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2012 Ford F-250 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2012 Ford F-250 carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering automatic transmission. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Diesel particulate filter and DEF system failure.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

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1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #11V582000 · Aug 12, 2011

Issue: 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 MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 12, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 114, “THEFT PROTECTION.” THE TRANSMISSION CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DUE TO BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH PROBLEM.

Risk: THIS WILL ALLOW THE OPERATOR TO INADVERTENTLY SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY TO A NEARBY PEDESTRIAN.

Fix: 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 MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Ford F-250.

Reported to NHTSA

Diesel particulate filter and DEF system failure

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2023-03

“the diesel particulate filter is failing on a lot of 2011-2016 ford f-250 f-350, f-450, and f-550 Part 6D20000. Leaving vehicles stranded on the road while driving at 75 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11484999
“THE F250, 2012, 6.7L, DIESEL EMISSIONS SYSTEM EMITS DIESEL PARTICLES INTO THE CABIN OF THE TRUCK. THE PARTICLES ARE FINE AND ARE A HEALTH RISK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11100293
“Ford previously issued warranty extension for this vehicle 18-M-01 related to the replacement of the reductant heater unit”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11499624

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Odometer mileage discrepancy after private sale

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2026-03 → 2026-06

“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that they discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11741810
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11724570

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Death wobble steering and suspension shaking

STEERING, SUSPENSION

134 NHTSA complaints · 2017-08 → 2026-04

“The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump and experienced the death wobble. The contact pulled over and slowed down to stabilize the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11577174
“The front end of the vehicle and wheels start to violently oscillate at speeds between 50-60 mph. Sometimes it occurs after hitting a small bump and often occurs over smooth roads. This has been described as the "death wobble"”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11531854
“Death Wobble. Truck was uncontrollable, shook so bad that I thought I was going to run off the road. has happened 3 times. Ford claims it is an expected issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11423151

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

High-pressure fuel pump metal contamination

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2026-04

“CP4 pump continuous failure sending metal into the fuel system. Ford still uses an inferior product causing truck owners up to $18000 in repairs”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730059
“The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel injection pump had failed due to metal shavings intrusion into the fuel system”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11514838
“2012 F250 BOUGHT NEW 2013 46,000 MILES. DRIVING ON ROAD. NO WARNING WHATSOEVER. SHUTS DOWN. DEALER INFORMS ME, WATER IN FUEL, NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. $9700 REPAIR BILL!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11102270

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Exhaust gas temperature sensor shutdown

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2018-02

“DRIVING TRUCK IT TOLD ME TO PULL OVER AND SHUT ENGINE OFF. I WAS STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND IT WOULD NOT RESTART, HAD TO GET A TOW HOME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11005611
“EGT SENSORS SHUT DOWN MY TRUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF A 2 LANE HIGHWAY AND WOULD NOT START AT ALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11029884
“TRUCK GIVE ME A STOP SAFELY NOW MASSAGE AND SHUT DOWN THE MOTOR IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE LOOKED IT UP ON THE INTERNET TOLD ME IT WAS A BAD EGT CENSOR HAD TO HAVE THE TRUCK TOWED WOULD NOT RESTART”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10994449

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical wiring harness smoke and BCM failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2023-08

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11417757
“Without any warning, smoke started billowing from the driver's side dash and overhead liner. When looking for the cause, I pulled the solenoid and the smoking stopped”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11539604
“INTERIOR LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON WHEN DOOR IS OPENED, ONLY CAN BE MANUALLY TURNED ON. THE CARGO LIGHTS AND HIGH BRAKE LIKE NO LONGER WORK AS WELL WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE CENTER HIGH BRAKE LIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11387243

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door handle and latch failure

STRUCTURE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2021-08 → 2025-07

“Both of these rear doors failed within 5 minutes of each other. Specifically, the inside door handles and opening levers on the forward facing side of the doors failed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670798
“Today, while my wife was exiting my F250, the passenger A pillar handle failed and my wife fell to the ground. She sustained injuries to her hand and leg”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11428398

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

276 crashes 1990–2024

How the 276 occupant deaths break down

211

driver deaths

65

passenger deaths

276

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2012 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

5

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2012 Ford F-250 reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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