Skip to main content

NHTSA recall,

Ford Explorer Hybrid (2025-2027) and Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid (2024-2027)

A software error may prevent the pedestrian warning sound, increasing the risk of injury.

Summary by Recall Canary from the NHTSA notice

What happened

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2024-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025-2027 Explorer Hybrid vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from making the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds. A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. The recall affects 66,383 vehicles nationwide and was reported to NHTSA on June 30, 2026.

This recall is an expansion of Recall 25V691. Any vehicles previously repaired under 25V691 must have the new remedy completed. Ford will release an over-the-air (OTA) update or dealers will update the APIM software, free of charge.

Additionally, dealers will replace the digital signal processing module in Nautilus Hybrid vehicles equipped with 28 speakers, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2026.

More backup camera defect recalls

What to do

If you own a vehicle in this recall:

  1. Check your VIN (vehicle identification number) at nhtsa.gov/recalls. VINs are searchable from July 7, 2026.
  2. Ford will release an over-the-air (OTA) update or dealers will update the APIM software, free of charge.
  3. Additionally, dealers will replace the digital signal processing module in Nautilus Hybrid vehicles equipped with 28 speakers, free of charge. You may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
  4. Look for the owner letter. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2026.

What you get Free repair

Full text from NHTSA

Note: This is an expansion of Recall 25V691. Any vehicles previously repaired under 25V691 must have the new remedy completed. Ford will release an over-the-air (OTA) update or dealers will update the APIM software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will replace the digital signal processing module in Nautilus Hybrid vehicles equipped with 28 speakers, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S51. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 7, 2026.

Is your Lincoln affected?

2 models

These models and years may be affected.

  • Explorer HybridFord, model years 2025 to 2027
  • Nautilus HybridLincoln, model years 2024 to 2027

Your VIN confirms it. Find the 17-character VIN on the driver's side of the dashboard or on your registration card.

Check your VIN on nhtsa.gov (opens in a new tab)

Recall details

Reported to NHTSA
Sold in
Nationwide
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Component
Backup camera defect
Campaign
26V415000
Vehicles affected
66,383
Repair cost
Free of charge
Owner letters mailed
Manufacturer's recall number
26S51
Manufacturer phone
1-866-436-7332

All recalls from Ford Motor Company

Timeline

  1. Reported to NHTSA

  2. Listed on Recall Canary

  3. Summary updated

Other backup camera defect recalls

See all: Other backup camera defect recalls

Summary by Recall Canary, written with AI · summary updated Oct 2, 2026 · primary source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (opens in a new tab)