Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted from 6th to 1st gear. The contact shifted the vehicle into neutral and coasted to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and regained proper function. The contact stated that the turn signal was also blinking abnormally. Additionally, the speedometer failed while making a left turn at slow speeds. The vehicle was restarted to remedy the failure. The contact also stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and was informed that the vehicle had been producing incorrect DTC codes. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the molded leadframe had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. …
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The mechanic was able to start the vehicle. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The contact stated that while looking under the hood he became aware that the pump fuse had dislodged. The contact replaced the pump fuse and the vehicle was able to restart however, the failure reoccurred. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the fuse box needed to be rewired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage 170,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds while the engine was warmed up, the speedometer would occasionally go blank, and the transmission would stay stuck in 3rd or 5th gear. The contact would restart the vehicle and it would provide an interim fix but the failure would recur. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the molded transmission lead frame was responsible for the failure and that it would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact noted that her vehicle should have been repaired under customer satisfaction program 19N01 however the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the transmission downshifted unexpectedly to third gear and then downshifted to first gear. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing erratic transmission shifting. The contact stated that upon coming to a stop, the transmission remained stuck in third gear. The contact stated that the transmission had been shifting between third gear and fifth gear. The speedometer and the odometer were inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost electronic functions. The vehicle then shifted abnormally before downshifting into first gear, causing the vehicle to come to a sudden stop. The contact stated that he was able to maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway before the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. After restarting the vehicle, the electronic functionality returned. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the powertrain control module. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V248000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the transmission seized while driving 15 MPH and making a left turn onto the highway in oncoming traffic, and the vehicle suddenly stopped. The wrench symbol was displayed. The instrument panel was blank. The contact stated that the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The failure had occurred several times while driving at various speeds. The contact logged into the Ford account and became aware of Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N01. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the program had expired and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at various speeds, the transmission was slipping. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that occasionally the electric mirrors were moving in and out while driving without user input. Additionally, the taillights was turning on and off unintendedly. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the main power distribution box was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic to replace all four tires, he was informed that the lug nuts on all four wheels were fractured and swollen. The contact stated that the lug nuts were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the tachometer and the speedometer needle had detached. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the transmission warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic was performed. The diagnostic determined that fuse#27 had melted inside the fuse box. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact was unable to unlock the door while using the remote unlock feature. The lights to indicate that the vehicle was unlocked flashed, but the contact was unable to open the door. Additionally, the contact attempted to open the door manually right after using the key, but the door failed to open. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
Electrical complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2012 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 173 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Ford F-150, 10% of the model year's 1,783 complaints. The component named most often is instrument panel › speedometer/odometer (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Ford F-150 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2012 Ford F-150, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Ford F-150 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 8 fires and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.