EQUIPMENT; STEERING; SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR
2012 Ford F-250 Sd
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 57 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Ford F-250 Sd, most frequently naming the engine, steering and suspension categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 136 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2013 | 1 | 1 |
| Jan 2014 | 1 | 2 |
| Mar 2014 | 1 | 3 |
| Apr 2014 | 2 | 5 |
| Jul 2014 | 1 | 6 |
| Aug 2014 | 3 | 9 |
| Sep 2014 | 2 | 11 |
| Nov 2014 | 5 | 16 |
| Dec 2014 | 3 | 19 |
| Jan 2015 | 3 | 22 |
| Feb 2015 | 1 | 23 |
| Mar 2015 | 3 | 26 |
| May 2015 | 1 | 27 |
| Jul 2015 | 1 | 28 |
| Aug 2015 | 2 | 30 |
| Sep 2015 | 3 | 33 |
| Jan 2016 | 1 | 34 |
| Mar 2016 | 2 | 36 |
| Apr 2016 | 2 | 38 |
| May 2016 | 1 | 39 |
| Jul 2016 | 2 | 41 |
| Aug 2016 | 1 | 42 |
| Sep 2016 | 1 | 43 |
| Oct 2016 | 1 | 44 |
| Jan 2017 | 1 | 45 |
| May 2017 | 1 | 46 |
| Dec 2017 | 1 | 47 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 48 |
| Nov 2018 | 2 | 50 |
| Feb 2019 | 1 | 51 |
| Apr 2019 | 2 | 53 |
| May 2019 | 1 | 54 |
| Jul 2019 | 1 | 55 |
| Jan 2020 | 1 | 56 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 57 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine2225.0%
- Steering1820.5%
- Suspension1415.9%
- Electrical1011.4%
- Fuel system66.8%
- Brakes44.5%
- Other / unspecified33.4%
- Powertrain (other)33.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
1 campaign cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSafety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Ford super duty has been in shop for death wobble numerous times and when we get vehicle back still is the issue. Very unsafe and hard to stable once it starts. Even auto shop people when thought fixed drove and scared them. Whole truck shakes uncontrollably. Very poor on Ford for no recall with this happening. Why buy truck if you can’t drive it for work duties.
- NHTSA ID
- 11509238
- Incident
- Feb 23, 2023
WHILE TRAVELING EAST BOUND ON INTERSTATE 10 CROSSING OVER SIEGEN LANE, TRUCK PASSED OVER SMALL BUMP IN INTERSTATE AND STARTED TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE THE ENTIRE TRUCK ALMOST TO THE POINT OF NO CONTROL. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO INSPECT MY TRUCK. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE AND ALL TIRES WERE IN GOOD CONDITION. WHEN I STARTED AGAIN THE VEHICLE WAS FINE. THIS WAS THE FIRST OF 12 INCIDENTS OF WHAT I HAVE COME TO KNOW FROM RESEARCH AS THE "DEATH WOBBLE". I HAVE TAKEN MY TRUCK THE THE FORD DEALERSHIP ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO CORRECT THE ISSUE TO NO AVAIL. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS AND FORD CANNOT FIGURE OUT THE ISSUE. THIS IS THE MOST UNNERVING EXPERIENCE. THIS WAS A $70000 VEHICLE WHICH HAS BEEN KEPT UP TO DATE ON ALL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN WRECKED OR EVER TAKE OFF ROAD. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT IN ENGINEERING AND SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL TRUCK.
- NHTSA ID
- 11298690
- Incident
- Mar 2, 2019
- Mileage
- 168,000 mi
VEHICLE MILEAGE APPROXIMATELY 70,000. AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 35-65 MPH ANY MINOR BUMP WILL CAUSE TRUCK TO BEGIN TO VIBRATE THROUGHOUT THE STEERING SYSTEM AND SUBSEQUENTLY WOBBLE VIOLENTLY. APPLYING THE BRAKES MAKES IT WORSE UNTIL THE TRUCK SLOWS DOWN BELOW 35MPH. THE TRUCK IS NOT ABLE TO BE STEERED DURING THIS EVENT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO SEVERAL REPUTABLE MECHANICS AND THEY HAVE ASSURED ME THIS DISCREPANCY IS IN MANY F-250S AND NO ONE HAS THE COMPLETE SOLUTION. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY HAVE NO INTEREST OR EXPECTATION OF A RECALL. THEY DID TELL ME TO TAKE IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP GAVE ME A QUOTE TO REPLACE- TIE RODS, TIE ROD ENDS, BALL JOINTS, DRAG LINK, AND 'STEERING COMPONENTS'. THEY SAID IT WAS THE SECOND TRUCK BROUGHT IN THIS WEEK. THE WOULD WARRANTY THE PARTS BUT NOT THE PROBLEM AND THIS WOULD HELP ELIMINATE WHICH COMPONENTS WERE THE CULPRIT. SO IN EFFECT I'D BE PAYING TO REBUILD THE FRONT END AND NOT NECESSARILY FIX THE MOST DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE IN I'VE HAD IN A VEHICLE. NHTSA PLEASE DO A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE AND HELP HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE.
- NHTSA ID
- 11234703
- Incident
- Jul 25, 2019
- Mileage
- 70,000 mi
ON HIGHWAY DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE NO DEATH WOBBLE THEY SPEAK OF BUT WENT INTO NEXT LANE OVER AND COULD NOT CONTROL TRUCK UNTIL SPEED WAS LOWER. THIS HAPPENED AT LEAST THREE TIMES ALREADY SENT IT INTO SHOP FRONT END TIGHT HAD ALL THE TIRES REPLACED FRONT END ALIGNED STILL PULLS LEFT AND RIGHT.
- NHTSA ID
- 11206228
- Incident
- Apr 25, 2019
- Mileage
- 80,700 mi
DEATH WOBBLE - HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING VIOLENT SHAKING AND INSTABILITY WHILE AT SPEEDS OF 55-65 MPH. STEERING WHEEL CAN ALMOST BE SHAKEN OUT OF MY HANDS WITH A TIGHT GRIP. SOLUTION IS TO SLOW TO BELOW 25MPH. THEN START OVER. WOBBLE STARTS SOMETIMES ON ITS OWN OR IF HITTING SMALL UNEVEN SURFACE SUCH AS BRIDGE/ROAD JOINT.
- NHTSA ID
- 11195961
- Incident
- Apr 11, 2019
- Mileage
- 140,000 mi
VEHICLE HAS HAD RANDOM TIMES WHEN IT JUST CUT OFF COMPLETELY OR IT IS UNABLE TO START. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED IN 2015. DEALER HAS RECENTLY IDENTIFIED A DEFECT IN THE BRB BUT THE REPAIR EXPENSE IS EXORBITANT DUE TO TIME INVOLVED.
- NHTSA ID
- 11193088
- Incident
- Mar 28, 2019
- Mileage
- 87,000 mi
OWNED TRUCK FOR LESS THAN A YEAR, I HAD LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON TRUCK AND HAD 'DEATH WOBBLE' ON HIGHWAY MULTIPLE TIMES. AFTER A $1000+ BILL FROM THE DEALERSHIP, IT STILL HAPPENS BUT NOT TO THE SAME EXTENT AS ORIGINALLY.
- NHTSA ID
- 11181289
- Incident
- Feb 8, 2018
- Mileage
- 48,000 mi
EXPERIENCING WHAT IS KNOWN AS "DEATH WOBBLE". WHEN HITTING A SMALL BUMP IN THE PAVEMENT, VEHICLE BEGINS SHAKING (SOMETIMES VIOLENTLY). MUST APPLY BRAKES AND SLOW SPEED TO REMEDY
- NHTSA ID
- 11153747
- Incident
- Nov 25, 2018
- Mileage
- 90,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
ENGINE
Certain 2011-2022 Model Year Super Duty Vehicles Equipped with 6.7L Engine - Emission Control Information Label Update for Qualified Vehicles
While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.
EQUIPMENT
All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.
STEERING
2024 F-Super Duty vehicles are equipped with XL-22 (WSS-M2C184-A1) high temperature power steering fluid that looks like clear hydraulic fluid. This fluid is an improvement in high temperature and thermal oxidative stability compared to Mercon LV. This power steering fluid is also compatible and highly recommended to use when filling or topping off power steering systems of all 2012-2023 F-Super Duty vehicles originally equipped with Mercon LV.
ENGINE
Certain 2011-2012 Model Year F-Series Super Duty Vehicles Equipped with a 6.7L Diesel Engine State Inspection and Maintenance Test Failure Due to DTCs P2073 and/or P2074 Adding owner letter and corrected dealer bulletin. First Part submitted 11/01/23
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 5 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 15 | 7 | 0 | 62.4 |
| 2024 | 37 | 4 | 0 | 59.5 |
| 2023 | 43 | 16 | 0 | 61.0 |
| 2022 | 119 | 17 | 0 | 59.8 |
| 2021 | 162 | 13 | 1 | 59.8 |
| 2020 | 260 | 15 | 3 | 64.7 |
| 2019 | 1,160 | 12 | 3 | 59.6 |
| 2018 | 397 | 10 | 3 | 58.4 |
| 2017 | 1,155 | 15 | 3 | 59.2 |
| 2016 | 287 | 4 | 1 | 56.6 |
| 2015 | 296 | 3 | 2 | 54.4 |
| 2014 | 26 | 1 | 1 | 46.2 |
| 2013 | 21 | 1 | 1 | 39.5 |
| 2012Viewing | 57 | 1 | 1 | 38.2 |
| 2011 | 122 | 1 | 1 | 44.4 |
| 2010 | 32 | 1 | 0 | 38.1 |
| 2009 | 23 | 1 | 0 | 39.7 |
| 2008 | 141 | 2 | 1 | 50.3 |
| 2007 | 54 | 3 | 2 | 52.3 |
| 2006 | 274 | 3 | 2 | 53.8 |
| 2005 | 295 | 5 | 2 | 55.6 |
| 2004 | 254 | 4 | 3 | 60.9 |
| 2003 | 178 | 6 | 5 | 61.4 |
| 2002 | 245 | 5 | 4 | 63.5 |
| 2001 | 288 | 4 | 8 | 62.9 |
| 2000 | 233 | 4 | 5 | 64.9 |
| 1999 | 249 | 5 | 5 | 63.4 |
| 1998 | 1 | 1 | 3 | — |
| 1997 | 39 | 2 | 3 | 60.7 |
| 1996 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 49.5 |
| 1995 | 9 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 1994 | 2 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 1993 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1992 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1991 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.