Image Credit: Ford.Ford is recalling more than 66,000 hybrid SUVs in the United States after discovering that a software-related issue could prevent the vehicles from emitting the federally required pedestrian warning sound while operating in electric mode. The recall affects certain Ford Explorer Hybrid and Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid models equipped with a specific premium audio system.Because hybrid vehicles can operate silently at low speeds, federal regulations require electrified vehicles to produce an external warning sound to help alert pedestrians, especially those who are visually impaired, that a vehicle is approaching.This latest recall expands an earlier campaign launched in 2025 after Ford determined that the previous repair did not fully resolve the problem. As a result, some owners who already had their vehicles serviced will need to return to a dealership once a new remedy becomes available.AdvertisementAdvertisementDocuments filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) state that the recall covers a total of 66,383 vehicles.Which Vehicles Are Affected?The recall includes the following models equipped with the Phoenix audio system:2025-2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid (18,242 vehicles)2024-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid (48,141 vehicles)Ford says the problem occurs when an error develops within the audio processing software while the vehicle is traveling below approximately 19 mph in electric mode.If the fault occurs, the pedestrian warning sound may not be produced, increasing the risk that nearby pedestrians will not hear the vehicle approaching. Ford says the condition can occur randomly without any action from the driver.Previous Recall Didn't Fully Solve The ProblemImage Credit: Lincoln.This campaign is an expansion of Ford's earlier Recall 25V691, which addressed the same issue. During further investigation, engineers determined that the previous software update was not sufficient to eliminate every possible cause of the fault.AdvertisementAdvertisementFord says the missing pedestrian alert may result from software errors within the Digital Signal Processing (DSP) module, although the company is also investigating additional non-DSP-related causes.The automaker has received 74 warranty claims related to the issue. Ford says it is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with the defect.Drivers may notice a warning message reading "Pedestrian Sounder Fault. Service Now." in the instrument cluster if the condition develops.Ford Is Still Developing A Complete FixAt this stage, Ford has not finalized a repair for every affected vehicle. Owners of Lincoln Nautilus models equipped with the available 28-speaker audio system will receive a replacement DSP module along with updated software at no cost.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor vehicles affected by the separate non-DSP issue, Ford says engineers are still developing a permanent remedy before owner notifications begin.Interim notification letters are scheduled to be mailed between August 3 and August 7, 2026. A second notice will be sent once the final repair procedure has been approved and dealers are ready to perform the work.What Owners Should DoImage Credit: Ford.Owners do not need to stop driving their vehicles, but Ford recommends remaining aware that the pedestrian warning sound may not operate properly while driving in electric mode at lower speeds.Beginning July 7, 2026, owners can check whether their vehicle is included in the recall by entering its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through the NHTSA recall lookup tool or by contacting Ford customer service and referencing recall number 26S51.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe recall serves as another reminder of how increasingly software-dependent modern vehicles have become. While traditional recalls often involved mechanical components, today's campaigns frequently stem from electronic modules and software systems that control critical safety features, including pedestrian warning systems designed to protect those outside the vehicle.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.