Hybrid Recall Alert
Ford Recalls Over 66,000 Lincoln and Explorer Hybrids for Missing Pedestrian Warning Sounds
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Ford has recalled more than 66,000 Lincoln and Ford Explorer hybrid vehicles because they may not make the required warning sounds for pedestrians, according to Action News JAX. The recall is an expansion of an earlier action Ford already took on similar vehicles.
Federal rules require hybrid and electric vehicles to emit pedestrian alert sounds at low speeds. Without that sound, people on foot — especially those who are visually impaired — may not hear the car coming.
Which Vehicles Are Covered by This Recall
The recall covers Lincoln and Ford Explorer hybrid models, WSBTV reported. These vehicles were already part of a prior recall, and Ford has now widened the scope to bring in more affected units. The total number of vehicles involved has grown to over 66,000.
Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by email. Ford will tell them when and where to bring their car in for the free repair.
Dealers Will Swap Out a Key Sound Module
The fix is straightforward. Dealers will replace the digital signal processing module in each affected vehicle, according to WPXI. That module controls the pedestrian warning sound system. Once replaced, the vehicle should emit the proper alert tones at low speeds.
The repair will be done at no cost to the owner. Ford has not said how long the fix will take at the dealership.
Why Pedestrian Warning Sounds Are Required by Law
Hybrid and electric vehicles run quietly at low speeds. That silence is a safety hazard. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires these cars to make an alert sound below 18.6 mph so that pedestrians know a car is nearby, WHIO noted.
The rule was designed to protect blind and low-vision pedestrians most of all. A missing or broken sound system puts those people at direct risk in parking lots and on slow streets.
What Affected Owners Should Do Right Now
Owners do not need to act immediately. Ford will reach out by email with instructions, Boston 25 News reported. However, owners can also check if their vehicle is affected right now by visiting NHTSA's website at nhtsa.gov and entering their Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN.
If your vehicle is included, schedule a dealership visit as soon as possible. The repair is free and protects both pedestrians and drivers from potential liability.
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