FORD EXPLORER HYBRID: NHTSA recall 26V415000 explained
Ford has issued a safety recall involving the pedestrian warning sound on certain hybrid vehicles.
This recall concerns a software-related condition that can keep the vehicle from producing its pedestrian warning sound in certain situations. The official record describes a remedy involving a software update, with an additional component replacement for certain vehicles. Only an official VIN lookup can confirm whether a particular vehicle has an open recall.
What the official recall record says
FORD, LINCOLN: EXPLORER HYBRID, NAUTILUS HYBRID
The recall addresses a condition in which the pedestrian warning sound may not play at certain speeds. The official record says the remedy will be provided through an over-the-air update or dealer software update, and that some affected vehicles also require replacement of a related module. It also states that this action expands an earlier recall and that vehicles repaired under that earlier action need the new remedy completed.
Official record
- NHTSA recall ID: 26V415000
- Vehicles listed: FORD EXPLORER HYBRID (2027, 2026, 2025); LINCOLN NAUTILUS HYBRID (2027, 2026, 2025, 2024)
- Potentially affected: 66,383
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT
- Report received: June 30, 2026
- Owner notification: Not provided in the source record
- Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) 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.
- Safety consequence: A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: 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. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed August 03, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. 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.
What owners should do next
Owners should watch for recall communications from the manufacturer and use an official VIN lookup to verify open recall status for their specific vehicle. The official record does not specify when every remedy will be available.
A headline cannot confirm whether a particular vehicle is affected. Use the official NHTSA recall lookup with the vehicle identification number and contact the manufacturer or an authorized dealer for vehicle-specific guidance.
Sources used for this report.
References checked August 9, 2026.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Safety Recall Report: Campaign 26V415000. Report received June 30, 2026. Accessed August 9, 2026.
To check a specific vehicle, use the official NHTSA VIN recall lookup.