2012 Ford F-250 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2012 Ford F-250, 6% of its 323 total complaints that year. Median mileage at failure was 59,937. One related recall (11V582000) covers a brake shift interlock switch issue.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 18
- 6% of 323
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 59,937 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners describe the transmission clunking and shifting oddly between 1st and 2nd gear after the engine revs high without the truck moving.
- Some report the engine losing power and shutting down (EGT failure), stranding the truck on the side of the road.
- Drivers describe violent shaking or vibration at highway speed, sometimes called a 'death wobble,' that made the truck hard to control until slowing down.
- One owner linked abnormal shaking to a defective EGR cooler that caused the truck to downshift unexpectedly while driving.
- A water pump failure was reported at 75,500 miles, which the owner said disrupted planned towing use.
When 2012 Ford F-250 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 21, 2013, latest Jul 23, 2025.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2012 Ford F-250
- 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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by F-250 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2012 Ford F-250 have?
- NHTSA lists 18 complaints in this category for the 2012 model year, which is 6% of its 323 total complaints.
- What mileage do transmission and powertrain problems tend to show up at on the 2012 F-250?
- The median mileage at failure across complaints in this area is 59,937 miles.
- Is there a recall related to transmission or powertrain problems on the 2012 F-250?
- Yes. Recall 11V582000 covers the 2012 F-250 (along with F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2011 F-150) for a brake shift interlock switch inspection and possible replacement.
- Did any of these transmission and powertrain complaints involve crashes or fires?
- NHTSA data for this area shows 1 crash and 0 fires reported among the 18 complaints.
- How does 2012 compare to other F-250 model years for this problem area?
- The 2012 F-250 had 18 complaints (6% share) in this area, lower in raw count than 2019's 45 complaints and 2020's 74 complaints, though 2020's share was higher at 28%.