2012 Ford F53 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2012 Ford F53 has a complaint index of 6, the lowest among model years with data, and 1 recall covering the transmission selector arm assembly. It ranks 16 out of 17 years for reported problems, making it one of the lower-complaint years for this model.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 6/100
- #16 of 17 F53 years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Top 2012 Ford F53 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (100%)
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 loss of stable handling on the highway, especially in crosswinds or when passed by large trucks.
- Inspection after a handling episode revealed the rear anti-sway bar bushing bracket along with its mounting bolts and nuts had gone missing.
- Owners describe difficulty keeping the vehicle in its lane once the suspension hardware failed.
- The reported suspension issue surfaced around 22,000 miles.
2012 Ford F53 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 12V035000Feb 2, 2012Transmission & Powertrain13,239 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 f-53 and f-59 stripped chassis vehicles manufactured from february 1, 2010 through july 1, 2011 and certain model year 2012 f-53 and f-59 stripped chassis vehicles manufactured from may 10, 2011 through october 25, 2011. The âprndlâ cable may break at the attachment to the transmission control selector arm assembly mounted on the steering column. If the cable breaks, the transmission gear indicator in the âprndlâ display in the instrument panel will remain in the first gear position regardless of the gear selected.
Risk: An incorrect gear indication in the instrument panel may prevent the driver from knowing if they are in park or reverse, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the transmission selector arm assembly and the âprndlâ cable assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on march 2, 2012. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
2012 compared with other F53 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Ford F53 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows only 1 complaint for the 2012 F53, giving it a complaint index of 6 — the lowest of any year with data, ranking 16th out of 17 years from worst to best.
- What problems does the 2012 Ford F53 have?
- The only reported issue involves the suspension, specifically a missing anti-sway bar bushing bracket and its mounting bolts and nuts, found at 22,000 miles.
- Does the 2012 Ford F53 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (12V035000) covers the transmission selector arm assembly and PRNDL cable assembly on certain 2012 F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis vehicles.
- How does the 2012 Ford F53 compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 6, the 2012 model has far fewer reported problems than years like 2020 (complaint index 100, Avoid) or 2014 (complaint index 94, Avoid).