CSR

Ford · NHTSA safety record

2012 Ford F-350

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

149

Complaints

6

Crashes

2

Fires

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2012 Ford F-350 have filed 149 safety complaints with NHTSA between November 2012 and September 2025. The most complained-about system is the steering, named in 66 of them (44%). The typical failure was reported at 90,000 miles, the median across the 109 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 4 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (4)

EQUIPMENT

14V498000 · August 13, 2014

The defect
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.
The risk
The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
The 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.

PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co. · up to 3 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE

13V535000 · October 30, 2013

The defect
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.
The risk
An unexpected engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, if this were to occur when the ambulance is transporting a patient, there is an increased risk of injury to the patient.
The 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.

Ford Motor Company · up to 2,951 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

13V380000 · August 23, 2013

The defect
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.
The risk
Excessive heat build up in rear compartment could result in fire.
The 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.

Manning Equipment Inc. LLC · up to 37 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

11V582000 · December 8, 2011

The defect
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.
The 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.
The 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.

FORD MOTOR COMPANY · up to 16,091 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (1)

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.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 149.

STEERING 66 44%
SUSPENSION 65 44%
ENGINE 25 17%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 17 11%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 13 9%
POWER TRAIN 9 6%
WHEELS 9 6%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8 5%
SERVICE BRAKES 8 5%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6 4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 5 3%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 3 2%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2020 at 22.

2012 2020 2025
2012 to 2025

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

3 injured · crash · 4,800 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-350 SUPER DUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF A VEHICLE THAT FAILED TO YIELD THE RIGHT-OF-WAY. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES AND THE CONTACT, WHO WAS A PASSENGER, ALSO SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES. THE DRIVER OF THE SECOND VEHICLE ALSO SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,800.

NHTSA complaint 10488808. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

1 injured · crash · towed · 110,000 miles

TRUCK HIT BUMP (SMALL CURB) WITH DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL AND SIMULTANEOUSLY STARTED ACCELERATING AND HAD TOTAL BRAKE LOSS. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING TOWARDS A GAS BUMP IN A FILLING STATION. VEHICLE ACCELERATED FROM ABOUT 10 MPH TO PROBABLY OVER 30 MPH UNTIL IT HIT A STATIONARY TRUCK.

NHTSA complaint 11309643. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN

1 injured · crash · 300 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION WAS STARTED AND HE SHIFTED FROM FOUR WHEEL LOW TO FOUR WHEEL HIGH RANGE. ONCE THE GEAR LEVER WAS PLACED IN REVERSE, THE TRANSFER CASE FAILED TO RESPOND, ACCOMPANIED BY AN ABNORMALLY LOUD GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE THEN UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED IN REVERSE, WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NERVE DAMAGE TO THE SPINAL CORD AND SEVERE INJURIES TO THE HANDS. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THERE WAS ALSO A STRONG AMMONIA ODOR THAT EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE SHIFTER CONTROL AND TRANSFER CASE WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE

NHTSA complaint 10510737, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

fire · 83,000 miles

RUST IN FUEL TANK. WHOLE FUEL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN WITH ENGINE OVER HEAT. NO LEAKS WHATSOEVER. JUST SHUT DOWN ON HIGHWAY. SHAME ON FORD!!!

NHTSA complaint 11350281. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

towed · 128,843 miles

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the message "Loss of Engine Power" was displayed before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and DTC: P0087, P2291, and P2A00 were retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,843.

NHTSA complaint 11689728. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

crash

Death wobble

NHTSA complaint 11671293. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
Bosch CP4 High Pressure Fuel Pump failed in transit cost $10,713 to repair only 155k miles on new engine. Diesel fuel spilled from engine on highway, lucky no fire. Ford no help.

NHTSA complaint 11669541. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SUSPENSION

towed · 300,000 miles

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while his son was driving 25 MPH, the front track bar unexpectedly fractured into two pieces, causing the vehicle to swerve off the road. Additionally, the vehicle had experienced the death wobble. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the front track bar fracture caused the rear axle to be pushed into the fuel cooler, which caused the fuel cooler to be punctured and to leak. The contact was informed that the front track bar and the fuel cooler needed to be replaced, and a coolant flush needed to be performed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The

NHTSA complaint 11662602, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SUSPENSION

200,000 miles

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the contact rolled over a bump and the vehicle started to shudder and sway to the left and right violently. The contact slowed down to 20 MPH and regained control of the vehicle. The contact stated there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred two years prior. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who installed dampers and a track bar on the front end. The contact had not yet taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic following the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of

NHTSA complaint 11659065, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING
I'm currently experiencing the "Death Wobble" with my vehicle, making it unsafe to drive past 60 mph due to intense shaking. This is a serious safety concern for both me and my family. This issue happens frequently on the freeway, and we all fear that the wheels could fall off or the vehicle might flip over. When I took the vehicle to the service center, the advisor told me I needed to add a stabilizer to my front wheels and suggested that I buy the part online and install it myself, recommending YouTube for guidance. However, I have no idea what part to buy or where to get it. I’m not the designer of the truck, and I shouldn’t have to add extra parts for it to drive properly. I also

NHTSA complaint 11641418, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Ford F-350

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2014 91 0
2013 76 1
2011 136 4

Other 2012 Ford models

Every Ford on this site — 348 vehicles, 1210 recall campaigns and 10 open investigation s.

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. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

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.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst