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2012 Ford F-250 engine problems

39 complaints (15% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 43,505.

owner complaints
39
of this car's complaints
15%
typical mileage
43,505
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system
    7
  • Engine: diesel
    7

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford F-250 engine problems in other years

199019952000200520102014

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Ford F-250 engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Stalling 14Engine failure 8Loss of power 7Check engine light 5Won't start 5

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2012 Ford F-250 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 23, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · IA

I just had to replace the ECM because it fired. after replacing that it still won't start. I've talked to multiple people who have had the same problem.

Filed Jul 7, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 27,500 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine seizure due to coolant intrusion in the engine. The contact stated that while the dealer was in the process of replacing the engine, the dealer informed the contact that the transmission also needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the engine and the transmission. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was bucking and jerking. The gear shift indicator light displayed that the transmission was slipping from drive(D) to neutral(N) and reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the part was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,500.

Filed Jun 9, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · NC

it keeps throwing a check engine light for miss fire but ive replaced all of the ignition and fuel parts and it keeps happening now its loosing power and getting hot for no reason.

Filed May 1, 2025 · Engine · 161,000 miles · VA · fire

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated while he was stopped at a traffic signal, he smelled a burning plastic smell. The contact observed that smoke was being emitted from under the vehicle's front end. The contact pulled off the road and parked. As he exited the vehicle, he observed that flames were shooting from under the vehicle. The contact stated that in a few minutes, the flames had engulfed the engine compartment. The fire department was called, and the police had also arrived. The fire was extinguished using water. The police did not filed a report. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.

Filed Apr 3, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · 120,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the engine power was significantly reduced and there was a whining sound coming from the engine compartment. While starting the vehicle, there was a high-pitched whining sound heard. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and determined there was a failure with the fuel pump. The fuel pumps were replaced 4 times, and the front and rear fuel pressure regulators were replaced several times since 2012. The contact was adding coolant to the vehicle every 2 months. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Jun 6, 2024 · Engine · FL

Leaving oil spots on ground. Inside Cab smelling very strongly like burnt oil.

Filed Feb 7, 2024 · Engine · 42,500 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle began to make an abnormal cranking sound with several unknown warning lights flashing on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was discovered that piston rod #3 had snapped inside the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. After a year, the engine was replaced; however, three weeks later, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was informed that the exhaust gas cooling system had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 42,500.

Filed Dec 31, 2022 · Engine · GA

Ford previously issued warranty extension for this vehicle 18-M-01 related to the replacement of the reductant heater unit. I acquired the subject vehicle above and had the repair done at my expense on September 9, 2015 with 115,710 miles on the vehicle using an OEM part. Eventually, Ford would reimburse me for this expense. The truck currently has 150,000 miles and once again the DEF heater failed . So, roughly 35,000 miles on a single unit. That seems ridiculous to me that an emissions part would fail after a mere 35,000 miles. My experience is far from being alone and others have reported similar experiences on internet forums. I will preserve this unit that failed for 60 days after the submission of this claim in case Ford or you would like to inspect it. Unfortunately, the result of having to perform repeated repairs is that people decide to remove and bypass the DEF system completely. That seems to be a terrible outcome for the environment. However, in communities where there is no emissions testing, no one will find out. Please require Ford to extend the warranty on this part again.

Filed Aug 6, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · WV

Very intermittently, when I brake this vehicle to bring it to a stop, the engine will start to rev uncontrollably. I have to practically "stand" on the brake to keep it from charging forward. I have to turn off the truck to stop this high speed revving. After this happened 3 times in 2 months we took it to the dealer to check. There was nothing on the floor that could cause the gas pedal to accelerate. The dealer in Kingwood, WV could not duplicate, and found nothing wrong when inspected. We only use the truck once or twice a month so it is a low use vehicle. For this reason the problem does not occur frequently enough to replicate "on demand". While there was not a crash, it almost revved through an intersection and almost ran into another vehicle. Fortunately I was able to throw it into park (Not Good for the vehicle) and then turn it off.

Filed Jun 20, 2022 · Engine · FL

Many early model vehicles with the 6.7 Powerstroke experience broken exhaust manifold bolts. Ford corrected this problem after the first few years of known defects but never issued a recall for the faulty design on 2011-2012 models. The exhaust leak can lead to a lack of power, “limp mode”, and/or a fire as the exhaust is located on top of the engine (not a common design). While Ford is aware of the problem, they’ve done nothing to rectify the situation.

Questions about the 2012 Ford F-250 engine

Does the 2012 Ford F-250 have engine problems?

Owners have filed 39 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Ford F-250, 15% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2012 Ford F-250 engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 43,505 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Ford F-250 engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Ford F-250 have bad engine?

The Ford F-250 model years with the most engine complaints are 1999 (82 complaints), 2004 (63 complaints) and 2000 (44 complaints).

Other 2012 Ford F-250 problems

Suspension 125Steering 112Fuel system 20Electrical 18Wheels 16Transmission 15Brakes 10Body 9Airbags 5Tires 4Acceleration 3Driver assistance 3Lights 3Seat belts 2Seats 2Visibility 2Locks 1

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