Ford super duty has been in shop for death wobble numerous times and when we get vehicle back still is the issue. Very unsafe and hard to stable once it starts. Even auto shop people when thought fixed drove and scared them. Whole truck shakes uncontrollably. Very poor on Ford for no recall with this happening. Why buy truck if you can’t drive it for work duties.
The worst 2012 Ford F-250 SD problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine22
- Steering18
- Suspension14
- Electrical10
- Fuel system6
- Brakes4
- Transmission3
- Wheels3
- Tires2
- Acceleration1
- Airbags1
- Driver assistance1
- Locks1
- Seat belts1
- Visibility1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Ford F-250 SD
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V‑535 were inadequate. Recall 13V‑535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V‑175) to address the 13V‑535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V‑175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V‑175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and the federal safety agency will take further action if such action is warranted.
RQ14005
Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Ford F-250 SD 134
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
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- Certain 2011-2012 Model Year F-Series Super Duty Vehicles Equipped with a 6.7L Diesel Engine State...
- Certain 2011-2012 Model Year F-Series Super Duty Vehicles Equipped with 6.7L Diesel Engine State...
- Customer Satisfaction Program 22N14 – Supplement #1 Certain 2011-2012 Model Year F-Series Super Duty...
- 2011-2023 F-Super Duty and 2016-2024 F-650/F-750 vehicles equipped with a 6.7L engine may exhibit an...
- Some 2011-2022 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine may exhibit a ticking noise at...
What 2012 Ford F-250 SD owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
While traveling east bound on interstate 10 crossing over siegen lane, truck passed over small bump in interstate and started to violently shake the entire truck almost to the point of no control. I immediately pulled over to inspect my truck. There was no damage and all tires were in good condition. When I started again the vehicle was fine. This was the first of 12 incidents of what I have come to know from research as the "death wobble". I have taken my truck the the ford dealership on numerous occasions and have spent thousands of dollars to correct the issue to no avail. The problem persists and ford cannot figure out the issue. This is the most unnerving experience. This was a $70000 vehicle which has been kept up to date on all maintenance and repairs. The vehicle has not been wrecked or ever take off road. This is obviously a defect in engineering and seems to be a common problem with this model truck.
Vehicle mileage approximately 70,000. At speeds between 35-65 MPH any minor bump will cause truck to begin to vibrate throughout the steering system and subsequently wobble violently. Applying the brakes makes it worse until the truck slows down below 35mph. The truck is not able to be steered during this event. I have taken it to several reputable mechanics and they have assured me this discrepancy is in many f-250s and no one has the complete solution. I contacted ford motor company customer service and they have no interest or expectation of a recall. They did tell me to take it to a ford dealership for repair. The local ford dealership gave me a quote to replace- tie rods, tie rod ends, ball joints, drag link, and 'steering components'. They said it was the second truck brought in this week. The would warranty the parts but not the problem and this would help eliminate which components were the culprit. So in effect I'd be paying to rebuild the front end and not necessarily fix the most dangerous experience in I've had in a vehicle. The federal safety agency please do a recall on this vehicle and help hold ford accountable.
On highway driving about 55 MPH lost control of vehicle no death wobble they speak of but went into next lane over and could not control truck until speed was lower. This happened at least three times already sent it into shop front end tight had all the tires replaced front end aligned still pulls left and right.
Death wobble - have been experiencing violent shaking and instability while at speeds of 55-65 MPH. Steering wheel can almost be shaken out of my hands with a tight grip. Solution is to slow to below 25mph. Then start over. Wobble starts sometimes on its own or if hitting small uneven surface such as bridge/road joint.
Vehicle has had random times when it just cut off completely or it is unable to start. This has been ongoing since the vehicle was purchased used in 2015. Dealer has recently identified a defect in the brb but the repair expense is exorbitant due to time involved.
Owned truck for less than a year, I had less than 50,000 miles on truck and had 'death wobble' on highway multiple times. After a $1000+ bill from the dealership, it still happens but not to the same extent as originally.
Experiencing what is known as "death wobble". When hitting a small bump in the pavement, vehicle begins shaking (sometimes violently). Must apply brakes and slow speed to remedy
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford f-250 sd. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started to wobble violently. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact mentioned that the only way to stop the wobble was to reduce the speed. The contact also stated that the failure occurred one other time. The vehicle was taken to kenly ford inc (500 s garner ave, kenly, nc 27542) where the steering arm and torsion bar were replaced, and an alignment was performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Driving on a highway at about 65 MPH ,my truck stoped running. The computer said it was low on oil,it was not. This happened approx. 6 more times before I got home. I didn't where a ford dealer was so I took my truck to a truck repair shop,the truck stopped 3 more times. They fixed a wireing problem in the engine compartment, thay charged me 526.58 for the repairs. Ford would not reimburse me. Has this been a problem?
Compare the 2012 Ford F-250 SD
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2012 Ford F-250 SD
Is the 2012 Ford F-250 SD reliable?
Owners have filed 57 complaints about the 2012 Ford F-250 SD, fewer than a typical F-250 SD model year.
What is the 2012 Ford F-250 SD year score?
The 2012 Ford F-250 SD scores 90 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford F-250 SD: 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 F-250 SD?
Engine and cooling, with 22 complaints, typically around 54,236 miles. Next is steering (18).
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford F-250 SD have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Ford F-250 SD have bad engine?
The Ford F-250 SD model years with the most engine complaints are 2004 (114 complaints), 2002 (105 complaints) and 2001 (99 complaints).
VIN decoder
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Check its historyFord F-250 SD in the news
- Ford recalls 2026-2027 F-150, 2026 F-250 SD and 2026 F-350 SD and other models over hinge and attachments problem (30,123 vehicles)
- Ford recalls 2026 F-150, 2025-2026 F-250 SD and 2025-2026 F-350 SD and other models over instrument cluster/panel problem (102,159 vehicles)
- Ford recalls 2025-2027 Expedition, 2026 F-250 SD and 2026 F-350 SD and other models over exterior lighting headlights problem (41,748 vehicles)