Photo Credit: iStockFord is recalling nearly 42,000 SUVs and heavy-duty trucks after the discovery of a headlight problem that could reduce what drivers can see and make the impacted vehicles harder for others to notice.Here's what to knowThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released the recall notice on September 22, citing an issue with the headlights.In the recall, the NHTSA explained, "Ford is recalling certain 2025-2027 Expedition, 2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, and F-550 SD vehicles. The headlight assemblies may contain a contaminated LED chip, which can result in a loss of daytime running lights, parking lights, high beams or low beams."Federal regulators also noted that the issue can limit driver visibility and make the vehicle less noticeable to other motorists, raising the chance of a crash.What's being done?Ford is offering a free remedy for owners of these 41,748 vehicles. Dealers can inspect the headlight assemblies on affected vehicles and replace them, if necessary, at no cost to owners.Ford plans to mail notification letters on October 26 to the owners of impacted vehicles, and drivers with questions can contact the company directly at 1-866-436-7332 rather than wait for the notice. Additionally, VINs of impacted vehicles will be searchable on the NHTSA website starting on October 26, and the relevant recall number is 26C43.If drivers are concerned their vehicles are impacted before then, they can also look for the dashboard indicator light, which will be illuminated in vehicles with inoperative low-beam and/or high-beam headlamps, per USA Today.Where can I learn more?Ford's headlight recall comes amid a broader run of safety recalls and strategy pivots in the EV and energy fields. These stories cover rising NHTSA recall activity, Ford's EV backup-power push, and a solar-car company's retreat.• Federal regulators logged 300 recalls in 2026, and two Ford notices now carry do-not-drive warnings.• Ford is offering free bidirectional EV chargers to help some EV owners power homes during outages.• Dutch startup Lightyear is cutting the lights on its solar car plans and pivoting to roofs.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.