Ford Recalls 66,000 Hybrid SUVs Over Silent Pedestrian Alert System

Ford has issued a recall affecting roughly 66,000 hybrid SUVs because the acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS) may not produce the required pedestrian warning sounds at low speeds. Without the artificial noise, these quiet hybrid vehicles could pose an increased risk to pedestrians, particularly in parking lots and urban environments where foot traffic is dense.

The issue centers on the hybrid powertrain’s pedestrian alert function, which is designed to emit a sound when the vehicle operates on electric power alone. Regulators require such systems because hybrid and electric vehicles running in near-silent mode can be difficult to detect by people with visual impairments or those not paying close attention.

Ford will notify affected owners and arrange for dealers to inspect and correct the software or hardware responsible for the warning sound at no cost. The recall covers a specific production range of hybrid SUV models, and the company is urging owners to schedule service promptly. Until the fix is applied, drivers should remain especially cautious in areas with pedestrians, as the vehicle may be quieter than expected at low speeds.