2012 Ford F-250: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 266 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (29% of complaints); the 2010 and 2013 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Dec 2011
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 266 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2026
“CP4 pump continuous failure sending metal into the fuel system. Ford still uses an inferior product causing truck owners up to $18000 in repairs.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2026
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2025
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2025
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2025
“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.”Owner report · Structure · May 2025
“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”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2024
“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.”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2024
“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.”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact F-250 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 reliable?
NHTSA has 266 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2012 Ford F-250. The most complained-about area is steering (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 Ford F-250 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 81,160 miles or less.
Does the 2012 Ford F-250 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission. 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.