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2012 Ford F-450 problems

The most common problem on the 2012 Ford F-450 is engine and cooling, typically around 53,760 miles. It has 1.4 times the complaints of a typical F-450 model year.

Typical year1.4x the typical complaints
Year score
61/100
Owner complaints
14
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
15
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2012 Ford F-450 problems

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

  • Engine
    7
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Suspension
    3
  • Driver assistance
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    7
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Suspension
    3
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 4

EquipmentReported August 13, 2014 · 3 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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 number 14V498000 · Recall details

EngineReported October 30, 2013 · 2,951 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 13V535000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipeReported August 23, 2013 · 37 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 13V380000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported December 8, 2011 · 16,091 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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 number 11V582000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2012 Ford F-450

Defect investigations

Vehicle Commanded Engine ShutdownOpened January 13, 2015, closed March 15, 2016

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-450 15

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

See all 15 bulletins for the 2012 Ford F-450

What 2012 Ford F-450 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Fuel system · 98,188 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed back to the residence. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence and diagnosed the vehicle with fuel pump failure. The contact was unaware whether the fuel pump needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,188.

Filed Nov 23, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 67,911 miles · TX

Key in ignition circuit is open - engine light on ' fixd indicates inspection issue.

Filed Feb 21, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · VA

We have to replace our fuel tank because the lining has delaminated. We have already had to replace the engine which may have been a result of the lining deterioration.

Filed Apr 23, 2019 · Engine · 38,500 miles · DE

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford f-450. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to stall and the check engine and oil pressure warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to park the vehicle on the side of the road as it stalled and turned off. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and then to bayshore ford truck sales (located at 4003 n dupont hwy, new castle, de 19720, (302) 656-3160) where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 38,500.

Filed Jun 8, 2016 · Steering, Suspension · 63,000 miles · FL

I took my ford f-450 lariat for its 60,000 miles service. After the service was done, while driving it home from the ford dealership (autonation ford in corpus christi, tx), on the freeway as soon as I got to around 50 miles per hour the vehicle's front started to shake/wobble very violently. Speeding up to the speed limit (60 MPH) did not help and the shaking got actually worst, I had to stop for the shaking/wobbling to stop, thankfully I was still on the right lane and there was a wide enough shoulder for me to stop. As soon as I restarted and got to about 50 MPH the violent shaking restarted, and I had to stop again for this shaking to stop. I exited the freeway at the first exit and drove back to the dealer. On the way back the violent shaking repeated at least 5 more times, once on the city street with 45 MPH speed limit. When I described the shaking to the service adviser, he said they heard about this, and they call it the "death wobble". Actually one of his mechanic experienced it before on his truck. Now my ford f-450 is in service again and they are trying to figure out how to fix my "death wobble" problem. I filed a complain with ford today, but I do not expect much to happen. Given that the mechanics knew about this "death wobble", and after an internet search I found that is affecting many other ford owners (there are many groups describing the same problem), I consider that ford should have recalled these vehicles, before somebody gets hurt. Stopping on the freeway, while semi-trucks were behind me driving at full speed was the scariest experience, and did not think that I will get away without being hit by other trucks. Please tell ford to fix the "death wobble". I do not think that I should be responsible for paying for this fix.

Filed Jun 2, 2016 · Engine · 75,000 miles · MA

While transporting a patient to the hospital the engine on our 2012 ford ambulance suddenly and without warning derated. This caused our ambulance to slow dramatically and delayed transport to the hospital. We brought the ambulance to the dealer who stated the entire def system would need to be replaced at a cost of $5,000! I researching the internet this is not an uncommon problem. I contacted the regional manager for ford and have had no response.

Filed May 28, 2016 · Fuel system · 36,220 miles · TX

1/28/14- hpfp metal shavings found after engine power down, all fuel system replaced. After only a few months (4/10/14) same thing. On 4/25/16 same thing. No warrant. Ford knows this has been ongoing issue, refuses to warranty while other mfg, ie vw does cover same part. I would welcome class action suit.

Filed May 5, 2016 · Steering, Suspension · KY

While driving down a parkway at the speed limit, we traveled over several bridges and all of a sudden after hitting a rough spot in the road and over the bridges the truck began to shake violently and we had to almost come to a stop to hold it in the road. It continued to do this almost every time we hit a bump in the road. We had just recently bought this truck used, I am scared to ride or drive this truck anymore, it is my husbands and he does. We pull a horse trailer at times and I am scared to do so because it puts our lives as well as other motorists lives and my horses in danger. This needs to be recalled and corrected asap....he purchased some expensive part and had it put on under the front end and it has helped but lt still feels like it will start at any moment to shake when you cross a bridge or hit a pot hole, it is like it is on the verge and could start at any moment. It does not drive normal!!!!

Filed Dec 4, 2015 · Steering, Suspension · 65,378 miles · CA

Driving down the highway in the rain truck started shaking could not hold steering wheel . Truck started going sideways on highway from shaking/ wobble. Truck shuts off driving down the road with no warning no steering or brakes towing equipment. I have had my 1 year old daughter in truck almost in a accident 2 times now from trucks death wobble and motor shutting off towing equipment.

Filed Oct 3, 2015 · Driver assistance, Engine · 109,000 miles · MD

I was driving along my 2012 ford f450superduty turbo diesel along the interstate 495 dc beltway in maryland with my seven year old son in the back seat, when a lcd in the middle of the speedometer gave a warning which read "reduced power" and could immediately feel a reduced responsiveness of the truck to the accelerator. A moment later another sign read " cleaning exhaust filter" which disappeared almost immediately. A moment later a final warning came up which read" stop at a safe location. I bearly pulled over to a dangerous shoulder when my truck shot down. At this point I could no longer move my truck to a safer location on the highway shoulder. The highway on which my truck stalled is the busiest highway in maryland. The truck stalling like the way it did put my life, my sons life and the lives of other motorists at risk at moment it did. While I was searching online for what might have gone wrong with my truck, I came across an article on which ambulances were recalled and sensors in the exhaust were replaced to fix the problem. One striking similarity was the five audible chime the trucks were emitting which my truck also emitted. I was not able start the truck at that stall point so I had it towed to a local dealership.

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Questions about the 2012 Ford F-450

Is the 2012 Ford F-450 reliable?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 2012 Ford F-450, 1.4 times a typical F-450 model year.

What is the 2012 Ford F-450 year score?

The 2012 Ford F-450 scores 61 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford F-450: 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-450?

Engine and cooling, with 7 complaints, typically around 53,760 miles. Next is fuel system (3).

How many recalls does the 2012 Ford F-450 have?

4 recalls, covering equipment, engine and engine and engine cooling.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Ford F-450 engine?

Yes, 2 recalls: 13V535000, 13V380000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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