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2012
New 2026
Used 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Ford F-250

EPA MPG: NA
RECALL ALERT:
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
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Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2012 F-250 is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2012 Ford F-250 has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2012 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Ford F-250 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other exhaust system problem

"DEF fluid pump stopped working, truck would not allow me to travel more than 50 miles from the time the issue created an engine error code"

Anonymous, WA (2012 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)

"EGT probe ceased to function correctly. Got a check engine light. Probe was replaced."

Anonymous, ID (2012 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)
Other/unsure

"rusted power steering & transmission cooling pipes had to replace."

Anonymous, NY (2012 Ford F-250 XL 6.2-L V8)

"Death wobble occurs after hitting rough pavement causing total loss of steering control."

Anonymous, NV (2012 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)
Load more

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Bushings

""The body suspension bushings are horrible. A not cheap repair. It requires the body to be physically unbolted and separated from the frame. There are 6 of them. Very low tech, made of a not suffiently lifed rubber compound. There are after market replacements available that will last the life of the truck but Ford choose the OEM product to have an expensive "must fix" item in 4 or 5 years. I had a set of the original bushing on a shelf in the shop that had been removed when I installed a Firestone air bag suspension kit at less then 20K miles. When I checked them when I had to have the other ones replaced, the unused one had broken down as badly as the ones that were used.""

Anonymous, ID (2012 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)
Shocks or struts

"Rusted"

Anonymous, 99 (2012 Ford F-250 XL 6.2-L V8)
Tie rods

"Rusted"

Anonymous, 99 (2012 Ford F-250 XL 6.2-L V8)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Rust

""I have replaced or need to replace the rear quarter panels, bed, rear bumper and front quarters. I've also had to repair door bottoms and running boards.""

Anonymous, ME (2012 Ford F-250 XL 6.2-L V8)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Antilock braking system (ABS)

"Failure of some component in the antilock system which allows the pedal to go slowly to the floor when the key is on and pressure is applied. Dealer incapable of diaagnosing the problem and wouldn't call Ford for the fix. I've reported this to the NTSB. They notified Ford, Ford told me to tell the dealer to call them for the repair process but the dealer claimed that the brakes were good and wouldn't call Ford Open Road in Dearborn, MI"

Anonymous, (2012 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

""EGR Cooler blocked up and needed to be replaced. During repair, EGR Valve also needed to be replaced. Replaced both via Ford Dealer.""

Anonymous A., WI (2012 Ford F-250 XLT 6.7-L V8 diesel)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"windshield leak causing water to enter the truck body"

Anonymous, WA (2012 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

2012 Pickup Trucks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
* Redesign year
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY
EQUIPMENT, STEERING, SUSPENSION
Dec 09, 2020
If the steering locks, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Icon Vehicle Dynamics, LLC (Icon) is recalling all 05-UP FSD 2.5 Centerline Stabilizer Kits with part number 65050. The kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2021 Ford F-250 4X4 and F-350 4X4 pickup trucks. The foam ring inside the stabilizer "through shaft" may block the piston ports, possibly causing the steering to lock up.
What should you do:
Icon will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shock assembly with a revised foam ring and steel support disc, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Icon customer service at 1-951-689-4266.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20E090000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 102
Hide Recall Details
POWER TRAIN
Dec 08, 2011
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.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V582000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 16091
Hide Recall Details
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