VehicleVerdict

2012 Ford F-250 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 423 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.9 times the median F-250 year — the 2012 model ranks #7 of 55 F-250 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Suspension leads the complaint categories with 125 reports (30% of the total).

423

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other F-250 years?

F-250 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted1,919 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 1 complaints1969: 0 complaints1970: 1 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 2 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 3 complaints1978: 3 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 11 complaints1985: 33 complaints1986: 42 complaints1987: 51 complaints1988: 85 complaints1989: 141 complaints1990: 134 complaints1991: 145 complaints1992: 149 complaints1993: 183 complaints1994: 156 complaints1995: 238 complaints1996: 212 complaints1997: 348 complaints1998: 76 complaints1999: 702 complaints2000: 417 complaints2001: 269 complaints2002: 189 complaints2003: 151 complaints2004: 201 complaints2005: 207 complaints2006: 332 complaints2007: 84 complaints2008: 255 complaints2009: 92 complaints2010: 109 complaints2011: 384 complaints2012: 423 complaints2013: 153 complaints2014: 236 complaints2015: 426 complaints2016: 427 complaints2017: 1,718 complaints2018: 616 complaints2019: 1,919 complaints2020: 351 complaints2021: 205 complaints2022: 152 complaints
F-250 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-250 years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension12530%
Steering11226%
Engine4611%
Other266%
Electrical System215%
Fuel System215%
Tires & Wheels205%
Transmission154%
Brakes102%
Body & Structure92%
Airbags51%
Speed Control31%
Lighting31%
Visibility & Wipers20%
Seat Belts20%
Seats20%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2012 Ford F-250 have recalls?

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

11V582000TransmissionDecember 8, 2011 · 16,091 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH FUNCTION AND REPLACE THE SWITCH IF NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2011. 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.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 11, 2022 · crash

“IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE AND NOW I AM TOO SCARED TO DRIVE IT. IT SHAKES VIOLENTLY AT 65 TO 75 MILES AN HOUR. TRUELY A DEATH SENTENCE TO DRIVE IT.FEELS LIKE BOTH FRONT TIRES BLOW OUT. I SLOW AND PULL TO SHOULDER AND NOTHING VISUALLY IS WRONG. I JUST RECENTLY TOOK TO FORD DEALER SHIP, THEY HAVE HAD IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 11, 2020

“STARTED MY TRUCK TO LET IT WARM UP BEFORE I TOOK IT IN TO TOWN. WENT INSIDE FOR AROUND 150 MIN, COME OUTSIDE AND I SEEN SMOKE COMING FROM MY DOORS AND AS SOON AS I OPENED IT FEOM THE PASSENGER DOOR IT WAS FULL OF SMOKE AND I SEEN A FIRE ON MY DRIVER SIDE FEINT SEAT. IT COMPLETELY BURNT MY TRUCK AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 1, 2019 · fire

“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,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 18, 2023 · fire

“DRIVING THROUGH A FARM FIELD AND SOMETHING HIT THE OIL PAN AND CRACKED IT WITH A HAIR LINE FRACTURE, 1/8 INCH, AND OIL LEAKING. NO VISABLE DAMAGE OR MARKING UNTIL PULLED FROM TRUCK, EVEN THAN NO MARKS BUT A SLIGHT DENT IN PLASTIC. NO OTHER VISABLE DAMAGE ANYWERE ELSE UNDER TRUCK. ASKED IF ALL OIL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 14, 2011

2012 Ford F-250 — common questions

Is the 2012 Ford F-250 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 423 complaints put the 2012 model at #7 of 55 F-250 years. It is one of the F-250 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 F-250 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (125 complaints), steering (112 complaints), engine (46 complaints).

Does the 2012 Ford F-250 have recalls?

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

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

Which Ford F-250 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-250 years to avoid are 2019, 2017, 1999, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2000, 2011, 2020, 1997, 2006, 2001, 2008, 1995, 2014. The cleanest record among F-250 years belongs to 1982.

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.