RoadVitals

2012 Ford F-550 Sd

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.
6
Latest Aug 19, 2016
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.
10
Latest Mar 25, 2015
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.
2
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 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Ford F-550 Sd, most frequently naming the engine, other / unspecified and electrical categories. 10 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 141 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

  • Engine337.5%
  • Other / unspecified225.0%
  • Electrical112.5%
  • Exterior lighting112.5%
  • Tires & wheels112.5%

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

10 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

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Mar 25, 2015
6,322 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks manufactured February 22, 2010, to January 30, 2015, and equipped with ambulance or fire engine preparation packages. The affected vehicles may detect an incorrect Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGT) fault indicating that the vehicle is too hot, causing the engine management system to shut down the engine and prevent its immediate restart.
The risk: Engine shut down and a subsequent cool down period may delay medical treatment or assistance to those needing it, increasing their risk of injury.
The remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S09.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 15S09View on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Feb 25, 2015
117 units potentially affected
The defect: Farber Specialty Vehicles (Farber) is recalling various specialty vehicles modified by Farber and equipped with model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
The risk: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
The remedy: Farber will notify owners to take their vehicles to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2015. Owners may contact Farber customer service at 1-800-331-3188, or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Farber's number for this recall is 14E-041.
Farber Specialty VehiclesManufacturer number 14E-041View on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT

Jun 23, 2014
10 units potentially affected
The defect: Palfleet Truck Equipment Company, LLC (Palfleet) is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 super duty vehicles modified by Palfleet 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: Palfleet will notify 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 July 29, 2014. Owners may contact Palfleet customer service at 1- 502-376-2458.
Palfleet Truck Equipment Company, 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
PE13038ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

CNG Fuel Container Securement

Opened Nov 15, 2013
Closed Mar 9, 2014

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of 1 incident related to the alleged defect. By letter dated January 10, 2014, Almared, Inc. (doing business as A-1 Alternative Fuel Systems) has notified ODI that it has conducted a safety recall (NHTSA Recall No. 14V-040) to address a safety defect in 18 model year 2011-2012 Ford F-550 transit buses manufactured between May 2011 and April 2013. These vehicles have been altered by A-1 to contain one or more compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel containers. According to A-1, the brackets securing passenger side CNG fuel containers to the vehicle chassis may fracture, resulting in a CNG fuel container that is unsecured. A-1 has reportedly inspected all 18 affected vehicles and repaired all vehicles equipped with the defective mounting bracket by installing a new bracket of an improved design. The new bracket has added strength as a result of the following design revisions: the cantilevered mounting plate is reinforced with additional support plates, the cantilevered position is mounted higher on the bracket above the CNG fuel container center line position (thus reducing the moment arm), and it is constructed of heavier gauge steel plate that is also dimensionally wider, which provides for a greater bonding surface area with the vehicle chassis.Based on the recall action taken by Almared, Inc., this investigation is closed.

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGELed to recall 14V040000

Recent owner complaints

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

Engine
Filed Aug 19, 2016

VEHICLE SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY DURING NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. LOST ENGINE POWER AND ALL INTERIOR POWER, INCLUDING IGNITION POWER.

NHTSA ID
10897158
Incident
Aug 18, 2016
Mileage
125,671 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 26, 2015

WE JUST HAD TO PAY AN $800.00+ BILL FOR PINCHED WIRES UNDER THE CAB OF THE TRUCK CAUSED BY THE MANUFACTURER NOT PROPERLY ROUTING THE HARNESS, THEREFORE CAUSING A DEAD SHORT IN THE TRUCK AND CAUSING THE REPLACEMENT OF 4 BATTERIES SINCE JUNE 2015. THE SERVICE WRITER SAID THIS WAS DONE BY FORD AND NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY! BECAUSE OF THE PINCHED WIRE THE DRIVER HAD TO FIRST STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THEN TURN TO KEY TO START

NHTSA ID
10786146
Incident
Dec 12, 2014
Mileage
36,000 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 24, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-550 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, A LOUD BANGING SOUNDED WAS HEARD INSIDE THE CABIN AND THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED SUBSTANTIALLY. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND DETECTED THAT THE TURBO BECAME STUCK AND THE TURBO HOSE DISCONNECTED. THE HOSE WAS RECONNECTED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. MA 10/6 *CN

NHTSA ID
10758761
Incident
Aug 23, 2015
Mileage
45,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Mar 18, 2015

VEHICLES PTO PRESSURE SWITCH IS LEAKING ONTO EXHAUST AND PER JERR-DAN WHO HAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME COMPLAINT ON THE SAME VEHICLE RANGE AND APPLICATION (REF NUM. 14V-507) THIS VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED? VEHICLE IS A 2012 F550 WITH A MUNCIE POWER TAKE OF UNIT WITH A PRESSURE SWITCH MOUNTED NEXT TO EXHAUST. *TR

NHTSA ID
10695049
Incident
Mar 18, 2015
Engine
Filed May 27, 2014

THE TURBO BEARING FAILED IN THE TRUCK AT 21,101 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED IT, BUT SINCE THEN I HAVE SPENT WAY TOO MUCH TIME AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRUCK THAT I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING. THERE IS ALSO A TYPEWRITER TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AFTER OIL CHANGES, FORD IS AWARE OF IT, BUT SAYS IT IS NOT A PROBLEM. THEY STATE THAT SOME MOTORS DO IT, AND SOME DON'T. AGAIN THIS SOUNDS LIKE A SERIOUS QUALITY CONTROL PROBLEM. I NOTICED THE A/C WAS NOT WORKING IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR, THE FIRST TIME IT WAS WARM ENOUGH TO USE IT. IT JUST BLEW HOT AIR AND THE TRUCK HAD ABOUT 50,000 MILES ON IT. FORD SERVICED THE A/C AT 55,019 MILES ON 22 APRIL 14. THE A/C WORKED FOR A DAY AND THEN STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. TOOK IT BACK TO FORD AT THE NEXT SERVICE AND THEY SPENT SEVERAL HOURS WORKING ON THE TRUCK AND THINK THEY HAVE IT SOLVED. HOWEVER, SINCE MY BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 36,000 MILES THEY STATE THAT I OWE THE BILL. TOOK THE TRUCK IN AT 65,000 MILES TO GET THE OIL CHANGED AND THE RADIATOR SERVICED AT THE REGULAR MAINTENANCE INTERVALS. THE FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULD NOT SERVICE THE RADIATOR BECAUSE IT WAS LEAKING AND THEY DON'T WANT TO MAKE THE LEAK WORSE. THEY SAID A NEW RADIATOR INSTALLED IS $1300. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO REPLACE A RADIATOR AT THIS MILEAGE. I DID SOME CHECKING AT THE WWW.FORD-TRUCKS.COM FORUMS AND FOUND THAT NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAVE PROBLEMS, WITH THE TURBOS (F450S AND 550S), RADIATORS (ALL SUPER DUTY TYPES) AND A/C (ALL SUPER DUTY TYPES). THIS FRUSTRATING AND TIME CONSUMING TO SAY THE LEAST. IT HAS COST MY BUSINESS A FAIR AMOUNT OF MONEY ALREADY IN LOST BUSINESS AND THE REPAIRS TO GO WITH IT. I PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE MOTOR TO 200,000 MILES AND AN EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN OUT TO 120,000. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN CARED FOR AND SERVICED ONLY BY FORD. WAY TOO MANY PROBLEMS ALREADY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10594281
Incident
Oct 10, 2013
Mileage
21,101 mi
Exterior lightingOther / unspecifiedTires & wheels
Filed Apr 30, 2014

INCIDENT #1: IT WAS DETERMINED DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS THE MANUFACTURER OF MY EXPEDITION VEHICLE/MOTOR HOME (MH) WAS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMIN., DOT REGULATION UNDER 571.108 COVERING LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. SPECIFICALLY MY MH WAS MISSING TWO AMBER CLEARANCE LAMPS ON THE FRONT, AND TWO RED SIDE MARKER LAMPS ON THE REAR. AFTER MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE VIOLATION THEY CORRECTED THE MISTAKE. INCIDENT #2: IT WAS DETERMINED 08/07/2012 DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS THE MANUFACTURER OF MY MH WAS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMIN., CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS TITLE 49, PART 571: 571.120 FOR MOTOR HOMES. THE COMBINED WEIGHT RATING OF THE TIRES ON THE REAR AXLE WAS 12790, AND THE COMBINED WEIGHT RATING OF THE RIMS WAS 13660. THE WEIGHT RATING OF THE REAR AXLE OF MY MH WAS 14706. THE COMBINED WEIGHT RATING OF THE REAR TIRES WAS 1916 POUND LESS THAN THE WEIGHT RATING OF THE AXLE-NOT LEGAL PER DOT REGULATIONS. THEREFORE, OWNER ASKED MANUFACTURER TO PUT THE FACTORY DUAL TIRES & RIMS BACK ON THE MH IN ORDER TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH DOT REGULATIONS. INCIDENT #3: IT WAS DETERMINED 04/30/2014 THAT MANUFACTURER OF MY MH WAS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH DOT & NHTSA (NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION) REGULATION 49 CFR PART 571 (FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS; CARGO CARRYING CAPACITY). NO LABEL ON MY MH PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: THE WEIGHT OF A FULL LOAD OF WATER, THE UNIT WEIGHT OF WATER AND A CAUTIONARY STATEMENT THAT THE WEIGHT OF WATER IS PART OF CARGO. MOTOR HOME LABELS MUST DISPLAY THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT OF OCCUPANTS AND CARGO. IN ADDITION, FOR MOTOR HOMES, THE LABEL MUST SHOW THE SAFETY BELT EQUIPPED SEATING CAPACITY AND MUST INDICATE THAT THE TONGUE WEIGHT OF A TOWED TRAILER COUNTS AS CARGO. UPDATED 5/29/14*CN UPDATED 10/30/2014 *JS UPDATED 8/23/2017*CN

NHTSA ID
10585720
Incident
Jul 14, 2012

Manufacturer communications

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

SSM 54601

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

24L05

ENGINE

Certain 2011-2022 Model Year Super Duty Vehicles Equipped with 6.7L Engine - Emission Control Information Label Update for Qualified Vehicles

24L05

ENGINE

Certain 2011-2022 Model Year Super Duty Vehicles Equipped with 6.7L Engine - Emission Control Information Label Update for Qualified Vehicles

SSM 53040

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.

SSM 52476

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.

SSM 52188

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.

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-550 Sd by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026120
2025130
2024220
2023190
20229120
2021119175.3
2020482
2019451
2018031
2017281
2016331
2015113260.9
2014961
2013291
2012Viewing6102
20113121
2010170
2009150
2008264048.1
2007232045.5
2006442044.5
2005325043.2
2004493155.7
2003335363.3
2002225360.0
2001297761.7
2000726461.8
1999619457.1
1998022
1997231
1996021
1995021
1994021
1993010

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.