2012 Ford F-350 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2012 Ford F-350 has a complaint index of 40 and ranks 13th worst among 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Its rating is capped by 16 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit, even though its complaint count is mid-range for the model.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 40/100
- #13 of 21 F-350 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 183
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 16
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 7
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Top 2012 Ford F-350 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires81 (44%)
- Steering75 (41%)
- Engine51 (28%)
- Fuel System18 (10%)
- Other18 (10%)
- Brakes10 (5%)
- Electrical System10 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain10 (5%)
- Structure & Body5 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (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 describe a 'death rattle' in the suspension that can trigger sudden loss of steering control at highway speed.
- Some drivers report the steering or transfer case grinding and slipping into reverse unexpectedly, resulting in a crash.
- Several owners report the truck rolling away after being shifted into park on an incline.
- Engine complaints include intermittent failure to slow when the brake is applied after releasing the accelerator, and one report of sudden power loss with blue-white smoke on the highway.
- One owner reported rust inside the fuel tank causing the whole fuel system to shut down with the engine overheating.
- A brake complaint describes total brake loss after hitting a curb, with the truck unexpectedly accelerating.
2012 Ford F-350 recalls
16 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 15V175000Mar 25, 2015Transmission & Powertrain6,322 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks manufactured February 22, 2010, to January 30, 2015, and equipped with ambulance or fire engine preparation packages. The affected vehicles may detect an incorrect Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGT) fault indicating that the vehicle is too hot, causing the engine management system to shut down the engine and prevent its immediate restart.
Risk: Engine shut down and a subsequent cool down period may delay medical treatment or assistance to those needing it, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S09.
- NHTSA 14V507000Aug 18, 2014Other76 vehicles
Equipment
Jerr-Dan Corporation (Jerr-Dan) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Ford F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Superduty chassis modified by Jerr-Dan and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
Risk: The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Remedy: Jerr-Dan will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Jerr-Dan customer service at 1-800-926-9666.
- NHTSA 14V498000Aug 13, 2014Other3 vehicles
Equipment
PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
Risk: The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Remedy: PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.
2012 compared with other F-350 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Ford F-350 reliable?
- NHTSA lists 183 complaints for the 2012 F-350, giving it a complaint index of 40 and a rank of 13th worst out of 21 model years. That puts it in the middle of the pack, with a Caution verdict.
- Why is the 2012 Ford F-350 rated Caution instead of based on complaints alone?
- Its complaint index of 40 would suggest a milder rating, but 16 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit capped the verdict at Caution.
- What is the top problem area for the 2012 Ford F-350?
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires is the top problem area, accounting for 81 complaints, or 44% of all complaints, with a median failure mileage of 91,500 miles.
- Does the 2012 Ford F-350 have transmission problems?
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints total 10, or 5% of all complaints, with a median failure mileage of 38,500 miles, including reports of the truck rolling away in park and grinding when shifting into reverse.
- How does the 2012 F-350 compare to other years?
- Its complaint index of 40 is lower than years like 2017 (95), 2019 (100), and 2016 (80), which are rated Avoid, but higher than 2009 (10) and 2010 (5), which are rated Caution with fewer complaints.