Headlight Assembly for the 2020–2025 Ford Explorer

What 2020–2025 Explorer owners report about the exterior lighting

Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA, the US federal vehicle-safety regulator, that mention the headlights on the 2020–2025 Ford Explorer, and 70 filed under its exterior lighting. Those 63, by model year, as of September 18, 2026:

• 2020 Explorer: 48 complaints
• 2021 Explorer: 6 complaints
• 2022 Explorer: 5 complaints
• 2023 Explorer: 3 complaints
• 2024 Explorer: 1 complaint
• 2025 Explorer: none

NHTSA publishes complaints as owners wrote them and does not verify them, so read them as a pattern rather than a diagnosis.

A 2020 Explorer owner, NHTSA complaint 11752493: "I own a 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum equipped with Adaptive LED Headlamps. The passenger-side low-beam headlamp intermittently failed and would turn off while driving."

A 2021 Explorer owner, NHTSA complaint 11746612: "Vehicle is not even 5 years old , and passenger headlight - low beam failed. Ford Dealership quote is around $3000. Online forums show that this is a defect for the platinum models. I feel I should be protected as I am still paying for this vehicle and plan to keep it for many years."

Recalls that cover the headlight assembly on the 2020–2025 Explorer

• 26V121000, 2025 models: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves in the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." The headlight control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge.

A recall repair is free at any Ford dealer. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you pay anyone for this part — us included.

Which headlight assembly a 2020–2025 Explorer takes

Headlights differ between halogen and LED trims, by adaptive or auto-levelling function, and by side. The 2020–2025 Ford Explorer came with several powertrains, among them 2.3L I4 Automatic 4WD and 3.0L V6 Automatic 4WD. That is why we ask for the VIN, or the year, engine and trim, and confirm the part against it before you pay rather than after it arrives.

What we source it from

10 headlight assemblies from Anzo, Depo, Dorman, Hella and TYC, $249.99 to $579.99, with flat $30 shipping anywhere in the US. If a part we confirmed as a fit does not fit your vehicle, we cover the return and the replacement.