2012 Ford F-150

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 1,780 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

1,465 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles; the median is 63,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train530
908
Engine407
430
Steering164
200
Service Brakes114
1002
Electrical System113
070
Unknown or Other78
103
Visibility/Wiper76
010
Vehicle Speed Control56
200
Air Bags35
1009
Electronic Stability Control (esc)28
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)19V075000
Filed Feb 11, 20191,263,051 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Ford's number for this recall is 19S07.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission16V248000
Filed Apr 27, 2016153,581 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-inactive12V198000
Filed May 3, 2012101 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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 REPAIR. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE OCSM MAY MISCLASSIFY THE PASSENGER SEAT’S OCCUPANT SUCH THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DOES NOT DEPLOY WHEN IT SHOULD, DOES NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED, OR DEPLOYS WHEN IT SHOULD NOT.

Risk. A FAILURE TO DEPLOY, FAILURE TO DEPLOY AS INTENDED, OR A DEPLOYMENT WHEN NOT INTENDED, INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT OCCUPANT.

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 Lights12V190000
Filed May 3, 201210,500 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 “LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.” THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.

Risk. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE “R” POSITION AND THE VEHICLE’S TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE “R” MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLE’S NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.

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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Sep 1, 2026IL

On XXX, I brought my 2012 Ford F-150 (VIN: [XXX]) to an authorized dealership (Ed Morse Ford Geneseo) to complete mandatory safety recall 19S07 (Molded Lead Frame Software Update). The vehicle was fully operational, shifting safely, and completely functional upon arrival. Immediately upon completion of the safety recall software flash, during the direct drive home from the dealership, the transmission suffered a total mechanical failure. The vehicle began slipping, chattering, and downshifting violently, rendering it completely undrivable and unsafe on public roads. It required an emergency tow to a repair facility. A formal diagnostic inspection by a certified transmission specialist confirmed that the transmission computer contained absolutely zero diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), establishing that the failure was a direct result of electronic fluid-pressure shock caused by the dealership wiping the adaptive shifting strategy module during the recall software installation. The dealership and Ford Corporate (Case ID: # XXX) have summarily denied liability and refused to remedy the vehicle, claiming it constitutes an out-of-warranty mechanical wear issue. This explanation is invalid as the failure occurred immediately following a federal safety intervention. To restore essential transportation, I was forced to pay an independent automotive facility $5,984.00 out of pocket to replace the ruined transmission assembly. Ford's safety recall update directly caused a severe mechani

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 31, 2026PA

While driving the truck suddenly shifted into first year with the automatic transmission. This was the third time that this has happened.

Steering
Filed Aug 31, 2026NC

While Driving power steering failed, in addtion this complaint is noted on numerous Ford formums and websites for my year and model truck.

Power Train
Filed Aug 20, 2026145,000 milesOK

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear, almost causing the wheels to lock up. The power train warning light illuminated, and the instrument cluster became inoperable; however, the tachometer was operational. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a PCM reprogramming was completed; however, the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact that the leadframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that the leadframe replacement was not covered based on the manufactured date. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Power Train
Filed Aug 6, 2026MO

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear. The transmission warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an O'Reilly Auto Parts Store and DTC: P0717 (Input/Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor A) and C2775 (Electronic Stability Program / Traction Control System) was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Power Train
Filed Jul 29, 2026UT

At approximately 146,451 miles, the transmission molded leadframe on my 2012 Ford F-150 failed while I was driving approximately 60 mph on a highway. Without warning, the transmission harshly downshifted, the truck lost power, the speedometer stopped working, the wrench warning light came on, the seat belt warning light illuminated, and the transmission entered fail-safe (limp) mode. I could not maintain highway speed. This created a serious safety hazard. The unexpected downshift and sudden loss of power in moving traffic could have caused a crash. I was fortunate that no vehicle was directly behind me when the failure occurred. After a diagnostic code appeared, I identified the problem with my own code reader, and a Ford dealership confirmed the failure was the transmission molded leadframe. Ford declined to cover the repair because its Customer Satisfaction Program had expired. They acknowledged that it was a defective part, though. This leaves me paying to replace a part they know is defective and is highly severe and extremely dangerous, as it presents an immediate risk of a high-speed crash. I believe this is a serious safety defect because it can occur without warning and cause an unexpected downshift, sudden loss of power, loss of the speedometer, and fail-safe transmission operation while the vehicle is moving. I don't have the part, but I can ask that they save it. The vehicle has only been inspected by 2 dealerships. One diagnosed the issue. Again, no warning light

Power Train
Filed Jul 23, 2026IN

In my F 150 with41,000 miles on it I was traveling down a road about 45 mph and all of a sudden transmission went from 6th gear to first gear . This was a stressful situation as my dog got slammed around and I was stunned as the engine was revving high rpm and truck could only go 10mph. If i had been on a busy highway or interstate then it might’ve cost my dog and I’s lives! There was a car behind me going same speed and good thing he was paying attention or there would’ve been a bad rear end accident . I tried driving it locally at low speeds but it keeps doing it so basically an unsafe truck that I can’t use. I see numerous recalls for other years 2015i-17 and one for 2014 but none currently for my 2012. Please research and advise when you can. Thx [XXX] And just to be clear this is a dangerous safety recall need not a CSP solution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Lock
Filed Jul 17, 2026147,000 milesMO

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.

Power Train
Filed Jul 16, 2026IN

Just had another incident where driving along about 30mph and all of a sudden vehicle slams into first gear from 4th gear. Luckily neither I or my dog was injured. And also lucky that another vehicle wasn’t following closely as this safety issue could easily cause a rear end collision. I have reported this to Ford customer support and their corporate office. This is a safety defect from years ago that wasn’t fixed from 2 other recalls. There are a lot of Ford F150 owners from many different gens and years now once again having this same dangerous issue. Ford refuses to my 012 F150 and says they closed the recall in 2019 and now address it as a Customer Service Program which they then put a ten year warranty/150k miles on. Well that might’ve been fair but they backdated that warranty to when truck was originally sold- well that unfair and unethical attempt to make trucks from 2015 and older pay for the lead frame replacement and updated software correction… I’ve heard it costs $1300 and up depending on which Ford Dealership is used. Now to add to their unfair and costly solution out of the blue they have decided to cover 2014 trucks on a new safety recall. Why not cover all 12th generation F150s experiencing this dangerous issue? Why are us 012 and 013 affected owners being discriminated against??Please investigate this sneaky, haphazard program for me. I just tried again to drive my truck but after driving 2 miles and shutting truck off then starting and driving it goes backf

Electrical System
Filed Jul 8, 2026TN

Backup camera interments . I have original stereo and system. No aftermarket components to effect backup camera

Power Train
Filed Jul 7, 202640,500 milesIN

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train), but the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving at 40 MPH, the transmission would unexpectedly downshift from sixth gear to first gear. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,500.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 1, 2026NC

I am filing this complaint because I believe I was the victim of odometer fraud in connection with the purchase of a vehicle from a private seller. At the time of the sale, I relied on the odometer reading and the seller’s representations about the vehicle’s mileage. After purchasing the vehicle, I discovered evidence indicating that the odometer had been rolled back by approximately 90,000 miles. I was not informed of any mileage discrepancy before the sale, and I would not have purchased the vehicle, or would have paid significantly less, had I known the vehicle’s true mileage. Because of the apparent odometer rollback, the vehicle’s value has been substantially reduced, and I have suffered financial harm. I am requesting that this matter be investigated and that any appropriate action be taken under applicable odometer fraud laws. I am also seeking reimbursement or other appropriate relief for my losses. I have attached copies of the documents and evidence I have available, including the title, bill of sale (if applicable), vehicle history information, communications with the seller, and any other documentation supporting my complaint.

Power Train
Filed Jun 20, 2026GA

While accelerating onto the interstate, the vehicle suddenly downshifted into limp mode and the repair wrench showed on the screen. Fortunately, it was late at night as I was traveling and there were no vehicles behind me. This occurred 4 days after getting my vehicle back from having the oil pan replaced. It didn't happen again until a month later, when it occurred 3 times in 2 days before I stopped driving it. The dealer says it is a lead frame issue that had a previous recall; 19N01. The dealer also says that this recall is closed. My vehicle had less than 101k miles on it when the problem began.

Power Train
Filed Jun 12, 2026WA

Transmission randomly down shifting many gears at speed, almost causing accident

Power Train
Filed May 19, 2026TX

The onboard speed sensor (OSS) failed, causing my vehicle to abruptly, and without advanced warning of a problem, to shift from 6th gear at 65mph, to 3rd gear. This caused an immediate deceleration in the middle of a flow of traffic travelling at highway speeds. Several cars behind me were forced to brake hard, nearly causing a multi-vehicle accident, putting those drivers, myself and my passengers all in danger. Ford had issued an extended warranty to cover this known defect in the leadframe assembly, but because it was never issued as a recall notice, I never received the notification or the option to bring the truck in for repairs. It is riduclously dangerous and negligent that this was never issued as a recall, when it has been acknowledged by Ford and is both wide-spread and extremely dangerous to both the vehicle driver as well as other drivers on the road.

Power Train
Filed May 14, 2026MD

Our 2012 Ford F-150 truck had no issues and no dashboard lights when it randomly downshifted while driving and almost caused an accident. On Sat, May 9, 2026, my husband pulled onto the road and got up to 40 mph when the speedometer stopped working and the truck randomly downshifted. The car behind us had to swerve to avoid a collision. On Mon, May 11, 2026 we called the Ford garage they told us the Customer Service Program (#19N01) is no longer valid as it is over 10 years now. The truck only has 128,000 miles and we were never notified of a CSP when we purchased it in 2020. The Ford Customer Service Representative said the CSP was issued in 2019 but we purchased the vehicle in 2020 and were never notified of an issue. I now have a $1,500 repair bill for the leadframe that Ford will not reimburse us for and also see that they still have NUMEROUS transmission and speed control issues with their vehicles. I opened a case with Ford on May 14, 2026 [XXX] ) but their representative Iomar was not helpful. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train
Filed May 4, 2026NY

Recall 19S07 was performed on my vehicle. The dealership attempted the repair multiple times, and although the software update was eventually completed, the diagnostic trouble codes indicating a lead frame failure remained present immediately afterward. The recall did not resolve the defect condition. I was then required to pay out-of-pocket to replace the lead frame in order to correct the same issue the recall was intended to address. The sequence was: •Recall attempted multiple times •Update completed •Fault condition remained (lead frame codes) •Paid repair required to resolve condition The manufacturer directed me back to the dealership rather than addressing the incomplete recall remedy.

Power Train
Filed Apr 24, 2026132,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from third gear to first gear. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road, and it was turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle started. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The failure was a persistent failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a case. The contact associated the failure with Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N01. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty because of the age of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

Steering
Filed Apr 9, 2026NV

The component involved is the Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system. It intermittently fails and returns unexpectedly, causing sudden changes in steering effort and jerking of the steering wheel. This creates a serious safety risk because vehicle control can change without warning, especially at highway speeds. The steering system (rack and pinion/EPAS assembly) has been replaced twice, but the issue persists. Replaced parts are not available for inspection. No manufacturer inspection has confirmed a permanent fix. This failure puts my safety and others at risk due to unpredictable steering behavior and potential loss of control. Other owners have reported similar EPAS failures, including sudden loss of steering assist, near-collision events, and accidents documented in public complaint records. The vehicle has received repeated repairs for this issue, including two rack and pinion replacements, without resolution. No police or insurance inspection has occurred. Warning symptoms include intermittent steering assist loss, sudden changes in steering resistance, and inconsistent steering feel. These occur without consistent warning, making the failure unpredictable and dangerous. This appears to be a recurring defect in the EPAS system that has not been reliably resolved through repair attempts or existing recall actions.

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 10, 2026NC

The antilock brake system locked up causing me not to be able to stop the vehicle .The shift gear froze up .When I put my foot on the brake pedal it was frozen, I could not control the pedal Also the shift level gear did not work presenting a safety hazard when I tried to put it in park. The Sudden Transmission Downshift which was a safety recall happened There were no warning lamps or lights prior to this incident. The accident caused me to total my vehicle My safety was at risk I injured my leg, I filed a police report I also filed a claim with the Ford company which they quickly denied stating that the recall on the parts had expired I only had liability insurance and my truck was a total loss. I hope I'm still in the time frame to put in a claim

20 of 1,780 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20270100Routine
20268500Routine
20251021320Routine
20241871130Routine
20234071340Above average
20225902370Above average
20211,0092940Do not drive
20207241130Above average
20191,322970Above average
20182,30019333Fatalities reported
20171,43718210High concern
20162,04514250High concern
20151,70714133Fatalities reported
20141,5318161Do not drive
20132,9803354Fatalities reported
2012 — this page1,7804142Fatalities reported
20112,1886180Above average
20108421350High concern
2009324280Above average
20083691122Fatalities reported
20074887131Fatalities reported
200658514181Fatalities reported
20051,11214292Fatalities reported
20042,02916406Fatalities reported
200342311371Fatalities reported
200282110950High concern
20011,236192487Fatalities reported
20001,074173431Fatalities reported
19991,044186911Fatalities reported
19981,38118911Fatalities reported
19972,7582626214Fatalities reported
19963247752Fatalities reported
199562671142Fatalities reported
1994676131010High concern
199358613211Fatalities reported
19924709395Fatalities reported
19913046410High concern
19902755320High concern

Compare every F-150 year →

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 11, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.