Ford recall 12V190 covers 10,500 2011-2013 F-150, Mustang, Expedition, and Navigator vehicles for reverse-gear signaling. Repair is free at franchised Ford dealers.
Ford issued recall 12V190 for 10,500 2011-2013 vehicles, including the F-150, Mustang, Expedition, and Navigator, because the transmission range sensor was calibrated outside specification for reverse gear. The fault can leave reverse unavailable, keep the reverse indicator or backup lamps from lighting, and increase the risk of a crash or a pedestrian being struck; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The transmission range sensor on 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Mustang, Expedition, and Navigator vehicles tells the vehicle which gear the automatic transmission is in. When the shifter moves into Reverse, that signal helps the control module confirm gear position, manage shift logic, and turn on the back-up lamps so people behind the vehicle see it is backing up.
On affected vehicles, the sensor was calibrated outside the required range for Reverse gear. That means the vehicle's electronics can read the Reverse position incorrectly. The result is a compliance problem with the transmission shift sequence, starter interlock, transmission braking effect, and back-up lamp requirements tied to the sensor signal.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not given a light, sound, or driver-message cue that the range sensor calibration is wrong.
Who's affected?
Covers F-150 pickups, Mustang cars, and Expedition and Navigator SUVs across the 2011-2013 model years, with back up light and automatic transmission components listed.
| 2011 Ford F-150 | Back up lights |
|---|---|
| 2011 Ford F-150 | automatic transmission |
| 2012 Ford Mustang | Back up lights |
| 2012 Ford Mustang | automatic transmission |
| 2012 Ford Expedition | Back up lights |
| 2012 Ford Expedition | automatic transmission |
| 2012 Lincoln Navigator | Back up lights |
| 2012 Lincoln Navigator | automatic transmission |
| 2013 Ford Mustang | Back up lights |
| 2013 Ford Mustang | automatic transmission |
| 2012 Ford F-150 | Back up lights |
| 2012 Ford F-150 | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 10,500 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A transmission range sensor problem can keep the transmission from going into reverse, keep the reverse indicator from lighting, or keep the backup lamp dark. That means people behind the vehicle do not get a clear reverse signal, which increases crash risk and the risk of striking a pedestrian. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2013 F-150, Mustang, Expedition, or Navigator is included in this recall.
- Contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 if you did not receive the owner letter mailed by Ford.
- Ask a franchised Ford dealer whether recall number 12V190 is open for your VIN before scheduling service.
- Schedule the transmission range sensor inspection and replacement that fixes the reverse-gear signal and backup-lamp problem.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and give the dealer recall number 12V190 when you call.
- Use extra care when reversing until the repair is complete, since the reverse indicator or backup lamps can fail to show the vehicle is in reverse.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician will inspect the transmission range sensor and replace it if the reverse gear calibration is out of specification. Ford's recall filing says owner notification began on June 11, 2012, and the inspection and any needed TRS replacement are free of charge. Because the current remedy status is not listed as available, confirm the open repair with the dealer before planning service. The dealer repair will be free once available for your VIN.
Timeline
| May 3, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 11, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V190?
Recall 12V190 covers 10,500 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Mustang, Expedition, and Navigator vehicles with a transmission range sensor calibrated out of specification for reverse gear. Ford dealers will inspect the sensor and replace it as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Mustang, Expedition, or Navigator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V190. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the transmission range sensor inspection. Reference recall number 12V190 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Ford dealers will inspect the transmission range sensor and replace it as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The vehicle can fail to shift into reverse, or it can shift into reverse without the dashboard R indicator or rear backup lamps showing correctly. That creates crash risk and pedestrian risk because the vehicle is not clearly signaling reverse operation.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer with recall number 12V190.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V190000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V190 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V190000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →