2012 Ford F-150 recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Ford F-150 and 1,717 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (642), engine (473), steering (197). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 15–19 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2012 ranks #11 of 14 F-150 model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (1,158). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 13.6 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Ford F-150. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Power train · automatic transmission · control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Problem: 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.
Risk: Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S07.
Power train · automatic transmission
Problem: 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.
Risk: An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.
Air bags · frontal · sensor/control module-inactive
Problem: 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 seats occupant such that the passenger side airbag does not deploy when it should, does not deploy as intended, or deploys when it should not.
Risk: A failure to deploy, failure to deploy as intended, or a deployment when not intended, increases the risk of injury to the passenger side seat occupant.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ocsm free of charge. The safety recall began on may 21, 2012. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train · automatic transmission · control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Problem: 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 lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment. these vehicles may have a transmission range sensor (trs) that was calibrated out of specification for reverse gear.
Risk: If this condition exists, the transmission may not go into reverse or when the driver pushes the shift lever in the reverse r position and the vehicles transmission does go in reverse, the r may not illuminate on the dashboard of the f-150, expedition, or navigator models and/or the backup lamp on the rear of the f-150, expedition, navigator, or mustang vehicles may not illuminate. These conditions increase the risk of a crash or a pedestrian being struck due to the vehicles not signaling it is in reverse.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the trs as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on june 11, 2012. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Vehicle rolls backwards OR potentially forwards intermittently depending on direction of incline. Have only observed it rolling backwards. When changing gears, above third gear usually, there is a resonant grumbling sound.
The transmission made a noise of metal and all electrical when out while driving but the engine stay on but no power to the road. yes its available. my car loss all power electrical and power to the road, had to put off to the side on the road and turn the truck off and on again. The problem has been reproduced but not confirmed by a dealer. I have done a existential look of th…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VI…
Safety ratings
2012 Ford F-150 Supercab PU/EC 4x4
2012 Ford F-150 Supercab PU/EC 4x2
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Ford F-150.
F150 Pickup 2WD
Auto (S6) · 8 cyl · 6.2 L
Regular
F150 Pickup 2WD
Auto (S6) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L · Turbo
Regular
F150 Pickup 2WD FFV
Auto (S6) · 6 cyl · 3.7 L
Gasoline or E85
F150 Pickup 2WD FFV
Auto (S6) · 8 cyl · 5.0 L
Gasoline or E85
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford F-150 have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Ford F-150, most recently for power train · automatic transmission · control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (02/11/2019). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford F-150?
Based on 1,717 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (642), engine (473), steering (197).
Is the 2012 Ford F-150 safe?
The 2012 Ford F-150 earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2012 a good year for the Ford F-150?
The 2012 ranks #11 of 14 F-150 model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (1,158). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 13.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Ford F-150 get?
EPA ratings for the 2012 Ford F-150 range from 15 to 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2012 Ford F-150 in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: F-150 SUPERCAB, F-150 SUPER CREW, F-150 REGULAR CAB, F-150.