How many airbag complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Ford F-150?

NHTSA lists 37 airbag-related complaints for the 2012 Ford F-150, making up about 2% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Is there an airbag recall for the 2012 Ford F-150?

Yes. Recall 12V198000, reported in May 2012, covers incorrect software installed on the occupant classification system module (OCSM), and Ford dealers replaced the OCSM free of charge.

Did the airbag problems cause injuries or crashes?

NHTSA data tied to these airbag complaints show 10 crashes and 9 injuries, with no fires reported.

At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure among these complaints is 49,500 miles, though individual reports span a wide range of mileages.

Is the 2012 F-150 worse than other years for airbag complaints?

Airbag complaint counts are similar across F-150 model years, with 2012 at 37 complaints and 2% share, close to years like 2014 through 2018 which also show a 2% share.

2012 Ford F-150 Airbags Problems

NHTSA lists 37 airbag complaints for the 2012 Ford F-150, about 2% of that year's total complaints, including 10 crashes and 9 injuries. A related recall (12V198000) covers faulty occupant classification module software from that production period.

Airbags complaints: 37; 2% of 1,781
Crashes reported: 10
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 9
Median mileage: 49,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

Owners describe frontal airbags failing to deploy during moderate-to-high speed frontal collisions, including impacts near 35 to 45 mph.
Some report airbags not deploying even after the vehicle was pushed into another object or under another vehicle in a rear-end crash.
Several describe the airbag warning light illuminating with a passenger-airbag-off message when a lighter adult occupied the front seat, disabling front, side, and curtain airbags for that seat.
Others report airbags failing to deploy in low-speed frontal or angled collisions, sometimes accompanied by loss of engine and electrical power.
A few mention the airbag malfunction light coming on before or after a crash where the airbags ultimately did not deploy.

When 2012 Ford F-150 airbag complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 16, 2012, latest Apr 8, 2025.

37 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2012 to Apr 2025; peak Jan 2018 (3).

Airbags recalls for the 2012 Ford F-150

NHTSA 12V198000May 3, 2012Airbags101 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive
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 seatâs occupant such that the passenger side airbag does not deploy when it should, does not deploy as intended, or deploys when it should not.
Risk: 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.

Airbags complaints by F-150 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201019 (2%)
201114 (1%)
201237 (2%)
201339 (1%)
201431 (2%)
201535 (2%)
201635 (2%)
201723 (2%)
201838 (2%)
201924 (2%)
202010 (1%)
20215 (0%)
20224 (1%)
20231 (0%)
20244 (2%)
20251 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

How many airbag complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Ford F-150?: NHTSA lists 37 airbag-related complaints for the 2012 Ford F-150, making up about 2% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an airbag recall for the 2012 Ford F-150?: Yes. Recall 12V198000, reported in May 2012, covers incorrect software installed on the occupant classification system module (OCSM), and Ford dealers replaced the OCSM free of charge.
Did the airbag problems cause injuries or crashes?: NHTSA data tied to these airbag complaints show 10 crashes and 9 injuries, with no fires reported.
At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure among these complaints is 49,500 miles, though individual reports span a wide range of mileages.
Is the 2012 F-150 worse than other years for airbag complaints?: Airbag complaint counts are similar across F-150 model years, with 2012 at 37 complaints and 2% share, close to years like 2014 through 2018 which also show a 2% share.