2012 Ford F-150 Problems
What owners have reported about the 2012 Ford F-150, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2012 Ford F-150 a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the F-150. Owners have filed 1,783 complaints with NHTSA, the 5th most of 18 F-150 model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and steering.
1,783 complaints 4 recalls, 2 crash risk 5th worst of 18 F-150 years
Top 2012 Ford F-150 problems
Transmission problems
681 complaints (38%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and driveshaft.
Engine problems
498 complaints (28%) name the engine, most often the catalytic convertor.
Steering problems
204 complaints (11%) name the steering, most often the electric power assist system and yaw / angle sensor.
Acceleration problems
194 complaints (11%) name the acceleration and speed control, most often the accelerator pedal.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (1,446 of 1,783). The amber line is the middle value, about 64,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2012 Ford F-150 recalls
Transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first
Crash riskThe transmission can suddenly drop into first gear no matter how fast the car is moving. That can cause a loss of vehicle control and raise the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will reprogram the powertrain control module at no cost to you.
Recall 19V075000 · Feb 2019Transmission may unexpectedly downshift to first gear
Crash riskThe automatic transmission can suddenly drop into first gear at any speed, causing the car to slow abruptly without warning. The rear tires may then slide or lock, which raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, and this repair is free of charge.
Recall 16V248000 · Apr 2016Back up lights, Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM)
102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect" and 108 â“lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment.â” these vehicles may have a transmission range sensor (trs) that was calibrated out of specification for reverse gear. If this condition exists, the transmission may not go into reverse or when the driver pushes the shift lever in the reverse â“râ” position and the vehicleâ’s transmission does go in reverse, the â“râ” 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 vehicleâ’s not signaling it is in reverse.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the trs as necessary, free of charge.
Recall 12V190000 · May 2012Sensor / control module-inactive
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 seatâ’s occupant such that the passenger side airbag does not deploy when it should, does not deploy as intended, or deploys when it should not. 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.
Recall 12V198000 · May 2012Get an email when your 2012 Ford F-150 gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2012 Ford F-150, you'll hear about it the same week.
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F-150 years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2012 Ford F-150 problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2012 Ford F-150 a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the F-150. Owners have filed 1,783 complaints with NHTSA, the 5th most of 18 F-150 model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and steering.
What are the most common 2012 Ford F-150 problems?
Owners most often report problems with the transmission, engine, steering and acceleration and speed control. 681 complaints (38%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and driveshaft.
At what mileage do 2012 Ford F-150 transmission problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 50,000–130,000 miles, with a middle value near 90,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford F-150 have?
4. Transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first (19V075000); Transmission may unexpectedly downshift to first gear (16V248000); Back up lights, Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM) (12V190000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2012 Ford F-150?
Ask for service records covering the transmission, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2024 and 2009 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.