Passenger-side headlight malfunction/fmvss 108
Defect Summary
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."
Safety Consequence
A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
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.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Exterior Lighting.
FAQ: Recall 26V121000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 26V121000?
NHTSA recall 26V121000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on March 3, 2026. It addresses: Passenger-side headlight malfunction/fmvss 108. The recall affects approximately 35,772 vehicles, with the defect involving the Exterior Lighting component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 26V121000 or the manufacturer campaign number 26C12. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-20. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.