2012 Ford F-150 transmission 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

POWER TRAIN

The vehicle experienced repeated and unpredictable loss of drivability while in operation. The transmission intermittently disengages and the gear indicator rapidly cycles between Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive without driver input. During these events, the vehicle loses propulsion and becomes unsafe to operate in traffic. Warning messages and instrument cluster anomalies were observed prior to and during the failures, including erratic dashboard behavior. The issue has occurred multiple times and is reproducible. The condition appears to be related to a known safety recall involving the transmission lead frame / powertrain control system. The failure creates a serious safety risk due to sudden loss of power and inability to control vehicle movement, especially in traffic or while stopped at intersections. The vehicle is not safe to drive and has been removed from regular service. Diagnostic data, video evidence, and photographs documenting the failure and warning indicators are available upon request. The manufacturer has been notified and a recall case has been opened, but the defect has not yet been resolved. The vehicle remains unrepaired at the time of this report.

NHTSA complaint #11710829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Driving along I-94, 2012 F150 downshifted immediately from 5 gear to 1 gear. There was no previous issues and no warning lights and codes. Caused significant drive issues and had to pull immediately to side of busy highway. Caused immediately backup and believed to have caused back up accident. After taking to dealership was told it was my Molded Lead Frame. Which had been under an extended warranty BUT since my vehicle is older than 10 years and over 150,000 it is not under warranty. Ford knows about the issued due to the extended warranty issued. However, that warranty still is not effective in taking a MAJOR defect off the roads.

NHTSA complaint #11702299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I have a P0722-00 code which is the output shaft speed sensor which made my truck down shift and change gears while driving on the highway which was very dangerous me

NHTSA complaint #11701767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

2012 Ford F150 transmission lead frame internal failure causing intermittent harsh shifting. Highway speeds and truck shifting into 2/3 gear and almost causing wreck. Took it into shop for repair and they said I had a recall. However Inwas outside of recall period. Now I have to pay $2k to fix a for a known recall issue. Does should fix all vehicles with this known safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11698675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While driving 70 mph on the highway my truck suddenly downshifted into first gear causing the truck to go into a skid. The skid was recovered so nobody was injured but if it were a wet day or pulling a trailer, I doubt it could have been saved. The speedometer quit working and a wrench showed on the dash. Upon restarting the truck both of those issues were resolved but the truck continued to downshift into first gear at highway speeds. I called my local ford dealership, and they said there were no active recalls but that the PCM had already been reprogrammed. If the PCM had been reprogrammed, then this issue should not have happened unless there needs to be another update performed. They alerted me that there was a customer satisfaction program for the molded leadframe in the transmission that would cause this issue, but this is not a satisfaction issue it is a safety issue. If they replace the leadframe but there is never any change made to the way the transmission functions then when it eventually goes bad again the issue could come back, once again posing a major safety risk.

NHTSA complaint #11697437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Check engine light , no speedometer , at times it won't shift , light for airbag would stay on .

NHTSA complaint #11694851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear, prompting the driver to discontinue driving the vehicle. The “Service Transmission” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 141,000.

NHTSA complaint #11693338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle started getting stuck in different gears. Would drive fine for a little while and then get stuck causing you to pull over on going traffic. Having to sit for a while until it was ready to shift again. Would have to shift at manual at times to make it back home. You wouldn’t feel safe at times driving because you didn’t know what to expect anymore. Wrench light would come on and sometimes air bag light will come on as well.

NHTSA complaint #11692243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

When I was driving on the highway I was going about 65 mph in 6th gear and then without warning my 2012 Ford f150 3.5 truck shifted all the way down to 1st gear which almost caused me to wreck on the highway and other cars to almost slam into me. Now when I try to drive the truck it keeps throwing a wrench and the wrench blinks and my truck will not shift hardly at all between the gears. After I have researched this issue I see that there has been 4 recalls and a few CSP notices for the make and modle of my truck. The recall numbers are #19V075000, 12V190000, 16V248000, 12V198000 and the CSP campaign number is #16N02 regarding the lead frame issue that causes the extreme downshift. I contact the ford dealership to try and get this fixed and they said there is nothing they can do to help me.

NHTSA complaint #11692444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Safety recall # 19S07 for my 07/12 2012 F150 followed by Ford Customer Service 19N01 Vehicles with 6R80 transmissions molded lead frame replacement extends warranty coverage 10 years 150000 miles but does not cover the early vehicles that have the same problems my truck is 13 years old with 78000 mlies this is an extremely dangerous condition to down shift into low gear at Hi way speeds

NHTSA complaint #11690925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear, and the instrument cluster became inoperable. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where the contact borrowed a scanner to scan the vehicle. The contact retrieved diagnostic trouble codes indicating an output shaft speed sensor failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the vehicle had not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #11690293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission Repairs, Molded Lead Frame Components Due to sudden downshift symptoms from sixth speed, gear to fist speed gear while drive higher speeds and low speeds. $1,421.00 Repairs completed 9/10/2025, at [XXX] , [XXX] , [XXX] . [XXX] , [XXX] , [XXX] , knowingly sold this said vehicle as Certified Pre-OWNED 8/27/2025. Now additional concerns, issues have been discovered with said vehicle Monday, September 22, 2025, AM, 1. Oil burning odor inside the passenger compartment. Vacuum Pump Gasket Failure, allowing oil to drip onto the exhaust manifold hot engine parts, components. Valve Cover Gasket Leaks. Safety consideration, due to symptoms, this vehicle is UNSAFE to operate, drive. Technical bulletins TSB’s were stated as issued from Ford Motor Company Engineering Service Operations, Ford Customer Service Division, Mr. [XXX] , Director, Ford Motor Company, [XXX] , [XXX] . Symptoms include Fuel Dilution PCV System TSB 15-00003, addresses fuel odor inside the passenger cabin on EcoBoost engines, this 3.5 L V6 (DOHC) Turbocharged Twin, PCV Valve Calibrations to reduce the fuel dilution in the engine oil. Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets and turbo seals especially when accelerating and stopping said vehicle. Creating the oil dripping onto hot engine parts, components, causing the strong burnt oil smell within inside the passenger compartment while driving said vehicle. Intercooler condensation, 2011-2012 EcoBoost 3.5L V6 engine experiences intercooler condensation leading to above symptoms and causing stumbling while driving, operating said vehicle and misfiring, which also creates is accompanied by odors within passenger compartment. Safe Concern, vehicle can cause, catch fire due to oil, fuel leak, seapage into related component areas, while driving, operating. Your serious attention please and the costs asso INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11690419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I had an issue with the Transmission lead frame where my vehicle downshifted from 5th to 1st gear which to me is a safety issue. Notified Ford and they said this was a customer satisfaction program that expires after 10 years. How is this not a safety recall?? This could be very dangerous if you were on the interstate and you’re going 70 mph, please help.

NHTSA complaint #11689626 — 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 transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the rear wheels locked up. No warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 275,000.

NHTSA complaint #11686542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Suddenly downshifting into low gear. Recall not being accepted by ford. Please help

NHTSA complaint #11686732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, and the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that the power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with lead frame failure. The contact was informed that the lead frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,400.

NHTSA complaint #11682816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.