Owners have filed 252 complaints
about the 2012 Ford F-350 with NHTSA between 2012 and 2025.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 21 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 — 71
Against the median year of the Ford F-350. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 37
7.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 28
16% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
21.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
84.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
63.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3419.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2815.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
179.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
5329.8%
150,000+ miles
3016.9%
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.
Nov 2012peak 13Sep 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Ford F-350
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-350
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.
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.
Recall 201512596 units in Canada
Engine
Certain ambulance or fire package vehicles with 6.7L diesel engines may experience a "stop safety now" warning message and 5 audible chimes if an Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) sensor fault is detected. Engine torque would be gradually reduced by 70 percent over a period of 45 seconds to a power-reduced level that is maintained. During this time, there would be no effect on steering, braking, lighting, electrical, or restraint systems, allowing the operator to maneuver the vehicle to a safe location. Such an occurrence could also result in an engine shut down and subsequent inability to quickly restart the vehicle. If this condition were to occur when an ambulance or fire engine vehicle was transporting a patient or providing medical assistance, it could delay medical treatment and increase the risk of injury to the patient. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module with updated software.
Recall 201337250 units in Canada
Engine
Certain ambulance package vehicles with 6.7L diesel engines may experience a "stop safety now" warning message and 5 audible chimes while the vehicles gradually loses power, eventually resulting in the engine stalling when speed falls below 5 km/h. If this were to occur while the ambulance is transporting a patient, engine shutdown with no ability to restart could interfere with patient care and increase the risk of injury to the patient. Correction: Dealers will replace the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor located downstream of the diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Portland, ORCrash
SEATS
Death wobble
NHTSA complaint #11671293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, ORCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
Death wobble
NHTSA complaint #11671293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, ORCrash
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Death wobble
NHTSA complaint #11671293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 milesKissimmee, FLFire
POWER TRAIN
WE HAVE BEEN MAINTAINING OUR VEHICLE AND HAD NO WARNING LIGHTS AT THE TIME OUR TRUCK DIED . AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT IT HAD OIL AND WATER. WE WERE DRIVING ON THE FLORIDA TURNPIKE AT FULL SPEED WHEN SUDDENLY, THE TRUCK STARTED SHUDDERING, AND THEN IT COMPLETELY LOST POWER. A CLOUD OF BLUE-WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE BACK OF OUR TRUCK. WE WERE LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO GET OFF OF THE TURNPIKE TO A SAFE PLACE. WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE MECHANIC HAS DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE IS LOCKED UP AND CAN'T BE FIXED. OUR TRUCK ONLY HAS 134,000 MILES - IT SHOULD NOT HAVE BLOWN UP LIKE THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11402641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 milesKissimmee, FLFire
ENGINE
WE HAVE BEEN MAINTAINING OUR VEHICLE AND HAD NO WARNING LIGHTS AT THE TIME OUR TRUCK DIED . AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT IT HAD OIL AND WATER. WE WERE DRIVING ON THE FLORIDA TURNPIKE AT FULL SPEED WHEN SUDDENLY, THE TRUCK STARTED SHUDDERING, AND THEN IT COMPLETELY LOST POWER. A CLOUD OF BLUE-WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE BACK OF OUR TRUCK. WE WERE LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO GET OFF OF THE TURNPIKE TO A SAFE PLACE. WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE MECHANIC HAS DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE IS LOCKED UP AND CAN'T BE FIXED. OUR TRUCK ONLY HAS 134,000 MILES - IT SHOULD NOT HAVE BLOWN UP LIKE THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11402641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesFairfield, CAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
RUST IN FUEL TANK. WHOLE FUEL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN WITH ENGINE OVER HEAT. NO LEAKS WHATSOEVER. JUST SHUT DOWN ON HIGHWAY. SHAME ON FORD!!!
NHTSA complaint #11350281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 128,843 milesReno, NV
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the message "Loss of Engine Power" was displayed before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and DTC: P0087, P2291, and P2A00 were retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,843.
NHTSA complaint #11689728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, ORCrash
SEATS
Death wobble
NHTSA complaint #11671293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, ORCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
Death wobble
NHTSA complaint #11671293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, ORCrash
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Death wobble
NHTSA complaint #11671293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sturgis, MI
ENGINE
Bosch CP4 High Pressure Fuel Pump failed in transit cost $10,713 to repair only 155k miles on new engine. Diesel fuel spilled from engine on highway, lucky no fire. Ford no help.
NHTSA complaint #11669541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sturgis, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Bosch CP4 High Pressure Fuel Pump failed in transit cost $10,713 to repair only 155k miles on new engine. Diesel fuel spilled from engine on highway, lucky no fire. Ford no help.
NHTSA complaint #11669541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 300,000 milesNew Windsor, MD
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while his son was driving 25 MPH, the front track bar unexpectedly fractured into two pieces, causing the vehicle to swerve off the road. Additionally, the vehicle had experienced the death wobble. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the front track bar fracture caused the rear axle to be pushed into the fuel cooler, which caused the fuel cooler to be punctured and to leak. The contact was informed that the front track bar and the fuel cooler needed to be replaced, and a coolant flush needed to be performed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.
NHTSA complaint #11662602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesFramingham, MA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the contact rolled over a bump and the vehicle started to shudder and sway to the left and right violently. The contact slowed down to 20 MPH and regained control of the vehicle. The contact stated there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred two years prior. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who installed dampers and a track bar on the front end. The contact had not yet taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic following the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11659065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesFramingham, MA
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the contact rolled over a bump and the vehicle started to shudder and sway to the left and right violently. The contact slowed down to 20 MPH and regained control of the vehicle. The contact stated there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred two years prior. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who installed dampers and a track bar on the front end. The contact had not yet taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic following the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11659065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
WHEELS
I'm currently experiencing the "Death Wobble" with my vehicle, making it unsafe to drive past 60 mph due to intense shaking. This is a serious safety concern for both me and my family. This issue happens frequently on the freeway, and we all fear that the wheels could fall off or the vehicle might flip over. When I took the vehicle to the service center, the advisor told me I needed to add a stabilizer to my front wheels and suggested that I buy the part online and install it myself, recommending YouTube for guidance. However, I have no idea what part to buy or where to get it. I’m not the designer of the truck, and I shouldn’t have to add extra parts for it to drive properly. I also believe this is a manufacturer issue, especially since multiple people seem to be experiencing the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11641418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
STEERING
I'm currently experiencing the "Death Wobble" with my vehicle, making it unsafe to drive past 60 mph due to intense shaking. This is a serious safety concern for both me and my family. This issue happens frequently on the freeway, and we all fear that the wheels could fall off or the vehicle might flip over. When I took the vehicle to the service center, the advisor told me I needed to add a stabilizer to my front wheels and suggested that I buy the part online and install it myself, recommending YouTube for guidance. However, I have no idea what part to buy or where to get it. I’m not the designer of the truck, and I shouldn’t have to add extra parts for it to drive properly. I also believe this is a manufacturer issue, especially since multiple people seem to be experiencing the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11641418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
SUSPENSION
I'm currently experiencing the "Death Wobble" with my vehicle, making it unsafe to drive past 60 mph due to intense shaking. This is a serious safety concern for both me and my family. This issue happens frequently on the freeway, and we all fear that the wheels could fall off or the vehicle might flip over. When I took the vehicle to the service center, the advisor told me I needed to add a stabilizer to my front wheels and suggested that I buy the part online and install it myself, recommending YouTube for guidance. However, I have no idea what part to buy or where to get it. I’m not the designer of the truck, and I shouldn’t have to add extra parts for it to drive properly. I also believe this is a manufacturer issue, especially since multiple people seem to be experiencing the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11641418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 262,000 milesOkmulgee, OK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence and a friend diagnosed the vehicle. The contact was informed that the CP4 pump, hard lines, and injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 262,000.
NHTSA complaint #11638712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Calhoun, KY
STEERING
Truck has a random death wabble and differnt speeds. I've taken the truck to three differnt ford dealers multiple times and they alll can't find any worn parts, the dealers all with say ford knows there is a saftey issue with the trucks but don't have a real fix for the issue. several other ford owners have the same issues
NHTSA complaint #11633000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Calhoun, KY
SUSPENSION
Truck has a random death wabble and differnt speeds. I've taken the truck to three differnt ford dealers multiple times and they alll can't find any worn parts, the dealers all with say ford knows there is a saftey issue with the trucks but don't have a real fix for the issue. several other ford owners have the same issues
NHTSA complaint #11633000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Twin Falls, ID
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was on the road and I hit a bump on the freeway only going between 55 and 65 mph and the Truck immediately started to whobble out of control I almost hit the car next to me because I could not control it . It was a life and death experience I could never shake off . I spoke to the dealer and they claimed they had never heard of such thing and acted like they didn’t believe me. What ever is wrong with it needs to be recalled because I’m surprised that no one was hurt on rush our in a busy city like Salt Lake City. Ford is being very irresponsible for not fixing the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11620546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suprise, AZ
STEERING
2012 F350 Lariat 4x4, 125000 miles. While driving at 65 mph. I hit a spilt in the highway and the truck went into a death wobble, the most violent and scary thing to experience on the crowded highway. Only thing I could do was let it slow down coasting when it finally went away I accelerated back to highway speed and hit yet another bump in the highway and it went into another death wobble so violent I could not control the truck. This truck has no lift and is stock. This will kill someone one day or cause a serious accident. Ford should own this defect and fix it before they responsible for actual death.
NHTSA complaint #11620513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Twin Falls, ID
STEERING
I was on the road and I hit a bump on the freeway only going between 55 and 65 mph and the Truck immediately started to whobble out of control I almost hit the car next to me because I could not control it . It was a life and death experience I could never shake off . I spoke to the dealer and they claimed they had never heard of such thing and acted like they didn’t believe me. What ever is wrong with it needs to be recalled because I’m surprised that no one was hurt on rush our in a busy city like Salt Lake City. Ford is being very irresponsible for not fixing the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11620546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Twin Falls, ID
SUSPENSION
Death whoble
NHTSA complaint #11620512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suprise, AZ
SUSPENSION
2012 F350 Lariat 4x4, 125000 miles. While driving at 65 mph. I hit a spilt in the highway and the truck went into a death wobble, the most violent and scary thing to experience on the crowded highway. Only thing I could do was let it slow down coasting when it finally went away I accelerated back to highway speed and hit yet another bump in the highway and it went into another death wobble so violent I could not control the truck. This truck has no lift and is stock. This will kill someone one day or cause a serious accident. Ford should own this defect and fix it before they responsible for actual death.
NHTSA complaint #11620513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Twin Falls, ID
SUSPENSION
I was on the road and I hit a bump on the freeway only going between 55 and 65 mph and the Truck immediately started to whobble out of control I almost hit the car next to me because I could not control it . It was a life and death experience I could never shake off . I spoke to the dealer and they claimed they had never heard of such thing and acted like they didn’t believe me. What ever is wrong with it needs to be recalled because I’m surprised that no one was hurt on rush our in a busy city like Salt Lake City. Ford is being very irresponsible for not fixing the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11620546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Twin Falls, ID
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Death whoble
NHTSA complaint #11620512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Twin Falls, ID
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Death whoble
NHTSA complaint #11620512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Draper, UT
ENGINE
We have a 2012 Ford F30 Diesel and We are having issues with one of the Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensors (Bank 1 Sensor 3) which would have been covered under Ford's Recall Campaign# 15M02. However, since our vehicle is 11 years and 9 mo old, they are declining coverage as the campaign is limited to 11 years.
NHTSA complaint #11612557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hutto, TX
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, while driving over a small bump in the roadway, the vehicle began violently shaking. The vehicle was brought to a complete stop, and the shaking stopped. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11604568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.