2012 Ford F-450 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
40/100
#10 most-complained of 16 F-450 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2012 Ford F-450 has a Complaint Index of 40 and ranks 10th out of 16 model years, earning a "Good" verdict relative to other F-450 years. NHTSA lists 17 complaints and 11 recalls, with Engine issues the top problem area.
- Complaints
- 17
- Recalls
- 11
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2012 Ford F-450 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine7 (41%)
- Steering5 (29%)
- Other4 (24%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (24%)
- Brakes3 (18%)
- Electrical System3 (18%)
- Fuel System3 (18%)
What owners report
- Engine may derate or shut down unexpectedly during operation, sometimes traced to a failed EGT exhaust gas temperature sensor.
- Ambulance-equipped trucks reportedly lost power or would not start when dispatched on emergency calls, in one case at 53,760 miles.
- Owners describe violent shaking or a "death wobble" in the steering, especially after hitting bumps or rough road, at 65,378 miles in one case.
- A dashboard warning for "reduced power" and "cleaning exhaust filter" appeared along with reduced throttle response at 109,000 miles.
- Fuel system complaints describe metal shavings found in the high-pressure fuel pump, with the issue recurring at 36,220 miles despite prior repairs.
- One owner reported a rear tire failing suddenly at highway speed at 3,041 miles.
2012 Ford F-450 recalls
11 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 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.
- NHTSA 14V360000Jun 23, 2014Other10 vehicles
Equipment
Palfleet Truck Equipment Company, LLC (Palfleet) is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 super duty vehicles modified by Palfleet 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: Palfleet will notify 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 July 29, 2014. Owners may contact Palfleet customer service at 1- 502-376-2458.
2012 compared with other F-450 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Ford F-450 a good year?
- NHTSA data gives the 2012 F-450 a Complaint Index of 40 and a "Good" verdict, ranking 10th out of 16 model years covered for this model.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford F-450?
- Engine complaints make up 41% of reports, followed by Steering at 29% and Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 24%, based on NHTSA owner complaints.
- Does the 2012 Ford F-450 have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2012 F-450, several involving Muncie Power Products PTO Assembly pressure switches on trucks modified by outside equipment companies, plus a Powertrain Control Module software update for ambulance and fire truck packages.
- At what mileage do 2012 F-450 engine problems typically occur?
- The median mileage at failure for Engine complaints is 60,835.5 miles, according to NHTSA complaint data.