2012 Ford F-550: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 13 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 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact made multiple attempts to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle repeatedly failed to start up. Due to the failure, the contact called the dealer and had the vehicle towed there for an inspection. The contact then called an independent mechanic who informed him that based on what he described; his vehicle had experienced engine failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 35,800.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2022
“While driving vehicle on trail it was noticed that smoke and fire were coming from the undercarriage. Driver attempted to put the fire out with the vehicle supplied fire extinguisher. After the extinguisher ran out the vehicle fire accelerated and totally engulfed the vehicle.*dt*jb”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2020
“Ecm loosing information, on high way truck shut down would not move due to emission and pcm problem. Ecm need to reflash on updated version or replace”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2018
Show 5 more owner reports
“Diesel exhaust fluid system failed shutting down my vehicle while driving and I had to be towed to a ford dealer. This is a safety issue and could have caused a major accident on the highway. I never got a recall notice about this major problem. Now I am told I would have to spend over $5000.00 to get this problem fixed. Ford had gotten many complaints about this issue. They should pay to have this repair done. I only had this vehicle for a short time and paid over $59,000 for it. I tried to contact several ford executives over two weeks ago and heard back from none.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford f-550. While driving 65 mph with the exhaust cleaning cycle operated, the cycle suddenly stopped. The vehicle lost power, stalled, and the check oil warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred on two separate occasions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford f-550. While driving on an incline at 60 mph, the engine power loss indicator illuminated. Suddenly, the contact heard a loud pop sound and the engine stalled and lost power. The vehicle was towed to worthington ford (2950 n bellflower blvd, long beach, ca 90815, (562) 420-3333) where it was diagnosed that the high pressure fuel pump failed and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2016
“Tl*the contact owns a 2012 ford f-550. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 mph, the engine light illuminated as the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for the failure a diagnostic was performed which located the failure at the computer scanner system was sending the incorrect reading to the engine. The dealer reprogrammed the computer scanning system. However, the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2015
“I noticed excessive swaying begin while driving my 2012 rv. When I got home I looked under the rv and discovered that the lower bolt on the bracket that attaches the sway bar to the rear axle on the drivers side was missing and the bracket was bent. Fairway ford in placentia, ca replaced the bracket and bolt under warranty. The www.irv2.com forum under ford chassis has other reports of this same experience. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2012
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 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.
Almared, Inc., dba A-1 Alternative Fuel Systems, is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-550 transit buses manufactured May 2011 through April 2013, altered to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG). In the affected vehicles, the brackets securing the passenger side CNG fuel tank may break.
Remedy: Almared, Inc. has notified owners and all affected vehicles have been remedied, free of charge. Owners may contact Almared at 1-559-485-4427.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact F-550 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-550 reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Ford F-550. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2012 Ford F-550 have open recalls?
5 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.