RoadVitals

2012 Ford F-450

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
14
Latest Mar 9, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Aug 13, 2014
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 14 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Ford F-450, most frequently naming the engine, steering and suspension categories. 4 safety recalls have 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine735.0%
  • Steering315.0%
  • Suspension315.0%
  • Fuel system315.0%
  • Tires & wheels15.0%
  • Electrical15.0%
  • Exterior lighting15.0%
  • Driver assistance15.0%

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

4 campaigns 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.gov

EQUIPMENT

Aug 13, 2014
3 units potentially affected
The defect: PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
The risk: The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
The remedy: PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.
PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co.View on NHTSA.gov

ENGINE

Oct 30, 2013
2,951 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 F-350/450/550 Ambulance Package vehicles manufactured February 22, 2010, through October 19, 2012 and equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine. Due to an exhaust sensor problem, the vehicles may experience loss of power followed by an engine stall.
The risk: An unexpected engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, if this were to occur when the ambulance is transporting a patient, there is an increased risk of injury to the patient.
The remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the exhaust gas temperature sensor, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S10.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 13S10View on NHTSA.gov

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

Aug 23, 2013
37 units potentially affected
The defect: Manning Equipment Inc. LLC (Manning) is recalling certain model year 2012 Ford F-350, F-450 and F-550 gasoline engined dual rear wheel chassis vehicles manufactured October 2011 through June 2012. The tailpipe on the exhaust system does not extend out beyond the edge of the body, allowing heat to build up in rear curbside storage compartment.
The risk: Excessive heat build up in rear compartment could result in fire.
The remedy: Manning Equipment has notified owners, and dealers will install tailpipe extensions free of charge. The recall has already begun. Owners may contact Manning Equipment at 1-502-426-5210.
Manning Equipment Inc. LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ14005ClosedRecall Query

Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown

Opened Jan 13, 2015
Closed Mar 15, 2016

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARELed to recall 15V175000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Fuel system
Filed Mar 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed back to the residence. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence and diagnosed the vehicle with fuel pump failure. The contact was unaware whether the fuel pump needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,188.

NHTSA ID
11723101
Incident
Mar 9, 2026
Mileage
98,188 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Nov 23, 2020

KEY IN IGNITION CIRCUIT IS OPEN - ENGINE LIGHT ON ' FIXD INDICATES INSPECTION ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11375953
Incident
Nov 23, 2020
Mileage
67,911 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Feb 21, 2020

WE HAVE TO REPLACE OUR FUEL TANK BECAUSE THE LINING HAS DELAMINATED. WE HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN A RESULT OF THE LINING DETERIORATION.

NHTSA ID
11310536
Incident
Feb 20, 2020
Engine
Filed Apr 23, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-450. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL AND THE CHECK ENGINE AND OIL PRESSURE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS IT STALLED AND TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEN TO BAYSHORE FORD TRUCK SALES (LOCATED AT 4003 N DUPONT HWY, NEW CASTLE, DE 19720, (302) 656-3160) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,500.

NHTSA ID
11203250
Incident
Apr 11, 2019
Mileage
38,500 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Jun 8, 2016

I TOOK MY FORD F-450 LARIAT FOR ITS 60,000 MILES SERVICE. AFTER THE SERVICE WAS DONE, WHILE DRIVING IT HOME FROM THE FORD DEALERSHIP (AUTONATION FORD IN CORPUS CHRISTI, TX), ON THE FREEWAY AS SOON AS I GOT TO AROUND 50 MILES PER HOUR THE VEHICLE'S FRONT STARTED TO SHAKE/WOBBLE VERY VIOLENTLY. SPEEDING UP TO THE SPEED LIMIT (60 MPH) DID NOT HELP AND THE SHAKING GOT ACTUALLY WORST, I HAD TO STOP FOR THE SHAKING/WOBBLING TO STOP, THANKFULLY I WAS STILL ON THE RIGHT LANE AND THERE WAS A WIDE ENOUGH SHOULDER FOR ME TO STOP. AS SOON AS I RESTARTED AND GOT TO ABOUT 50 MPH THE VIOLENT SHAKING RESTARTED, AND I HAD TO STOP AGAIN FOR THIS SHAKING TO STOP. I EXITED THE FREEWAY AT THE FIRST EXIT AND DROVE BACK TO THE DEALER. ON THE WAY BACK THE VIOLENT SHAKING REPEATED AT LEAST 5 MORE TIMES, ONCE ON THE CITY STREET WITH 45 MPH SPEED LIMIT. WHEN I DESCRIBED THE SHAKING TO THE SERVICE ADVISER, HE SAID THEY HEARD ABOUT THIS, AND THEY CALL IT THE "DEATH WOBBLE". ACTUALLY ONE OF HIS MECHANIC EXPERIENCED IT BEFORE ON HIS TRUCK. NOW MY FORD F-450 IS IN SERVICE AGAIN AND THEY ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX MY "DEATH WOBBLE" PROBLEM. I FILED A COMPLAIN WITH FORD TODAY, BUT I DO NOT EXPECT MUCH TO HAPPEN. GIVEN THAT THE MECHANICS KNEW ABOUT THIS "DEATH WOBBLE", AND AFTER AN INTERNET SEARCH I FOUND THAT IS AFFECTING MANY OTHER FORD OWNERS (THERE ARE MANY GROUPS DESCRIBING THE SAME PROBLEM), I CONSIDER THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THESE VEHICLES, BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS HURT. STOPPING ON THE FREEWAY, WHILE SEMI-TRUCKS WERE BEHIND ME DRIVING AT FULL SPEED WAS THE SCARIEST EXPERIENCE, AND DID NOT THINK THAT I WILL GET AWAY WITHOUT BEING HIT BY OTHER TRUCKS. PLEASE TELL FORD TO FIX THE "DEATH WOBBLE". I DO NOT THINK THAT I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR THIS FIX.

NHTSA ID
10873258
Incident
Jun 8, 2016
Mileage
63,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 2, 2016

WHILE TRANSPORTING A PATIENT TO THE HOSPITAL THE ENGINE ON OUR 2012 FORD AMBULANCE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING DERATED. THIS CAUSED OUR AMBULANCE TO SLOW DRAMATICALLY AND DELAYED TRANSPORT TO THE HOSPITAL. WE BROUGHT THE AMBULANCE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE ENTIRE DEF SYSTEM WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $5,000! I RESEARCHING THE INTERNET THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE REGIONAL MANAGER FOR FORD AND HAVE HAD NO RESPONSE.

NHTSA ID
10872171
Incident
May 30, 2016
Mileage
75,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed May 28, 2016

1/28/14- HPFP METAL SHAVINGS FOUND AFTER ENGINE POWER DOWN, ALL FUEL SYSTEM REPLACED. AFTER ONLY A FEW MONTHS (4/10/14) SAME THING. ON 4/25/16 SAME THING. NO WARRANT. FORD KNOWS THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING ISSUE, REFUSES TO WARRANTY WHILE OTHER MFG, IE VW DOES COVER SAME PART. I WOULD WELCOME CLASS ACTION SUIT.

NHTSA ID
10871367
Incident
Apr 12, 2016
Mileage
36,220 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed May 5, 2016

WHILE DRIVING DOWN A PARKWAY AT THE SPEED LIMIT, WE TRAVELED OVER SEVERAL BRIDGES AND ALL OF A SUDDEN AFTER HITTING A ROUGH SPOT IN THE ROAD AND OVER THE BRIDGES THE TRUCK BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND WE HAD TO ALMOST COME TO A STOP TO HOLD IT IN THE ROAD. IT CONTINUED TO DO THIS ALMOST EVERY TIME WE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. WE HAD JUST RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS TRUCK USED, I AM SCARED TO RIDE OR DRIVE THIS TRUCK ANYMORE, IT IS MY HUSBANDS AND HE DOES. WE PULL A HORSE TRAILER AT TIMES AND I AM SCARED TO DO SO BECAUSE IT PUTS OUR LIVES AS WELL AS OTHER MOTORISTS LIVES AND MY HORSES IN DANGER. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND CORRECTED ASAP....HE PURCHASED SOME EXPENSIVE PART AND HAD IT PUT ON UNDER THE FRONT END AND IT HAS HELPED BUT LT STILL FEELS LIKE IT WILL START AT ANY MOMENT TO SHAKE WHEN YOU CROSS A BRIDGE OR HIT A POT HOLE, IT IS LIKE IT IS ON THE VERGE AND COULD START AT ANY MOMENT. IT DOES NOT DRIVE NORMAL!!!!

NHTSA ID
10863436
Incident
Mar 13, 2016

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

tsb18-2190

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.

16-0066

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.

TSB160066

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

Touchscreen navigation system - arabic language - blank screen

TSB15-0124

ENGINE

FORD: 2011-2014 F-SUPER DUTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6.7L DIESEL ENGINE MAY EXPERIENCE A RUNNING ROUGH OR MISFIRE DURING EXHAUST REGENERATION PROCESS *CN

44863

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

FORD: NO SERVICE ACTION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS CONDITION. PLEASE USE AT YOUR DISCRETION. VARIOUS 2010-2015 VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A TURBULENCE NOISE, SIMILAR TO AN HELICOPTER NOISE, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE REAR DOOR WINDOW(S) OR SUNROOF ARE OPEN. *TA

44848

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

FORD: CERTAIN 2011-2015 FORD F-SUPER DUTY WITH 6.7 DIESEL ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE A VIBRATION BUZZ NOISE FROM THE DIESEL FUEL CONDITIONING MODULE (DFCM) AND/OR MAY 10/1/1 PRESSURE FUEL LINES W/O DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE POOSA. *TA

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

Ford F-450 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2020241258.5
2019194251.3
2018103260.2
2017204259.4
2016400
2015621
2014301
2013611
2012Viewing144152.9
2011921
2010010
2009010
2008010
2007010
2006010
2005010
2004010
2003010
1990201
1989000

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.