2012 Ford F-150 problems

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear, almost causing the wheels to lock up. The power train warning light illuminated, and the instrument cluster became inoperable; however, the tachometer was operational. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a PCM reprogramming was completed; however, the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact that the leadframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that the leadframe replacement was not covered based on the manufactured date. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

NHTSA complaint #11758243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear. The transmission warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an O'Reilly Auto Parts Store and DTC: P0717 (Input/Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor A) and C2775 (Electronic Stability Program / Traction Control System) was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11755277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

At approximately 146,451 miles, the transmission molded leadframe on my 2012 Ford F-150 failed while I was driving approximately 60 mph on a highway. Without warning, the transmission harshly downshifted, the truck lost power, the speedometer stopped working, the wrench warning light came on, the seat belt warning light illuminated, and the transmission entered fail-safe (limp) mode. I could not maintain highway speed. This created a serious safety hazard. The unexpected downshift and sudden loss of power in moving traffic could have caused a crash. I was fortunate that no vehicle was directly behind me when the failure occurred. After a diagnostic code appeared, I identified the problem with my own code reader, and a Ford dealership confirmed the failure was the transmission molded leadframe. Ford declined to cover the repair because its Customer Satisfaction Program had expired. They acknowledged that it was a defective part, though. This leaves me paying to replace a part they know is defective and is highly severe and extremely dangerous, as it presents an immediate risk of a high-speed crash. I believe this is a serious safety defect because it can occur without warning and cause an unexpected downshift, sudden loss of power, loss of the speedometer, and fail-safe transmission operation while the vehicle is moving. I don't have the part, but I can ask that they save it. The vehicle has only been inspected by 2 dealerships. One diagnosed the issue. Again, no warning lights that the part was failing until it actually failed. That led to the first dealership misdiagnosing the issue. I believe this is a serious defect and can cause crashes, injury, or fatalities.

NHTSA complaint #11753563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

In my F 150 with41,000 miles on it I was traveling down a road about 45 mph and all of a sudden transmission went from 6th gear to first gear . This was a stressful situation as my dog got slammed around and I was stunned as the engine was revving high rpm and truck could only go 10mph. If i had been on a busy highway or interstate then it might’ve cost my dog and I’s lives! There was a car behind me going same speed and good thing he was paying attention or there would’ve been a bad rear end accident . I tried driving it locally at low speeds but it keeps doing it so basically an unsafe truck that I can’t use. I see numerous recalls for other years 2015i-17 and one for 2014 but none currently for my 2012. Please research and advise when you can. Thx [XXX] And just to be clear this is a dangerous safety recall need not a CSP solution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11752364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact was unable to unlock the door while using the remote unlock feature. The lights to indicate that the vehicle was unlocked flashed, but the contact was unable to open the door. Additionally, the contact attempted to open the door manually right after using the key, but the door failed to open. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

NHTSA complaint #11751067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact was unable to unlock the door while using the remote unlock feature. The lights to indicate that the vehicle was unlocked flashed, but the contact was unable to open the door. Additionally, the contact attempted to open the door manually right after using the key, but the door failed to open. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

NHTSA complaint #11751067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Just had another incident where driving along about 30mph and all of a sudden vehicle slams into first gear from 4th gear. Luckily neither I or my dog was injured. And also lucky that another vehicle wasn’t following closely as this safety issue could easily cause a rear end collision. I have reported this to Ford customer support and their corporate office. This is a safety defect from years ago that wasn’t fixed from 2 other recalls. There are a lot of Ford F150 owners from many different gens and years now once again having this same dangerous issue. Ford refuses to my 012 F150 and says they closed the recall in 2019 and now address it as a Customer Service Program which they then put a ten year warranty/150k miles on. Well that might’ve been fair but they backdated that warranty to when truck was originally sold- well that unfair and unethical attempt to make trucks from 2015 and older pay for the lead frame replacement and updated software correction… I’ve heard it costs $1300 and up depending on which Ford Dealership is used. Now to add to their unfair and costly solution out of the blue they have decided to cover 2014 trucks on a new safety recall. Why not cover all 12th generation F150s experiencing this dangerous issue? Why are us 012 and 013 affected owners being discriminated against??Please investigate this sneaky, haphazard program for me. I just tried again to drive my truck but after driving 2 miles and shutting truck off then starting and driving it goes backfrom 3rd to first gear. Please advise . Ford has now issued at least 3 different recalls since 2015 and none of them have been a permanent, safe solution.

NHTSA complaint #11750895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Backup camera interments . I have original stereo and system. No aftermarket components to effect backup camera

NHTSA complaint #11749088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train), but the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving at 40 MPH, the transmission would unexpectedly downshift from sixth gear to first gear. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,500.

NHTSA complaint #11748750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am filing this complaint because I believe I was the victim of odometer fraud in connection with the purchase of a vehicle from a private seller. At the time of the sale, I relied on the odometer reading and the seller’s representations about the vehicle’s mileage. After purchasing the vehicle, I discovered evidence indicating that the odometer had been rolled back by approximately 90,000 miles. I was not informed of any mileage discrepancy before the sale, and I would not have purchased the vehicle, or would have paid significantly less, had I known the vehicle’s true mileage. Because of the apparent odometer rollback, the vehicle’s value has been substantially reduced, and I have suffered financial harm. I am requesting that this matter be investigated and that any appropriate action be taken under applicable odometer fraud laws. I am also seeking reimbursement or other appropriate relief for my losses. I have attached copies of the documents and evidence I have available, including the title, bill of sale (if applicable), vehicle history information, communications with the seller, and any other documentation supporting my complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11747594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While accelerating onto the interstate, the vehicle suddenly downshifted into limp mode and the repair wrench showed on the screen. Fortunately, it was late at night as I was traveling and there were no vehicles behind me. This occurred 4 days after getting my vehicle back from having the oil pan replaced. It didn't happen again until a month later, when it occurred 3 times in 2 days before I stopped driving it. The dealer says it is a lead frame issue that had a previous recall; 19N01. The dealer also says that this recall is closed. My vehicle had less than 101k miles on it when the problem began.

NHTSA complaint #11745368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission randomly down shifting many gears at speed, almost causing accident

NHTSA complaint #11743673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The onboard speed sensor (OSS) failed, causing my vehicle to abruptly, and without advanced warning of a problem, to shift from 6th gear at 65mph, to 3rd gear. This caused an immediate deceleration in the middle of a flow of traffic travelling at highway speeds. Several cars behind me were forced to brake hard, nearly causing a multi-vehicle accident, putting those drivers, myself and my passengers all in danger. Ford had issued an extended warranty to cover this known defect in the leadframe assembly, but because it was never issued as a recall notice, I never received the notification or the option to bring the truck in for repairs. It is riduclously dangerous and negligent that this was never issued as a recall, when it has been acknowledged by Ford and is both wide-spread and extremely dangerous to both the vehicle driver as well as other drivers on the road.

NHTSA complaint #11738812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Our 2012 Ford F-150 truck had no issues and no dashboard lights when it randomly downshifted while driving and almost caused an accident. On Sat, May 9, 2026, my husband pulled onto the road and got up to 40 mph when the speedometer stopped working and the truck randomly downshifted. The car behind us had to swerve to avoid a collision. On Mon, May 11, 2026 we called the Ford garage they told us the Customer Service Program (#19N01) is no longer valid as it is over 10 years now. The truck only has 128,000 miles and we were never notified of a CSP when we purchased it in 2020. The Ford Customer Service Representative said the CSP was issued in 2019 but we purchased the vehicle in 2020 and were never notified of an issue. I now have a $1,500 repair bill for the leadframe that Ford will not reimburse us for and also see that they still have NUMEROUS transmission and speed control issues with their vehicles. I opened a case with Ford on May 14, 2026 [XXX] ) but their representative Iomar was not helpful. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11737912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Our 2012 Ford F-150 truck had no issues and no dashboard lights when it randomly downshifted while driving and almost caused an accident. On Sat, May 9, 2026, my husband pulled onto the road and got up to 40 mph when the speedometer stopped working and the truck randomly downshifted. The car behind us had to swerve to avoid a collision. On Mon, May 11, 2026 we called the Ford garage they told us the Customer Service Program (#19N01) is no longer valid as it is over 10 years now. The truck only has 128,000 miles and we were never notified of a CSP when we purchased it in 2020. The Ford Customer Service Representative said the CSP was issued in 2019 but we purchased the vehicle in 2020 and were never notified of an issue. I now have a $1,500 repair bill for the leadframe that Ford will not reimburse us for and also see that they still have NUMEROUS transmission and speed control issues with their vehicles. I opened a case with Ford on May 14, 2026 [XXX] ) but their representative Iomar was not helpful. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11737912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Recall 19S07 was performed on my vehicle. The dealership attempted the repair multiple times, and although the software update was eventually completed, the diagnostic trouble codes indicating a lead frame failure remained present immediately afterward. The recall did not resolve the defect condition. I was then required to pay out-of-pocket to replace the lead frame in order to correct the same issue the recall was intended to address. The sequence was: •Recall attempted multiple times •Update completed •Fault condition remained (lead frame codes) •Paid repair required to resolve condition The manufacturer directed me back to the dealership rather than addressing the incomplete recall remedy.

NHTSA complaint #11735507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from third gear to first gear. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road, and it was turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle started. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The failure was a persistent failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a case. The contact associated the failure with Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N01. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty because of the age of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

NHTSA complaint #11733531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The component involved is the Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system. It intermittently fails and returns unexpectedly, causing sudden changes in steering effort and jerking of the steering wheel. This creates a serious safety risk because vehicle control can change without warning, especially at highway speeds. The steering system (rack and pinion/EPAS assembly) has been replaced twice, but the issue persists. Replaced parts are not available for inspection. No manufacturer inspection has confirmed a permanent fix. This failure puts my safety and others at risk due to unpredictable steering behavior and potential loss of control. Other owners have reported similar EPAS failures, including sudden loss of steering assist, near-collision events, and accidents documented in public complaint records. The vehicle has received repeated repairs for this issue, including two rack and pinion replacements, without resolution. No police or insurance inspection has occurred. Warning symptoms include intermittent steering assist loss, sudden changes in steering resistance, and inconsistent steering feel. These occur without consistent warning, making the failure unpredictable and dangerous. This appears to be a recurring defect in the EPAS system that has not been reliably resolved through repair attempts or existing recall actions.

NHTSA complaint #11730286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Rear wheel and steering lock up while traveling at 70mph on interstate causing broken controls on steering wheel . Vehicle is unsafe to drive. Truck was taken to Rivertown Ford 1680 Whittlesey Rd Columbus Ga 31904 for recall repair. Truck was released to me with no signals no wipers. The steering is very loose and hard to control

NHTSA complaint #11722639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Rear wheel and steering lock up while traveling at 70mph on interstate causing broken controls on steering wheel . Vehicle is unsafe to drive. Truck was taken to Rivertown Ford 1680 Whittlesey Rd Columbus Ga 31904 for recall repair. Truck was released to me with no signals no wipers. The steering is very loose and hard to control

NHTSA complaint #11722639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Rear wheel and steering lock up while traveling at 70mph on interstate causing broken controls on steering wheel . Vehicle is unsafe to drive. Truck was taken to Rivertown Ford 1680 Whittlesey Rd Columbus Ga 31904 for recall repair. Truck was released to me with no signals no wipers. The steering is very loose and hard to control

NHTSA complaint #11722639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

While driving at any speed, 55 , 65 my truck downshift to 1st gear. It locks up the back tires and the truck starts squealing. And sometimes while driving it just jumps into limp mode into 3rd or 5th gear and it wont come out of 3rd or 5th gear. I do understand there is a recall for this but Ford is telling me my truck is not included in the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11716784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.