MYRModel Year Report

2012 Ford F-250

◆ Worse than typical
2012 Ford F-250
BUILT 2026-09-02

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford F-250 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2012 highlighted. 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 2009 2010: 73 complaints 2011: 248 complaints 2012: 266 complaints 2012 2013: 95 complaints 2014: 142 complaints 2014 2015: 273 complaints 2016: 275 complaints 2017: 1082 complaints 2018: 382 complaints 2019: 1151 complaints 2019 2020: 253 complaints 2021: 158 complaints 2022: 116 complaints 2022
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
20171082
2018382
20191151
2020253
2021158
2022116

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

SUSPENSION 47%

47% of complaints: suspension — 125 distinct reports on file, 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, 20231218

Also filed under STEERING

STEERING 42%

42% of complaints: steering — 112 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE 10%

10% of complaints: engine — 27 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

STARTED MY TRUCK TO LET IT WARM UP BEFORE I TOOK IT IN TO TOWN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190408

Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and AIR BAGS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 7%

7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 19 distinct reports on file, 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, 20250501

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, 20111216

Also filed under EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY and FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file, 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, 20121025

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20111222 — power train

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 MANUFACT

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. OWNERS

Campaign 11V582000 — check if this car was fixed

▮ 2012 — complaint volume: 266
I 20150113 — RQ (closed 20160315)

Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2012 Ford F-250 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (125 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (112 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (27 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 11V582000 (power train) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2009 ▲ 1998 ▲ 2007

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ■ 2017 ■ 1999

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.