VehicleVerdict

2012 Ford F-250 Sd problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 97 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.8 times the median F-250 Sd year — the 2012 model ranks #12 of 36 F-250 Sd years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 28 reports (29% of the total).

97

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other F-250 Sd years?

F-250 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted381 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 4 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 12 complaints1996: 11 complaints1997: 52 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 304 complaints2000: 277 complaints2001: 331 complaints2002: 282 complaints2003: 229 complaints2004: 345 complaints2005: 381 complaints2006: 353 complaints2007: 85 complaints2008: 175 complaints2009: 33 complaints2010: 48 complaints2011: 189 complaints2012: 97 complaints2013: 32 complaints2014: 37 complaints2015: 31 complaints2016: 15 complaints2017: 119 complaints2018: 23 complaints2019: 13 complaints2020: 4 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 5 complaints2023: 76 complaints2024: 52 complaints2025: 19 complaints2026: 13 complaints
F-250 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-250 Sd years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Ford F-250 Sd problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2829%
Steering1819%
Suspension1414%
Electrical System1111%
Fuel System66%
Tires & Wheels55%
Brakes44%
Other33%
Transmission33%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Latches & Locks11%
Seat Belts11%
Speed Control11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2012 Ford F-250 Sd have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20E090000OtherDecember 9, 2020 · 102 units

Defect

Icon Vehicle Dynamics, LLC (Icon) is recalling all 05-UP FSD 2.5 Centerline Stabilizer Kits with part number 65050. The kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2021 Ford F-250 4X4 and F-350 4X4 pickup trucks. The foam ring inside the stabilizer "through shaft" may block the piston ports, possibly causing the steering to lock up.

Consequence

If the steering locks, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Icon will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shock assembly with a revised foam ring and steel support disc, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Icon customer service at 1-951-689-4266.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“AFTER DRIVING FOR 5 MINUTES A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON FOR THE REAR LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL- NO CHANGE IN THE DRIVABILITY. ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER THAT THE COMPUTER STARTED FLASHING DIFFERENT SYMBOLS INDICATING MANY PROBLEMS- THE ALARMS WERE GOING OFF NON-STOP- THEN THE ENGINE WAS SHUT DOWN BY THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 16, 2014 · crash

“Ford super duty has been in shop for death wobble numerous times and when we get vehicle back still is the issue. Very unsafe and hard to stable once it starts. Even auto shop people when thought fixed drove and scared them. Whole truck shakes uncontrollably. Very poor on Ford for no recall with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 23, 2023

“Ford super duty has been in shop for death wobble numerous times and when we get vehicle back still is the issue. Very unsafe and hard to stable once it starts. Even auto shop people when thought fixed drove and scared them. Whole truck shakes uncontrollably. Very poor on Ford for no recall with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · February 23, 2023

“AFTER DRIVING FOR 5 MINUTES A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON FOR THE REAR LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL- NO CHANGE IN THE DRIVABILITY. ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER THAT THE COMPUTER STARTED FLASHING DIFFERENT SYMBOLS INDICATING MANY PROBLEMS- THE ALARMS WERE GOING OFF NON-STOP- THEN THE ENGINE WAS SHUT DOWN BY THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 16, 2014 · crash

“CAUTION LIGHT CAME ON ADVISING ME TO SAFELY PULL OVER AND STOP. I PULLED OVER INTO A GAS STATION AND THE TRUCK STALLED AS I WAS COMING TO A STOP. ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART IMMEDIATELY. I CHECKED OIL LEVEL AND EVERYTHING LOOKED FINE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES THE TRUCK RESTARTED AND I DROVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 12, 2014

2012 Ford F-250 Sd — common questions

Is the 2012 Ford F-250 Sd reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 97 complaints put the 2012 model at #12 of 36 F-250 Sd years. It is one of the F-250 Sd years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 F-250 Sd problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (28 complaints), steering (18 complaints), suspension (14 complaints).

Does the 2012 Ford F-250 Sd have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Ford F-250 Sd. 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-250 Sd under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford F-250 Sd years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-250 Sd years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2004, 2001, 1999, 2002, 2000, 2003, 2011, 2008, 2017, 2012, 2007, 2023, 2015, 2018, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021. The cleanest record among F-250 Sd years belongs to 1998.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.