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 details
| NHTSA campaign | 26V-121 (26V121000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 26C12 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Exterior lighting › Headlights |
| Report date | March 3, 2026 |
| Owners notified | March 23, 2026 |
| Vehicles affected | 35,772 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the lights
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 26V-121 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 35,772 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.