Owners have filed 423 complaints
about the 2012 Ford F-250 with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 22 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 86
Against the median year of the Ford F-250. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 22
4.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 39
23% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
825.0%
Diesel
721.9%
Exhaust System
721.9%
Front
515.6%
Speedometer/Odometer
26.3%
Pre-Heater
13.1%
Latch
13.1%
Wiring
13.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
113.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
154.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
185.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
6621.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3812.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3912.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
7624.4%
150,000+ miles
4815.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2011peak 15Jun 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Ford F-250
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
RQ14005Opened 13 Jan 2015Closed 15 Mar 2016ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
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 equippe...
Recalls on the 2012 Ford F-250
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
11V582000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 F-250, F-350, F-450 AND F-550 HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 12, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 114, THEFT PROTECTION. THE TRANSMISSION CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DUE TO BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH PROBLEM.
Risk: THIS WILL ALLOW THE OPERATOR TO INADVERTENTLY SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY TO A NEARBY PEDESTRIAN.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 161,000 milesAppomattox, VAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated while he was stopped at a traffic signal, he smelled a burning plastic smell. The contact observed that smoke was being emitted from under the vehicle's front end. The contact pulled off the road and parked. As he exited the vehicle, he observed that flames were shooting from under the vehicle. The contact stated that in a few minutes, the flames had engulfed the engine compartment. The fire department was called, and the police had also arrived. The fire was extinguished using water. The police did not filed a report. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.
NHTSA complaint #11658159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Helena, MTFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Without any warning, smoke started billowing from the driver's side dash and overhead liner. When looking for the cause, I pulled the solenoid and the smoking stopped. Upon further inspection, I discovered broken, melted wiring in the rear drivers side door jamb. In researching this problem online, I found that other owners had experienced the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11539604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Helena, MTFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Without any warning, smoke started billowing from the driver's side dash and overhead liner. When looking for the cause, I pulled the solenoid and the smoking stopped. Upon further inspection, I discovered broken, melted wiring in the rear drivers side door jamb. In researching this problem online, I found that other owners had experienced the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11539604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canon City, COCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
Driver and passenger front air bags did not deploy. Side air bags did deploy. Was hit front passenger side by ford explorer. Then hit by dodge truck head on. Then stuck by dodge truck on passenger side behind back door.
NHTSA complaint #11509470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 206,000 milesLumberton, TXCrash
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced a death wobble causing the vehicle to violently shake and vibrate. During the failure, the steering column failed as a result the driver lost control of the steering and drove off the road, and crash into a ditch. During the crash, the vehicle sustained damage to the subframe bracket. No injuries were reported. No police report was taken. The vehicle was towed away from the scene. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 206,000.
NHTSA complaint #11489351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lantana, TX1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
Today, while my wife was exiting my F250, the passenger A pillar handle failed and my wife fell to the ground. She sustained injuries to her hand and leg.
NHTSA complaint #11428398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that they discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 141,000. It was later discovered upon checking Carfax, that the mileage was 477,000.
NHTSA complaint #11741810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leland, IL
STEERING
Over 1 year (2025) steering front end shaking began. Our dealership on oil changes did not tell us to watch for anything and we should have been warned. When the shaking occurred we changed Ford shock asborbers from Ford dealership. Problem still occured. We lost faith in Ford and our regular dealership. We then at Moore's tires purchased 4 Michelin premium tires for F250 heavy duty truck and told them about the severe shaking in front end that we will crash because we can't maintain control only to pull off the road with a prayer. Very difficult when this happens on the route 80 highway going 70 mph speed limit. So, Moore's tires store replaced with new tires and replaced some suspension parts thinking they fixed it but not sure. No recall to alert any Ford owners or repair shops... no warnings to anyone. We spent over $7,000. in trying to solve the front end shaking issue. We are lucky we did not die in an accident caused by the front end shaking and no steering control. We want re-imbursement and full repair as the problem is still happening. our family and all of us have Been a Ford customer for over 60 plus years. But not feeling confident or safe with purchasing a new ford vehicle going forward. This can NOT happen that Ford is allowing this risk to potentially kill people due to their neglegence in quality and recall for safety.
NHTSA complaint #11732808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leland, IL
SUSPENSION
Over 1 year (2025) steering front end shaking began. Our dealership on oil changes did not tell us to watch for anything and we should have been warned. When the shaking occurred we changed Ford shock asborbers from Ford dealership. Problem still occured. We lost faith in Ford and our regular dealership. We then at Moore's tires purchased 4 Michelin premium tires for F250 heavy duty truck and told them about the severe shaking in front end that we will crash because we can't maintain control only to pull off the road with a prayer. Very difficult when this happens on the route 80 highway going 70 mph speed limit. So, Moore's tires store replaced with new tires and replaced some suspension parts thinking they fixed it but not sure. No recall to alert any Ford owners or repair shops... no warnings to anyone. We spent over $7,000. in trying to solve the front end shaking issue. We are lucky we did not die in an accident caused by the front end shaking and no steering control. We want re-imbursement and full repair as the problem is still happening. our family and all of us have Been a Ford customer for over 60 plus years. But not feeling confident or safe with purchasing a new ford vehicle going forward. This can NOT happen that Ford is allowing this risk to potentially kill people due to their neglegence in quality and recall for safety.
NHTSA complaint #11732808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmersville, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CP4 pump continuous failure sending metal into the fuel system. Ford still uses an inferior product causing truck owners up to $18000 in repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11730059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 219,825 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was over 330,000.
NHTSA complaint #11724570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dalzell, IL
STEERING
I bought this truck used from a dealership in 2022-23 haven't really had any problems till about 2 months ago. Front end started a wobble. A friend of mine just sent me information NHTSA put out about the Death Wobble. I believe it expired in 2024. I never received any kind of recall on this. I was wondering if it would still be something I could get looked into. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11703811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NC - New Bern, IA
POWER TRAIN
I just had to replace the ECM because it fired. after replacing that it still won't start. I've talked to multiple people who have had the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11675751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NC - New Bern, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I just had to replace the ECM because it fired. after replacing that it still won't start. I've talked to multiple people who have had the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11675751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NC - New Bern, IA
ENGINE
I just had to replace the ECM because it fired. after replacing that it still won't start. I've talked to multiple people who have had the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11675751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,500 milesUnion Beach, NJ
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine seizure due to coolant intrusion in the engine. The contact stated that while the dealer was in the process of replacing the engine, the dealer informed the contact that the transmission also needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the engine and the transmission. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was bucking and jerking. The gear shift indicator light displayed that the transmission was slipping from drive(D) to neutral(N) and reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the part was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,500.
NHTSA complaint #11671757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,500 milesUnion Beach, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine seizure due to coolant intrusion in the engine. The contact stated that while the dealer was in the process of replacing the engine, the dealer informed the contact that the transmission also needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the engine and the transmission. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was bucking and jerking. The gear shift indicator light displayed that the transmission was slipping from drive(D) to neutral(N) and reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the part was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,500.
NHTSA complaint #11671757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lecanto, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
I purchased this truck new in 2013 and it has only been serviced by Ford, except for an Air Lift Suspension Kit install to allow load leveling when towing. Low miles: 54484 actual. No collision damage, original paint. Date of repair:06/25/2025. Jenkins Ford RO#[XXX]. My truck has a Supercab (Extended Cab) with short rear doors that open to the rear. Both of these rear doors failed within 5 minutes of each other. Specifically, the inside door handles and opening levers on the forward facing side of the doors failed. This is absolutely a safety hazard because a Child, Senior, Handicapped person, pet, etc., would be trapped from making an emergency exit in case of accident or fire. A more athletic person may be able to pull themselves over the from bench seat to exit, but still delaying the exit and dangerous. There were no warnings to alert anyone of the failures. Jenkins Ford (Crystal River, FL) diagnosed the problem and made the costly repair. Both door cables were replaced, no warranty. Cost: $1558.80 I called Ford USA Customer Relations (800) 392-3673 at 1:16PM EDT on 06/24/2025. C/S Rep "Kisha" said Ford would not assist in any goodwill for repair of this safety item. I researched this problem online an apparently, this is a common failure due to plastic parts holding the cables. I acknowledge that this vehicle is over 10 years old, but feel that this is a safety item Ford should stand behind. People keep vehicles longer these days and mine has been garaged, meticulously maintained by Ford, and has extremely low miles. Jenkins Ford did a very professional repair and I'm very happy with this dealer. The Ford Motor Company should be required to recall and repair this problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11670798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NC - New Bern, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
it keeps throwing a check engine light for miss fire but ive replaced all of the ignition and fuel parts and it keeps happening now its loosing power and getting hot for no reason.
NHTSA complaint #11665869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NC - New Bern, NC
ENGINE
it keeps throwing a check engine light for miss fire but ive replaced all of the ignition and fuel parts and it keeps happening now its loosing power and getting hot for no reason.
NHTSA complaint #11665869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NC - New Bern, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
it keeps throwing a check engine light for miss fire but ive replaced all of the ignition and fuel parts and it keeps happening now its loosing power and getting hot for no reason.
NHTSA complaint #11665869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesNewport, OH
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the rear end of the vehicle seemed to be falling apart. The contact stated that the failure was due to the cab mount bushing. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11659662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,000 milesAppomattox, VAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated while he was stopped at a traffic signal, he smelled a burning plastic smell. The contact observed that smoke was being emitted from under the vehicle's front end. The contact pulled off the road and parked. As he exited the vehicle, he observed that flames were shooting from under the vehicle. The contact stated that in a few minutes, the flames had engulfed the engine compartment. The fire department was called, and the police had also arrived. The fire was extinguished using water. The police did not filed a report. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.
NHTSA complaint #11658159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northampton, PA
STEERING
Driving on Pa turnpike twice this year and at 70 mph my 2012 ford f 250 with 79000 miles on it started shaking uncontrollably , had my wife and granddaughter with me and they cried and screamed till it stopped. Going to the dealer to see what Ford is going to fix for me before someone is killed ! Hopefully a recall or free fix! I have been educated that this has been an on going issue in many F250 Fords.
NHTSA complaint #11656986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northampton, PA
SUSPENSION
Driving on Pa turnpike twice this year and at 70 mph my 2012 ford f 250 with 79000 miles on it started shaking uncontrollably , had my wife and granddaughter with me and they cried and screamed till it stopped. Going to the dealer to see what Ford is going to fix for me before someone is killed ! Hopefully a recall or free fix! I have been educated that this has been an on going issue in many F250 Fords.
NHTSA complaint #11656986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesOxford, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the engine power was significantly reduced and there was a whining sound coming from the engine compartment. While starting the vehicle, there was a high-pitched whining sound heard. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and determined there was a failure with the fuel pump. The fuel pumps were replaced 4 times, and the front and rear fuel pressure regulators were replaced several times since 2012. The contact was adding coolant to the vehicle every 2 months. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11652468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesOxford, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the engine power was significantly reduced and there was a whining sound coming from the engine compartment. While starting the vehicle, there was a high-pitched whining sound heard. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and determined there was a failure with the fuel pump. The fuel pumps were replaced 4 times, and the front and rear fuel pressure regulators were replaced several times since 2012. The contact was adding coolant to the vehicle every 2 months. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11652468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hudson, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Daytime running lamps failed
NHTSA complaint #11648609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sonora, TX
STEERING
Today 11/21/24, I notified my husband as I am driving up the ramp going 50 my ford started to shake hard. I had to hold on to the steering wheel and pull over with out pressing the break. I came to a stop and kept him on the phone in case I were to flip over. The vehicle stopped wobbling and I started up again. I was not able to drive but less than 40 and again the wobble coming back. The commute for me was over 1 hour. I would not make it alive home. This vehicle had to go to the shop as if I were to drive home I would not be alive at this moment
NHTSA complaint #11626732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sonora, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Today 11/21/24, I notified my husband as I am driving up the ramp going 50 my ford started to shake hard. I had to hold on to the steering wheel and pull over with out pressing the break. I came to a stop and kept him on the phone in case I were to flip over. The vehicle stopped wobbling and I started up again. I was not able to drive but less than 40 and again the wobble coming back. The commute for me was over 1 hour. I would not make it alive home. This vehicle had to go to the shop as if I were to drive home I would not be alive at this moment
NHTSA complaint #11626732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sonora, TX
SUSPENSION
Today 11/21/24, I notified my husband as I am driving up the ramp going 50 my ford started to shake hard. I had to hold on to the steering wheel and pull over with out pressing the break. I came to a stop and kept him on the phone in case I were to flip over. The vehicle stopped wobbling and I started up again. I was not able to drive but less than 40 and again the wobble coming back. The commute for me was over 1 hour. I would not make it alive home. This vehicle had to go to the shop as if I were to drive home I would not be alive at this moment
NHTSA complaint #11626732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.