Check a VIN

2012 Ford E-150 problems

The most common problem on the 2012 Ford E-150 is transmission and drivetrain. Its complaint count is close to a typical E-150 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
68/100
Owner complaints
12
Recalls
8
Service bulletins
21
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
13-15mpg

The worst 2012 Ford E-150 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Transmission
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Brakes
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 8

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported November 4, 2015 · 667 vehicles affected
What is wrong
MobilityWorks (WMK Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, and E-350 vans modified by MobilityWorks to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
Risk
If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.
Remedy
MobilityWorks will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2015. Owners may contact MobilityWorks customer service at 1‑800‑769‑8267, or Ricon Customer Service at 1‑800‑322‑2884. Note: These vehicles and wheelchair lifts were subject to a similar recall in 2014. All vehicles that received that recall remedy are still affected by this recall as well.

Recall number 15V729000 · Recall details

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported November 5, 2014 · 34 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply (Cummings) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, Chevrolet Express, 2006-2008 Dodge Sprinter, and 2009-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to October 8, 2014, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation after January 1, 2006. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Risk
If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Remedy
Cummings will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2015. Owners may contact Cumming's customer service at 1‑800‑639‑5438 or Ricon customer service at 1‑800‑322‑2884. Cumming's number for this recall is 14E-041.

Recall number 14V706000 · Recall details

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported October 10, 2014 · 834 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mobility Works (WMK Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E150, E250, and E350 vans modified by Mobility Works to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Risk
If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Remedy
Mobility Works will notify owners, and Ricon will supply supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2014. Owners may contact Mobility Works customer service at 1‑800‑769‑8267 or Ricon customer service at 1‑800‑322‑2884.

Recall number 14V641000 · Recall details

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported September 23, 2014 · 45 vehicles affected
What is wrong
National Van Builders, Inc. (National Van) is recalling certain 2007-2014 Ford E-150 and E-250 vehicles manufactured February 26, 2007, to August 19, 2014, and equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Risk
If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Remedy
National Van will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 3, 2014. Owners may contact National Van customer service at 1‑800‑527‑7477. National Van's number for this recall is Ricon2014.

Recall number 14V584000 · Recall details

Fuel system, other: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported August 6, 2014 · 28 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Adrian Steel Company (Adrian) is recalling certain model year 2012 Ford E-150, E-250 and E-350 Commercial Cargo Vans modified by Adrian between September 21, 2012, to September 24, 2012. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain propane fuel system conversion kits with an aluminum fuel line fitting manufactured by Roush CleanTech. Due to a reaction between the different metals, the affected kits may develop a propane leak where the aluminum fuel line fitting contacts the brass supply valve housing.
Risk
A propane leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Adrian will notify owners, and dealers will replace the aluminum fuel line fittings with stainless steel fittings, free of charge. The recall began during July 2014. Owners may contact Adrian customer service at 1‑800‑677‑2726.

Recall number 14V501000 · Recall details

Fuel system, other: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported July 10, 2014 · 36 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Roush Performance Products, Inc. (Roush) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford E-150 Wagons and Cargo Vans, E-250 Cargo Vans and Extended Cargo Vans, E-350 Wagons, Extended Wagons, Cargo Vans, and Extended Vans, and E-450 Cutaway models. These models were modified by Roush to be equipped with certain propane fuel system conversion kits manufactured January 2011 to August 2012 with an aluminum fuel line fitting. Due to a reaction between the different metals, the affected kits may develop a propane leak where the aluminum fuel line fitting contacts the brass supply valve housing.
Risk
A propane leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Roush will notify owners and will replace the aluminum fuel line fittings with new stainless steel fittings, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2014. Owners may contact Roush customer service at 1‑800‑597‑6874.

Recall number 14V426000 · Recall details

Fuel system, other: storageReported March 4, 2014 · 343 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Landi Renzo USA is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, and E-350 vehicles modified January 2, 2011, through February 24, 2014 to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG). In the affected vehicles, the left and right rear brackets that support the rear CNG cylinder may fail, allowing the cylinder to dislodge from the vehicle.
Risk
If the cylinder dislodges, a CNG leak may result, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Landi Renzo USA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the side arm brackets, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2014. Owners may contact Landi Renzo USA at 1‑855‑526‑3400.

Recall number 14V097000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported June 21, 2013 · 37 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mobility Works is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Ford E-150, E-250 and E-350 vehicles manufactured August 2006 through August 2012. The vehicles are equipped with certain Ricon S series and K Series wheelchair lifts with an optional armored pendant cable. The armored cable may be positioned such that it does not clear the wheelchair lift.
Risk
If the cable does not clear the wheel chair lift it may contact the power lug and, if it does not have a nonconductive cover, or it has an improperly installed non-conductive cover, a short circuit may occur that could result in a fire.
Remedy
Mobility Works will notify owners and Ricon will provide a supplemental cover kit and instructions, free of charge. This recall campaign is expected to begin July 15, 2013. Owners may contact Mobility Works at 1‑877‑275‑4912 and Ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000.

Recall number 13V261000 · Recall details

See all 8 recalls for the 2012 Ford E-150

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Ford E-150 21

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 21 bulletins for the 2012 Ford E-150

2012 Ford E-150 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.6L 8‑cylRWD1316-1714-15
5.4L 8‑cylRWD121613-14

What 2012 Ford E-150 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 26, 2023 · Brakes, Lights · CA

Passenger seat belt stopped working out of the blue. I've had tire sensor thing on my dash since I've bought it an I'm not sure what is happening. The horn stopped working recently. And the overhead dome light doesn't work.

Filed Jul 26, 2023 · Driver assistance · CA

Is making a grinding noise and will jerk to the right. Will flash cruise control and traction control lights.

Filed Jun 8, 2020 · Transmission · 180,887 miles · MD

Was driving vehicle felt jerking and heard grinding noise. Pulled off highway into parking lot. Check could not find anything wrong. Tried to back up vehicle jerk very badlywouldnotback-up. Vehiclewoulddriveforward.

Filed Sep 28, 2018 · Transmission · 56,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford e-150. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle shifted into first and second gears, but could not shift out of second gear. The contact stated that an unknown warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to holman ford lincoln maple shade (571 nj-38, maple shade township, nj 08052, 888‑722‑6721) where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that there were no recalls and the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

Filed Dec 26, 2017 · Engine · 125,000 miles · PA

On sunday, august 20, driving s81 just before the salem exit, the 2012 ford e-150 white cargo van 4.6l romeo engine blew a spark plug out of the #3 cylinder head while accelerating from 40 MPH. The planned trip started from harrisburg pa to andrews nc. To witness a solar eclipse. Engine failure happen at approximately 40mph just north of the salem exit off 81 south. There was no shop available till next day to repair damage.. Damages included a overnight stay, missing the solar eclipse of 2017 and repair and parts cost of over $300.00 spark plug was destroyed. The coil was destroyed and the cylinder head was render useless. At this time a temporary tap was made and heli coil was inserted to hold a new spark plug in place and continue our trip the next day. Since then it blew again and I have no transportation for me and my tools. I have reported this complaint to corporate ford for review. Ford stated they will respond by email wednesday december 27. To determine culpability for manufacturing flaw with inferior aluminum head design. Total damages estimate $2500 to $4000. Sincerely owner 12/22/17 submitted to cas & the federal safety agency.

Filed Jan 31, 2017 · Body, Electrical · 355,470 miles · NY · crash

Uga

Filed Jun 13, 2016 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford e-150. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle independently downshifted into first gear and the wheels seized. The vehicle stalled immediately. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the speed sensor and the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was related to ford recall number: 16s19. After repairs were made, a recall for the power train was issued. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The federal safety agency campaign number was unknown. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Jun 24, 2015 · Body · 60,000 miles · TX · 1 injury

My 11 year old daughter was attempting to close the tailgate and didn't see there was something lodged in the crevice. The tailgate popped off and fell on her knee. She is in excruciating pain. We are at the er. This is not safe. There has to be a better safer way to attach the gate. I have owned 3 f150s and have never had this issue. Thank god my 6 year old was out of the vecinity. This could have easily injured or killed him as well.

Filed Jul 16, 2014 · Tires · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford econoline e150. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 13t012000 (tires). The dealer was contacted and made him aware that the manufacturer did not have the tires available for replacement. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Jul 11, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 5,142 miles · CA

Driving this van is very difficult, it will not hold a straight line ,when you pass big trucks going approximately 65 MPH ,the vacuum sucks it up ,and it gets more uncontrollable,causing a minor fish tale. Of course ford checked it out and found nothing wrong .m---ks could not duplicate the problem..do not drive this van if is at all windy,could become uncontrollable and unsafe . The wandering in the steering is not acceptable .I would not recommend this van for anyone. Or any business.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2012 Ford E-150 before you buy

Compare the 2012 Ford E-150

Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162021

Questions about the 2012 Ford E-150

Is the 2012 Ford E-150 reliable?

Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 2012 Ford E-150, close to a typical E-150 model year.

What is the 2012 Ford E-150 year score?

The 2012 Ford E-150 scores 68 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford E-150: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Ford E-150?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 3 complaints. Next is body (2).

How many recalls does the 2012 Ford E-150 have?

8 recalls, covering equipment adaptive/mobility, fuel system, other and equipment.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Ford E-150 get?

Official estimates for the 2012 Ford E-150 range from 13 to 15 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.6L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 13 city and 16-17 highway.

Share your experience with the 2012 Ford E-150

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2012 Ford E-150?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN