CarRecallWatch- Component
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- 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."
- 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.
What this recall means for you
Certain 2025 and 2026 Ford Explorers may have a software problem in the Dynamic Bending Light system. When the vehicle drives through curves, the passenger-side headlight can turn in the wrong direction. This means the vehicle does not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 for lamps and reflective devices.
A misaimed headlight can increase glare for other drivers and road users, which raises the risk of a crash.
The fix is free. A Ford dealer will update the headlight control module software, or the update may be sent over the air. Owner notification letters were mailed March 23, 2026. You can check whether your VIN is included on NHTSA.gov, or contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall 26C12.
Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle
Official recall notice
Affected vehicles
| Ford Explorer | 20252026 |
|---|