MYRModel Year Report

2012 Ford F-250

◆ Worse than typical
2012 Ford F-250
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
266
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Suspension

47% of complaints

Complaints per year

1989: 11 complaints 1989 1990: 4 complaints 1991: 107 complaints 1992: 119 complaints 1993: 131 complaints 1994: 125 complaints 1994 1995: 184 complaints 1996: 176 complaints 1997: 304 complaints 1998: 56 complaints 1999: 581 complaints 1999 2000: 326 complaints 2001: 220 complaints 2002: 156 complaints 2003: 116 complaints 2004: 153 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2006: 221 complaints 2007: 60 complaints 2008: 195 complaints 2009: 54 complaints 2010: 73 complaints 2011: 248 complaints 2012: 266 complaints 2012 266 2013: 95 complaints 2014: 142 complaints 2015: 273 complaints 2016: 275 complaints 2017: 1,082 complaints 2018: 382 complaints 2019: 1,151 complaints 2019 2020: 253 complaints 2021: 158 complaints 2022: 116 complaints
1989: 11 complaints 1989 1990: 4 complaints 1991: 107 complaints 1992: 119 complaints 1992 1993: 131 complaints 1994: 125 complaints 1995: 184 complaints 1995 1996: 176 complaints 1997: 304 complaints 1998: 56 complaints 1998 1999: 581 complaints 2000: 326 complaints 2001: 220 complaints 2001 2002: 156 complaints 2003: 116 complaints 2004: 153 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2006: 221 complaints 2007: 60 complaints 2007 2008: 195 complaints 2009: 54 complaints 2010: 73 complaints 2010 2011: 248 complaints 2012: 266 complaints 2012 266 2013: 95 complaints 2014: 142 complaints 2015: 273 complaints 2016: 275 complaints 2016 2017: 1,082 complaints 2018: 382 complaints 2019: 1,151 complaints 2019 2020: 253 complaints 2021: 158 complaints 2022: 116 complaints 2022
1989: 11 complaints 1989 1990: 4 complaints 1991: 107 complaints 1991 1992: 119 complaints 1993: 131 complaints 1993 1994: 125 complaints 1995: 184 complaints 1995 1996: 176 complaints 1997: 304 complaints 1997 1998: 56 complaints 1999: 581 complaints 1999 2000: 326 complaints 2001: 220 complaints 2001 2002: 156 complaints 2003: 116 complaints 2003 2004: 153 complaints 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 221 complaints 2007: 60 complaints 2007 2008: 195 complaints 2009: 54 complaints 2009 2010: 73 complaints 2011: 248 complaints 2012: 266 complaints 2012 266 2013: 95 complaints 2014: 142 complaints 2015: 273 complaints 2015 2016: 275 complaints 2017: 1,082 complaints 2017 2018: 382 complaints 2019: 1,151 complaints 2019 2020: 253 complaints 2021: 158 complaints 2021 2022: 116 complaints

2012: 266 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
198911
19904
1991107
1992119
1993131
1994125
1995184
1996176
1997304
199856
1999581
2000326
2001220
2002156
2003116
2004153
2005144
2006221
200760
2008195
200954
201073
2011248
2012266
201395
2014142
2015273
2016275
20171,082
2018382
20191,151
2020253
2021158
2022116

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Suspension

47% · 125 reports

Most commonly citing front.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I continue to experience violent shaking of vehicle when traveling around 70MPH. I almost lost control before I could safely pull over on the highway.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-18

Also filed under Steering

Steering

42% · 112 reports

Engine

10% · 27 reports
FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Started my truck to let it warm up before I took it in to town.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-04-08

Also filed under Electrical system and air bags

Engine and engine cooling

7% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing exhaust system and diesel.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated while he was stopped at a traffic signal, he smelled a burning plastic smell. The contact observed that smoke was being emitted from under the vehicle's front end.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-05-01

Driving through a farm field and something hit the oil pan and cracked it with a hair line fracture, 1/8 inch, and oil leaking. No visable damage or marking until pulled from truck, even than no marks but a slight dent in plastic.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-12-16

Also filed under Equipment adaptive/mobility and fuel system, gasoline

Electrical system

7% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing speedometer/odometer and wiring.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that burning fumes were emitted into the vehicle. The contact stated that the fumes made his eyes burn and made his stomach upset.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-25

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2011-12-22Power train11V582000 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…

    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.…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. ▮
    2012Complaint volume 266 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. I
    2015-01-13Recall queryClosed 2016-03-15 Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Ford F-250 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Suspension: 125 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 112 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 27 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 11V582000 · Power train
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Ford F-250 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Ford F-250 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford F-250?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford F-250 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.