2012 Ford F-250 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2012 Ford F-250 has a Complaint Index of 65 and ranks 8th worst of 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Suspension, wheels and tires account for 46% of complaints, followed by steering at 40%, with one recall on record.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 65/100
- #8 of 21 F-250 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 323
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Top 2012 Ford F-250 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires147 (46%)
- Steering130 (40%)
- Engine63 (20%)
- Electrical System29 (9%)
- Other29 (9%)
- Fuel System26 (8%)
- Brakes18 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain18 (6%)
- Structure & Body13 (4%)
- Airbags6 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report a sudden death wobble at low speed that causes violent shaking and steering column failure, sometimes leading to loss of control.
- Several owners describe burning or electrical smells coming from the dash, wiring harness, or door jamb, with some finding melted or broken wiring.
- Multiple reports describe smoke or fire starting near the driver's side dash, overhead liner, or under the front end without warning.
- Some owners report frontal airbags failing to deploy in moderate-speed crashes even though side airbags deployed.
- One owner described the engine shutting down on its own after dashboard warning lights and alarms activated while driving.
2012 Ford F-250 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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, âtheft protection.â 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
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Ford F-250 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2012 F-250 a Complaint Index of 65, ranking 8th worst among the 21 model years with data, so it carries a Caution verdict relative to other F-250 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford F-250?
- Suspension, wheels and tires make up 46% of complaints and steering makes up 40%, with a median mileage at failure of 69,000 miles overall.
- Does the 2012 Ford F-250 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall for the 2012 F-250, covering the brake shift interlock switch, which Ford dealers inspect and replace if needed.
- Which F-250 years are worse than 2012?
- According to complaint index, 2006, 2011, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 rank worse than 2012, with 2019 having the highest Complaint Index at 100.
- Which F-250 year is the best choice?
- Among the years listed, 2013 has a Complaint Index of 0 and a Best verdict, the lowest of any F-250 model year in this data.