Ford and Lincoln Recall: 66,000 Hybrid SUVs Might Be Too Quiet for Safety

Ford is back in the recall spotlight for the 54th time this year, and once again, the issue involves brand-new vehicles. This latest recall covers 66,383 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Nautilus hybrids, all from current model years. The problem? These SUVs might not make enough noise to alert pedestrians when running on electric power.

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a glitch in the audio system's digital signal processor can prevent the required pedestrian warning sound from playing at speeds under 19 mph. That sound is mandatory for hybrids and EVs to help visually impaired people—or anyone not paying close attention—know a vehicle is nearby.

Without it, the risk of injury to pedestrians goes up. The affected models include 18,242 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor hybrids from 2025-2027 and 48,141 Lincoln Nautilus hybrids from 2024-2027.

This is actually a re-recall. Ford tried to fix the problem last year with a software update, but owners kept reporting the warning light staying on. The company now believes a temporary loss of communication between two modules is to blame. For now, only Nautilus owners with the 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system can get a replacement DSP module at the dealer.

Everyone else must wait for a permanent fix, which hasn't been announced yet. Ford says it has received 65 warranty claims on Lincolns and seven on Explorers since the original fix, but no accidents or injuries have been reported. Owner notification letters go out August 3-7, and Ford will send another notice when a solution is ready.