137 of the
2,441 complaints about the 2012 Ford F-150 are about the
braking system — 6% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
63,925 miles.
The antilock brake system locked up causing me not to be able to stop the vehicle .The shift gear froze up .When I put my foot on the brake pedal it was frozen, I could not control the pedal Also the shift level gear did not work presenting a safety hazard when I tried to put it in park. The Sudden Transmission Downshift which was a safety recall happened There were no warning lamps or lights prior to this incident. The accident caused me to total my vehicle My safety was at risk I injured my leg, I filed a police report I also filed a claim with the Ford company which they quickly denied stating that the recall on the parts had expired I only had liability insurance and my truck was a total loss. I hope I'm still in the time frame to put in a claim
NHTSA complaint #11723347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesTaylor, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle shook abnormally. The vehicle failed to stop immediately. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact repeatedly depressed and released the brake pedal until the vehicle came to a stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 15N05 (Electric Vacuum Pump Extended Repair), which was associated with the vehicle; however, the Customer Satisfaction Program had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #11638825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henderson, NV
SERVICE BRAKES
While traveling at high way speed my brakes failed. We almost rear ended people and almost crashed into the divider. Thankfully the parking brake still worked.. We are very grateful that no one got injured. The truck is getting repaired at ford as I write this and it was diagnosed as master cylinder & brake booster failure.
NHTSA complaint #11611274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Prairie, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
Breaks stopped working while I try to start my car, it went all the way to the floor. No warning , before it stopped, the warning came when it actually happen: "no break fluid". After a mechanic checked it, the brake master cylinder and break booster failed to work properly they needed to be replaced. The master cylinder is leaking brake fluid into the brake booster. If this would have happened to me driving on freeway or on road I wouldn't had any breaks to stop. My truck has been taken to Ford dealership they are fixing the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11610761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crescent City, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
I just had to have the vacuum booster pump for the brakes on my truck replaced again. The part number is: BL3Z-2A451D. It is the third time that I have had to replace it in the last four years: 6/26/20, 9/15/22, and 7/21/24. My mechanic, George’s Auto, in Crescent City, CA says that it is a faulty design issue, and has to replace several on other vehicles as well.
NHTSA complaint #11605988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,299 milesCrescent City, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to pull out of the residence, the brakes seized. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic and the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a vacuum pump failure. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was 65,299.
NHTSA complaint #11605991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lockport, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving on the NYS Thruway my brake light came on and when I tried to engage my brakes it was difficult to push the pedal and the brakes were barely responsive. Now the brake pedal is difficult to push each time I start the vehicle and it barely stops when I begin moving. The rotors and pads are fine. My mechanic diagnosed the problem and it's a failed vacuum pump.
NHTSA complaint #11594345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kankakee, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
Ecoboost engine shut down on highway in rush hour traffic. Had my truck in the shop after 9526.00 in repairs and new engine it happened again this week. 1 year later. My truck was under 2 warranty extensions . And was in the Ford dealership at those times. I mentioned to service manager that it seems that possible could be the problem. Now I'm stuck with this mess . And it took 18 months for them to fix/ not fix it. Ford dealership
NHTSA complaint #11578090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hazel Park, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
TRUCK MADE RUMBLING/GRINDING NOISE FROM REAR-RIGHT BEDSIDE AREA, THEN WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, AN ATTEMPT TO SLOW+STOP THE TRUCK WAS MADE, BUT THE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND VEHICLE PROCEDED THROUGH INTERSECTION, AFTER PULLING INTO SAFE SPOT, BRAKES STARTED FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY AGAIN. A FEW HOURS LATER BRAKING COMPLETELY FAILED. TRUCK IS CURRENTLY SITTING UNTIL WE CAN HAVE A DIAGNOSIS (AND REPAIR) DONE...
NHTSA complaint #11564592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,000 milesOwasso, OK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted to first gear. The wrench symbol was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic retrieved DTC code: P0500. The mechanic related the failure to a wheel speed sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11553968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,960 milesFort Worth, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted to first gear and the vehicle slowed to 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the wheel speed sensor had malfunctioned. The contact stated that there was a Customer Satisfaction Program and an Extended Warranty coverage for the failure; however, the VIN was not included. Additionally, the vehicle had exceeded the mileage limitation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,960.
NHTSA complaint #11545777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Choctaw, OK
SERVICE BRAKES
Service Advance Trac warning light comes on when backing while steering wheel turned. Multiple instances. Clears after a few minutes, but researching issue seems to be widespread across the Ford community, and has resulted in steering locking up while vehicle is in motion. Scheduled for maintenance visit to local dealership to diagnose. Codes read were C1963 & U0428
NHTSA complaint #11533033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesPasadena, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission warning light illuminated, and the transmission inadvertently downshifted. Additionally, the vehicle would not accelerate above 30 MPH while driving. The contact restarted the vehicle to correct the failure; however, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the output speed sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000. The contact wants to reimbursed for the cost of the repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11526952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cicero, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
Brakes seem to go in and out from time to time . I keep getting the service brake system light on and will turn itself off after next key cycle . Dealer advised vacuum pump issues this should be a full blown recall
NHTSA complaint #11517348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesBerkley, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to stop the vehicle, excessive force was needed to depress the brake pedal. The contact stated that the brake pedal was hot to the touch. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the vacuum pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred and the vehicle was returned to the mechanic to be repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000.
NHTSA complaint #11491727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denham Springs, LA
SERVICE BRAKES
Turning right the vehicle's steering and brakes locked up. The traction control system warning indicator illuminated. Rac and pinion unit replaced by Ford Dealer. Same problem occurred within 50 miles. Returned to Dealer. Dealer is unable to reproduce problem.
NHTSA complaint #11489185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,982 milesFordsville, KY
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted and jerked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised him to take the vehicle to a transmission specialist. The vehicle was then taken to the transmission specialist, who diagnosed that the molded leadframe and wheel speed sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was included in the Customer Satisfaction Program: 16N02 (Molded Leadframe Extended Coverage) however, the mileage was over the warranty coverage. The failure mileage was 165,982.
NHTSA complaint #11485327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Butte, MT
SERVICE BRAKES
It appears the master cylinder is leaking into the large black vacuum piece. Parked and went into shop in Safeway. Then came out and loaded kids, wife and groceries. Started truck, started to back out of spot, then tried to stop and no brakes, low brake fluid then comes up. I threw it into park and tried to think what is going on. Check the brake fluid and it is empty. Then go to gas station and add 2.5 pints. Start truck and wife pulls brakes and gets back to working, but notice the brake fluid is decreasing from resivior but seemed to stop. I topped it off and started to drive because brakes were working. After driving about 10 blockes, the low brake fluid alarm comes up again and I pull over and no brakes. Finally investigate and still no leaks anywhere. Finally look up online and find this is a common problem and you have recalled 2014 through 2017, but not 2012 or 2013, but seems to be a problem with this year as well.
NHTSA complaint #11469870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williston, VTCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
On 22MAY2022 I started my vehicle and started pulling out of a parking space when I lost braking power. The failure resembled a similar issue I had in the past when the electronic vacuum pump failed and the brake pedal felt hard and required significant additional effort to bring the vehicle to a stop. The electronic vacuum pump and fuse has been replaced by the dealership previously. The unexpected brake failure caused me to roll farther than I wanted and hit the rock on my passenger side, rear door, causing minor body damage. Ford Customer Service said Customer Satisfaction Program 15N05 is a one time replacement and this vehicle is no longer eligible for the program since it has already been serviced. Additionally, they said any repair associated with this event is limited to 15N05 so body damage would not ne covered.
NHTSA complaint #11465763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesPortage, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the brakes failed to function as needed at the initial start-up of the vehicle. After shifting to neutral(N) and waiting for a while, the brakes would function as needed. The contact stated that the previous owner had stated that the vehicle was included in a previous recall for the brake module. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer by the contact nor had the vehicle been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #11465434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wynantskill, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake Failure: The brake Vacuum Boost pump is failing which causes a loss of power assist brakes. This is a massive safety issue and can cause serious accidents. Oddly Fors no longer manufactures the Bracket to be able to replace the pump and there is no aftermarket alternative. My Dealer tells me their notes from ford say obtains from aftermarket but I have scoured the internet and nobody makes the bracket. IT's a terrible design and a huge safety issue that should be recalled completely . Ford watts to charge over $900 to fix it but cant even get the parts as described above. Transmission Lead Rail: Recently had the Transmission Lead rail fail whcih casued sudden downshiting at highway speeds and the shift indicator to not illuinate. THis again is a massive safetey issue that Ford issued sevral TSB on but never recalled. This almost got me killed on thehighway a few times. They charged me over $1500 to replace the LEAD rail when again this defcetive design and craftsmenship that is a massive safetey issue and should be fully recalled. Engine Stutter: My truck has almost always stuttered anytime you wne tover hal throtle, There are sveral TSB on this but FORD has not stepped up and taken care o fht eissue via recall. Apprnetly moisture build up in the inercooler and gets sucked into the intake due to poor design. Timing Chain Stretch: I now have Timing chain stretch, this also seems ot be quite common due to poor design. Rear Door Failure: I can no longer open my rear half door due to failure of internal plastic door components. You can research any o fhtese issues and find that htey are very common pronlems in F150 and other Ford vehicles due to their negligence in design and engineering and some are huge safetey issues that FORD has somehow been alloweed to ignore or issue insufficinet TSB instead of Recall.
NHTSA complaint #11463631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oak Ridge, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
Vacuum pump is bad again. This was previously recalled. The part has failed now for the third time. Only once was I reimbursed due to recall, but it has since failed twice more. Currently at 98,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11462227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Smyrna Beach, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle sat idle in garage for two months. Started vehicle and brake pedal went to floor and was very soft. A warning was displayed on the instrument panel showing low brake fluid. Noting that master cylinder reservoir was almost empty I purchased a pint of DOT 3 brake fluid which I added to reservoir to "MAx" fill line. Started vehicle, brakes pumped up to a normal pedal pressure, took for a short test drive slowly testing brakes. All seemed normal at that time. Approximately 3 hours later I started vehicle, again noting that the brake pedal went to the floor. Checked the reservoir and found it almost empty again. Looked under vehicle and found no indication of fluid in any of the four corners by the wheels nor under the master cylinder. It is my belief that the fluid is leaking into the brake booster a problem which was addressed in a Safety Recall 20S31 issued by Ford Motor Company for a series of vehicles which although does not include my vehicle I believe that this issue is directly related and could also cause serious injury and/or damage if not repaired. I will have this issue fixed at my expense, however, I would be interested to learn if any other 2012 vehicles have experienced this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11431177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesOlympia, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, the brake pedal was applied but, was slow to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed about the extended warranty. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11423926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dover, DE
SERVICE BRAKES
I have a 2012 f150 platinum eco boost When starting vehicle in morning I would here a strange noise coming from the front driver side, now I leave out of driveway after starting and when I apply brakes the truck will not stop like there is no brake pressure and feels like anti locks are on, I have to sit for a couple minutes and then they work but they only appear to work manually I have to push brake pedal hard, I tried diagnosing like the forum says I put my foot on brake and start vehicle, the brake pedal stays hard and does not move, they say if this happens it is the brake vacuum pump. There is a recall 15N05 on my year vehicle but Ford says my vehicle isn’t covered it’s under the mileage and the correct year, I have to buy the pump myself, why isn’t Ford honoring the recall I just ordered part and if needed will upload the invoice later
NHTSA complaint #11421786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gardner, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
2012 FORD F-150. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ELECTRIC VACUUM PUMP SAFETY RECALL. *LD
NHTSA complaint #11375535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesBoscobel, WI
SERVICE BRAKES
THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRIC BRAKE VACUUM PUMP. IT MALES A LOUD NOISE WHEN BRAKES ARE USED AND MAKES THE BRAKE PEDAL DIFFICULT TO PRESS DOWN ON AND HAVE A POSITIVE BRAKE REACTION. THE FIRST DISTANCE TRAVELED AFTER INITIAL STARTUP HAS VERY LITTLE BRAKE ACTIVITY DUE TO THE PUMP NOT CREATING BRAKE PRESSURE. IT APPEARS THAT IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE BY FORD AS SOME TRUCKS HAVE BEEN RECALLED BASED ON THEIR MANUFACTURE LOCATION, MY TRUCK WAS NOT MADE AT THE LOCATION NEEDED TO QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL AND FIX OF THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER THE SAME ISSUE EXISTS AS THOSE THAT DO QUALIFY.
NHTSA complaint #11364454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
SERVICE BRAKES
THE ELECTRIC VACUUM PUMP FOR THE BRAKES IS MAKING A LOUD BUZZING NOISE. FORD SAYS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND IT ISN'T A PROBLEM. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF THE BRAKES GOING OUT. ALTHOUGH, THERE IS NOT A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. I'M NOT SURE HOW THERE CAN'T BE A RECALL IF THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE IN ALL 2011 AND 2012 FORD F150S.
NHTSA complaint #11350711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beaver, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE FRONT ROTORS AND ALL PADS AT 8000 MILES, REPLACED ALL 4 ROTORS AND PADS AT 22,000 MILES. I AM NOW AT 30,000 MILES AND NOW HAVE NO POWER ASSIST. THIS YEAR AND MODEL IS KNOW TO HAVE ISSUES WITH THE VACUUM ASSIST PUMP, WHICH FORD IS NOT WILLING TO REPLACE. WHEN BACKING DOWN THE DRIVEWAY I LOST BRAKING AND HIT A SIGN ON THE OTHER SIDE OF STREET OPPOSITE MY DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11325009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,000 milesJackson, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKES MAKE SCRAPPING NOISE WIPER MOTOR. SPEED OF WIPERS DOES NOT CHANGE AFTER 2ND ADVANCE
NHTSA complaint #11321862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.