Ford recalls 2025–2026 Explorer over headlight that may turn the wrong way in curves
Software in the Dynamic Bending Light system may make the passenger-side headlight turn in the wrong direction on curves, which can cause more glare for other road users and raise the risk of a crash.
What to do
A dealer will update the headlight control module software free of charge, or Ford will do it through an over-the-air (OTA) update. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and refer to recall number 26C12.
Look up your car to see every recall for its make, model and year.
Recall details
- Product
- Ford Explorer 2025–2026
- Company
- Ford Motor Company
- Hazard
- A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Units
- 35,772 vehicles
- Owner notification
- March 23, 2026
- Reported to NHTSA
- March 3, 2026
- Identifiers
- NHTSA campaign number: 26V121000
- Manufacturer campaign number: 26C12
- Model years: 2025–2026
The headline, summary and steps above are written in plain English from the official notice below. Identifiers are copied exactly as the agency published them. Always check the official notice before you act.
Official notice
The notice's own wording from NHTSA.
- Component
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- 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."
- Consequence
- A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective action
- 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.
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