CSR

Ford · NHTSA safety record

2012 Ford F-550

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

13

Complaints

1

Crashes

1

Fires

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2012 Ford F-550 have filed 13 safety complaints with NHTSA between November 2012 and May 2024. The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 9 of them (69%). The typical failure was reported at 72,000 miles, the median across the 11 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 5 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (5)

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

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

14V040000 · February 6, 2014

The defect
Almared, Inc., dba A-1 Alternative Fuel Systems, is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-550 transit buses manufactured May 2011 through April 2013, altered to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG). In the affected vehicles, the brackets securing the passenger side CNG fuel tank may break.
The risk
If the brackets break, the CNG tank may separate from the vehicle frame increasing the risk of a crash or possible fire.
The remedy
Almared, Inc. has notified owners and all affected vehicles have been remedied, free of charge. Owners may contact Almared at 1-559-485-4427.

Almared, Inc. · up to 18 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 (2)

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.

CNG Fuel Container Securement

PE13038

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened November 15, 2013 · closed March 9, 2014 · led to recall 14V040000

the fuel system

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of 1 incident related to the alleged defect. By letter dated January 10, 2014, Almared, Inc. (doing business as A-1 Alternative Fuel Systems) has notified ODI that it has conducted a safety recall (NHTSA Recall No. 14V-040) to address a safety defect in 18 model year 2011-2012 Ford F-550 transit buses manufactured between May 2011 and April 2013. These vehicles have been altered by A-1 to contain one or more compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel containers. According to A-1, the brackets securing passenger side CNG fuel containers to the vehicle chassis may fracture, resulting in a CNG fuel container that is unsecured. A-1 has reportedly inspected all 18 affected vehicles and repaired all vehicles equipped with the defective mounting bracket by installing a new bracket of an improved design. The new bracket has added strength as a result of the following design revisions: the cantilevered mounting plate is reinforced with additional support plates, the cantilevered position is mounted higher on the bracket above the CNG fuel container center line position (thus reducing the moment arm), and it is constructed of heavier gauge steel plate that is also dimensionally wider, which provides for a greater bonding surface area with the vehicle chassis.Based on the recall action taken by Almared, Inc., this investigation is closed.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 13.

ENGINE 9 69%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2 15%
SERVICE BRAKES 2 15%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 1 8%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 1 8%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 1 8%
POWER TRAIN 1 8%
STEERING 1 8%
SUSPENSION 1 8%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 1 8%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2018 at 3.

2012 2018 2024
2012 to 2024

In owners' own words

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

POWER TRAIN

1 injured · crash · 55,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-550. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS HAULING SAND AND REGROUND GRAVEL UP A HILL, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED INTO PARK. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AND THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONTACT RE-ENTERED THE VEHICLE, SHIFTED GEARS, AND RELEASED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO DRIVE, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE HILL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE JUNE 05,2019 AND SEPT.6, 2019. THERE WAS A FULL TANK OF FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL HAULING SAND AND GRAVEL, THE CONTACT

NHTSA complaint 11256086, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

fire

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON TRAIL IT WAS NOTICED THAT SMOKE AND FIRE WERE COMING FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE. DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH THE VEHICLE SUPPLIED FIRE EXTINGUISHER. AFTER THE EXTINGUISHER RAN OUT THE VEHICLE FIRE ACCELERATED AND TOTALLY ENGULFED THE VEHICLE.*DT*JB

NHTSA complaint 11354215. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

towed · 100,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-550. WHILE DRIVING ON AN INCLINE AT 60 MPH, THE ENGINE POWER LOSS INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. SUDDENLY, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POP SOUND AND THE ENGINE STALLED AND LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO WORTHINGTON FORD (2950 N BELLFLOWER BLVD, LONG BEACH, CA 90815, (562) 420-3333) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA complaint 11083152. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

towed · 35,800 miles

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact made multiple attempts to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle repeatedly failed to start up. Due to the failure, the contact called the dealer and had the vehicle towed there for an inspection. The contact then called an independent mechanic who informed him that based on what he described; his vehicle had experienced engine failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 35,800.

NHTSA complaint 11462602. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

towed · 72,000 miles

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-550 chassis with an Earth Roamer RV. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle was making an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the turbocharger needle on the instrument cluster fell to zero. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the abnormal banging sound was louder, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled off the highway and then stated that the power steering had failed. The contact was turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the

NHTSA complaint 11590361, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I HAVE ONLY USED THE TRUCK FOR FIVE MONTHS AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS AND ISSUES WITH THE TRUCK FROM THE GAS TANK LEAKING, PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES AND THE BOX HOIST THAT WOULD NOT RAISE. I HAVE HAD THE BOX HOIST FIXED MULTIPLE TIMES BUT THE WELD KEEPS BREAKING. I AM SURE FORD KNOWS ABOUT THE HOIST PROBLEM BUT THEY HAVE NOT ISSUED ANY RECALLS FOR IT. AS A CONSUMER I FEEL CHEATED. MY RECENT PROBLEM IS THE ENGINE, IT HAD STALLED UNEXPECTEDLY AND SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY FOR NO REASON AT ALL AND WITHOUT WARNING WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND PUT MY SON'S LIFE AT RISK. I LOOKED UP THE ABOVE VIN NUMBER ON THE INTERNET BUT COULD NOT FIND DIRECT

NHTSA complaint 11252148, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

267,000 miles

ECM LOOSING INFORMATION, ON HIGH WAY TRUCK SHUT DOWN WOULD NOT MOVE DUE TO EMISSION AND PCM PROBLEM. ECM NEED TO REFLASH ON UPDATED VERSION OR REPLACE

NHTSA complaint 11164007. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Ford F-550

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2020 17 2
2019 13 4
2018 8 10
2017 15 6
2011 12 5

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.

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