Blog · Recall alert · 2026-10-05
[HIGH] RECALL ALERT: 2025–2027 Ford Expedition and 2026 Ford Super Duty: Headlights and running lights may fail
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Severity: HIGH Severity: HIGH (orange). Why: Ford told NHTSA that “inoperable exterior lighting features may reduce visibility for the driver and/or make the vehicle less visible to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.” (Ford Part 573 report, 26V606). That is a crash risk from a lighting failure, with no fire, do-not-drive or park-outside warning, so it rates HIGH.
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At a glance
Severity: HIGH
| Severity | Severity: HIGH HIGH |
| NHTSA campaign | 26V606000 |
| Ford recall number | 26C43 |
| Vehicles | 2025–2027 Ford Expedition; 2026 Ford F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 Super Duty |
| Units affected | 41,748 (Ford estimates about 1% have the defect) |
| Risk | Low beams, high beams, daytime running lights or parking lights can dim or go out, reducing visibility and raising crash risk |
| Remedy | Dealers inspect both headlight assemblies and replace them as needed, free of charge |
| Dealer notification | Planned October 26–30, 2026 |
| Owner notification | NHTSA's summary: letters expected October 26, 2026. Ford's Part 573 schedule: remedy letters November 6–13, 2026 |
| VIN lookup on NHTSA | Searchable starting October 26, 2026 |
| Do-not-drive / park-outside | No (neither advisory is marked) |
What happened
On September 22, 2026, Ford Motor Company filed safety recall 26V606 with NHTSA (Ford number 26C43). Some headlight assemblies have contamination under their LED chips, which Ford traced to a lower-tier chip supplier's factory. The headlight assembly supplier named in the filing is Flex N Gate.
According to Ford's report, Super Duty owners may see dim or dead daytime running lights and parking lights on trucks with LED reflector or LED projector headlights, and dim or dead low or high beams on trucks with LED reflector headlights. Expedition owners may see dim or dead low or high beams on SUVs with LED reflector headlights. NHTSA says the vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, which covers lamps.
A dashboard indicator light will come on if a low beam or high beam stops working, per Ford. As of September 10, 2026, Ford counted six warranty claims and six field reports on six vehicles, and said it is not aware of any crashes or injuries tied to the problem.
Which vehicles are included
| Model | Model years | Built | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Expedition | 2025–2027 | June 24, 2025 – July 2, 2026 | 13,298 |
| Ford F-250 Super Duty | 2026 | Aug. 4, 2025 – Aug. 4, 2026 | 17,512 |
| Ford F-350 Super Duty | 2026 | Aug. 4, 2025 – Aug. 4, 2026 | 10,295 |
| Ford F-450 Super Duty | 2026 | Aug. 4, 2025 – Aug. 4, 2026 | 523 |
| Ford F-550 Super Duty | 2026 | Aug. 4, 2025 – Aug. 4, 2026 | 120 |
Ford says the recall covers vehicles from those build windows that were unsold, or had been in service less than four months, as of September 15, 2026. The vehicles were not built in VIN order, so a VIN check is the only way to know.
What owners should do now
- Check your VIN at assemblyalert.com/recalls or nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA says VINs for this campaign become searchable on October 26, 2026. Until then, Ford's customer line or a Ford or Lincoln dealer can look up your vehicle.
- Watch your lights. If the headlamp warning light comes on, or your headlights or running lights look dim or dark, contact a dealer.
- Call Ford at 1-866-436-7332 and mention recall 26C43.
- NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171).
FAQ
Is my Expedition or Super Duty included?
Only certain 2025–2027 Expedition SUVs and 2026 F-250 through F-550 Super Duty trucks from the build windows above, and only those that were unsold or in service under four months as of September 15, 2026. Ford says a VIN check through Ford or a dealer is the way to confirm.
Is it safe to drive?
NHTSA and Ford did not issue a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. The stated risk is reduced visibility and a higher crash risk if lights fail, so get it checked if a light warning appears.
What is the free fix?
Dealers will inspect both the left and right headlight assemblies. If one fails inspection, it will be replaced at no charge.
When will I hear from Ford?
NHTSA's summary says owner letters are expected October 26, 2026, while Ford's filing schedules remedy letters for November 6–13, 2026. You don't need to wait for a letter to check your VIN or call Ford.
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Disclaimer
Recall facts here come from NHTSA's recall data, Ford's Part 573 Safety Recall Report for 26V606, and NHTSA's acknowledgment letter dated September 29, 2026. Assembly Alert (assemblyalert.com) is operated by Record of Sale, LLC and is not affiliated with NHTSA or Ford Motor Company. This page is public safety information only and is not legal advice. Verify your vehicle's status with NHTSA or Ford.
Sources
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