2012 Ford F-250 SD
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 57
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
32% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 57 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 4 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 9 |
| 1996 | 11 |
| 1997 | 39 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 249 |
| 2000 | 233 |
| 2001 | 288 |
| 2002 | 245 |
| 2003 | 178 |
| 2004 | 254 |
| 2005 | 295 |
| 2006 | 274 |
| 2007 | 54 |
| 2008 | 141 |
| 2009 | 23 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2011 | 122 |
| 2012 | 57 |
| 2013 | 21 |
| 2014 | 26 |
| 2015 | 23 |
| 2016 | 15 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 17 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Steering
32% · 18 reportsEngine
26% · 15 reportsShow complaint excerpts
After driving for 5 minutes a warning light came on for the rear locking differential- no change in the drivability.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-24
Also filed under Electrical system and power train
Suspension
25% · 14 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250 SD. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started to wobble violently. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact mentioned that the only way to stop the wobble was to reduce the speed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-21
Death rattle you hit bump in highway and starts to shake all over, like the wheels are going to fly off.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-15
Engine and engine cooling
23% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing diesel and exhaust system.
Electrical system
18% · 10 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Driving on a highway at about 65 MPH ,my truck stoped running. The computer said it was low on oil,it was not. This happened approx. 6 more times before I got home.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-24
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2015-01-13Recall queryClosed 2016-03-15 Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
-
R
2020-12-21Equipment, steering, suspension20E090000 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.
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Ford F-250 SD — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 14 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20E090000 · Equipment, steering, suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Ford F-250 SD reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Ford F-250 SD is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford F-250 SD?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Ford F-250 SD have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.