Recall 16V248 covers 153,581 2011-2012 Ford F-150, Mustang, Expedition, and Navigator vehicles for unexpected first-gear downshifts. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 153,581 2011-2012 F-150, Mustang, Expedition, and Navigator vehicles because the automatic transmission can unexpectedly downshift to first gear at any speed. That sudden downshift can slow the vehicle without warning and make the rear tires slide or lock; Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The vehicles covered by NHTSA campaign 16V248 use a 6R80 automatic transmission. In normal driving, that transmission chooses the gear ratio that matches vehicle speed and engine load, then sends engine power to the wheels. Higher gears are used at road speed; lower gears are used for starts and slow driving.
In the 2011-2012 F-150, Mustang, Expedition, and Navigator vehicles in this recall, the transmission can unexpectedly downshift to first gear regardless of vehicle speed. That means a truck or SUV traveling at road speed can be forced into a gear meant for low-speed movement. Ford's recall materials do not give a separate root-cause explanation for why the transmission commands that shift.
There is no warning sign before failure. The downshift can happen without a dashboard warning or a drivability symptom that gives the driver time to react.
Who's affected?
Covers the F-150, Mustang, Expedition, and Navigator across the 2011 and 2012 model years, all involving the automatic transmission.
| 2011 Ford F-150 | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2012 Ford Mustang | automatic transmission |
| 2012 Ford Expedition | automatic transmission |
| 2012 Lincoln Navigator | automatic transmission |
| 2012 Ford F-150 | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 153,581 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
An unexpected downshift into first gear can slow the vehicle suddenly, with no warning, and the rear tires can slide or lock. That loss of tire control increases the risk of a crash. Until repaired, leave extra room and schedule the software repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 F-150, Mustang, Expedition, or Navigator is included in this Ford recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free powertrain control module software update that corrects unexpected first-gear downshifts.
- Bring the recall notice if you received one. If not, reference recall number 16V248 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and leave extra following distance because the vehicle can slow suddenly without warning.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician reprograms the powertrain control module with updated software. That software update is free under the recall. Ford excludes a separate reimbursement program because the original warranty program provided a free repair for this concern. If you already have repair paperwork tied to this powertrain control module software issue, ask the Ford service desk how the warranty coverage applies to that prior visit.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| April 26, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| April 26, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 27, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| May 23, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 23, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 16, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V248?
Recall 16V248 covers 153,581 2011-2012 Ford F-150, Mustang, Expedition, and Navigator vehicles with an automatic transmission that can unexpectedly downshift to first gear at any speed. Ford dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Ford F-150, Mustang, Expedition, or Navigator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V248. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the powertrain control module software update. Reference Ford recall number 16S19 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software free of charge at any franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a sudden downshift into first gear without warning. That can slow the vehicle abruptly and cause the rear tires to slide or lock, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free Ford dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
When did the repair become available?
The recall repair began on September 19, 2016. Ford dealers can perform the powertrain control module software update for included vehicles. Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or a franchised Ford dealer, and reference recall number 16S19.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V248000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V248 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V248000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →