Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Ford F-250 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated while he was stopped at a traffic signal, he smelled a burning plastic smell. The contact observed that smoke was being emitted from under the vehicle's front end. The contact pulled off the road and parked. As he exited the vehicle, he observed that flames were shooting from under the vehicle. The contact stated that in a few minutes, the flames had engulfed the engine compartment. The fire department was called, and the police had also arrived. The fire was extinguished using water. The police did not filed a report. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the engine power was significantly reduced and there was a whining sound coming from the engine compartment. While starting the vehicle, there was a high-pitched whining sound heard. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and determined there was a failure with the fuel pump. The fuel pumps were replaced 4 times, and the front and rear fuel pressure regulators were replaced several times since 2012. The contact was adding coolant to the vehicle every 2 months. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. …
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine seizure due to coolant intrusion in the engine. The contact stated that while the dealer was in the process of replacing the engine, the dealer informed the contact that the transmission also needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the engine and the transmission. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was bucking and jerking. The gear shift indicator light displayed that the transmission was slipping from drive(D) to neutral(N) and reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the part was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle began to make an abnormal cranking sound with several unknown warning lights flashing on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was discovered that piston rod #3 had snapped inside the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. After a year, the engine was replaced; however, three weeks later, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was informed that the exhaust gas cooling system had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 42,500.
Ford previously issued warranty extension for this vehicle 18-M-01 related to the replacement of the reductant heater unit. I acquired the subject vehicle above and had the repair done at my expense on September 9, 2015 with 115,710 miles on the vehicle using an OEM part. Eventually, Ford would reimburse me for this expense. The truck currently has 150,000 miles and once again the DEF heater failed . So, roughly 35,000 miles on a single unit. That seems ridiculous to me that an emissions part would fail after a mere 35,000 miles. My experience is far from being alone and others have reported similar experiences on internet forums. I will preserve this unit that failed for 60 days after the submission of this claim in case Ford or you would like to inspect it. …
Very intermittently, when I brake this vehicle to bring it to a stop, the engine will start to rev uncontrollably. I have to practically "stand" on the brake to keep it from charging forward. I have to turn off the truck to stop this high speed revving. After this happened 3 times in 2 months we took it to the dealer to check. There was nothing on the floor that could cause the gas pedal to accelerate. The dealer in Kingwood, WV could not duplicate, and found nothing wrong when inspected. We only use the truck once or twice a month so it is a low use vehicle. For this reason the problem does not occur frequently enough to replicate "on demand". While there was not a crash, it almost revved through an intersection and almost ran into another vehicle. Fortunately I was able to throw it into park (Not Good for the vehicle) and then turn it off.
Many early model vehicles with the 6.7 Powerstroke experience broken exhaust manifold bolts. Ford corrected this problem after the first few years of known defects but never issued a recall for the faulty design on 2011-2012 models. The exhaust leak can lead to a lack of power, "limp mode", and/or a fire as the exhaust is located on top of the engine (not a common design). While Ford is aware of the problem, they've done nothing to rectify the situation.
Started my truck to let it warm up before I took it in to town. Went inside for around 150 min, come outside and I seen smoke coming from my doors and as soon as I opened it feom the passenger door it was full of smoke and I seen a fire on my driver side feint seat. It completely burnt my truck and another f250 the was parked next to it.
I have a 2012 Ford f250 king ranch 6.7 diesel. The radiator started leaking so I took it to the dealership only to find out I needed a new radiator. Since my bumper-to-bumper warranty ran out at 36K miles this repair was on my dime. In researching online forums and such, there have been known issues with the diesel radiator as far back as 2008. The entire premise behind a diesel engine is "compression-ignition" in which fuel is ignited due to compressed air at approximately 1000 degrees f. There is no scenario where the either the manufacturer of the radiator and/or Ford motor company themselves should not be required to fix this faulty part at their expense. The repair estimate was over $2,000 on a vehicle less than 3 years old. …
On my 2012 Ford f250 it has the crank case ventilation filter that leaks oil into the intake I have seen alot of post about this exact problem it sorta feels like Ford wants our trucks to break sobwe have to buy a new one the filter is cheap but its a defect that the dealer made this truck has been in the shop twice already bc of the def sending unit and now with this problem thia truck only has 101K miles and I forgot to say when this happens it builds up extream pressure on the oil cap when it opens up it throws oil in your face I needed to go to the eye doctor so I could get a flush trust me Ford knows about the problem on these 6.7 they just havent figured out a solution to keep there Ford customers satisfied I would like them to put in a new ccv filter because of there poor design on this truck..
Engine complaints in other F-250 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2012 Ford F-250?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2012 Ford F-250, 15% of the model year's 266 complaints. The component named most often is engine › diesel (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Ford F-250 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2012 Ford F-250, though it has 1 recall 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-250 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.