2012 Ford F-350 Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 51 engine complaints for the 2012 Ford F-350, 28% of all 183 complaints filed for the year. A related recall (13V535000) covers a faulty exhaust gas temperature sensor tied to unexpected engine shutdowns; median mileage at failure was 55,500.
- Engine complaints
- 51
- 28% of 183
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 55,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Engine displays a "stop safely now" warning and shuts down without notice, sometimes while towing a trailer.
- A faulty exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor triggers sudden loss of power and engine shutdown at highway speed.
- Vehicle will not restart after the unexpected shutdown, leaving it stranded in traffic or blocking a road.
- Owners report the engine loses power or shuts down while pulling loaded trailers on two-lane highways.
- One owner described shuddering, blue-white smoke, and complete loss of power at full speed before the engine died.
- A separate report describes rust in the fuel tank causing the fuel system to shut down along with engine overheating.
When 2012 Ford F-350 engine complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 30, 2012, latest Sep 25, 2025.
Engine recalls for the 2012 Ford F-350
- NHTSA 13V535000Oct 30, 2013Engine2,951 vehicles
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 F-350/450/550 Ambulance Package vehicles manufactured February 22, 2010, through October 19, 2012 and equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine. Due to an exhaust sensor problem, the vehicles may experience loss of power followed by an engine stall.
Risk: An unexpected engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, if this were to occur when the ambulance is transporting a patient, there is an increased risk of injury to the patient.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the exhaust gas temperature sensor, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S10.
- NHTSA 13V380000Aug 23, 2013Engine37 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Manning Equipment Inc. LLC (Manning) is recalling certain model year 2012 Ford F-350, F-450 and F-550 gasoline engined dual rear wheel chassis vehicles manufactured October 2011 through June 2012. The tailpipe on the exhaust system does not extend out beyond the edge of the body, allowing heat to build up in rear curbside storage compartment.
Risk: Excessive heat build up in rear compartment could result in fire.
Remedy: Manning Equipment has notified owners, and dealers will install tailpipe extensions free of charge. The recall has already begun. Owners may contact Manning Equipment at 1-502-426-5210.
Engine complaints by F-350 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2012 Ford F-350 have?
- NHTSA lists 51 engine complaints for the 2012 F-350, which is 28% of the 183 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2012 Ford F-350 engine?
- Yes. Recall 13V535000 covers 2011-2012 F-350/450/550 Ambulance Package trucks with a 6.7L diesel engine and addresses a faulty exhaust gas temperature sensor; a second recall, 13V380000, covers a tailpipe issue on gas-engine 2012 F-350/450/550 chassis.
- At what mileage do 2012 F-350 engine problems usually appear?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 55,500 for engine-related complaints on this model year.
- What is the most common engine complaint pattern?
- The most frequent pattern involves a "stop safely now" message followed by sudden engine shutdown, often linked to a failed exhaust gas temperature sensor, and in some cases the truck would not restart.