Most common 2012 Ford F-150 problems
Share of the 1,783 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford F-150 complaints by model year
Best F-150 years: 1996, 2009, 2008. Years to avoid: 2018, 2013, 2016, 2012, 2021. Compare all years →
2012 Ford F-150 recalls (4)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016.
Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive
Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 f-150 vehicles manufactured from November 6, 2011, through November 15, 2011. Incorrect software for the occupant classification system module (ocsm) was installed on the vehicles either at the time of manufacturing or during the course of replacement of the module as part of a service…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ocsm free of charge. The safety recall began on May 21, 2012. Owners May contact the Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Exterior lighting › Back up lights
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford f-150, 2012 expedition and Lincoln navigator, and 2012-2013 mustang vehicles, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard nos.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the trs as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on June 11, 2012.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 2012 Ford F-150:
Unexpected Transmission Downshift
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles.
Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
On June 22, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE15-026 to investigate incidents of increased brake pedal effort at cold start and extended stopping distance while driving in traffic, resulting from failures of the electric brake vacuum assist pump in model year (MY) 2011-2012 Ford F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines.
Reduced power during hard acceleration
On May 22, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE13-018 to investigate 95 complaints alleging incidents of reduced engine power during hard accelerations in model year (MY) 2011 through 2013 Ford F-150 trucks.ODI was aware of three technical service bulletins (TSBs) issued by Ford for a condition that was related to moisture accumulation in the Charge Air Cooler (CAC) for the turbochargers.A…
Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
On February 15, 2016, Ford Motor Company initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 15N05 to extend warranty coverage for the electric vacuum pump in certain model year (MY) 2011 through 2012 Ford F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines.The program extends coverage for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, all vehicles are eligible for the program through…
What 2012 Ford F-150 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 681 →
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the transmission downshifted from 7th to 6th gear, without warning. The contact pulled to the side of the road and shifted the vehicle into park(P) then back into drive(D). The contact stated that the transmission then selected 5th gear remained in 5th gear. The wrench warning light then illuminated. The contact stated that after arriving home, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to clear the codes and the vehicle operated as needed. The contact stated that the transmission continued to slip, causing the contact to continually clear the codes to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the lead frame needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 10201087 (Power Train). …
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle independently downshifted to first gear with several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the failure nearly caused the vehicle to be rear ended by an 18-wheeler that was forced into the emergency lane to avoid rear-ending the vehicle. The contact pulled over and restart the vehicle and the transmission warning light illuminated upon restart. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights remained illuminated on the instrument panel. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train). The contact called J.C. Lewis Ford Pooler (501 Memorial Blvd, Pooler, GA 31322) and J.C. …
Engine & cooling all 498 →
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and jerked. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle hesitated and lost motive power. The transmission slipped and downshifted to first gear. The contact was able to move over to the side of the road. The wrench warning light and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited for a while. The vehicle was restarted and returned to normal functionality; however, the vehicle failed to get up to speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the lead frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer weeks prior the failure for service. …
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended, prompting the contact to attempt to jump-start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power train control module. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, who then diagnosed an additional failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 168,000.
Steering all 204 →
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a left turn, the steering wheel became firm. The "Power Steering Assist Failure" message was displayed. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle several times while driving to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V316000 (Steering). The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted that stated there was no recall on the VIN related to the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 228,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated he noticed when entering or exiting out of the driveway and turning the steering wheel to the left, there was a loud squeaking sound with the advance trac warning light illuminated. While the contact was driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the steering wheel was very stiff. Additionally, the steering wheel would not return to the center after making a turn. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be inspected. The contact was informed of the EPS failure pertaining to the rack and pinion assembly. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
2012 Ford F-150 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 22 / 19 |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 12 / 16 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Ford F-150 a good car?
Based on 1,783 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 F-150 rates use caution: 1.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the F-150 at the same age. It is one of the F-150 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Ford F-150?
The transmission & drivetrain — 681 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (498) and steering (204).
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford F-150 have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2012 Ford F-150, the most recent from February 11, 2019 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford F-150?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1996, 2009 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2018, 2013, 2016, 2012 and 2021. See the full Ford F-150 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Ford F-150 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 63,000 miles; 41% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.