2012 Ford F-250
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 4 |
| 1991 | 107 |
| 1992 | 119 |
| 1993 | 130 |
| 1994 | 123 |
| 1995 | 184 |
| 1996 | 176 |
| 1997 | 304 |
| 1998 | 56 |
| 1999 | 581 |
| 2000 | 326 |
| 2001 | 220 |
| 2002 | 156 |
| 2003 | 116 |
| 2004 | 153 |
| 2005 | 144 |
| 2006 | 221 |
| 2007 | 60 |
| 2008 | 195 |
| 2009 | 54 |
| 2010 | 73 |
| 2011 | 248 |
| 2012 | 266 |
| 2013 | 95 |
| 2014 | 142 |
| 2015 | 273 |
| 2016 | 275 |
| 2017 | 1082 |
| 2018 | 382 |
| 2019 | 1151 |
| 2020 | 253 |
| 2021 | 158 |
| 2022 | 116 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
45% of complaints: suspension — 120 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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
42% of complaints: steering — 112 distinct reports on file.
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
10% of complaints: engine — 27 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
STARTED MY TRUCK TO LET IT WARM UP BEFORE I TOOK IT IN TO TOWN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190408
6% of complaints: wheels — 16 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
STARTED MY TRUCK TO LET IT WARM UP BEFORE I TOOK IT IN TO TOWN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190408
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
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
Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Ford F-250 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (120 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.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford F-250 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.