Another day, another recall from Ford. This is number 54 for the year, averaging more than two per week. While the company’s CEO continues to say recalls are largely due to older models and processes that have changed, this is yet another one on current model-year vehicles.
To be more specific, this latest issue affects 66,383 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Nautilus hybrids. The problem is that they could sneak up on pedestrians, and it’s an expansion and re-recall of an issue that was first reported late last year. Here’s what’s actually happening.
Pedestrian Warnings Might Not Warn Pedestrians
White 2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid rear endFord
According to documents filed with the NHTSA, Ford says the issue with the Explorer and Nautilus hybrids involved is inside the digital signal processor module as part of the audio system. In some situations, a problem with the audio processing software can stop the SUVs from emitting the warning sound that’s required for hybrids and EVs driving on electric power at speeds under 19 mph.
The danger is to pedestrians, not those inside the vehicle. The sound is there so that a silent vehicle without the engine running doesn’t sneak up on someone who is visually impaired (or not paying attention). If the system isn’t working, there is an increased risk of injury to others outside the vehicle.
Ford says that 18,242 Explorers from model years 2025-2027 are affected. Since the hybrid is offered only with the Police Interceptor version of the Explorer, it’s police forces that need to get that recall completed. On the Lincoln side of the showroom, 48,141 Nautilus hybrid SUVs from 2024-2027 are involved. We assume that approximately zero of those are in police service.
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Ford Not Quite Sure Where Problem Occurs
2025 Lincoln Nautilus Front Angle View in redLincoln
In the documents Ford filed with the NHTSA, it says that the 2025 recall addressed problems with the alert system caused by a software defect in the DSP or audio control module. A software update was meant to correct it, but after the fix, owners reported that they were still experiencing the problem along with a vehicle service warning light.
Ford has reopened the investigation, but seems to have struggled to find the problem. It said it believes that there is a temporary loss of communication between two modules causing the issue.
Right now, there is only a fix for some owners. If you have a Nautilus with the 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, a Ford or Lincoln dealer will replace the DSP module with one that should fix the issue. Everyone else will need to wait, because a solution is still being worked on. But, Ford warns, even the vehicles with the new DSP chip could end up needing the second fix.
Ford says it received 65 warranty claims on Lincoln models after the original recall remedy, and seven on Explorers. The automaker told regulators it is not aware of reports of accidents or injuries.
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Letters to owners are set to go out August 3-7. The recall notice did not include an estimated date for when the fix would be available for owners, but Ford will send out new notifications once it is. Owners with concerns can reach out to their Ford or Lincoln dealer for assistance.
