Ford Recalls 66,000 Hybrid SUVs Pedestrians May Not Hear Coming
Ford has recalled over 66,000 hybrid SUVs for a faulty pedestrian alert system, which could pose a risk to pedestrians. The issue affects certain model years of the popular Ford Explorer and the Lincoln Nautilus. This recall is an expansion of a previous recall issued for the same thing in 2025, as the automaker's previous fix was not effective. Over 70 warranty claims have already been submitted in relation to this problem, so here's everything worth knowing about the new Ford recall.
Ford and Lincoln Hybrid SUV Recall
In a recall report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford has traced the problem down to the following models:
- 2025-2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid (18,242 vehicles)
- 2024-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid (48,141 vehicles)
In both cases, models with the Phoenix sound system are affected.
"The vehicle may not emit pedestrian warning sounds in certain instances where there is an error in the audio processing software and the vehicle is driven below 30 kph (~18-19 mph) in electric mode. This condition can occur randomly without input from the driver," states the recall report.
As these SUVs are capable of being driven in fully electric mode at low speeds, pedestrians may not hear them approaching, which increases the risk of a collision. The Pedestrian Alert function occurs due to a software error in the DSP module or non-DSP related factors that Ford is still investigating.
The same vehicles were recalled in 2025 (recall number 25V691), so this is an expansion of the original recall. Vehicles initially repaired must have the new remedy completed, so some owners will face the inconvenience of having to take their vehicles to a dealer twice.
Related: Why You Can Hear EVs Coming But Can't Find Them Fast Enough
What Owners Should Do Now
Ford will be mailing interim owner notification letters between August 3 and August 7, 2026. This will be followed by mailing of owner notification letters once a full remedy is identified. In other words, it's not clear when owners can expect a final fix.
Ford has only stated that Nautilus owners with the 28-speaker sound system equipped will be notified to have their DSP module replaced and software updated at no charge. However, if there is a non-DSP related fault, Ford has yet to determine a remedy for this.
As of July 7, 2026, owners will be able to use their Vehicle Identification Numbers on the NHTSA to determine if their vehicle is part of the recall group. They may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 for more information using the recall number 26S51.
Explorer and Nautilus Hybrid drivers may notice a "Pedestrian Sounder Fault. Service Now." warning in the instrument cluster if the fault occurs. We'd also recommend that these drivers exercise caution at lower speeds as nearby pedestrians may not hear them driving close by.
Multiple automakers have experienced recalls related to pedestrian-warning systems, which are typically software-controlled. The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and Dodge Charger Daytona are just two other examples, and it once again highlights how software problems have contributed to a large number of recalls in recent years.
Related: Dodge Recalls Electric Charger for Being Dangerously Quiet
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This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 6:30 AM.