2012 Ford F-250 recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Ford F-250 and 323 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are suspension (139), steering (130), engine (42).
The 2012 ranks #11 of 14 F-250 model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (325). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 5.0 per model year.
Recalls 1
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Ford F-250. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Power train · automatic transmission
Problem: 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.
Risk: This will allow the operator to inadvertently shift the vehicle into gear without the brake pedal being depressed, increasing the risk of a crash or injury to a nearby pedestrian.
Fix: 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.
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
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.
Over 1 year (2025) steering front end shaking began. Our dealership on oil changes did not tell us to watch for anything and we should have been warned. When the shaking occurred we changed Ford shock asborbers from Ford dealership. Problem still occured. We lost faith in Ford and our regular dealership. We then at Moore's tires purchased 4 Michelin premium tires for F250 heav…
CP4 pump continuous failure sending metal into the fuel system. Ford still uses an inferior product causing truck owners up to $18000 in repairs.
Safety ratings
2012 Ford F-250 Supercab PU/EC 4x4
2012 Ford F-250 Supercab PU/EC 4x2
Fuel economy
The EPA doesn't publish fuel economy ratings for heavy-duty pickups like the Ford F-250.
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford F-250 have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Ford F-250, most recently for power train · automatic transmission (12/08/2011). 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-250?
Based on 323 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are suspension (139), steering (130), engine (42).
Is the 2012 Ford F-250 safe?
NHTSA hasn't published an overall 5-star rating for the 2012 Ford F-250.
Is the 2012 a good year for the Ford F-250?
The 2012 ranks #11 of 14 F-250 model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (325). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 5.0 per model year.
Own a 2012 Ford F-250 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-250 SUPERCAB, F-250 SUPER CREW, F-250 REGULAR CAB, F-250.