More Ford Recalls: Mustangs Have Headlight Defect
» Posted February 6, 2026 • Resources | Share This Post
Ford is threatening to once again take the crown as the most recalled automaker this year.
The company recently announced it is recalling about 40,000 Mustang Mach-E sport utility vehicles due to defective headlights. The cars’ exterior lighting may go dark without warning, the automaker recently told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Inoperable lighting features may reduce the driver’s visibility and/or make the vehicle less visible to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash,” Ford said in a defect notice. The company added that it was not aware of any accidents or injuries stemming from the defect.
The recall covers Mach-E SUVs from model years 2025 and 2026, which were built between June 2024 and October 2025.
The company said it planned to notify owners of recalled cars by the end of January. It is offering an over-the-air software update, but said owners will also have the option to bring their cars to authorized dealers to have the update completed.
Ford has led the country’s automakers in annual safety recalls for several years in a row.
The Mach-E recall comes as the company separately said it was calling back more than 116,000 Escape, Focus, and Lincoln MKC vehicles for fire risks. The cars’ block heaters may crack and develop coolant leaks, causing them to short-circuit, Ford told NHTSA.
Meanwhile, NHTSA in February launched an investigation into transmission problems covering some 1.3 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks. A defect could cause the trucks’ rear wheels to unexpectedly lock up, increasing the risk of crashes.
Ford has, for several years, pledged to reduce defects and safety issues, prompting the slew of recalls. Late last year, the company began offering owners with major service and repair issues 10% off new vehicles.
California Lemon Law Rights for Ford Drivers
Ford drivers may feel overwhelmed by the seemingly never-ending flood of recalls and safety warnings. There is some good news, however, for Ford owners in the Golden State: You do not need to wait for the company to issue a formal recall to get Ford to fix a defective or malfunctioning car.
The California lemon law generally requires auto manufacturers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. The law also forces companies to buy back covered vehicles they are unable or refuse to fix. That includes compensating an owner for the car’s purchase price, as well as financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.
There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.
Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney
If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.
Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.
