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March 2026 Ford Recall Alert: Two Additional Safety Recalls Affecting up to 83,576 Vehicles

Written by BizzyCar | Mar 16, 2026 3:19:50 PM


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

Dealerships using BizzyCar streamline recall engagement through automated customer outreach and integrated service scheduling. The platform continuously analyzes your DMS alongside daily-updated manufacturer recall and VIN data to identify affected vehicles, contact owners via text, confirm eligibility, and guide customers directly into available service appointments.

BizzyCar’s AI-powered recall management platform helps dealers capture more recall repairs without increasing staff workload. With personalized messaging, intelligent appointment booking, and automated follow-up built into a single workflow, dealerships can connect with customers faster while improving service lane efficiency. Schedule a demo to learn more.