Recall 15V710 affects 65 2016 Ford E-350 and E-450 vehicles for trailer brake controller failure. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 65 2016 E-350 and E-450 vehicles equipped with a 6.8L engine and optional trailer brake controller because the controller can fail to activate the trailer brakes. When a trailer's brakes do not engage as the vehicle slows, stopping distance increases and crash risk rises; Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The integrated trailer brake controller in a 2016 Ford E-450 or E-350 is the factory system that sends a braking command from the vehicle to an attached trailer. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the controller is supposed to signal the trailer brakes so the trailer helps slow the combined load. This matters most when the van or chassis cab is towing a heavy trailer.
On affected vehicles with the 6.8L engine and optional trailer brake controller, that signal does not actuate the trailer brakes when the vehicle brakes are applied. Ford identified the condition during routine testing and confirmed it on the 2016 E-Series cutaway and chassis cab vehicles with this option. The filing does not identify a component-level cause, but the failure is the same at the owner level: the trailer brake command is not reaching the trailer brakes as intended.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver can press the brake pedal normally and still have the trailer brakes fail to engage through the controller.
Who's affected?
The E-450 and E-350 use the same integrated trailer brake control system named in this recall.
| 2016 Ford E-450 | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2016 Ford E-350 | electrical system |
| Units affected | 65 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
When the towing vehicle slows, the trailer brakes can fail to activate. That lengthens stopping distance and increases crash risk while towing. There is no warning sign before this happens, so schedule the powertrain control module reprogramming soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Ford E-450 or E-350 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free powertrain control module reprogramming that restores trailer brake controller operation.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V710 when you call.
- Avoid towing a trailer until the dealer completes the software update.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions about recall number 15V710.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician reprograms the powertrain control module so the optional trailer brake controller actuates the trailer brakes as intended. The software update is available now, and parts and labor are covered under the recall. Ford excludes a separate reimbursement program because the original warranty program already provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 27, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 27, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| October 27, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 10, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 16, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V710?
Recall 15V710 covers 65 2016 Ford E-450 and E-350 vehicles with a 6.8L engine and optional trailer brake controller. The controller can fail to activate the trailer brakes when the towing vehicle slows. Ford dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Ford E-450 or E-350 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V710. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the powertrain control module reprogramming. Reference recall 15V710 or Ford recall number 15S32 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Ford dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module free of charge, and Ford lists customer service at 1-866-436-7332 for this recall.
What is the safety risk?
The trailer brakes can fail to activate when the towing vehicle slows down. That can increase the stopping distance while towing and increase crash risk. Until the repair is complete, use caution with towing and schedule the free dealer reprogramming if your VIN is included.
What if I bought this Ford E-350 or E-450 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2016 Ford E-350 or E-450 is included, then contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 15V710.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V710000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V710 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V710000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →