Exterior lighting: headlightsRecall 26V-121 · 2025–2026 Ford Explorer
Ford Motor Company recall 26V-121 covers 35,772 2025–2026 Ford Explorer for a exterior lighting: headlights problem, reported to NHTSA on March 3, 2026. The manufacturer's latest report (2026 Q3) shows 89% of affected vehicles repaired.
Source: NHTSA recall 26V121000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
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.
The fix
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.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How fast cars are being fixed
89%repaired
Share of affected vehicles repaired in each quarterly report the manufacturer filed with NHTSA. 87 vehicles were listed as unreachable.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from November 29, 2023 to November 23, 2025. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.
The investigation behind this recall
- Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 NoncomplianceNHTSA