A fresh round of safety recalls is putting more than 83,000 vehicles from Ford Motor Company back under the spotlight in the United States.
The automaker is addressing two separate problems that affect headlights and engine components across several popular models. The recall actions were detailed in filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and first highlighted in a report by Fox Business.
In total, 83,576 vehicles are covered by the two recalls. While the issues are unrelated, both carry potential safety risks that prompted Ford to move quickly with corrective action.
Headlight Issue Affects Ford Explorer
The first recall targets 35,772 units of the 2025 and 2026 Ford Explorer. The problem lies in the software that controls the SUV’s adaptive headlights.
According to Ford’s safety report, the headlamp control module may contain incorrect software calibration. Adaptive headlights are designed to swivel or adjust based on steering input so that the beam follows the road through corners. This helps drivers see further into bends at night.
However, engineers discovered that the calibration error causes an unusual behavior. When the vehicle turns, the right headlight may rotate in the opposite direction of the steering input, while the left headlight moves correctly. Instead of illuminating the path ahead through the corner, the right beam may point outward.
That mismatch can produce two hazards. First, the driver’s forward visibility may be reduced while cornering at night. Second, the misdirected beam could create excess glare for oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford said the solution is relatively straightforward. Dealers will update the headlamp control module with revised software calibration. Some vehicles may also receive the fix through over the air updates, depending on their connectivity configuration.
Owner notification letters are expected to begin going out in late March 2026, and the repair will be performed free of charge.
Larger Recall Tied to Engine Valve Concern
The second recall is broader and affects 47,804 vehicles across several Ford and Lincoln models. This issue centers on a potentially faulty exhaust gas recirculation valve, commonly known as an EGR valve.
The EGR valve plays a key role in emissions control. It routes a portion of exhaust gases back into the engine’s intake system to reduce combustion temperatures and limit nitrogen oxide emissions.
In the affected vehicles, Ford determined that the valve may stick or malfunction, which can interfere with proper engine operation. If the component fails, the engine could experience loss of power, particularly at lower speeds.
Loss of propulsion at critical moments such as merging into traffic or pulling through an intersection can increase the risk of a collision.
The recall covers several 2025 model year vehicles, including the Ford Ranger, Ford Mustang, Ford Maverick, Ford Escape, Ford Bronco, Ford Bronco Sport, and certain versions of the Ford Explorer. Luxury models from Ford’s Lincoln brand are also included, specifically the Lincoln Nautilus and Lincoln Corsair.
Unlike the headlight recall, Ford has not yet finalized the repair procedure for the EGR valve issue. The company told regulators that engineering teams are still developing a permanent solution.
Once the fix is ready, owners will receive notification instructing them to bring their vehicles to a dealership for inspection and repair at no cost.
No Reported Accidents So Far
Ford told regulators it is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or fires linked to either defect at this time. The recalls were initiated as a precaution after internal investigations identified the potential safety risks.
Recalls of this scale are not unusual for modern vehicles, especially as cars become increasingly dependent on software and electronically controlled components. Even small calibration errors or component defects can ripple through complex vehicle systems.
For owners of the affected models, the best course of action is to watch for official recall notifications and schedule service once instructions are provided.
Sources: Fox Business