Ford Issues Major Safety Recall Affecting Over 83,000 Vehicles in the United States
Ford Motor Company has announced a significant safety recall impacting more than 83,000 vehicles across the United States. The recall addresses two critical issues that could compromise driver safety by causing sudden power loss or significantly reducing visibility on the road. According to official notices published on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website on March 3, the recall covers a total of 83,576 vehicles, highlighting serious concerns that require immediate attention from owners.
Two Separate Defects Pose Distinct Crash Risks
The recall involves two distinct problems affecting different vehicle components. The first issue pertains to 35,772 vehicles equipped with the Dynamic Bending Light system. A software malfunction in this advanced headlight system may cause the headlights to move incorrectly while turning or navigating curves. This misalignment can create dangerous glare for other drivers and severely limit the visibility of the vehicle operator, especially in low-light conditions or on winding roads.
The second, potentially more hazardous, recall affects 47,804 vehicles due to a faulty exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve. This hardware defect can lead to sudden and unexpected drive power loss while the vehicle is in motion. Such an event significantly increases the risk of a crash, particularly at higher speeds or in traffic, as drivers may struggle to maintain control or safely maneuver to the roadside.
Affected Models Span Ford and Lincoln Lineups
The recall impacts a wide range of 2025 model year vehicles from both Ford and Lincoln brands, along with some 2026 models. Specifically, the affected vehicles include:
- 2025–2026 Ford Explorer
- 2025 Ford Bronco
- 2025 Ford Bronco Sport
- 2025 Ford Escape
- 2025 Ford Maverick
- 2025 Ford Mustang
- 2025 Ford Ranger
- 2025 Lincoln Corsair
- 2025 Lincoln Nautilus
This extensive list underscores the broad scope of the recall, affecting popular SUVs, trucks, and sedans across Ford's portfolio.
Remedial Actions and Customer Support Details
Ford has committed to addressing both issues free of charge for all affected vehicle owners. For vehicles with the headlight software problem, repairs can be performed through two convenient methods. Owners can visit an authorized Ford dealership for a software update, or they may receive an over-the-air (OTA) update directly to their vehicle, depending on model compatibility and connectivity.
Owner notification letters for the 2025–2026 Ford Explorer models will be mailed starting March 23. Ford encourages all owners of potentially affected vehicles to proactively check their vehicle identification numbers (VINs) against the recall database. For more information or assistance, owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall number 26C12 for specific details regarding their vehicle.
This recall serves as a critical reminder for vehicle owners to stay informed about safety notices and promptly address any identified defects to ensure road safety for themselves and others.
