Go Backs
HomeCategoriesStatesCheck Your Home
Go Backs

Track product recalls and safety alerts from CPSC, FDA, NHTSA, and USDA. Stay informed and keep your family safe.

Browse

  • Categories
  • States
  • Check Your Home
  • Risk Levels

Agencies

  • CPSC
  • FDA Food
  • FDA Drug
  • FDA Device
  • FDA Veterinary
  • NHTSA
  • USDA

Company

  • About
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
Buy Me a Coffee

Recall data is sourced from official U.S. government agencies (CPSC, FDA, NHTSA, USDA) and processed using AI to improve readability. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Always refer to the original agency notice for authoritative information.

ยฉ 2026 Go Backs. All rights reserved.

Medium RiskNHTSA
Vehicle Parts & Equipment/Electrical & Lighting

2025-2026 Ford Explorer Recalled for Headlight Software Malfunction

Agency Publication Date: March 3, 2026
Share:
Sign in to monitor this recall

Summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling approximately 35,772 of its 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles because a software error in the Dynamic Bending Light system can cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction during curves. This defect means the vehicles do not meet federal safety standards for lighting equipment. Ford will provide a free software update for the headlight control module, which can be performed by a dealer or delivered through an over-the-air (OTA) update.

Risk

If the passenger-side headlight turns the wrong way while driving through a curve, it can create excessive glare for oncoming drivers or other road users. This sudden glare can impair their vision, increasing the risk of a crash.

What You Should Do

  1. Check your vehicle's 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA.gov/recalls website to see if your 2025-2026 Ford Explorer is included in this recall.
  2. Contact an authorized Ford dealer to schedule a free appointment to have your headlight control module software updated, or check your vehicle's sync system to see if the update can be completed automatically over-the-air (OTA).
  3. If you have further questions or need assistance, contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall number 26C12.
  4. Call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.nhtsa.gov/recalls for more information regarding this safety campaign.

Your Remedy Options

๐Ÿ”งFree Repair

Headlight control module software update.

How to: The headlight control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge.

Affected Products

Product: 2025-2026 Ford Explorer
Variants: Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system

Recall involves certain 2025-2026 models with specific software configurations.

Additional Information

Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Recall ID: 26V121000
Status: Active
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Sold By: authorized dealers
Units Affected: 35,772 vehicles(100% estimated defective)
Park Vehicle: No
Park Outside: No
OTA Update: No
Product Type: Vehicle (V)
Recall Classification: Compliance (Federal Standard Violation)
Owner Notification Date: March 23, 2026
Distributed To: Nationwide
Manufacturer Recall #: 26C12
Agency Last Updated: March 25, 2026

Were You Affected by This Recall?

If you or a family member were harmed by this recalled product, you may have legal rights. Consider consulting a consumer protection attorney to understand your options for compensation.

Find an Attorney

This is general information, not legal advice. Go Backs is not a law firm and does not provide legal services.

AI-Enhanced Content: The summary, action steps, and risk assessment on this page were generated by AI from official government recall data to improve readability. This is not legal or medical advice. Always refer to the official agency sources below for authoritative information.

Sources: NHTSA Notice ยท Raw API Response