Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Power Train — runs 4.4× the fleet median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
1,771Complaints
4Recalls
40Crashes
14Fires
29Injured
2Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Power Train (37.5% of complaints) — is covered by 3 NHTSA recall campaigns.
Power Train complaints here are 4.4× the median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
1 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 5 rest on owner reports alone.
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 1,771 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Recalls — 4 campaigns
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A FAILURE TO DEPLOY, FAILURE TO DEPLOY AS INTENDED, OR A DEPLOYMENT WHEN NOT INTENDED, INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT OCCUPANT. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE R POSITION AND THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE R MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE. UNABLE TO COMPLETE PASSING MANEUVER. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.”NHTSA complaint 10513881 — filed 05/28/2013 · POWER TRAIN
“TRAVELING AT 60 + / - MPH AND ATTEMPTED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. ENGINE LOST POWER ON ACCELERATION AND SEEMED TO SPUTTER…”NHTSA complaint 10513845 — filed 05/28/2013 · POWER TRAIN
“WHILE MERGING FROM I-26 TO I-20 WHILE PULLING A LIGHTLY LOADED CARGO TRAILER I WAS ACCELERATING DOWN THE ENTRANCE RAMP, HAD JUST BEGUN TO MERGE…”NHTSA complaint 10513656 — filed 05/27/2013 · POWER TRAIN
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford F-150?
Power train issues are the most-reported category, cited in 664 of 1,771 NHTSA complaints (37.5%), followed by engine (482), steering (201), vehicle speed control (193). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2012 Ford F-150 have?
1,771 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 40 involved a crash, 14 involved a fire, and 29 reported injuries. 2 deaths were reported.
Does the 2012 Ford F-150 have any recalls?
Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V075000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 Ford F-150's reported problems?
1 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page is backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.
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