Worst 2012 Ford F-150 Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Steering Defects
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Ford F-150.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 657 | 12 | 1 | 92,220 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 482 | 4 | 3 | 40,519 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 201 | 3 | — | 86,008 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 192 | 4 | — | 52,518 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 153 | 1 | 7 | 69,368 mi | |
| Brakes | 124 | 14 | — | 64,017 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 95 | — | 3 | 62,429 mi | |
| Fuel System | 84 | — | 1 | 50,160 mi | |
| Airbags | 37 | 10 | — | 69,580 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 36 | 1 | — | 71,497 mi | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 35 | 1 | — | 21,402 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 19 | 1 | — | 71,677 mi | |
| Body Structure | 18 | 1 | — | 78,355 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 16 | — | — | 54,600 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 15 | — | — | 73,762 mi | |
| Rear Window Defogger | 13 | — | 2 | 61,640 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 9 | 1 | 1 | 19,758 mi | |
| Side/Rear Glass | 9 | — | 1 | 42,281 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 8 | — | — | 53,094 mi | |
| Automatic Transmission | 8 | — | — | 136,750 mi | |
| Tire Defects | 8 | — | — | 15,700 mi | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 6 | — | — | 97,660 mi | |
| Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Speedometer/Odometer | 5 | — | — | 200,540 mi | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 5 | — | — | 32,671 mi | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Instrument Cluster | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Ford F-150. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2012 Ford F-150
4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,427,233 vehicles.
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.
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 first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
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 SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 ÂLAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
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 OR DURING THE COURSE OF REPLACEMENT OF THE MODULE AS PART OF A SERVICE REPAIR. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE OCSM MAY MISCLASSIFY THE PASSENGER SEATÂS OCCUPANT SUCH THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DOES NOT DEPLOY WHEN IT SHOULD, DOES NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED, OR DEPLOYS WHEN IT SHOULD NOT.
Other Ford F-150 Years
2012 Ford F-150 — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Ford F-150 reliable?
What are common problems with the 2012 Ford F-150?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Ford F-150?
How safe is the 2012 Ford F-150?
Does the 2012 Ford F-150 have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2012 Ford F-150?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Ford F-150 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2012 Ford F-150
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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