POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2012 Ford F-250
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 266 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Ford F-250, most frequently naming the suspension, steering and engine categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 15 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2019 | 1 | 118 |
| Oct 2019 | 5 | 123 |
| Nov 2019 | 5 | 128 |
| Dec 2019 | 1 | 129 |
| Jan 2020 | 4 | 133 |
| Feb 2020 | 10 | 143 |
| Mar 2020 | 5 | 148 |
| Apr 2020 | 1 | 149 |
| May 2020 | 4 | 153 |
| Jun 2020 | 3 | 156 |
| Jul 2020 | 4 | 160 |
| Aug 2020 | 3 | 163 |
| Sep 2020 | 4 | 167 |
| Oct 2020 | 2 | 169 |
| Nov 2020 | 2 | 171 |
| Dec 2020 | 5 | 176 |
| Jan 2021 | 4 | 180 |
| Feb 2021 | 3 | 183 |
| Mar 2021 | 6 | 189 |
| Apr 2021 | 2 | 191 |
| May 2021 | 5 | 196 |
| Jun 2021 | 2 | 198 |
| Jul 2021 | 3 | 201 |
| Aug 2021 | 2 | 203 |
| Sep 2021 | 4 | 207 |
| Oct 2021 | 2 | 209 |
| Nov 2021 | 2 | 211 |
| Dec 2021 | 3 | 214 |
| Jan 2022 | 2 | 216 |
| Feb 2022 | 2 | 218 |
| Apr 2022 | 2 | 220 |
| May 2022 | 2 | 222 |
| Jun 2022 | 2 | 224 |
| Jul 2022 | 1 | 225 |
| Aug 2022 | 2 | 227 |
| Sep 2022 | 3 | 230 |
| Oct 2022 | 2 | 232 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 233 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 234 |
| Jan 2023 | 2 | 236 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 237 |
| Mar 2023 | 2 | 239 |
| Jun 2023 | 1 | 240 |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 241 |
| Aug 2023 | 2 | 243 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 244 |
| Feb 2024 | 3 | 247 |
| Mar 2024 | 2 | 249 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 250 |
| Sep 2024 | 1 | 251 |
| Nov 2024 | 1 | 252 |
| Mar 2025 | 1 | 253 |
| Apr 2025 | 2 | 255 |
| May 2025 | 2 | 257 |
| Jun 2025 | 1 | 258 |
| Jul 2025 | 3 | 261 |
| Dec 2025 | 1 | 262 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 263 |
| Apr 2026 | 2 | 265 |
| Jun 2026 | 1 | 266 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Suspension12532.1%
- Steering11228.7%
- Engine3910.0%
- Fuel system205.1%
- Electrical184.6%
- Other / unspecified174.4%
- Powertrain (other)143.6%
- Brakes102.6%
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
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that they discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 141,000. It was later discovered upon checking Carfax, that the mileage was 477,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11741810
- Incident
- Jun 1, 2026
- Mileage
- 477,000 mi
Over 1 year (2025) steering front end shaking began. Our dealership on oil changes did not tell us to watch for anything and we should have been warned. When the shaking occurred we changed Ford shock asborbers from Ford dealership. Problem still occured. We lost faith in Ford and our regular dealership. We then at Moore's tires purchased 4 Michelin premium tires for F250 heavy duty truck and told them about the severe shaking in front end that we will crash because we can't maintain control only to pull off the road with a prayer. Very difficult when this happens on the route 80 highway going 70 mph speed limit. So, Moore's tires store replaced with new tires and replaced some suspension parts thinking they fixed it but not sure. No recall to alert any Ford owners or repair shops... no warnings to anyone. We spent over $7,000. in trying to solve the front end shaking issue. We are lucky we did not die in an accident caused by the front end shaking and no steering control. We want re-imbursement and full repair as the problem is still happening. our family and all of us have Been a Ford customer for over 60 plus years. But not feeling confident or safe with purchasing a new ford vehicle going forward. This can NOT happen that Ford is allowing this risk to potentially kill people due to their neglegence in quality and recall for safety.
- NHTSA ID
- 11732808
- Incident
- Jan 12, 2025
CP4 pump continuous failure sending metal into the fuel system. Ford still uses an inferior product causing truck owners up to $18000 in repairs.
- NHTSA ID
- 11730059
- Incident
- Mar 27, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 219,825 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was over 330,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11724570
- Incident
- Mar 9, 2026
- Mileage
- 330,000 mi
I bought this truck used from a dealership in 2022-23 haven't really had any problems till about 2 months ago. Front end started a wobble. A friend of mine just sent me information NHTSA put out about the Death Wobble. I believe it expired in 2024. I never received any kind of recall on this. I was wondering if it would still be something I could get looked into. Thank you.
- NHTSA ID
- 11703811
- Incident
- Oct 10, 2025
I just had to replace the ECM because it fired. after replacing that it still won't start. I've talked to multiple people who have had the same problem.
- NHTSA ID
- 11675751
- Incident
- Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine seizure due to coolant intrusion in the engine. The contact stated that while the dealer was in the process of replacing the engine, the dealer informed the contact that the transmission also needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the engine and the transmission. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was bucking and jerking. The gear shift indicator light displayed that the transmission was slipping from drive(D) to neutral(N) and reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the part was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,500.
- NHTSA ID
- 11671757
- Incident
- Jul 7, 2018
- Mileage
- 27,500 mi
I purchased this truck new in 2013 and it has only been serviced by Ford, except for an Air Lift Suspension Kit install to allow load leveling when towing. Low miles: 54484 actual. No collision damage, original paint. Date of repair:06/25/2025. Jenkins Ford RO#[XXX]. My truck has a Supercab (Extended Cab) with short rear doors that open to the rear. Both of these rear doors failed within 5 minutes of each other. Specifically, the inside door handles and opening levers on the forward facing side of the doors failed. This is absolutely a safety hazard because a Child, Senior, Handicapped person, pet, etc., would be trapped from making an emergency exit in case of accident or fire. A more athletic person may be able to pull themselves over the from bench seat to exit, but still delaying the exit and dangerous. There were no warnings to alert anyone of the failures. Jenkins Ford (Crystal River, FL) diagnosed the problem and made the costly repair. Both door cables were replaced, no warranty. Cost: $1558.80 I called Ford USA Customer Relations (800) 392-3673 at 1:16PM EDT on 06/24/2025. C/S Rep "Kisha" said Ford would not assist in any goodwill for repair of this safety item. I researched this problem online an apparently, this is a common failure due to plastic parts holding the cables. I acknowledge that this vehicle is over 10 years old, but feel that this is a safety item Ford should stand behind. People keep vehicles longer these days and mine has been garaged, meticulously maintained by Ford, and has extremely low miles. Jenkins Ford did a very professional repair and I'm very happy with this dealer. The Ford Motor Company should be required to recall and repair this problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11670798
- Incident
- Jun 21, 2025
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ENGINE
Certain 2011-2022 Model Year Super Duty Vehicles Equipped with 6.7L Engine - Emission Control Information Label Update for Qualified Vehicles
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Some 2011-2012 F-250/F-350 and 2011-2015 F-450/F-550 vehicles equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine built on or before 9-Dec-2014 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P2043, P205C and/or P205D. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Some 2012-2016 vehicles equipped with a touchscreen navigation system and the language set to Arabic may exhibit a blank screen. This may be the result of the ribbon cables not being fully seated inside the front display interface module (FDIM) or an improper software configuration of the FDIM.
EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
Touchscreen navigation system - arabic language - blank screen
STEERING
In monitoring our technical service inquiries and technical service bulletins from Ford, there is the potential for moderate to severe steering wheel oscillation (wobble) to occur. After extensive testing and outside feedback, the following details have been established to correct or prevent steering wheel oscillation occurrences in lifted 05-16 Ford Super Duty 4wd pickups.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 2014 | 142 | 0 | 1 | 41.3 |
| 2013 | 95 | 0 | 1 | 42.7 |
| 2012Viewing | 266 | 1 | 1 | 44.1 |
| 2011 | 248 | 2 | 1 | 49.2 |
| 2010 | 73 | 0 | 0 | 37.4 |
| 2009 | 54 | 1 | 0 | 35.9 |
| 2008 | 195 | 8 | 1 | 57.1 |
| 2007 | 60 | 7 | 2 | 53.9 |
| 2006 | 221 | 7 | 2 | 56.5 |
| 2005 | 144 | 5 | 2 | 54.1 |
| 2004 | 153 | 7 | 2 | 57.0 |
| 2003 | 116 | 7 | 2 | 61.8 |
| 2002 | 156 | 7 | 2 | 60.8 |
| 2001 | 220 | 9 | 4 | 65.4 |
| 2000 | 326 | 10 | 3 | 65.6 |
| 1999 | 581 | 19 | 4 | 63.9 |
| 1998 | 56 | 9 | 2 | 54.4 |
| 1997 | 304 | 14 | 3 | 63.2 |
| 1996 | 176 | 5 | 2 | 62.9 |
| 1995 | 184 | 4 | 2 | 60.9 |
| 1994 | 123 | 10 | 5 | 66.9 |
| 1993 | 130 | 9 | 3 | 59.0 |
| 1992 | 119 | 7 | 9 | 62.4 |
| 1991 | 107 | 7 | 11 | 65.4 |
| 1990 | 111 | 7 | 11 | 67.5 |
| 1989 | 112 | 6 | 5 | 65.3 |
| 1988 | 62 | 3 | 6 | 65.0 |
| 1987 | 38 | 2 | 5 | 69.2 |
| 1986 | 38 | 2 | 4 | 70.8 |
| 1985 | 21 | 2 | 3 | 69.7 |
| 1984 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 71.8 |
| 1983 | 1 | 6 | 3 | — |
| 1982 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1981 | 1 | 5 | 0 | — |
| 1980 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1979 | 2 | 9 | 0 | — |
| 1978 | 2 | 10 | 0 | — |
| 1977 | 2 | 6 | 0 | — |
| 1976 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1975 | 0 | 6 | 0 | — |
| 1974 | 2 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1973 | 0 | 5 | 0 | — |
| 1972 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1970 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1969 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1968 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1967 | 0 | 3 | 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.