VehicleVerdict

2012 Ford F-150 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 2,431 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.5 times the median F-150 year — the 2012 model ranks #6 of 56 F-150 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 42 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 673 reports (28% of the total).

2,431

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

4

Investigations

57

Crash-involved

21

Fires reported

42

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other F-150 years?

F-150 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted3,920 complaints1955: 1 complaints1966: 1 complaints1968: 1 complaints1973: 0 complaints1975: 1 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 3 complaints1978: 13 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 3 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 5 complaints1983: 12 complaints1984: 16 complaints1985: 45 complaints1986: 78 complaints1987: 109 complaints1988: 170 complaints1989: 260 complaints1990: 315 complaints1991: 357 complaints1992: 553 complaints1993: 753 complaints1994: 908 complaints1995: 788 complaints1996: 383 complaints1997: 3,285 complaints1998: 1,624 complaints1999: 1,323 complaints2000: 1,274 complaints2001: 1,451 complaints2002: 964 complaints2003: 523 complaints2004: 2,429 complaints2005: 1,364 complaints2006: 741 complaints2007: 623 complaints2008: 455 complaints2009: 397 complaints2010: 1,134 complaints2011: 2,962 complaints2012: 2,431 complaints2013: 3,920 complaints2014: 1,898 complaints2015: 2,129 complaints2016: 2,500 complaints2017: 1,735 complaints2018: 2,758 complaints2019: 1,635 complaints2020: 850 complaints2021: 1,233 complaints2022: 768 complaints2023: 558 complaints2024: 237 complaints2025: 161 complaints2026: 1 complaints
F-150 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-150 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Ford F-150 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission67328%
Engine49921%
Electrical System2099%
Steering2048%
Speed Control1948%
Brakes1376%
Visibility & Wipers1325%
Fuel System1205%
Other1185%
Airbags382%
Tires & Wheels311%
Body & Structure241%
Suspension191%
Lighting100%
Seats90%
Latches & Locks60%
Driver Assistance50%
Seat Belts30%

Does the 2012 Ford F-150 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V075000TransmissionFebruary 11, 2019 · 1,263,051 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Consequence

Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S07.

16V248000TransmissionApril 27, 2016 · 153,581 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Consequence

An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.

12V190000LightingMay 3, 2012 · 10,500 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 “LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.” THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE “R” POSITION AND THE VEHICLE’S TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE “R” MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLE’S NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

12V198000AirbagsMay 3, 2012 · 101 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 6, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2011. INCORRECT SOFTWARE FOR THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM MODULE (OCSM) WAS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES EITHER AT THE TIME OF MANUFACTURING OR DURING THE COURSE OF REPLACEMENT OF THE MODULE AS PART OF A SERVICE REPAIR. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE OCSM MAY MISCLASSIFY THE PASSENGER SEAT’S OCCUPANT SUCH THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DOES NOT DEPLOY WHEN IT SHOULD, DOES NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED, OR DEPLOYS WHEN IT SHOULD NOT.

Consequence

A FAILURE TO DEPLOY, FAILURE TO DEPLOY AS INTENDED, OR A DEPLOYMENT WHEN NOT INTENDED, INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OCSM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AS I WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK WENT CRAZY ON MY DASH EVERY ELECTRONIC READING WAS WACK OUT OF COMMISSION SPEED WENT TO ZERO ON MY ODOMETER AND FROM SIX SPEED TO 1 MY TRUCK WOULD NOT RUN ANY FASTER BUT MY RPM GUAGE WAS SKY HIGH UNTIL I REALIZED I HAD TO PUT MY TRUCK IN NEUTRAL TO PULL OVER TO TURN OFF MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 8, 2021 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 25, 2014 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING AFTER APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES, SMOKE STARTED TO APPEAR UNDER AND AROUND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHICH RAPIDLY CONVERTED TO FLAMES. IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND PARKED THE CAR. OPENED THE HOOD AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. I HAD AN ABC FIRE EXTINGUISHER WHICH I USED TO EXTINGUISH FIRE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 12, 2013 · fire

“I was proceed up to 45mph, when back tires started sliding. I rolled the truck and damage my ribs, was pined for 1.5hrs lost a $80k+ ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 16, 2024 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HE PARKED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL FORWARD. THE CONTACT RE-ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND ENGAGED THE BRAKE PEDAL HOWEVER, THE WHEELS STARTED SPINNING AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 6, 2013 · crash

2012 Ford F-150 — common questions

Is the 2012 Ford F-150 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 2,431 complaints put the 2012 model at #6 of 56 F-150 years. It is one of the F-150 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 F-150 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (673 complaints), engine (499 complaints), electrical system (209 complaints).

Does the 2012 Ford F-150 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Ford F-150. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Ford F-150 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford F-150 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-150 years to avoid are 2013, 1997, 2011, 2018, 2016, 2012, 2004, 2015, 2014, 2017, 2019, 1998, 2001, 2005, 1999, 2000, 2021, 2010, 2002, 1994, 2020. The cleanest record among F-150 years belongs to 1976.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.