VehicleVerdict

2012 Ford F-53 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2012 Ford F-53 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other F-53 years?

F-53 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted28 complaints1995: 6 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 3 complaints2008: 1 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 9 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 10 complaints2014: 26 complaints2015: 8 complaints2016: 18 complaints2017: 7 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 4 complaints2020: 28 complaints2021: 15 complaints2022: 6 complaints2023: 8 complaints2024: 4 complaints2025: 3 complaints2026: 0 complaints
F-53 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-53 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Ford F-53 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1100%

Does the 2012 Ford F-53 have recalls?

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

12V035000TransmissionFebruary 2, 2012 · 13,239 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-53 AND F-59 STRIPPED CHASSIS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2010 THROUGH JULY 1, 2011 AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 F-53 AND F-59 STRIPPED CHASSIS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 10, 2011 THROUGH OCTOBER 25, 2011. THE ‘PRNDL’ CABLE MAY BREAK AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL SELECTOR ARM ASSEMBLY MOUNTED ON THE STEERING COLUMN. IF THE CABLE BREAKS, THE TRANSMISSION GEAR INDICATOR IN THE ‘PRNDL’ DISPLAY IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL REMAIN IN THE FIRST GEAR POSITION REGARDLESS OF THE GEAR SELECTED.

Consequence

AN INCORRECT GEAR INDICATION IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MAY PREVENT THE DRIVER FROM KNOWING IF THEY ARE IN PARK OR REVERSE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR ARM ASSEMBLY AND THE ‘PRNDL’ CABLE ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT 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 ON THE HIGHWAY I NOTICED A SUDDEN AND DISTINCT DETERIORATION IN HANDLING, SO SEVERE THAT IN CROSSWINDS OR WHEN BEING PASSED BY A SEMI-TRAILER IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND STAY IN MY LANE OR ON THE ROAD. WHEN I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE I FOUND THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · February 17, 2019

2012 Ford F-53 — common questions

Is the 2012 Ford F-53 reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Ford F-53 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Ford F-53. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.