Ford recalls 83,000+ vehicles for headlight glare and engine valve issuesFord is recalling more than 83,000 vehicles in the United States after identifying two safety problems that increase the risk of crashes. One recall targets headlight software in certain SUVs that can create dangerous glare, while the other addresses engine components that can cause a sudden loss of power. The actions affect a mix of newer Ford Explorers and other models equipped with specific engines, adding fresh scrutiny to a company that has already faced large-scale safety campaigns in recent years. Two recalls, one safety story According to recall information reviewed by Mar, Ford has initiated two separate safety campaigns that together cover more than 83,000 vehicles. One involves headlamp behavior in its popular SUV lineup, and the other involves engine hardware that can abruptly cut power. The headlight recall centers on 2025 and 2026 Ford Explorer sport utility vehicles, a core model for the brand in the United States. A second campaign focuses on vehicles fitted with turbocharged engines and an exhaust gas recirculation system that can fail in ways that stall the vehicle. Headlights that can blind oncoming drivers The most visible of the two problems involves the dynamic bending headlights on late-model Explorers. These systems are designed to pivot the beam in the direction of a turn, improving visibility for the driver on dark roads. Engineers discovered that the headlamp control module in affected Explorers can misinterpret steering input, sending the beam in the opposite direction of the turn instead of following it. That error can cause the light pattern to shine directly into the eyes of oncoming traffic and create glare for other drivers. Ford has acknowledged that the campaign covers exactly 35,772 units of the 2025 and 2026 Ford Explorer. Separate summaries describe the same population as 35,772 units of the SUV, confirming the scope of the headlight issue. Additional recall documents describe how, when the driver steers into a curve, the adaptive system may bend the wrong lamp toward oncoming traffic. One account notes that, in a left curve, the right-hand light may bend left and in a right curve the opposite can occur, a behavior that contradicts the intended design and increases the risk of a crash. Coverage of the campaign emphasizes that the safety action is focused on glare rather than a complete loss of lighting. One analysis framed the issue under the phrase Blinded by the Light and highlighted that some Ford Exp owners could inadvertently dazzle other motorists because of the software error. Ford has stated that it will correct the problem by updating the headlamp control software. The repair will be provided at no cost to owners, who will be notified and instructed to visit dealers for the update. Engine valve failures and sudden power loss The larger of the two recalls involves engine hardware in vehicles equipped with turbocharged gasoline engines and an exhaust gas recirculation valve. In federal filings, Ford Motor Company described the issue as a loss of drive from EGR Valve Failure, affecting certain 202 vehicles built with specific turbocharged engines. The component at the center of the problem is the EGR valve, which routes a portion of exhaust gas back into the intake stream to control emissions and combustion temperatures. If the valve fails in the affected vehicles, it can trigger a sudden reduction or loss of power that leaves the driver unable to maintain speed. In a Part 573 Safety, Ford’s internal Critical Concern Review Group, identified as CCRG, noted that earlier language describing the failure was ambiguous and that the group could not rule out the possibility of a full stall rather than a partial power reduction. That assessment pushed the company toward a safety recall. Separate recall notices indicate that approximately 47,804 vehicles are affected by the defective exhaust gas recirculation valve. If the valve stops working, the engine can lose drive power without warning, which significantly heightens crash risk in traffic. Regulators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have highlighted the danger of unexpected stalling, and The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has described how Ford’s testing prompted the company to expand its investigation into the EGR issue. Public recall databases list the campaign under NHTSA number 26V122. Ford has indicated that dealers will inspect the relevant engines and replace the EGR valve where necessary. The company has also reported that, at this stage, it is not aware of fires related to the condition. Which vehicles are affected and what owners should do Beyond the Explorer SUVs, the recall web extends to other Ford models with turbocharged engines. Reporting from Mar on Ford recalls thousands of SUVs, trucks and Mustangs for EcoBoost issue details how the company has been working through a series of campaigns tied to its turbocharged EcoBoost powertrains. Other summaries of the current action specify that the EGR valve recall affects certain model years of Ford Mustangs, Ford Broncos and Ford Escapes with 1.5 liter or 2.3 liter engines. One breakdown notes that Ford Mustangs, Ford Broncos and Ford Escapes are included among the vehicles pulled back to dealerships by Mar and The Brief, and that the risk of a stall grows if the valve stops working. More from Fast Lane Only Unboxing the WWII Jeep in a Crate 15 rare Chevys collectors are quietly buying 10 underrated V8s still worth hunting down Police notice this before you even roll window down