YearToAvoid

2012 Ford F-250 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

65/100

#8 most-complained of 21 F-250 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2012 Ford F-250 has 323 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 65 out of 100 — #8 highest of 21 F-250 model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is suspension, wheels & tires (147 complaints, 46% of the total). Complaints report 5 crashes, 5 fires, and 5 injuries.

Complaints
323
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
5 / 5
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2012 Ford F-250 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Suspension, Wheels & Tires147 (46%)
  2. Steering130 (40%)
  3. Engine63 (20%)
  4. Electrical System29 (9%)
  5. Other29 (9%)
  6. Fuel System26 (8%)
  7. Brakes18 (6%)
  8. Transmission & Powertrain18 (6%)
  9. Structure & Body13 (4%)
  10. Airbags6 (2%)
2012 Ford F-250 complaints: complaints filed per quarter322011 Q42014 Q12016 Q12018 Q12020 Q12022 Q12024 Q12026 Q1
485 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2011 Q4 to 2026 Q2; peak 2020 Q1 (32).

2012 Ford F-250 recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 11V582000Dec 8, 2011Transmission & Powertrain16,091 vehicles

    Power train:automatic transmission

    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, â“theft protection.┠the transmission can be shifted out of the park position without pressing the brake pedal due to brake shift interlock switch problem.

    Risk: 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.

2012 compared with other F-250 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2010Good301050—
2011Avoid803702—
2012Caution653231—
2013Best01160—
2014Good351680—

All Ford F-250 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Ford F-250 a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 Ford F-250 ranks #8 of 21 among F-250 model years (Complaint Index 65/100, verdict: Caution). It has 323 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford F-250?
The most reported problem areas are suspension, wheels & tires (147 complaints), steering (130 complaints), and engine (63 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 69,000 miles.
Does the 2012 Ford F-250 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2012 Ford F-250, most recently reported 2011, covering transmission & powertrain.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.