Recall 25V691 covers 43,438 2024-2026 Nautilus Hybrid and Explorer Hybrid vehicles with missing pedestrian warning sound. Free software update at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
Lincoln is recalling 43,438 2024-2026 Nautilus Hybrid vehicles and 2025 Explorer Hybrid police vehicles under recall 25V691 because a software error can stop the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds. Without that sound, pedestrians are not alerted to an approaching vehicle, increasing injury risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The Pedestrian Alert System on the 2024-2026 Nautilus Hybrid and Explorer Hybrid is an external sound system for hybrid operation. Because these vehicles can move quietly at certain speeds, the system plays a pedestrian warning sound outside the vehicle. The Audio Control Module controls that sound, and the Digital Signal Processor shapes the audio signal before it reaches the sounder.
On affected vehicles, software faults inside the Audio Control Module or Digital Signal Processor can stop the pedestrian alert sound from playing when it should. The hardware is not described as broken. The problem is the software path that tells the sound system to generate the outside warning sound.
A driver can see the message "Pedestrian Sounder Fault. Service Now" on the instrument panel cluster. That message is the warning sign that the pedestrian sounder needs service. If the message appears, the vehicle still needs the recall software update because the alert sound is not working as designed.
Who's affected?
Covers Nautilus Hybrid and Explorer Hybrid models from the 2024, 2025, and 2026 model years, all tied to the same audio control module and pedestrian alert function.
| 2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid | External/pedestrian alert |
|---|---|
| 2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid | External/pedestrian alert |
| 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid | External/pedestrian alert |
| 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid | External/pedestrian alert |
| 2025 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid | External/pedestrian alert |
| 2025 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid | External/pedestrian alert |
| 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid | External/pedestrian alert |
| 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid | External/pedestrian alert |
| Units affected | 43,438 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A missing pedestrian warning sound reduces the audible alert people outside the vehicle hear as it approaches, increasing the risk of injury. If the instrument panel shows "Pedestrian Sounder Fault. Service Now," schedule service promptly and use extra care around pedestrians. Repair will be free at any franchised Lincoln dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024-2026 Nautilus Hybrid or Explorer Hybrid is included in this recall.
- Use the owner letter Ford mailed to ask whether the free software update is open for your VIN.
- Contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the audio control module and digital signal processing module software update that restores the pedestrian warning sound.
- Ask whether the repair is completed at the dealer or through an over-the-air update.
- Reference recall number 25V691 when you call, and call Lincoln customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions.
What happens at the repair
Once the remedy is available, a Lincoln technician updates the audio control module and digital signal processing module software, or Ford sends the same software through an OTA update. The recall software update is free. If you already paid out of pocket for a repair tied to this pedestrian warning sound software issue, Ford's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Keep repair invoices and payment records, and contact Ford customer service or the dealer service desk for the reimbursement process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 10, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 10, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| October 10, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 10, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 5, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V691?
Recall 25V691 covers 43,438 2024-2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid vehicles with software that can stop the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds. Without that sound, pedestrians get less warning that the vehicle is approaching, increasing injury risk. The software update is free.
What should I do if my 2024-2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid or 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 25V691. If it is, contact a franchised dealer and ask whether the audio control module and digital signal processing module update is available by appointment or over-the-air. Reference recall number 25V691 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost. For recall 25V691, the audio control module and digital signal processing module software update is free whether it is completed by a dealer or delivered through an over-the-air update.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced warning for pedestrians near the vehicle. If the pedestrian alert sound does not play at certain speeds, a person outside the vehicle gets less notice that the hybrid vehicle is approaching, increasing the risk of injury.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you bought a used 2024-2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid or 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid, check your VIN and reference recall 25V691 when you contact the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V691000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V691 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V691000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →