer brakes may not work “on certain vehicles,” the notice said. It did not say which vehicles carry the latter risk, but said that a “trailer brake module fault” message would be displayed in the event that this occurs.

Ford warned the risk of a crash is increased because faulty lights could mean drivers behind the trailer are unaware the driver ahead of them is turning, changing lanes or braking. Loss of trailer brakes could also lead to a crash.

The company said drivers of affected vehicles should expect to receive a “wireless over-the-air software update” in the mail to fix the issue. Drivers can also make an appointment at a Ford dealership and have it fixed there, the notice said.

Windshield wiper-related recall: 54,000 vehicles impacted

A recall related to windshield wipers impacting more than 605,000 vehicles south of the border also applies to Canadian drivers, Ford said in an email to CTVNews.ca Friday.

The company said an estimated 54,078 Ford and Lincoln SUVs fall under a recall prompted by a potential defect in the vehicles’ front wiper motors.

It applies to the following vehicles, all of which have model years 2020, 2021 or 2022:

• Ford Escape;
• Ford Explorer;
• Lincoln Corsair; and
• Lincoln Aviator.

“Due to a misalignment of the motor’s cover terminal with the brush card terminal during assembly, a poor connection can develop, leading to a loss of electrical continuity,” the company said in an email.

What this means it’s possible that wipers may only work intermittently, or be inoperative, increasing the risk of a crash, given the visibility impact.

The company said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue, and instructed owners to bring their vehicles to a dealership for inspection. The motors will be replaced if needed, it said.