Recall 26V121 affects 35,772 2025-2026 Ford Explorer vehicles for headlight software that turns the passenger-side beam in the wrong direction. Free dealer or OTA update.
Ford is recalling 35,772 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles because Dynamic Bending Light software can aim the passenger-side headlight the wrong way in curves. That incorrect movement can create more glare for other road users and increase the risk of a crash, and the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The Headlamp Control Module on the 2025-2026 Ford Explorer is the software-controlled unit that tells the headlights how to aim. On vehicles with Dynamic Bending Lights, the headlight beams are designed to swivel with the vehicle through a curve so the road ahead stays lit in the direction of travel.
On affected Explorers, the software calibration in that module is wrong. When the vehicle enters a curve, the passenger-side headlight turns opposite the vehicle's movement instead of turning with it. The issue is in the module programming, not a broken bulb or damaged headlight housing. Ford's update corrects the calibration so the passenger-side headlight points the same way as the turn.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is unlikely to see a dashboard message for this condition, and the light can look normal until the vehicle is driven through a curve at night.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2025 and 2026 Explorer model years with the same headlamp control module software.
| 2026 Ford Explorer | Headlights |
|---|---|
| 2025 Ford Explorer | Headlights |
| Units affected | 35,772 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2025-2026 Ford Explorer SUV is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A headlight that turns incorrectly can create more glare for other road users and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the problem appears, so use extra care at night and schedule the software update promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025-2026 Ford Explorer is included in this recall.
- Wait for Ford's owner letter or dealer instructions before scheduling the free software update.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to confirm whether your VIN needs the headlight-control-module update that fixes the passenger-side headlight turning the wrong direction in curves.
- Accept the free over-the-air update if Ford sends it to your vehicle, or have a franchised Ford dealer install the update.
- Reference recall number 26V121 and Ford recall 26C12 when you call Ford customer service or the dealer.
- Drive with extra care at night and on curves until the update is complete, since the passenger-side headlight can aim incorrectly and create glare for other road users.
What happens at the repair
Ford's remedy is a software update for the headlight control module. Once the repair is available, a Ford technician updates the module software at the dealer, or Ford sends the same fix through an over the air update. Parts, labor, and the software update are free under the recall. Ford uses its standard reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this repair. Keep repair orders, payment records, and related paperwork so Ford customer service or the dealer can review the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 3, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 5, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| March 5, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 5, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 23, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V121?
Recall 26V121 covers 35,772 2025-2026 Ford Explorer vehicles with Dynamic Bending Light software that can turn the passenger-side headlight the wrong way in curves. That incorrect headlight movement can create glare for other road users and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2025-2026 Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Explorer is included in recall 26V121. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for the headlight control module software update. Ford also supports an over-the-air update for this recall, and the repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford says the headlight control module software update is free. A franchised Ford dealer can perform the update, or Ford can provide it through an over-the-air update.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is glare from the passenger-side headlight turning the wrong direction during curves. That glare can affect other road users and increase the risk of a crash. Ford recall 26V121 addresses the problem with updated headlight control module software.
When were owners notified about recall 26V121?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on March 23, 2026. If you bought the Explorer used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then reference recall 26V121 or Ford recall number 26C12 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V121000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V121 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V121000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →