2012 Ford F-250

Above average

Owners filed 266 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension. It has been recalled 1 time.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
79,500 milesMedian miles at failure

196 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering98
000
Suspension50
100
Engine22
001
Fuel/Propulsion System11
000
Electrical System10
020
Unknown or Other9
000
Service Brakes9
000
Power Train8
000
Structure › Body6
001
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel6
000

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Power Train › Automatic Transmission11V582000
Filed Dec 8, 201116,091 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 F-250, F-350, F-450 AND F-550 HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 12, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 114, “THEFT PROTECTION.” THE TRANSMISSION CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DUE TO BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH PROBLEM.

Risk. THIS WILL ALLOW THE OPERATOR TO INADVERTENTLY SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY TO A NEARBY PEDESTRIAN.

Remedy. FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH FUNCTION AND REPLACE THE SWITCH IF NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Jun 3, 2026477,000 milesTN

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that they discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 141,000. It was later discovered upon checking Carfax, that the mileage was 477,000.

Suspension
Filed Apr 21, 2026IL

Over 1 year (2025) steering front end shaking began. Our dealership on oil changes did not tell us to watch for anything and we should have been warned. When the shaking occurred we changed Ford shock asborbers from Ford dealership. Problem still occured. We lost faith in Ford and our regular dealership. We then at Moore's tires purchased 4 Michelin premium tires for F250 heavy duty truck and told them about the severe shaking in front end that we will crash because we can't maintain control only to pull off the road with a prayer. Very difficult when this happens on the route 80 highway going 70 mph speed limit. So, Moore's tires store replaced with new tires and replaced some suspension parts thinking they fixed it but not sure. No recall to alert any Ford owners or repair shops... no warnings to anyone. We spent over $7,000. in trying to solve the front end shaking issue. We are lucky we did not die in an accident caused by the front end shaking and no steering control. We want re-imbursement and full repair as the problem is still happening. our family and all of us have Been a Ford customer for over 60 plus years. But not feeling confident or safe with purchasing a new ford vehicle going forward. This can NOT happen that Ford is allowing this risk to potentially kill people due to their neglegence in quality and recall for safety.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 8, 2026TX

CP4 pump continuous failure sending metal into the fuel system. Ford still uses an inferior product causing truck owners up to $18000 in repairs.

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Mar 16, 2026330,000 milesWI

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 219,825 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was over 330,000.

Steering
Filed Dec 8, 2025IL

I bought this truck used from a dealership in 2022-23 haven't really had any problems till about 2 months ago. Front end started a wobble. A friend of mine just sent me information NHTSA put out about the Death Wobble. I believe it expired in 2024. I never received any kind of recall on this. I was wondering if it would still be something I could get looked into. Thank you.

Engine
Filed Jul 23, 2025IA

I just had to replace the ECM because it fired. after replacing that it still won't start. I've talked to multiple people who have had the same problem.

Power Train
Filed Jul 7, 202527,500 milesNJ

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 failure mileage was approximately 27,500.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 2, 2025FL

I purchased this truck new in 2013 and it has only been serviced by Ford, except for an Air Lift Suspension Kit install to allow load leveling when towing. Low miles: 54484 actual. No collision damage, original paint. Date of repair:06/25/2025. Jenkins Ford RO#[XXX]. My truck has a Supercab (Extended Cab) with short rear doors that open to the rear. Both of these rear doors failed within 5 minutes of each other. Specifically, the inside door handles and opening levers on the forward facing side of the doors failed. This is absolutely a safety hazard because a Child, Senior, Handicapped person, pet, etc., would be trapped from making an emergency exit in case of accident or fire. A more athletic person may be able to pull themselves over the from bench seat to exit, but still delaying the exit and dangerous. There were no warnings to alert anyone of the failures. Jenkins Ford (Crystal River, FL) diagnosed the problem and made the costly repair. Both door cables were replaced, no warranty. Cost: $1558.80 I called Ford USA Customer Relations (800) 392-3673 at 1:16PM EDT on 06/24/2025. C/S Rep "Kisha" said Ford would not assist in any goodwill for repair of this safety item. I researched this problem online an apparently, this is a common failure due to plastic parts holding the cables. I acknowledge that this vehicle is over 10 years old, but feel that this is a safety item Ford should stand behind. People keep vehicles longer these days and mine has been garaged, meticulously m

Electrical System
Filed Jun 9, 2025NC

It keeps throwing a check engine light for miss fire but ive replaced all of the ignition and fuel parts and it keeps happening now its loosing power and getting hot for no reason.

Structure
Filed May 8, 2025100,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the rear end of the vehicle seemed to be falling apart. The contact stated that the failure was due to the cab mount bushing. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed May 1, 2025161,000 milesVA

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.

Steering
Filed Apr 26, 2025PA

Driving on Pa turnpike twice this year and at 70 mph my 2012 ford f 250 with 79000 miles on it started shaking uncontrollably , had my wife and granddaughter with me and they cried and screamed till it stopped. Going to the dealer to see what Ford is going to fix for me before someone is killed ! Hopefully a recall or free fix! I have been educated that this has been an on going issue in many F250 Fords.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 3, 2025120,000 milesNC

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 manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 16, 2025FL

Daytime running lamps failed

Suspension
Filed Nov 21, 2024TX

Today 11/21/24, I notified my husband as I am driving up the ramp going 50 my ford started to shake hard. I had to hold on to the steering wheel and pull over with out pressing the break. I came to a stop and kept him on the phone in case I were to flip over. The vehicle stopped wobbling and I started up again. I was not able to drive but less than 40 and again the wobble coming back. The commute for me was over 1 hour. I would not make it alive home. This vehicle had to go to the shop as if I were to drive home I would not be alive at this moment

Steering
Filed Sep 30, 2024CA

The front suspension randomly shakes when doing speeds above 60 on the freeway. It’s very dangerous especially because we almost experienced running into a semi while driving on I-50 between a cement construction wall and the semi. I find it hard to believe that Ford will NOT own up to this. There is clearly a history of this. I simply want my front suspension fixed to meet safety standards.

Engine
Filed Jun 6, 2024FL

Leaving oil spots on ground. Inside Cab smelling very strongly like burnt oil.

Steering
Filed Mar 13, 2024128,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump and experienced the death wobble. The contact pulled over and slowed down to stabilize the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and repaired, however, the failure recurred. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired six times for the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000. The VIN was not available.

Steering
Filed Mar 3, 2024CO

The front end suspension and steering suddenly shakes violently after hitting a bump or uneven road at speeds above 50 MPH. The only way to stop it is to quickly slow down almost to a stop. Very scary and very dangerous.

Steering
Filed Feb 15, 2024MO

I was driving on a paved road at 55mph, I did have a passenger in the vehicle. As I steered through the slight curve to the left the steering wheel started to jerk in my hands and the truck started to shake/wobble violently. I removed my foot from the accelerator and started to apply the brake while trying to keep the steering under control. From the violent wobble in the front end of the truck it did cross over the center line slightly, thankfully there were no oncoming vehicles. The wobble in the front end of the truck and jerking of the wheel did not stop until I came to a complete stop. I made sure there was no physical damage, or anything that looked unsafe, and drove the 1 1/2 mile back to my garage at 25mph. The truck is now parked awaiting another inspection. I had an inspection of this vehicle done on January 26, 2024. The wheel bearing on the right front was found to be wearing and in need of replacement. The wheel bearing (hub unit) was replaced to spec on February 11, 2024. Between the time of bearing replacement and incident I had driven this vehicle with no issues for approximately 70 miles.

20 of 266 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1999
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2014142010Routine
201395010Routine
2012 — this page266150Above average
2011248230Above average
201073020Routine
200954110Routine
2008195841Fatalities reported
200760700Routine
2006221750Above average
2005144530Routine
2004154740Routine
2003116781Fatalities reported
2002156791Fatalities reported
20012209244Fatalities reported
200032610147Fatalities reported
199958119132Fatalities reported
199856910Routine
199730414190Above average
19961765250High concern
19951844170Routine
199412310230High concern
1993130940Routine
1992119761Fatalities reported
1991107790Routine
19901117140Routine

Compare every F-250 year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

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: Dec 8, 2011. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.