NHTSA Recall 26V121000: Headlights (exterior lighting)
Ford Motor Company reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 35,772 vehicles. It affects 2025–2026 Ford Explorer.
| NHTSA campaign | 26V121000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 26C12 |
| Component | EXTERIOR LIGHTING › HEADLIGHTS |
| Report received | March 3, 2026 |
| Owner notification | March 23, 2026 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
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."
Safety risk
A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 recall 26V121000
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.