Recall 26V165 covers 254,640 2022-2025 Navigator, Nautilus, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles for IPMA resets. Software update is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
Lincoln is recalling 254,640 2022-2025 Navigator, Nautilus, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles because the Image Processing Module A can reset unexpectedly. The failure can blank the rearview camera and disable driver assistance features, reducing the driver's ability to detect hazards, and Lincoln dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) software on affected 2022-2025 Navigator, Nautilus, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles helps the vehicle understand what its cameras and radar sensors are seeing. On these vehicles, the system uses a 5 radar sensor configuration to support the rearview camera display and driver assistance features such as pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
The problem is a software reset under heavy sensing load. In dense vehicle and pedestrian traffic, the module can become overloaded while tracking moving objects. That overload can trigger unexpected resets, and repeated resets over more than one ignition cycle can leave the rearview camera image and driver assistance features unavailable.
During or after a reset, the instrument panel can show warnings such as "Front Camera Fault," "Pre-Collision Assist Not Available," and "Lane-Keeping System Off." The blind-spot indicators can also illuminate, which is the warning sign that the system is not working as intended.
Who's affected?
Spans Navigator, Nautilus, Explorer, and Aviator across 2022-2025, all using Image Processing Module A software.
| 2025 Lincoln Navigator | Software |
|---|---|
| 2025 Lincoln Navigator | electrical system |
| 2024 Lincoln Navigator | Software |
| 2024 Lincoln Navigator | electrical system |
| 2023 Lincoln Navigator | Software |
| 2023 Lincoln Navigator | electrical system |
| 2022 Lincoln Navigator | Software |
| 2022 Lincoln Navigator | electrical system |
| 2024 Lincoln Nautilus | Software |
| 2024 Lincoln Nautilus | electrical system |
| 2025 Lincoln Nautilus | Software |
| 2025 Lincoln Nautilus | electrical system |
| 2025 Ford Explorer | Software |
| 2025 Ford Explorer | electrical system |
| 2025 Lincoln Aviator | Software |
| 2025 Lincoln Aviator | electrical system |
| Units affected | 254,640 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the rearview camera image drops out or driver assistance features shut off, the driver has less help detecting hazards, increasing crash risk. Treat warning messages such as "Front Camera Fault" or "Pre-Collision Assist Not Available" as a reason to schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, Nautilus, Explorer, or Aviator is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the free Image Processing Module A software update.
- Ask whether your vehicle is eligible for the free over-the-air update or needs a dealer-installed update.
- Reference recall number 26V165 and Ford recall 26S21 when you call.
- Use extra care when backing up or changing lanes until the update is complete, since the rearview camera image and driver assistance features are the systems affected.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lincoln technician updates the Image Processing Module A software. Some vehicles receive the same fix through an over-the-air update instead of a service visit. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor when dealer work is needed. If you've already paid out of pocket for the same software repair before the recall notice, ask Lincoln or Ford customer service how to submit documentation under Ford's reimbursement plan on file.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 18, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 25, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| March 25, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 29, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 13, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V165?
Recall 26V165 covers 254,640 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Ford Explorer, and 2025 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The Image Processing Module A software can reset unexpectedly, causing loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features. The software update is free.
What should I do if my 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, Nautilus, Explorer, or Aviator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 26V165. If it is, contact a franchised dealer for your vehicle brand and ask about the Image Processing Module A software update. Ford's recall number is 26S21, and the repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 26V165, the Image Processing Module A software update will be completed by a dealer or delivered through an over-the-air update free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced hazard detection. If the rearview camera image and driver assistance features stop working, the driver has less help seeing behind the vehicle, staying in the lane, detecting blind spots, or using pre-collision assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
When will owners be notified about recall 26V165?
Ford mailed the first owner letters on April 13, 2026. The campaign is phased, with some 2022-2024 Navigator and 2024 Nautilus owner notices scheduled for June 2026. Check your VIN instead of waiting for a letter, especially if you bought the vehicle used.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V165000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V165 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V165000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →