2012 Ford F-250

Above average

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

Not among the Ford F-250 years to avoid. Which Ford F-250 years to avoid →

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

196 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 2012 Ford F-250 problems

98 of the 266 complaints (37%) are about the steering.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering98
000
Suspension50
100
Engine22
001
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system11
000
Electrical System10
020
Unknown or Other9
000
Service Brakes · brakes9
000
Power Train · transmission8
000
Structure › Body · body and frame6
001
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel · engine6
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.

All 1 campaign on file, newest first.

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.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 8, 2024AZ

EXTENED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR PCM REPROGRAMING INTHE EVENT ABS VEHICLE SPEED SIGNAL RELATED COMMUNICATION LOSS THAT DISABLE OBDII SYSTEM MONITORS.

Engine
Filed Feb 7, 202442,500 milesNY

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.

Suspension
Filed Dec 18, 2023TX

I continue to experience violent shaking of vehicle when traveling around 70MPH. I almost lost control before I could safely pull over on the highway. I purchased truck with 55,000 miles on it and I replaced all the tires after it happened the first few times. New tires did not help.

Steering
Filed Aug 21, 2023TX

Death wobble--great oscillation and shuddering of steering wheel and vehicle itself after hitting patches of rough road at highway speeds. This has happened 5 times now. Truck is currently being inspected for any faulty equipment. This occurred on interstate 10 in LA, and if not for quick thinking, I would have swerved into other traffic or lost control completely. This is a known problem with Ford F250s and is very dangerous. No warnings, no lights, and no way to predict that this might occur driving over rough pavement.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 19, 2023MT

Without any warning, smoke started billowing from the driver's side dash and overhead liner. When looking for the cause, I pulled the solenoid and the smoking stopped. Upon further inspection, I discovered broken, melted wiring in the rear drivers side door jamb. In researching this problem online, I found that other owners had experienced the same problem.

Suspension
Filed Jul 12, 2023TX

The front end of the vehicle and wheels start to violently oscillate at speeds between 50-60 mph. Sometimes it occurs after hitting a small bump and often occurs over smooth roads. This has been described as the "death wobble". I have to slow down below 25 mph for the wobbling to stop. This has put me in numerous dangerous situations on the street amd highway.

Suspension
Filed Jun 2, 2023MI

Inconsistent Death wobble when traveling at speeds 50+mph. The vehicle will begin to shake violently. I will have to come to stop to resolve issue. A licensed mechanic has diagnosed this issue and replaced most of the front end suspension parts. The inconsistent death wobble continues and the vehicle shakes violently and is difficult to maintain control. This is a huge safety issue.

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Mar 31, 2023210,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while her son was driving 25 MPH on a slight incline, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and then stalled. Both the contact's son and husband were unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel injection pump had failed due to metal shavings intrusion into the fuel system. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense.

Fuel System, Diesel › Pre-heater
Filed Mar 20, 2023160,100 milesWA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds over 50 MPH, the vehicle shifted into LIMP Mode. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the failures could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted and that the transmission was slipping while shifting. The contact also stated that prior to entering the vehicle, he noticed a fluid leak underneath. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where unknown transmission repairs were completed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the fuel pressure regulator and heater malfunction failure codes were retrieved, and it was diagnosed that the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,100.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Feb 28, 2023CO

Driver and passenger front air bags did not deploy. Side air bags did deploy. Was hit front passenger side by ford explorer. Then hit by dodge truck head on. Then stuck by dodge truck on passenger side behind back door.

Suspension
Filed Jan 26, 2023229,020 milesLA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated upon making a turn, the wheel seized, and the vehicle failed to move. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side axle shaft had fractured at the wheel. The dealer diagnosed that the outer shaft and seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 229,020.

Steering
Filed Jan 20, 2023TX

WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK GOING OVER 50 MILES PER HOUR, IT GOES INTO A WOBBLE, SHAKING, VIBRATION MODE. I FEEL LIKE I'M IN A EARTHQUAKE. SOME TIMES IT COMES ON JUST NORMAL DRIVING AND MOST OF THE TIMES HAPPENS DRIVING OVER BUMPY UNEVEN SURFACE AND POTHOLES ROAD DOING OVER FIFTY MILES PER HOUR. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP RED MCCOMBS IN SAN ANTONIO TEXAS ABOUT THREE OR FOUR TIMES BEFORE WITH THIS PROBLEM. THEY CAN'T FINE THE PROBLEM. THE SURVICE ADVISER DID STATE THAT ONE OF THERE TECHNICIAN DID KNOWDICE A SLIDE VIBRATION WHILE TEST DRIVING IT BUT OTHER THEN THAT NO PROBEMS. THEY DID REPLACE A PART AT ONE TIME BUT IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT [RED MCCOMB] ON 6TH OF FEBRUARY TO DROP OFF THE TRUCK TO CHECK OUT AGAIN. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ANY MORE. THIS LAST TIME THE VIBRATION WAS REAL BAD. HAD HARD TIME GETTING IT UNDER CONTROL ON A MAJOR CITY HIGHWAY. I THOUGH I WAS GOING TO GET KILL. I FEAR FOR MY LIFE AND SAFETY DRIVING THAT TRUCK. I DON'T WANT TO SELL IT AND PUT SOMEBODY ELSE LIFE IN DANGER. I CALLED FORD MANUFACTURE ON AROUND THE 17 OR 18 OF JANUARY AND INFORMED THEM ABOUT IT. THE CONVERSATION WAS RECORDED ACCORDING TO THEM. THEY ACTED LIKE THERE HAS BEEN NO PROBLEM WITH THOSE TRUCKS. THEY CONTACTED ME BACK WITH THE DEALERSHIP. THATS WHEN I MADE THE APPOINTMENT. I BOUGHT THAT TRUCK NEW IN TEMPLE TEXAS FROM THE JOHNSON BROTHERS DEALERSHIP IN JUNE 2012. RED MCCOMB HAS MAINTAIN ALL OF THE REQUIRED MAINTANACE AND MECHANICLE PROBLEMS SINCE I BOUGHT

Engine
Filed Dec 31, 2022GA

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. Unfortunately, the result of having to perform repeated repairs is that people decide to remove and bypass the DEF system completely. That seems to be a terrible outcome for the environment. However, in communities where there is no emissions testing, no one will find out. Please require Ford to extend the warranty on this part again.

Steering
Filed Nov 22, 2022MN

The truck will shake violently and uncontrollably at speeds above 45mph...thought I was going to crash into on coming traffic...very scary and life threatening not only for myself but also my passengers oncoming traffic ... I'm pretty sure I would have been the one with a lawsuit if I was to crash into something or someone...instead of ford ..please fix

Steering
Filed Oct 20, 2022TX

Known Ford Superduty "death wobble"...violent shaking of truck's front end at highway speed. Happens randomly and usually after hitting a bump or going over uneven road surfaces. Only way to stop wobble is to slow down to below about 50 mph, putting myself and others on the road at risk. Known Ford issue.

SuspensionCrash
Filed Oct 14, 2022206,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced a death wobble causing the vehicle to violently shake and vibrate. During the failure, the steering column failed as a result the driver lost control of the steering and drove off the road, and crash into a ditch. During the crash, the vehicle sustained damage to the subframe bracket. No injuries were reported. No police report was taken. The vehicle was towed away from the scene. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 206,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 17, 2022CO

The diesel particulate filter is failing on a lot of 2011-2016 ford f-250 f-350, f-450, and f-550 Part 6D20000. Leaving vehicles stranded on the road while driving at 75 MPH. The safety was impacted by a sudden vehicle slowing down with no acceleration. It had also tried doing a lot of regins. This particular truck has not been inspected by a ford dealer nor insurance, but it has been inspected by me and a private mechanic. there weren't any prior problems with this truck. On top of this situation, diesel particulate filters are back ordered by about 3 months and cost about $4,700.00 for replacements. I do forget what the exact day was but it was somewhere in august of 2022

Steering
Filed Sep 6, 2022IL

Today, September 6, 2022, is the first time I experienced the so called death wobble. I was traveling along at 55 mph when I went over a bump in the road and my truck began to shake like a dog shaking water off. I slowed down to 40 mph before it stopped. The shaking caused the turbocharger intake hose to break away from the engine causing an undrivable condition.

Suspension
Filed Sep 4, 2022TX

The truck is experiencing what is commonly referred to as the "Death Wobble." At around 55 mph, the vehicle starts to violently shake. It shakes the whole vehicle, especially the steering--the steering wheel severely shakes until I slow the vehicle slows down below 40 mph. From my research, I've found this is a common issue among other Superduty owners. It seems like there are faulty front end suspension and/or steering parts at play: pitman arm, drag link, tie rod ends (and their bushings/ball joints), etc. The shaking happens on the freeway and is frightening to experience as it could potentially lead to losing control if unable to slow down in time to stop the shaking. Being at freeway speeds, my family and I are at risk as well as other vehicles on the road if we were to lose control. This issue did occur 1.5 years ago. I took it into a Ford dealership where they replaced the steering dampener/stabilizer. Now the death wobble is happening again. From what I've learned, this is a band-aid fix that doesn't address the root cause of the death wobble. No warning lamps or error codes are present before, during, or after the shaking.

Suspension
Filed Aug 24, 2022136,700 milesMS

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shake abnormally without warning. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to the death wobble. The contact also stated that the EGR cooler was defective, causing the vehicle to downshift while driving at various speeds. The contact had the EGR cooler repaired by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired for the death wobble. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,700.

Engine
Filed Aug 6, 2022WV

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.

Steering
Filed Jul 20, 2022NY

I have not had an accident. I have experienced a violent shaking of the steering after going over a bump at highway speed (50 +MPH). The truck shakes so that control is very difficult until one can reduce speed. I have heard this shaking called the “Death Wobble” An appropriate name.

Engine
Filed Jun 20, 2022FL

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.

Suspension
Filed Jun 13, 2022AZ

Extreme, violent shaking of the front end. At highway speeds, when it happens, the vehicle is very difficult to control while trying to slow down enough for it to stop. This is definitely a safety issue.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 17, 2022LA

Okk Main issue is what everyone calls the “Death Wobble”. It has done it countless of times since I’ve had the truck. Even after I bought a New Fox Single steering stabilizer. I have replaced quite a few things under the front end that I was told “Could” be why it kept doing it. The most recent I’ve bought for the front is brand new Fox Shocks just like the ones I have on the back and it still does it. I’ve had the front end aligned a couple times since I’ve had the truck and rotated my tires once too. And to this day it Still does that death wobble. It scares me every time too still. Im afraid ima end up in a wreck or cause a wreck bc of it. Another issue is I keep having this warning pop up saying “ Engine Temp too high reduced engine power “ bc it thinks the engine coolant is too low which it’s Not. And when I scan the code through the OBD port it just says “Engine oil temp sensor too low/too high”. I had the Ford dealership in my town put a new Oil Temp sensor in it but it still throws a code just about everyday I drive it. Another issue I had was the High Pressure fuel pump on the front of the motor go out Literally while I was sittn in my driveway at night after just driving it not even 3 miles down the road to the store to grab a few things. And it ran fine like normal but soon as pulled in the driveway an was rolling my windows up about to go in it just died on me an had to get it towed to the Ford dealership in my town. They looked at my fuel an said my fuel was fine

Suspension
Filed May 11, 2022SC

While traveling at 55mph I hit a bump which caused the front of the vehicle to shake very violently. Rapid speed increase made it worse. It was only resolved when I braked hard slowing to 30mph. Thank goodness there was no traffic behind me as this would have resulted in my being rear ended by another vehicle.

Suspension
Filed Apr 25, 2022170,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that since purchasing of the vehicle, the vehicle experienced the death wobble on two separate occasions. The contact stated that the failures occurred while driving at undisclosed speeds. The contact stated that after driving over bumps on the road the vehicle experienced a violent and uncontrollable shaking without warning. The contact stated that once the vehicle slowed down, the vehicle would resume normal operation. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who replaced the track bar and track bar ball joint; as well as, the front and rear shocks. Despite the repair, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic after the second failure and remained in the possession of the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and he was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle and was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Suspension
Filed Apr 23, 2022MD

Front end death wobble. It began slightly about 6 months ago but progressively has gotten worse. Today driving from 40mph to interstate speeds of 70mph. It is scary and dangerous. Please do whatever is necessary to have FORD recall and fix for this issue.

Suspension
Filed Feb 28, 2022148,200 milesMD

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway and started to experience the death wobble. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road, restarted the vehicle, and continued driving to his destination. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 148,200.

Suspension
Filed Feb 13, 2022TN

My wife and I were traveling on I-40 at about 70 mph when the front end of the vehicle started shacking violently. We had to slow and come to a complete stop. This happened twice so we returned home driving about 50 mph. The first shop replaced the stablizer shock. This did not help. Took it to a second shop they replace the ball joint this seemed to help until got to highway speed. It happened again. The shop then installed shocks for each wheel. So far this has corrected the issue.

Complaints 1-50 of 266, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1999
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2014143010Routine
201395010Routine
2012 — this page266150Above average
2011248230Above average
201073020Routine
200954110Routine
2008197841Fatalities 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.