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2012 Ford F 350 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2012 Ford F 350 carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and automatic transmission. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Electrical system and exterior lighting malfunction.” 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.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

Campaign #13V380000 · Aug 23, 2013

Issue: Manning Equipment Inc. LLC (Manning) is recalling certain model year 2012 Ford F-350, F-450 and F-550 gasoline engined dual rear wheel chassis vehicles manufactured October 2011 through June 2012. The tailpipe on the exhaust system does not extend out beyond the edge of the body, allowing heat to build up in rear curbside storage compartment.

Risk: Excessive heat build up in rear compartment could result in fire.

Fix: Manning Equipment has notified owners, and dealers will install tailpipe extensions free of charge. The recall has already begun. Owners may contact Manning Equipment at 1-502-426-5210.

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.

ENGINE

Campaign #13V535000 · Oct 30, 2013

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 F-350/450/550 Ambulance Package vehicles manufactured February 22, 2010, through October 19, 2012 and equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine. Due to an exhaust sensor problem, the vehicles may experience loss of power followed by an engine stall.

Risk: An unexpected engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, if this were to occur when the ambulance is transporting a patient, there is an increased risk of injury to the patient.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the exhaust gas temperature sensor, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S10.

EQUIPMENT

Campaign #14V498000 · Aug 13, 2014

Issue: PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.

Risk: The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

Fix: PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Ford F 350.

Reported to NHTSA

Electrical system and exterior lighting malfunction

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2013-04 → 2023-07

“RECURRING EVENT: REAR LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHTS STOP WORKING. SOME OR ALL MAY FAIL AT ANY GIVEN TIME. DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH ANY WEATHER RELATED CONDITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10509690
“REAR BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL FAILURE. MY REAR BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS INTERMITTENTLY STOP WORKING WITH OUT NOTICE. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS MANY TIMES ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THEY ARE NOT BAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10945666
“DOOR AJAR WARNING AND INTERIOR LIGHTS REMAIN ON EVEN WHEN DOOR IS SHUT SECURELY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11058216

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front-end death wobble at highway speed

STEERING, SUSPENSION

90 NHTSA complaints · 2013-12 → 2025-07

“The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the contact rolled over a bump and the vehicle started to shudder and sway to the left and right violently”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11659065
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE TRAVELED OVER A ROAD BUMP AND THE FRONT END SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10554360
“AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, IMPERFECTIONS IN PAVEMENT, TO INCLUDE CHANGES IN ROAD GRADE OR EXPANSION JOINTS, CAUSE SEVERE OSCILLATION IN BOTH FRONT TIRES. THE CONDITION IS UNPREDICTABLE, AND UNCONTROLLABLE. IN THIS CONDITION, THE DRIVER CANNOT STEER THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10914087

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

EGT sensor failure triggers stop-safely-now shutdown

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

24 NHTSA complaints · 2013-03 → 2024-09

“THE TRUCK DASH DISPLAY READ STOP VEHICLE SAFELY. I IMMEDIATELY LOOKED FOR A DRIVEWAY AND FOUND ON ABOUT 50' ON THE LEFT. I BARELY MADE IT INTO THE PARKING LOT I HAD CHOSEN WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10676478
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-350. AFTER THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE EGT EXHAUST TEMPERATURE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10649756
“WHILE DRIVING AN ALARM SOUNDED AND THE DRIVER DISPLAY STATED " STOP SAFELY NOW" AND LOST ALL THROTTLE RESPONSE. WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND IT WOULD NOT CRANK OR RESTART. IT HAD TO BE TOWED FROM A BUSY INTERSECTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10547999

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

CP4 high-pressure fuel pump and injector failure

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

10 NHTSA complaints · 2013-04 → 2025-06

“CP4 high pressure fuel pump catastrophic failure. My fuel pump grenades and I lost all power on a busy road. I was able to use momentum after the loss of power to safely exit the roadway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11466277
“CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF CP4 HIGH PRESSURE FUEL INJECTION PUMP. TRUCK STOPPED IN MIDDLE OF ROAD WHILE DRIVING VERY DANGEROUS. FORD WANTS $13,000 TO FIX IT, HAVE ALREADY PAID >$7,000 TO FIX EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11339482
“MY TRUCK HAS 32,000 MILES ON IT. 6.7 DIESEL. UPON STARTING THE TRUCK ( STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY ) #3 FUEL INJECTOR POPPED OUT OF THE ENGINE, CAUSING A MISFIRE AND SPRAYING DIESEL FUEL ALL OVER THE ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11111981

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Exhaust manifold, turbo, and EGR cooler failure

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2014-12 → 2023-08

“THE DRIVER SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BROKE INTO TWO PIECES. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND IT JUST STARTED MAKING A LOUD EXHAUST LEAK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11269032
“EGR COOLER FAILURE DUE TO CLOGGING, HAPPENS AT REGULAR INTERVALS OF ABOUT 20-30,000 MILES. DEALERS/FORD'S ANSWER TO PROBLEM IS TO 'DRIVE TRUCK LIKE ITS STOLEN' THIS IS NOT AN ANSWER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10958869
“TURBO CHARGER TUBE FAILED AT THE PLASTIC CONNECTION JOINT ON THE TURBO. PLASTIC CONNECTION BROKE CAUSING A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10664069

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread separation

TIRES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2017-06

“DRIVING 70 MPH ON EXPRESSWAY WHEN TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM BELTS ON TIRE DAMAGING THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL, BODY, TRIM AND BUMPER. TIRE WAS A FACTORY INSTALLED (BOUGHT THE 2012 F350 NEW) GENERAL GRABBER HTS SIZE 245/75 R 17 WITH 54,000 MILES ON THEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10995512
“ON OCTOBER 16, 2014 MY TRUCK WAS DAMAGED DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION ON A BF GOODRICH ? ALL TERRAIN T/A KO, LT 285 / 65R20 TIRE (DOT BE3F UH11 0912), SOLD BY DISCOUNT TIRE COMPANY IN ODESSA, TX”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10731411
“I NOW HAVE A THIRD TIRE WITH TREAD SEPARATION. THE TIRE IS A BF GOODRICH ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO, LT285/65R20 127/124S, DOT (BE3F UH11 1313). THIS TIME THE TIRE WAS LOCATED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AND CAUSED A DEATH SHIMMY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10763951

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Service brake loss of stopping power

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2013-07 → 2019-12

“ON 12-24-19 I WAS DRIVING ~55 MPH ON A 2 LANE ROAD AND HAD AN ACCIDENT OCCUR IN FRONT OF ME IN WHICH I HAD TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES TO AVOID THE WRECK. MY TRUCK SLOWED BUT NOT LIKE IT WAS SUPPOSED TO AND I HAD TO SWERVE OFF THE SHOULDER TO AVOID CONTACT WITH OTHER VEHICLES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11292084
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-350. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKES SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND MADE THE VEHICLE VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP. THE REMOVED THE BRAKE PADS AND DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE PISTONS IN THE CALIPER WERE SHATTERED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10716536
“2012 F350 SUPER DUTY WAS PARKED AT THE TOP OF A DRIVEWAY THAT SLOPED DOWNWARD ON A 33% GRADE. I PUT THE TRUCK IN REVERSE TO BACK DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO REGULATE THE SPEED ON DESCENT OF THE SLOPE, THE BRAKES FROZE UP AND HAD NO POWER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10523164

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 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

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

F-150 4x4 and Bronco 4x4: 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 2010–2024

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

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.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

2

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 350 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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