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2012 Ford F-550 SD problems

The most common problem on the 2012 Ford F-550 SD is engine and cooling. It has fewer complaints than a typical F-550 SD model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
10
Service bulletins
141
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2012 Ford F-550 SD problems

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

  • Engine
    3
  • Electrical
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Tires
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    3
  • Electrical
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 10

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported March 25, 2015 · 6,322 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks manufactured February 22, 2010, to January 30, 2015, and equipped with ambulance or fire engine preparation packages. The affected vehicles may detect an incorrect Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGT) fault indicating that the vehicle is too hot, causing the engine management system to shut down the engine and prevent its immediate restart.
Risk
Engine shut down and a subsequent cool down period may delay medical treatment or assistance to those needing it, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S09.

Recall number 15V175000 · Recall details

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported February 25, 2015 · 117 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Farber Specialty Vehicles (Farber) is recalling various specialty vehicles modified by Farber and equipped with 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
Farber will notify owners to take their vehicles 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 March 24, 2015. Owners may contact Farber customer service at 1‑800‑331‑3188, or Ricon customer service at 1‑800‑322‑2884. Farber's number for this recall is 14E-041.

Recall number 15V112000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported June 23, 2014 · 10 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Palfleet Truck Equipment Company, LLC (Palfleet) is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 super duty vehicles modified by Palfleet 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
Palfleet will notify 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 July 29, 2014. Owners may contact Palfleet customer service at 1- 502‑376‑2458.

Recall number 14V360000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported June 18, 2014 · 42 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Dual-Tech, Inc. (Dual-Tech) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Ford F-550 Super Duty trucks modified by Dual-Tech, 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
Dual-Tech will notify 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 June 20, 2014. Owners may contact Dual-Tech customer service at 1‑800‑852‑0345.

Recall number 14V336000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported June 13, 2014 · 10 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Manning Equipment Inc. LLC (Manning) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles modified by Manning 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
Manning will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. This action is the same as the service campaign action. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Manning at 1‑800‑876‑8768.

Recall number 14V326000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported June 13, 2014 · 21 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. will notify owners and dealers to inspect the Muncie PTO pressure switch to determine if it is from the range of defective switches and if required, remove the pressure switch assembly and put a plug in the port where the PTO switch had been installed. This switch was never being utilized. This will be done free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-July 2014. Owners may contact Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. at 1‑800‑247‑5958.
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
Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. will notify 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 July 28, 2014. Owners may contact Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. at 1‑800‑247‑5958.

Recall number 14V328000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported June 12, 2014 · 10 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Stahl is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Ford F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles modified by Stahl 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
Stahl will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. Owners may contact Stahl customer service at 1‑800‑277‑8245, or Muncie at 1‑800‑367‑7867.

Recall number 14V327000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported June 10, 2014 · 16 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Utility Truck Equipment Company, LLC (Utility Truck) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 UTLI41A, 2011 UTLN41, and 2012 UTLN46 aerial trucks manufactured December 2010 to September 2013 equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies installed on 2010-2013 Ford F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles. 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
Utility Truck will notify 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 in June 2014. Owners may contact Utility Truck customer service at 1‑254‑857‑8813.

Recall number 14V379000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported June 10, 2014 · 4 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Somerset Welding & Steel, doing business as J&J Truck equipment (J&J), is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis with 6.8L gasoline engines modified by J&J to be 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
Somerset will notify 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 August 2014. Owner's may contact Somerset customer service at 1‑800‑777‑2671.

Recall number 14V382000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported June 4, 2014 · 19 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Tactical Vehicle Outfitters (Tactical) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ford F-350 and F-550 vehicles modified by Tactical 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
Tactical will notify owners, and dealers will install a new PTO pressure switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2014. Owners may contact Tactical customer service at 1‑405‑603‑6700.

Recall number 14V307000 · Recall details

See all 10 recalls for the 2012 Ford F-550 SD

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

CNG Fuel Container SecurementOpened November 15, 2013, closed March 9, 2014

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of 1 incident related to the alleged defect. By letter dated January 10, 2014, Almared, Inc. (doing business as A-1 Alternative Fuel Systems) has notified ODI that it has conducted a safety recall (the federal safety agency Recall No. 14V‑040) to address a safety defect in 18 model year 2011-2012 Ford F-550 transit buses manufactured between May 2011 and April 2013. These vehicles have been altered by A-1 to contain one or more compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel containers. According to A-1, the brackets securing passenger side CNG fuel containers to the vehicle chassis may fracture, resulting in a CNG fuel container that is unsecured. A-1 has reportedly inspected all 18 affected vehicles and repaired all vehicles equipped with the defective mounting bracket by installing a new bracket of an improved design. The new bracket has added strength as a result of the following design revisions: the cantilevered mounting plate is reinforced with additional support plates, the cantilevered position is mounted higher on the bracket above the CNG fuel container center line position (thus reducing the moment arm), and it is constructed of heavier gauge steel plate that is also dimensionally wider, which provides for a greater bonding surface area with the vehicle chassis.Based on the recall action taken by Almared, Inc., this investigation is closed.

PE13038

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Ford F-550 SD 141

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

See all 141 bulletins for the 2012 Ford F-550 SD

What 2012 Ford F-550 SD owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 19, 2016 · Engine · 125,671 miles · CA

Vehicle shut down completely during normal highway driving at approximately 65 MPH. Lost engine power and all interior power, including ignition power.

Filed Oct 26, 2015 · Electrical · 36,000 miles · NH

We just had to pay an $800.00+ bill for pinched wires under the cab of the truck caused by the manufacturer not properly routing the harness, therefore causing a dead short in the truck and causing the replacement of 4 batteries since june 2015. The service writer said this was done by ford and not covered under warranty! Because of the pinched wire the driver had to first step on the brake pedal then turn to key to start

Filed Aug 24, 2015 · Engine · 45,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford f-550 sd. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, a loud banging sounded was heard inside the cabin and the engine power reduced substantially. The engine was turned off and restarted, but the failure persisted. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and detected that the turbo became stuck and the turbo hose disconnected. The hose was reconnected; however, the failure continued. The vehicle was not repaired a second time. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000. The VIN was unavailable. Ma 10/6

Filed Mar 18, 2015 · PA

Vehicles pto pressure switch is leaking onto exhaust and per jerr-dan who has a recall for the same complaint on the same vehicle range and application (ref num. 14v‑507) this vehicle is not covered? Vehicle is a 2012 f550 with a muncie power take of unit with a pressure switch mounted next to exhaust.

Filed May 27, 2014 · Engine · 21,101 miles · ID

The turbo bearing failed in the truck at 21,101 miles. The dealership replaced it, but since then I have spent way too much time at the dealership for problems with this truck that I should not be having. There is also a typewriter ticking noise coming from the engine after oil changes, ford is aware of it, but says it is not a problem. They state that some motors do it, and some don't. Again this sounds like a serious quality control problem. I noticed the A/C was not working in april of this year, the first time it was warm enough to use it. It just blew hot air and the truck had about 50,000 miles on it. Ford serviced the A/C at 55,019 miles on 22 april 14. The A/C worked for a day and then stopped working again. Took it back to ford at the next service and they spent several hours working on the truck and think they have it solved. However, since my bumper to bumper warranty expired at 36,000 miles they state that I owe the bill. Took the truck in at 65,000 miles to get the oil changed and the radiator serviced at the regular maintenance intervals. The ford dealership said they could not service the radiator because it was leaking and they don't want to make the leak worse. They said a new radiator installed is $1300. I should not have to replace a radiator at this mileage. I did some checking at the www.ford-trucks.com forums and found that numerous people have problems, with the turbos (f450s and 550s), radiators (all super duty types) and A/C (all super duty types). This frustrating and time consuming to say the least. It has cost my business a fair amount of money already in lost business and the repairs to go with it. I purchased an extended warranty for the motor to 200,000 miles and an extended service plan out to 120,000. This truck has been cared for and serviced only by ford. Way too many problems already.

Filed Apr 30, 2014 · Lights, Tires · TX

Incident #1: it was determined during the assembly process the manufacturer of my expedition vehicle/motor home (mh) was not in compliance with national highway traffic safety admin., dot regulation under 571.108 covering lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment. Specifically my mh was missing two amber clearance lamps on the front, and two red side marker lamps on the rear. After manufacturer was informed of the violation they corrected the mistake. Incident #2: it was determined 08/07/2012 during the assembly process the manufacturer of my mh was not in compliance with the national highway traffic safety admin., code of federal regulations title 49, part 571: 571.120 for motor homes. The combined weight rating of the tires on the rear axle was 12790, and the combined weight rating of the rims was 13660. The weight rating of the rear axle of my mh was 14706. The combined weight rating of the rear tires was 1916 pound less than the weight rating of the axle-not legal per dot regulations. Therefore, owner asked manufacturer to put the factory dual tires & rims back on the mh in order to be in compliance with dot regulations. Incident #3: it was determined 04/30/2014 that manufacturer of my mh was not in compliance with dot & the federal safety agency (the federal safety agency) regulation 49 cfr part 571 (federal motor vehicle safety standards; cargo carrying capacity). No label on my mh provides the following information: the weight of a full load of water, the unit weight of water and a cautionary statement that the weight of water is part of cargo. Motor home labels must display the maximum weight of occupants and cargo. In addition, for motor homes, the label must show the safety belt equipped seating capacity and must indicate that the tongue weight of a towed trailer counts as cargo. Updated 5/29/14*cn updated 10/30/2014 *js updated 8/23/2017

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Questions about the 2012 Ford F-550 SD

Is the 2012 Ford F-550 SD reliable?

Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2012 Ford F-550 SD, fewer than a typical F-550 SD model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Ford F-550 SD?

Engine and cooling, with 3 complaints. Next is electrical (1).

How many recalls does the 2012 Ford F-550 SD have?

10 recalls, covering power train, equipment adaptive/mobility and equipment.

What year does the Ford F-550 SD have bad engine?

The Ford F-550 SD model years with the most engine complaints are 2004 (17 complaints), 2008 (14 complaints) and 1999 (10 complaints).

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