What’s Behind Ford and Lincoln’s Latest Lighting Recall?
If you own a 2025 Ford Mustang, Mustang Mach-E, or a Lincoln Nautilus, you might want to keep an eye on your dashboard—and your driveway. Ford and Lincoln are recalling nearly 22,000 vehicles due to a lighting issue that could leave drivers literally in the dark. The culprit? A burnt diode in the LED Driver Module, which can knock out everything from headlights and turn signals to taillights.
Which Models Are Affected and How Serious Is the Problem?
The recall covers 21,765 vehicles, primarily Mustangs, but also includes the Mustang Mach-E and Lincoln Nautilus. For Mustang and Mach-E owners, the risk is the failure of headlights, daytime running lights, front position lights, and front turn signals. Nautilus drivers face an even broader problem—if the diode fails, it can also take out rear taillights, rear turn signals, and rear position lights. That’s a lot of dark corners.
The issue first surfaced in March at the Changan Ford Hangzhou plant in China, where a Nautilus failed a headlight inspection. By the end of that month, eight more vehicles had similar problems. Ford’s investigation traced the problem to burnt Schottky diodes inside the LED Driver Modules. While the root cause is still under review, the risk to driver safety was enough for Ford to initiate a recall.
How Did Ford Discover the Fault, and What’s the Real-World Impact?
Ford’s quality control teams picked up on the issue early, but the numbers are concerning. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford has issued 98 recalls in less than nine months—a pace that’s hard to ignore. While most of the current recall cases have been reported in China (nine plant reports and eight warranty claims for the Nautilus), there have been no confirmed failures in Mustangs or Mach-Es in the US so far.
Still, the potential for a sudden loss of lighting is a big deal. Imagine driving at night and suddenly losing your headlights or turn signals. Not only does this compromise your own safety, but it also puts other drivers at risk. The warning signs are subtle but important: drivers may see an “Advanced Front Lighting Feature Temporarily Unavailable” alert, and the turn signal indicator on the dashboard will flash rapidly—a classic sign that something’s up.
What Should Owners Do If Their Vehicle Is Affected?
If you’re driving one of the recalled models, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. Ford and Lincoln will reach out to affected owners with instructions. Nautilus and Mustang Mach-E owners will be asked to visit a dealership, where technicians will replace both the right and left LED Driver Modules. Mustang owners will have their modules inspected, and if the serial numbers match those in the recall, replacements will be made.
It’s worth noting that these repairs are handled at no cost to the owner. Ford’s recall process is designed to be as painless as possible, but it does require you to take action. If you notice any warning lights or unusual behavior from your vehicle’s lighting system, schedule a service appointment promptly. Safety isn’t something to gamble with.
Why Are Recalls Like This Happening So Frequently?
Ford’s recent recall streak has raised eyebrows across the industry. According to a 2023 report from the NHTSA, Ford led all automakers in the US for the number of recalls issued that year. While some of this can be chalked up to more rigorous quality control and a willingness to address problems proactively, it’s also a sign of the increasing complexity in modern vehicles. With advanced electronics and LED lighting systems, even a tiny component like a diode can have outsized consequences.
Experts point out that as automakers race to integrate new tech—especially in electric and hybrid models—there’s a learning curve. The upside? Issues are being caught and fixed more quickly than ever before. The downside? Owners need to stay informed and responsive.
How Can Drivers Stay Ahead of Vehicle Recall Issues?
The best defense is a good offense. Make a habit of checking your vehicle’s VIN on the NHTSA recall website every few months, especially if you drive a newer model or one with advanced features. Sign up for recall alerts from your manufacturer, and don’t ignore mail or email notifications about recalls. Even if your car seems fine, it’s worth getting checked—many issues are invisible until they suddenly aren’t.
Dealerships are generally well-prepared to handle recall repairs efficiently, and federal law requires that these fixes be provided free of charge. If you’re ever unsure, call your local dealer and ask. It’s better to spend an hour in the service bay than risk a dangerous failure on the road.
What’s the Big Takeaway for Ford and Lincoln Owners?
Vehicle recalls can feel like a hassle, but they’re ultimately about keeping you safe. The latest Ford and Lincoln lighting recall is a reminder that even the most advanced vehicles aren’t immune to small parts causing big headaches. The big takeaway? Car ownership isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week—maybe check your lights or schedule that recall appointment—and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.