Exterior Lighting:headlights

NHTSA campaign 26V121000 · announced March 3, 2026 · filed by Ford Motor Company · 35,772 units affected

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves in the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

The risk

A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

The headlight control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C12. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

Vehicles covered by this recall

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal or repair advice.