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💥 Crash riskNHTSA 26V121📅 Mar 3, 2026

2025–2026 Ford Explorer recall: lights

⚠️ What's wrong

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.

Is the fix free? Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer under federal law, including parts and labor. (Vehicles more than 15 years old when the recall was announced can be excluded, but most manufacturers still fix them.)
NHTSA campaign
26V121000
Manufacturer recall #
26C12
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
35,772
Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Owner phone
1-866-436-7332
NHTSA hotline
1-888-327-4236
Owner letters mailed
Mar 23, 2026
Recall started by
ODI

Vehicles in this recall

Is your car affected? Recalls apply to specific VINs. Check my VIN

FAQ

Is the 26V121 recall repair free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer under federal law, including parts and labor. (Vehicles more than 15 years old when the recall was announced can be excluded, but most manufacturers still fix them.)

Which vehicles are included in recall 26V121?

2025–2026 Ford Explorer. 35,772 vehicles may be affected. Check your exact car with its 17-character VIN.

What should I do?

Check your VIN, then call any authorized Ford dealer to book the free repair or call the manufacturer at 1-866-436-7332.