2012 Ford F-450: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed back to the residence. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence and diagnosed the vehicle with fuel pump failure. The contact was unaware whether the fuel pump needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,188.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2026
“We have to replace our fuel tank because the lining has delaminated. We have already had to replace the engine which may have been a result of the lining deterioration.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford f-450. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle began to stall and the check engine and oil pressure warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to park the vehicle on the side of the road as it stalled and turned off. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and then to bayshore ford truck sales (located at 4003 n dupont hwy, new castle, de 19720, (302) 656-3160) where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 38,500.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2019
Show 5 more owner reports
“While transporting a patient to the hospital the engine on our 2012 ford ambulance suddenly and without warning derated. This caused our ambulance to slow dramatically and delayed transport to the hospital. We brought the ambulance to the dealer who stated the entire def system would need to be replaced at a cost of $5,000! I researching the internet this is not an uncommon problem. I contacted the regional manager for ford and have had no response.”Owner report · Engine · May 2016
“1/28/14- hpfp metal shavings found after engine power down, all fuel system replaced. After only a few months (4/10/14) same thing. On 4/25/16 same thing. No warrant. Ford knows this has been ongoing issue, refuses to warranty while other mfg, ie vw does cover same part. I would welcome class action suit.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2016
“Driving down the highway in the rain truck started shaking could not hold steering wheel . Truck started going sideways on highway from shaking/ wobble. Truck shuts off driving down the road with no warning no steering or brakes towing equipment. I have had my 1 year old daughter in truck almost in a accident 2 times now from trucks death wobble and motor shutting off towing equipment.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2015
“This vehicle, which is an ambulance, was dispatched to an emergency call. As they turned into the drive of the facility the chimes sounded and the engine shut off. Had this vehicle been on the highway at the time, it would have been a very dangerous situation for the crew involved. At the very least, another ambulance had to be dispatched to the call and delayed care to the patient. It was determined later that the egt sensor had failed, although there was apparently no problem in the exhaust system at the time.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2013
“When partially depressed the turn signal will only blink 3 times. I think I have activated a proper turn signal only to find out it was a partial. Ford says there is no way to program this differently. Does 3 blinks constitute a turnsignal? *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Mar 2012
Recalls - 4 campaigns
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 F-350/450/550 Ambulance Package vehicles manufactured February 22, 2010, through October 19, 2012 and equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine. Due to an exhaust sensor problem, the vehicles may experience loss of power followed by an engine stall.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the exhaust gas temperature sensor, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S10.
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.
PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
Remedy: PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.
Manning Equipment Inc. LLC (Manning) is recalling certain model year 2012 Ford F-350, F-450 and F-550 gasoline engined dual rear wheel chassis vehicles manufactured October 2011 through June 2012. The tailpipe on the exhaust system does not extend out beyond the edge of the body, allowing heat to build up in rear curbside storage compartment.
Remedy: Manning Equipment has notified owners, and dealers will install tailpipe extensions free of charge. The recall has already begun. Owners may contact Manning Equipment at 1-502-426-5210.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2012 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Check your exact F-450 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-450 reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Ford F-450. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2012 Ford F-450 have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine. 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.