Ford Motor Company has initiated two distinct recalls covering more than 83,000 vehicles following federal safety filings that identified risks tied to malfunctioning headlight software and faulty engine components. The actions, which span some of the automaker’s most popular nameplates, come amid a broader wave of Ford recalls announced in early March 2026.
The recalls were published March 3 on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website and together cover 83,576 vehicles in total. While Ford has stated it is unaware of any accidents or injuries connected to either issue, federal regulators have flagged both defects as carrying an elevated risk of a crash under certain driving conditions.
Headlights Bending the Wrong Way
The first recall targets 35,772 model year 2025–2026 Ford Explorer SUVs equipped with a dynamic bending light feature, a system designed to pivot headlights in the direction of a turn to improve road illumination. According to NHTSA filings, an incorrect software calibration in the headlamp control module causes the right headlight to bend in the opposite direction from the vehicle’s intended turn.
As the recall report describes it, when a driver steers into a left curve, the driver-side light correctly follows the arc while the passenger-side light bends away from it, and the reverse occurs on right-hand turns. The practical consequence is increased glare directed at oncoming drivers, reducing visibility for all parties involved.
Ford’s remedy here is relatively straightforward. Affected Explorer owners can receive a corrected software update either over the air or through a dealership visit, at no cost. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 23, and customers can contact Ford’s customer service line using recall number 26C12.
Engine Valve Failures Across Nine Models
The second and larger recall covers 47,804 vehicles and involves a more mechanical concern. According to NHTSA documentation, a defect in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, a component that manages emissions by redirecting exhaust gases back into the engine, can cause an unexpected and sudden loss of drive power. Ford notes the loss is most likely to occur at low speeds, a scenario that carries particular risk in traffic or at intersections.
The affected vehicles span a notably broad range of Ford and Lincoln models: the 2025 Ranger, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Corsair, all fitted with 1.5-liter, 2.0-liter, or 2.3-liter engines.
Unlike the Explorer headlight fix, a remedy for this defect is still under development. Initial letters informing owners of the safety risk are expected to go out March 16, with a second notification to follow once a repair is available, currently anticipated for September 2026. When the fix is ready, owners will need to visit a Ford or Lincoln dealership for the repair, which will be provided free of charge. The recall number is 26S10.
These two actions are part of a markedly active recall period for Ford. The automaker also announced six additional recalls in early March covering approximately 2.36 million vehicles for separate issues including failing windshield wiper motors, inverted rearview camera displays, and a potentially separating driveshaft on certain heavy-duty F-Series trucks.
