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Safety Recall Alerts

Last updated: September 18, 2026

Important: These are vehicle-manufacturer (tow-vehicle) recalls — they are not recalls of HydraStar products. HydraStar is sharing them as a safety service because a faulty tow-vehicle trailer brake controller can affect how your trailer brakes perform. Always confirm your vehicle's recall status by VIN at NHTSA.gov or with your dealer.

Recent recalls from Ford and Ram/Stellantis affect the integrated trailer brake controllers built into millions of late-model tow vehicles. If you tow a trailer with electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes, here's what these recalls mean for you and how to stay safe on the road.

Active RecallNHTSA #26V104

Ford — Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (ITRM) Recall

Affected vehicles
Approximately 4.3 million vehicles: 2021–2026 F-150; 2022–2026 Super Duty (F-250–F-600); 2024–2026 Ranger; 2022–2027 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator; 2026 E-Transit.
The issue
A software fault in the Integrated Trailer Module can cause it to lose communication with the vehicle at startup. While towing, trailer brake lights, turn signals — and on 'High series' trucks, the trailer braking function itself — may fail to operate.
Remedy
Free software update, available over-the-air or at a Ford dealer (Ford reference 26C10). Contact your Ford dealer or visit Ford's recall site.
What this means for your HydraStar brakes:

If you tow with an affected Ford and run an electric or electric-over-hydraulic (EOH) trailer brake system, your trailer brakes rely on the truck's brake-controller signal. Complete the manufacturer recall update, then confirm your trailer brakes actuate normally. If you have no trailer-brake output, our US-based support team can help you isolate whether the fault is in the tow vehicle or the trailer system.

Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
Active RecallNHTSA #26V059

Ram / Stellantis — Trailer Tow Module Recall

Affected vehicles
Approximately 456,000 vehicles: 2025–2026 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickups; 2025–2026 Ram 3500/4500/5500 chassis cab; and certain 2024–2026 Jeep Wagoneer S and 2026 Jeep Cherokee models.
The issue
An improperly designed trailer tow module — which runs the vehicle's integrated trailer brake controller — can cause trailer lights to fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes to fail while towing.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the trailer tow module free of charge. Owner notification letters began mailing March 24, 2026. Contact your Ram/Stellantis dealer to schedule the repair.
What this means for your HydraStar brakes:

An affected tow module can interrupt the signal your trailer's electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes depend on. Have the module replaced under recall, then verify your trailer brakes respond correctly. Our team is happy to help you troubleshoot trailer-side braking once your tow vehicle is squared away.

Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

Questions about your trailer brakes?

Our US-based support team can help you determine whether a braking issue is coming from your tow vehicle or your trailer system — and get you back on the road safely.

Contact HydraStar Support