Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government
holds on this vehicle.
Owners have filed 57 safety complaints
about the 2012 Ford F-250 SD with the US government. Of those, 1 describes a crash and no death is recorded. No recall campaign has been matched to this year, make and model.
The most complained-about system is the steering,
named in 18 complaints, 32% of the total.
The typical failure was reported at 55,118 miles,
the median across the 54
complaints that gave
an odometer reading.
Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files
· Covers December 2013 to February 2023 · How this is counted
What is on file
57 complaints on file
57
Complaints
1
Describe a crash
0
Mention fire
0
People injured
0
Deaths
A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a
finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts
them.
No recall campaign was matched to this year, make and model. That is not
the same as a clean vehicle: recalls are issued against production
ranges, and the only reliable check is your own VIN.
Which system owners named
Complaints naming each system
STEERING 18 · 32%
18 32%
ENGINE 15 · 26%
15 26%
SUSPENSION 14 · 25%
14 25%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10 · 18%
10 18%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 7 · 12%
7 12%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 4 · 7%
4 7%
SERVICE BRAKES 4 · 7%
4 7%
POWER TRAIN 3 · 5%
3 5%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 3 · 5%
3 5%
WHEELS 3 · 5%
3 5%
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL 2 · 4%
2 4%
TIRES 2 · 4%
2 4%
0815
One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 57.
When the complaints arrived
By the year NHTSA received them
By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures
happened. They peaked in 2014 at 18.
This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure
happened. The range runs from 2013 to 2023.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not crash tested the 2012 Ford F-250 SD. Its New Car Assessment Program
tests a selection of each year's vehicles and does not reach
motorcycles, heavy trucks, motorhomes or most low-volume models, so
an absence here says nothing about how the vehicle would perform. It
is not a low score.
What owners have reported about this vehicle is below, and it is a
different question: a crash test measures what happens to the people
inside in a controlled impact, while a complaint records what broke
during ordinary use.
Defect investigations
1 on file
An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A
preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering
analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.
Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
RQ14005
Closed recall query · opened January 13, 2015 · closed March 15, 2016 · led to recall 15V175000
the electrical system, the engine, the engine and its cooling
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
In owners’ own words
Quoted from the complaint file
Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the
people who filed them, not findings of fault.
ENGINE
crash · 16,000 miles
AFTER DRIVING FOR 5 MINUTES A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON FOR THE REAR LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL- NO CHANGE IN THE DRIVABILITY. ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER THAT THE COMPUTER STARTED FLASHING DIFFERENT SYMBOLS INDICATING MANY PROBLEMS- THE ALARMS WERE GOING OFF NON-STOP- THEN THE ENGINE WAS SHUT DOWN BY THE COMPUTER. THIS TRUCK IS HEAVY AND I MAY HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHEN IT HAPPENED BECAUSE I HAD TO USE ALL MY STRENGTH TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD AND WENT INTO THE OTHER LANE! IF THIS HAPPENED WHILE TOWING A LOAD ON ONE OF THE MOUNTAIN PASSES I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED- AND HURT OR KILLED OTHERS! FORD HAS HAD BAD DIESEL ENGINES SINCE THEY DROPPED THE 7.3 YEARS AGO AND ARE RIPPING OFF PEOPLE …
NHTSA complaint 10660713, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
towed
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EGT 14 SENSOR FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR OF "STOP SAFELY NOW" ALONG WITH FIVE CHIMES SOUNDING AS INDICATED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE EGT SENSOR. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE ON AN OFF RAMP EXITING THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT WARNING. THE DIESEL EXHAUST WARNING INDICATOR STATED THAT THE FLUID WAS LOW; HOWEVER, WHEN THE CONTACT CHECKED, IT WAS FULL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND ALL THE SENSORS WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE …
NHTSA complaint 10946499, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
STEERING
Ford super duty has been in shop for death wobble numerous times and when we get vehicle back still is the issue. Very unsafe and hard to stable once it starts. Even auto shop people when thought fixed drove and scared them. Whole truck shakes uncontrollably. Very poor on Ford for no recall with this happening. Why buy truck if you can’t drive it for work duties.
NHTSA complaint 11509238. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
STEERING
168,000 miles
WHILE TRAVELING EAST BOUND ON INTERSTATE 10 CROSSING OVER SIEGEN LANE, TRUCK PASSED OVER SMALL BUMP IN INTERSTATE AND STARTED TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE THE ENTIRE TRUCK ALMOST TO THE POINT OF NO CONTROL. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO INSPECT MY TRUCK. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE AND ALL TIRES WERE IN GOOD CONDITION. WHEN I STARTED AGAIN THE VEHICLE WAS FINE. THIS WAS THE FIRST OF 12 INCIDENTS OF WHAT I HAVE COME TO KNOW FROM RESEARCH AS THE "DEATH WOBBLE". I HAVE TAKEN MY TRUCK THE THE FORD DEALERSHIP ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO CORRECT THE ISSUE TO NO AVAIL. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS AND FORD CANNOT FIGURE OUT THE ISSUE. THIS IS THE MOST UNNERVING EXPERIENCE. THIS WAS A $70000 …
NHTSA complaint 11298690, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
STEERING
70,000 miles
VEHICLE MILEAGE APPROXIMATELY 70,000. AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 35-65 MPH ANY MINOR BUMP WILL CAUSE TRUCK TO BEGIN TO VIBRATE THROUGHOUT THE STEERING SYSTEM AND SUBSEQUENTLY WOBBLE VIOLENTLY. APPLYING THE BRAKES MAKES IT WORSE UNTIL THE TRUCK SLOWS DOWN BELOW 35MPH. THE TRUCK IS NOT ABLE TO BE STEERED DURING THIS EVENT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO SEVERAL REPUTABLE MECHANICS AND THEY HAVE ASSURED ME THIS DISCREPANCY IS IN MANY F-250S AND NO ONE HAS THE COMPLETE SOLUTION. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY HAVE NO INTEREST OR EXPECTATION OF A RECALL. THEY DID TELL ME TO TAKE IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP GAVE ME A QUOTE TO REPLACE- TIE RODS, TIE ROD ENDS, …
NHTSA complaint 11234703, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
STEERING
80,700 miles
ON HIGHWAY DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE NO DEATH WOBBLE THEY SPEAK OF BUT WENT INTO NEXT LANE OVER AND COULD NOT CONTROL TRUCK UNTIL SPEED WAS LOWER. THIS HAPPENED AT LEAST THREE TIMES ALREADY SENT IT INTO SHOP FRONT END TIGHT HAD ALL THE TIRES REPLACED FRONT END ALIGNED STILL PULLS LEFT AND RIGHT.
NHTSA complaint 11206228. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
STEERING
140,000 miles
DEATH WOBBLE - HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING VIOLENT SHAKING AND INSTABILITY WHILE AT SPEEDS OF 55-65 MPH. STEERING WHEEL CAN ALMOST BE SHAKEN OUT OF MY HANDS WITH A TIGHT GRIP. SOLUTION IS TO SLOW TO BELOW 25MPH. THEN START OVER. WOBBLE STARTS SOMETIMES ON ITS OWN OR IF HITTING SMALL UNEVEN SURFACE SUCH AS BRIDGE/ROAD JOINT.
NHTSA complaint 11195961. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
87,000 miles
VEHICLE HAS HAD RANDOM TIMES WHEN IT JUST CUT OFF COMPLETELY OR IT IS UNABLE TO START. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED IN 2015. DEALER HAS RECENTLY IDENTIFIED A DEFECT IN THE BRB BUT THE REPAIR EXPENSE IS EXORBITANT DUE TO TIME INVOLVED.
NHTSA complaint 11193088. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's
lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How
many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by
the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.
Complaints: NHTSA's ODI
complaint file, published October 2, 2026. One
complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.
Recalls: NHTSA's recall
campaign API, no campaign on file for this vehicle.
Investigations: NHTSA's ODI
investigation file, published October 2, 2026.
A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by
us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that
sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.
G
Compiled and maintained by guarledes Independent developer and analyst