VehicleVerdict

2012 Ford F-350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 252 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.0 times the median F-350 year — the 2012 model ranks #8 of 53 F-350 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 66 reports (26% of the total).

252

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other F-350 years?

See all F-350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Ford F-350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering6626%
Suspension6526%
Engine3715%
Other177%
Fuel System146%
Tires & Wheels104%
Transmission94%
Brakes83%
Electrical System73%
Speed Control52%
Lighting31%
Body & Structure31%
Airbags21%
Driver Assistance21%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Seat Belts10%
Seats10%

Does the 2012 Ford F-350 have recalls?

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

14V498000OtherAugust 13, 2014 · 3 units

Defect

PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.

Consequence

The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

Remedy

PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.

13V535000EngineOctober 30, 2013 · 2,951 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 F-350/450/550 Ambulance Package vehicles manufactured February 22, 2010, through October 19, 2012 and equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine. Due to an exhaust sensor problem, the vehicles may experience loss of power followed by an engine stall.

Consequence

An unexpected engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, if this were to occur when the ambulance is transporting a patient, there is an increased risk of injury to the patient.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the exhaust gas temperature sensor, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S10.

13V380000EngineAugust 23, 2013 · 37 units

Defect

Manning Equipment Inc. LLC (Manning) is recalling certain model year 2012 Ford F-350, F-450 and F-550 gasoline engined dual rear wheel chassis vehicles manufactured October 2011 through June 2012. The tailpipe on the exhaust system does not extend out beyond the edge of the body, allowing heat to build up in rear curbside storage compartment.

Consequence

Excessive heat build up in rear compartment could result in fire.

Remedy

Manning Equipment has notified owners, and dealers will install tailpipe extensions free of charge. The recall has already begun. Owners may contact Manning Equipment at 1-502-426-5210.

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.

While driving at speed higher than 60 miles, when hit a small road bump or imperfection, front wheels start to wobble uncontrollably, up to a point where steering becomes impossible to steer, making it very hard to control the vehicle. This is a life threatening event! As far as I know it is a…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 31, 2023

YESTERDAY, 11/30/18. I HAVE HAD THE "DEATH RATTLE" A COUPLE OF TIME SINCE I'VE HAD THIS TRUCK, I'VE ALWAYS BEEN ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SAFELY. ON 11/30 I WAS TRAVELING ON A ROAD IN WYOMING. IT WAS SNOWING, AND I WAS GOING BETWEEN 40-45MPH IN A 60MPH ZONE DUE TO ADVERSE ROAD…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 30, 2018 · crash

RUST IN FUEL TANK. WHOLE FUEL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN WITH ENGINE OVER HEAT. NO LEAKS WHATSOEVER. JUST SHUT DOWN ON HIGHWAY. SHAME ON FORD!!!

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 12, 2020 · fire

RUST IN FUEL TANK. WHOLE FUEL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN WITH ENGINE OVER HEAT. NO LEAKS WHATSOEVER. JUST SHUT DOWN ON HIGHWAY. SHAME ON FORD!!!

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 12, 2020 · fire

RUST IN FUEL TANK. WHOLE FUEL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN WITH ENGINE OVER HEAT. NO LEAKS WHATSOEVER. JUST SHUT DOWN ON HIGHWAY. SHAME ON FORD!!!

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 12, 2020 · fire

2012 Ford F-350 — common questions

Is the 2012 Ford F-350 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 252 complaints put the 2012 model at #8 of 53 F-350 years. It is one of the F-350 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 F-350 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (66 complaints), suspension (65 complaints), engine (37 complaints).

Does the 2012 Ford F-350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Ford F-350. 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-350 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Ford F-350 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-350 years to avoid are 2017, 2019, 1999, 2000, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2020, 2004, 2006, 2011, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2008, 2005, 1996, 2014, 2002, 1993, 1994, 2021, 2013, 2003. The cleanest record among F-350 years belongs to 2010.

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.