The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighNHTSA·26V415000·Announced 2026-06-30

Ford Recalls Lincoln Nautilus and Explorer Hybrids for Pedestrian Warning Defect

Ford is recalling 2024-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrids and 2025-2027 Explorer Hybrids because a software error may prevent the pedestrian warning sound from playing.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a safety system failure that increases the risk of injury to pedestrians, but the source text does not report any specific injuries or fatalities, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2024-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025-2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid vehicles. The recall addresses a software error that may prevent the vehicle from making the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds. This is an expansion of Recall 25V691, meaning vehicles previously repaired under that recall must also receive the new remedy.

A vehicle that does not produce the warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. The corrective action involves releasing an over-the-air (OTA) update or having dealers update the APIM software. Additionally, dealers will replace the digital signal processing module in Nautilus Hybrid vehicles equipped with 28 speakers. All repairs will be performed free of charge.

Owner notification letters were mailed on August 7, 2026. The remedy will be available in a phased campaign based on model and model year. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S51, and affected Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 7, 2026.

The recalled product

Product
LINCOLN, FORD NAUTILUS HYBRID, EXPLORER HYBRID
Brand
LINCOLN
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — Hybrid SUV
Hazard
Affected units
66,383

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • NAUTILUS HYBRID
  • EXPLORER HYBRID

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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