2012 Ford F-150 problems, complaints & recalls

2012 Ford F-150 recalls (4)

• Recall 19V075000Feb 11, 20191,263,051 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

  Risk: Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S07.

• Recall 16V248000Apr 27, 2016153,581 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

  Risk: An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.

• Recall 12V198000May 3, 2012101 vehicles
  AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

  Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 f-150 vehicles manufactured from november 6, 2011, through november 15, 2011. Incorrect software for the occupant classification system module (ocsm) was installed on the vehicles either at the time of manufacturing or during the course of replacement of the module as part of a service repair. Under certain driving conditions, the ocsm may misclassify the passenger seat’s occupant such that the passenger side airbag does not deploy when it should, does not deploy as intended, or deploys when it should not.

  Risk: A failure to deploy, failure to deploy as intended, or a deployment when not intended, increases the risk of injury to the passenger side seat occupant.

  Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ocsm free of charge. The safety recall began on may 21, 2012. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

• Recall 12V190000May 3, 201210,500 vehicles
  EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

  Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 ford f-150, 2012 expedition and lincoln navigator, and 2012-2013 mustang vehicles, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard nos. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect" and 108 “lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment.” these vehicles may have a transmission range sensor (trs) that was calibrated out of specification for reverse gear.

  Risk: If this condition exists, the transmission may not go into reverse or when the driver pushes the shift lever in the reverse “r” position and the vehicle’s transmission does go in reverse, the “r” may not illuminate on the dashboard of the f-150, expedition, or navigator models and/or the backup lamp on the rear of the f-150, expedition, navigator, or mustang vehicles may not illuminate. These conditions increase the risk of a crash or a pedestrian being struck due to the vehicle’s not signaling it is in reverse.

  Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the trs as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on june 11, 2012. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

NHTSA defect investigations

• RQ17010Opened Dec 25, 2017Closed Oct 22, 2019led to recall 19V075000

  Unexpected Transmission Downshift

  The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of transmissions unexpectedly downshifting to a lower gear without input from the driver on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles. ODI has received 455 unique reports related to the alleged problem that were not covered under a previous recall for this issue (16V-248).Expedition and Navigator complaint rates are lower than F-150 complaints. Of those 455 reports, 34.7% claimed that the rear wheels locked up when the transmission downshifted. There were 4 accident cla…

• EA15006Opened Oct 16, 2015Closed Apr 28, 2016

  Brake Vacuum Pump Failure

  On February 15, 2016, Ford Motor Company initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 15N05 to extend warranty coverage for the electric vacuum pump in certain model year (MY) 2011 through 2012 Ford F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines.The program extends coverage for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, all vehicles are eligible for the program through July 30, 2016 regardless of mileage.Ford's program covers all repairs related to electric vacuum pump (EVP) malfunctions including excessive noise, vibration, or change in brake pedal…

• PE15026Opened Jun 22, 2015Closed Oct 19, 2015

  Brake Vacuum Pump Failure

  On June 22, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE15-026 to investigate incidents of increased brake pedal effort at cold start and extended stopping distance while driving in traffic, resulting from failures of the electric brake vacuum assist pump in model year (MY) 2011-2012 Ford F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) for PE15-026, Ford provided ODI with 396 complaints and field reports relating to incidents of increased brake pedal effort or malfunctions in the electric vacuum pump (EVP).…

• PE13018Opened May 22, 2013Closed Apr 7, 2014

  Reduced power during hard acceleration

  On May 22, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE13-018 to investigate 95 complaints alleging incidents of reduced engine power during hard accelerations in model year (MY) 2011 through 2013 Ford F-150 trucks.ODI was aware of three technical service bulletins (TSBs) issued by Ford for a condition that was related to moisture accumulation in the Charge Air Cooler (CAC) for the turbochargers.A Preliminary Evaluation was opened to gather information to assess whether the subject vehicles contain a safety related defect.The subject vehicles are powered by Ford?s 3.5L EcoBoost en…

Recent 2012 Ford F-150 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Sep 30, 2026ALTransmission & Drivetrain

   I have a 2012 F150 that has a safety, hazard with the transmission. It’s a 6 R80 transmission and the lead frame assembly is suddenly downshifting. from six gear to second year I have contacted the Ford motor company. They say they cannot do anything. That the safety issue is expired, but I bought the truck used and was unaware of the safety issue. And now I’m having problems with it. I need the safety issue fixed as soon as possible. Thank you. Sincerely, [XXX]. [XXX]…

   NHTSA complaint #11768172 · source
2. Filed Sep 30, 2026175,000 miMSTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. The failure was a persistent failure, with the power train warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed lead frame and transmission. The contact was informed that the lead frame and transmission needed…

   NHTSA complaint #11768018 · source
3. Filed Sep 17, 2026150,000 miMNTowedElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the transmission seized while driving 15 MPH and making a left turn onto the highway in oncoming traffic, and the vehicle suddenly stopped. The wrench symbol was displayed. The instrument panel was blank. The contact stated that the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The failure had occurred several times while driving at various speeds. The contact logged into the Ford account and became aware of Customer…

   NHTSA complaint #11765059 · source
4. Filed Sep 1, 2026ILTransmission & Drivetrain

   On XXX, I brought my 2012 Ford F-150 (VIN: [XXX]) to an authorized dealership (Ed Morse Ford Geneseo) to complete mandatory safety recall 19S07 (Molded Lead Frame Software Update). The vehicle was fully operational, shifting safely, and completely functional upon arrival. Immediately upon completion of the safety recall software flash, during the direct drive home from the dealership, the transmission suffered a total mechanical failure. The vehicle began slipping,…

   NHTSA complaint #11761292 · source
5. Filed Aug 31, 2026NCSteering

   While Driving power steering failed, in addtion this complaint is noted on numerous Ford formums and websites for my year and model truck.

   NHTSA complaint #11761083 · source
6. Filed Aug 31, 2026PAAcceleration & Cruise Control

   While driving the truck suddenly shifted into first year with the automatic transmission. This was the third time that this has happened.

   NHTSA complaint #11760964 · source
7. Filed Aug 20, 2026145,000 miOKTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear, almost causing the wheels to lock up. The power train warning light illuminated, and the instrument cluster became inoperable; however, the tachometer was operational. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the dealer,…

   NHTSA complaint #11758243 · source
8. Filed Aug 6, 2026MOTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear. The transmission warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an O'Reilly Auto Parts Store and DTC: P0717 (Input/Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor A) and C2775 (Electronic Stability Program / Traction Control System) was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA…

   NHTSA complaint #11755277 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology