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Ford Issues Two Additional Safety Recalls Affecting SUVs, Trucks, and Passenger Cars
Recall Date: 03/03/2026
NHTSA IDs: 26V121 and 26V122
Mfr. Campaign Numbers: 26C12 and 26S10
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING, POWERTRAIN
Potential Number of Units Affected: ~83,576
Ford Motor Company has announced two additional safety recalls affecting several Ford and Lincoln vehicles across the 2025 and 2026 model years. The recalls address issues involving exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valves that could lead to engine power loss and headlamp control module software that may cause the Dynamic Bending Light system to operate incorrectly.
In total, these campaigns affect more than 57,000 vehicles across Ford’s SUV, truck, and passenger car lineup.
Ford Vehicles Affected and What This Recall Means
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain:
Ford Ranger
2025 (Recall 26V122)
Ford Explorer
2025–2026 (Recall 26V121)
2025 (Recall 26V122)
Lincoln Nautilus
2024-2026 (Recall 26V122)
Ford Mustang
2024-2025 (Recall 26V122)
Ford Maverick
2024-2025 (Recall 26V122)
Ford Explorer
2024-2025 (Recall 26V122)
Ford Escape
2024-2025 (Recall 26V122)
Lincoln Corsair
2024-2025 (Recall 26V122)
Ford Bronco Sport
2024-2025 (Recall 26V122)
Ford Bronco
2024-2025 (Recall 26V122)
Recall Breakdown
NHTSA ID: 26V121
Affected vehicles may contain incorrect Headlamp Control Module software that causes the Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system to operate improperly.
When drivers turn the steering wheel while navigating a curve, the driver-side headlamp follows the direction of the turn as intended. However, the passenger-side headlamp may swivel in the opposite direction, which can increase glare for oncoming drivers.
Because of this behavior, the affected vehicles may not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, which regulates vehicle lighting performance and glare.
Models affected are selected 2025–2026:
- Ford Explorer
Estimated Vehicles Affected: 35,772
What Drivers Need to Know
Ford will correct the issue through a Headlamp Control Module software update.
The update is expected to be delivered over-the-air (OTA) beginning in March 2026. Owners will also have the option to visit a Ford dealer to receive the update free of charge.
Drivers can check their vehicle by VIN on Ford’s website or search for open safety recalls using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall lookup tool from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
NHTSA ID: 26V122
In affected vehicles, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve may contain a poppet head that could detach due to inconsistent laser weld penetration during manufacturing.
If the poppet head separates inside the valve, it could allow excessive exhaust gas flow into the engine, potentially leading to poor engine performance or loss of motive power.
A loss of engine power, particularly at low speeds, can increase the risk of a crash.
Drivers may notice warning signs before the condition occurs, including:
- Weak acceleration
- Engine vibration
- A check engine light
- A no-start condition
Models affected include select 2025 vehicles:
- Ford Ranger
- Lincoln Nautilus
- Ford Mustang
- Ford Maverick
- Ford Explorer
- Ford Escape
- Lincoln Corsair
- Ford Bronco Sport
- Ford Bronco
Estimated Vehicles Affected: 47,804
What Drivers Need to Know
Ford is currently developing a remedy for this issue.
Owners will receive an interim notification by mail beginning in March 2026, informing them that their vehicle is affected. Once the repair solution becomes available, a second notification will be sent instructing owners to schedule a service appointment with their Ford or Lincoln dealer.
Repairs will be performed free of charge.
Drivers can check their vehicle by VIN on Ford’s website or search for open safety recalls using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall lookup tool from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Ford’s Recall Activity in 2026
Ford’s recall activity in 2026 continues to reflect the scale and complexity of the company’s truck and SUV portfolio.
Many modern recalls are tied to shared components and software systems, meaning a single issue can impact multiple vehicle platforms across Ford and Lincoln brands. Issues involving emissions components, electronic control modules, or lighting systems can therefore affect thousands, or even millions, of vehicles across several model years.
As the industry continues shifting toward increasingly software-driven vehicles, software calibration issues and module updates are becoming a larger share of recall actions.
Dealers: Simplify Recall Outreach with Automation
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