2012 Ford F-250 SD: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 57 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (20% of complaints); the 2010 and 2013 and 2014 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Ford super duty has been in shop for death wobble numerous times and when we get vehicle back still is the issue. Very unsafe and hard to stable once it starts. Even auto shop people when thought fixed drove and scared them. Whole truck shakes uncontrollably. Very poor on Ford for no recall with this happening. Why buy truck if you can't drive it for work duties.”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2023
“On highway driving about 55 mph lost control of vehicle no death wobble they speak of but went into next lane over and could not control truck until speed was lower. This happened at least three times already sent it into shop front end tight had all the tires replaced front end aligned still pulls left and right.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2019
“Death wobble - have been experiencing violent shaking and instability while at speeds of 55-65 mph. Steering wheel can almost be shaken out of my hands with a tight grip. Solution is to slow to below 25mph. Then start over. Wobble starts sometimes on its own or if hitting small uneven surface such as bridge/road joint.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Vehicle has had random times when it just cut off completely or it is unable to start. This has been ongoing since the vehicle was purchased used in 2015. Dealer has recently identified a defect in the brb but the repair expense is exorbitant due to time involved.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2019
“Experiencing what is known as "death wobble". When hitting a small bump in the pavement, vehicle begins shaking (sometimes violently). Must apply brakes and slow speed to remedy”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford f-250 sd. While driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle started to wobble violently. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact mentioned that the only way to stop the wobble was to reduce the speed. The contact also stated that the failure occurred one other time. The vehicle was taken to kenly ford inc (500 s garner ave, kenly, nc 27542) where the steering arm and torsion bar were replaced, and an alignment was performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.”Owner report · Wheels · Nov 2018
“Owned truck for less than a year, I had less than 50,000 miles on truck and had 'death wobble' on highway multiple times. After a $1000+ bill from the dealership, it still happens but not to the same extent as originally.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2018
“On highway at 50 mph when rear passenger tire exploded. Tire fragments tore and bent fender well metal causing $2700 damage. Steel belts were broken across the tire in two locations on the circumference. Fender and tire replaced. Likely would have caused severe bodily injury or death if a person had been standing next to the tire. (primary reason for filing this report) just prior to the explosion, my wife sensed a vibration and stopped to inspect tires. No obvious defects were found. After proceeding approximately 1 mile, the incident occurred. Tire was returned to bf goodiidge after which they claimed no responsibility. Pictures of tire and vehicle damage available”Owner report · Tires · Apr 2017
“At speeds between 40-60 mph the front of the truck shakes/vibrates violently. The truck becomes dangerous and is no longer steerable unless you stop completely.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2016
“Radiator leak from drivers side lower portion. Same as previous model year issues. Ford currently warranties earlier production, but will not extend to 2011 and up. Truck has only 56000 miles on it. Leak occurs after vehicle has reached operating temperature and is parked and/or turned off. Inspection conducted by ford discovered tank crimping has failed and truck needs a new radiator. I am not the only one with this issue, but still nothing is being done to correct it.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
Icon Vehicle Dynamics, LLC (Icon) is recalling all 05-UP FSD 2.5 Centerline Stabilizer Kits with part number 65050. The kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2021 Ford F-250 4X4 and F-350 4X4 pickup trucks. The foam ring inside the stabilizer "through shaft" may block the piston ports, possibly causing the steering to lock up.
Remedy: Icon will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shock assembly with a revised foam ring and steel support disc, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Icon customer service at 1-951-689-4266.
How other years compare
Check your exact F-250 SD by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Ford F-250 SD reliable?
NHTSA has 57 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2012 Ford F-250 SD. The most complained-about area is steering (20% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 Ford F-250 SD problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 55,118 miles or less.
Does the 2012 Ford F-250 SD have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning steering. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.