Car Record Book

2012 Ford F-250 recalls & problems

The 2012 Ford F-250 has 1 safety recall and 266 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is suspension (125 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls
Complaints266filed by owners
Crashes · fires4 · 5reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths5 · 0reported in complaints
2012 Ford F-250 in an NHTSA crash test
2012 Ford F-250 in an NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Power train › Automatic transmission

NHTSA recall 11V582000 · Dec 8, 2011 · 16,091 vehicles

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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2012 Ford F-250 NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2012 Ford F-250 NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

2012 Ford F-250 Regular Cab PU/RC 4x4

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk23.7%

2012 Ford F-250 Regular Cab PU/RC 4x2

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk19.1%

2012 Ford F-250 Super Crew PU/CC 4x4

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk23.7%

2012 Ford F-250 Super Crew PU/CC 4x2

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk19.1%

2012 Ford F-250 Supercab PU/EC 4x4

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk23.7%

2012 Ford F-250 Supercab PU/EC 4x2

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk19.1%

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Suspension
Front
12510086,700 mi
Steering
11200089,877 mi
Engine
2701150,000 mi
Unknown or other
2501089,755 mi
Engine and engine cooling
Engine › Diesel; Exhaust system
1901030,000 mi
Electrical system
Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer; Wiring
1804098,202 mi
Wheels
16000108,657 mi
Power train
Automatic transmission
1500082,750 mi
Fuel/propulsion system
1400075,000 mi
Service brakes
900030,000 mi
Structure
Body
9102100,000 mi
Fuel system, diesel
Pre-heater
5000120,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations