2012 Ford F-150 Problems
Compared with other Ford F-150 years
Typical for this model
56/100 1.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.2× that of a typical Ford F-150 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 399 of its 1,784 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported problem: Transmission downshifts to first gear while driving (560 complaints, median 98,000 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2009, 2010
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 1,784filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 63,000miles, 1,468 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 6 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl RWD · 16 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Ford F-150 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe the transmission abruptly downshifting to a lower gear while driving, sometimes with the speedometer dropping to zero or warning lights coming on. Steering assist loss and engine timing component wear are also common themes, and many complaints come in at higher mileages.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission downshifts to first gear while driving
- 560 complaints (31%)
- median 98,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (436 state mileage)
- 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,500 (median of 36 quotes)
- filed 2012–2026
Complaints describe the transmission suddenly dropping into first gear at highway or surface-street speeds, with a sharp deceleration and, in some accounts, the rear wheels locking and the truck sliding. Many owners say the speedometer drops to zero or the gauges act erratically, and some report a wrench or powertrain warning light. Dealers have variously replaced the molded leadframe, the output shaft speed sensor, or the powertrain control module, and a few owners report the problem returned after a recall reprogramming. Reported across a wide mileage range, from around 10,000 miles up to well over 200,000, often at highway speeds.
Recall 19V075000Recall 16V2480004 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether the truck has had the recall remedy and whether the transmission leadframe or output shaft speed sensor has been replaced. A test drive at highway speed and a scan for stored transmission codes can help.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My f150 would jump out of gear at random time, I can be turning on to the highway or just been riding along then the next thing you know im being jerked with other vehicles around me. Ive notice the odometer gauge zeros out. I can pull off the road and shut the truck off for a few minutes and it drives like nothing as happened”
NHTSA complaint #11350738, filed 2020-08, 100,000 miles“Ford refusing to fix field service action transmission molded lead frame extended coverage number 19n01 truck shifted down to second gear stayed stuck. There is a recall up to 150,000 miles I have 138,000 found this out ;local Ford dealer screwing me over saying not their issues I founs a NHTSA letter saying other wise also a electrical vacuum pump extended repair number 15n05 causing truck to stall going down roead.”
NHTSA complaint #11338526, filed 2020-07, 137,895 miles - Steering
Loss of power steering assist
- 161 complaints (9%)
- median 73,835 mi at 6.6 yrs old (125 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,800 (median of 20 quotes)
- filed 2012–2026
Owners describe the steering wheel suddenly becoming very stiff, often with a power steering assist or AdvanceTrac warning message, sometimes during a turn or at highway speed. Some say restarting the truck restores assist temporarily, and others report a squeaking noise when turning. Dealers have diagnosed failed steering angle sensors or a failing electronic power steering rack, with some owners told their VIN was not covered by a recall. Mostly reported between roughly 70,000 and 160,000 miles, sometimes first appearing at low speed or while turning.
What to check: Ask whether the power steering rack or steering angle sensors have been replaced, and watch for any assist warning message when turning at low speed during a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Making a right turn off of a county road at 10 MPH and epsa fault warning came on. Could not physically turn the vehicle. Was able to get the vehicle stopped. No accidents or injuries. There have been recalls on f150s from 2009 through 2018 with similar problems. My specific VIN number has not been found but I have read similar articles with other customers having the same problem. Living in upstate south carolina. This is the first occurrence. Vehicle with about 140,000 miles”
NHTSA complaint #11329971, filed 2020-06, 140,000 miles“Hard power steering and traction control faults a year or so ago. Had to reprogram control unit. Started getting power steering assist faults today. Steering went out at high speed on interstate. I have read that this is a common problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11340173, filed 2020-07, 160,000 miles - Engine
Cam phaser and timing chain noise or failure
- 101 complaints (6%)
- median 37,974 mi at 3.0 yrs old (91 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $2,700 (median of 10 quotes)
- filed 2012–2025
Complaints describe a rattling, ticking, or abnormal noise from the engine compartment at start-up or idle, along with the check engine light and reduced acceleration. Owners who had the truck diagnosed were often told the cam phasers and timing chain needed replacement, and some accounts describe the engine going into limp mode or needing replacement. Several mention the repair being quoted at significant cost outside warranty. Reported from around 30,000 miles up to about 230,000, with many accounts at higher mileages.
What to check: Listen for a rattle or tick at cold start-up and ask whether the timing chain and cam phasers have been serviced. A service bulletin describes a ticking noise at idle after an oil change on some 5.0L engines.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The 2011-2013 Ford F-150 eco boost is known to have timing chain stretch issues causing possible total engine failure. 25 months ago we spent $3,700 having cams and phasers and all chains repaired by a Ford certified dealer with Ford motor craft parts. …”
NHTSA complaint #11366576, filed 2020-10, 229,000 miles“Timing chain and phasers failure at 71k miles. Based on quick internet search this is a widespread problem that Ford refuses to repair after warranty despite being design flaw”
NHTSA complaint #11340508, filed 2020-07, 71,000 miles - Brakes
Soft or unresponsive brake pedal from vacuum pump
- 151 complaints (8%)
- median 62,000 mi at 4.8 yrs old (128 state mileage)
- 14 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $900 (median of 9 quotes)
- filed 2012–2026
Owners describe a brake pedal that feels hard or requires extra effort, a loud running or rushing-air noise from the brake vacuum pump, and longer stopping distances, especially on the first stops after start-up. Some complaints note the truck shook or failed to stop as expected when the pedal was pressed. Owners report being told about an extended repair program for the electric vacuum pump, and some say their vehicle was not covered. Mostly reported between roughly 84,000 and 150,000 miles, often noticed right after start-up or at low speed.
What to check: Test the pedal on a cold start for firmness and listen for the vacuum pump running. Ask whether the electric vacuum pump has been replaced or covered under an extended program.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“There is an issue with the electric brake vacuum pump. It males a loud noise when brakes are used and makes the brake pedal difficult to press down on and have a positive brake reaction. The first distance traveled after initial startup has very little brake activity due to the pump not creating brake pressure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11364454, filed 2020-10, 105,000 miles“Brake vacuum pump failure on residential city street, heard the pump running, then a gush of air resulting in extended stopping distance due to soft brake pedal. This part has been recalled in canada.”
NHTSA complaint #11315715, filed 2020-03, 84,400 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase scan for transmission and engine codes plus a highway test drive is worth the effort on this model year, and ask specifically whether the downshift recall and the transmission leadframe extended coverage have been addressed. Also check the brake pedal feel on a cold start and the condition of the rear window and defroster.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 1,784 consumer complaints for the 2012 Ford F-150. 1,468 of the complaints include a mileage, and 41% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 63,000 miles. Of all complaints, 40 involved a crash, 14 a fire, 29 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 117 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Ford F-150 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 56 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Transmission and drivetrain682 38%
- Engine483 27%
- Steering204 11%
- Vehicle speed control194 11%
- Electrical system173 9.7%
- Brakes137 7.7%
- Other or unknown122 6.8%
- Fuel system119 6.7%
- Air bags37 2.1%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (36), Body and structure (24), Suspension (19), Wheels (18), Engine cooling (17), Tires (12), Exterior lighting (9), Seats (9), Latches, locks and linkages (7), Forward collision avoidance (3), Seat belts (3), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (2).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Was driving on highway at 65 MPH, when the trannie dropped into lower gear and locked up the rear end. The truck fishtailed for a few moments until I was able to gain control and pull to side of road. I was told by the dealership later that the leadframe harness needed to be replaced. However a safety reort came ut stating a sensor was to blame.”
NHTSA complaint #11180497, filed 2019-02, 80,000 milesEngine: “My timing chain on my f1 50 was stretched and I paid over $8000 to have it fixed and here it is not even a year later and it is stretched again. With all of the supposedly new and updated parts Ford obviously doesn't care about what vehicles we buy because they clearly don't want us to buy theirs since I don't want to fix this problem the right way!”
NHTSA complaint #11195713, filed 2019-04, 82,254 milesSteering: “While turning the steering wheel, it is making a noise like someone is using an air tool under the hood. I was driving into work and the steering wheel will catch and hang up so you can not turn all the way. This issue could be very dangerous if it did that while driving in traffic. I feel that this could be a serious safety concern.”
NHTSA complaint #11316980, filed 2020-03, 135,000 milesVehicle speed control: “Takata recall- I just got my 2012 f150 and I really like the truck but everytime I drive it and im slowing down it all suddently shifts down real hard , I try to avoid it to shift down so hard but nothing works. It really doesnt feel safe at all driving it and this happens everytime I drive it.I just want to get that recall problem fixed as soon as possible”
NHTSA complaint #11221096, filed 2019-06, 90,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
41% of the 1,468 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 25,000 and 102,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Ford F-150. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F-150 Regular Cab · regular cab 4x2 | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 · 19.8% risk |
| F-150 Regular Cab · regular cab 4x4 | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 · 22.8% risk |
| F-150 Super Crew · crew cab 4x2 | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.8% risk |
| F-150 Super Crew · crew cab 4x4 | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 22.8% risk |
| F-150 Supercab · extended cab 4x2 | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 · 19.8% risk |
| F-150 Supercab · extended cab 4x4 | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 · 22.8% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2011: same overall rating; 2013: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Ford F-150 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 13 | $5,150 |
| F150 Raptor Pickup 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 13 | $5,150 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV | 3.7L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV | 3.7L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV | 5.0L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV | 5.0L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV | 3.7L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV | 3.7L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV | 5.0L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
1 more EPA-rated versions are not shown.
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 19V075000Feb 11, 2019Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Covers: Ford F-150 2011–2013
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.
- 16V248000Apr 27, 2016Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Ford F-150 2011–2012, Mustang 2012, Expedition 2012 +1 more
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…
- 12V190000May 3, 2012Exterior lighting › Back up lightsCovers: Ford F-150 2011–2012, Mustang 2012–2013, Expedition 2012 +1 more
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…
- 12V198000May 3, 2012Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactiveCovers: Ford F-150 2012
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…
Recall details for the 2012 Ford F-150 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA15006Brake Vacuum Pump FailureClosed · Oct 16, 2015
- PE15026Brake Vacuum Pump FailureClosed · Jun 22, 2015
- PE13018Reduced power during hard accelerationClosed · May 22, 2013
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 117 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031792Apr 29, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. Harvest Program 25H05 – Supplement #1 Certain 2011-2021 Model Year Vehicles Software Verification Harvest Program
- 11029052Feb 24, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system, Body and structure. Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code…
- 11026013Nov 19, 2025Electrical system, Other or unknown. This is a proactive investigation program by Ford Motor Company to inspect a limited number of affected vehicles that are customer-owned. Ford is voluntarily conducting this program to evaluate the…
- 11008948Oct 10, 2024Other or unknown. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission…
- 11005305Jul 24, 2024Wheels. This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable steps by vehicle application. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150…
- 10254138Apr 24, 2024Equipment. All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should…
- 10251951Mar 6, 2024Engine cooling. Some 2011-2024 Mustang and F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine may exhibit a tick tap and/or typewriter ticking noise at idle after an engine oil change. It is often referred to as typewriter…
- 10235153Apr 4, 2023Body and structure. For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement…
- 10214754Jun 21, 2022Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial…
- 10201087Aug 17, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. This program extends the warranty coverage of the automatic transmission molded leadframe to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first…
Other model years of the Ford F-150
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 | — | 8 | 5 | 20 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 109 | 5,330 | 14 | 5 | 20 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 195 | 8,750 | 11 | 5 | 20 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 416 | 29,700 | 13 | 5 | 21 | 42 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 601 | 27,882 | 23 | 5 | 20 | 53 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 1,036 | 47,500 | 29 | 5 | 20 | 67 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 741 | 38,000 | 11 | 4–5 | 19 | 45 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 1,342 | 60,000 | 9 | 4–5 | 21 | 40 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 2,325 | 40,000 | 18 | 4–5 | 21 | 74 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 1,462 | 53,000 | 17 | 5 | 20 | 49 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 2,086 | 45,478 | 13 | 5 | 20 | 74 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 1,743 | 50,000 | 13 | 5 | 20 | 61 · Typical | Stable |
| 2014 | 1,538 | 65,000 | 8 | 4 | 18 | 51 · Typical | Rising |
| 2013 | 2,992 | 74,281 | 3 | 4 | 18 | 48 · Typical | Rising |
| 2012 | 1,784 | 63,000 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 56 · Typical | Stable |
| 2011 | 2,193 | 70,766 | 6 | 4 | 18 | 67 · More | Stable |
| 2010 | 843 | 58,150 | 1 | — | 16 | 6 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2009 | 324 | 50,525 | 2 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 369 | 61,500 | 1 | — | 15 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2007 | 488 | 57,426 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 585 | 60,500 | 4 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 1,112 | 61,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 2,029 | 61,000 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 423 | 63,946 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 821 | 90,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 1,236 | 95,000 | 8 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 1,075 | 91,843 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 1,044 | 100,000 | 7 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 1,381 | 113,070 | 8 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 2,758 | 107,360 | 14 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 324 | 110,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 626 | 117,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 676 | 132,835 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 586 | 136,500 | 7 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1992 | 470 | 133,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 304 | 107,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 275 | 97,900 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1989 | 224 | 106,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 139 | 99,061 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 91 | 128,013 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 61 | 120,500 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 28 | — | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 15 | 192,035 | 1 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 1983 | 10 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1982 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford F-150 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford F-150?
Owners of this model year most often describe the transmission abruptly downshifting to a lower gear while driving, sometimes with the speedometer dropping to zero or warning lights coming on. The issues reported most often: Transmission downshifts to first gear while driving; Loss of power steering assist; Cam phaser and timing chain noise or failure.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Ford F-150 have?
NHTSA recorded 1,784 consumer complaints for the 2012 Ford F-150 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Ford F-150 is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 682 complaints (38% of the total), followed by engine with 483.
Has the 2012 Ford F-150 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2012 Ford F-150 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2012 Ford F-150 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 6 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Ford F-150 get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Ford F-150 (F150 Pickup 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Ford F-150 reported?
Among the 1,468 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 63,000 miles and the middle half falls between 25,000 and 102,000 miles; 41% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.