United States2025–2026 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with the Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system are affected; the passenger-side headlight may turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves. The incorrect headlight movement can increase glare to other road users and these vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108. Dealers will update the headlight control module software or owners will receive an over‑the‑air update free of charge; owner letters were mailed March 23, 2026, and Ford can be reached at 1-866-436-7332.
What's being recalled
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."
How to identify it
NHTSA campaign 26V121000; Manufacturer campaign 26C12
The hazard
A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
What to do
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.
The official notice
This page is a summary of the notice published by U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, collected from U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Check the original before you act on it.
Read the official notice (opens in a new tab)