2012 Ford F-150 recalls and problems

The 2012 Ford F-150 has 4 safety recalls and 1,784 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
1,784
Crashes / fires
40 / 14
Injuries / deaths
29 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Ford F-150 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Ford F-150 recalls

Recall 19V-075: Power Train

Reported Feb 11, 2019 · 1,263,051 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Risk: Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S07.

Recall 16V-248: Power Train

Reported Apr 27, 2016 · 153,581 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.

Risk: 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.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.

Recall 12V-198: Air Bags

Reported May 3, 2012 · 101 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 f-150 vehicles manufactured from november 6, 2011, through november 15, 2011. Incorrect software for the occupant classification system module (Ocsm) was installed on the vehicles either at the time of manufacturing or during the course of replacement of the module as part of a service repair. Under certain driving conditions, the ocsm may misclassify the passenger seatâ’s occupant such that the passenger side airbag does not deploy when it should, does not deploy as intended, or deploys when it should not.

Risk: 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.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ocsm free of charge. The safety recall began on may 21, 2012. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Recall 12V-190: Exterior Lighting, Power Train

Reported May 3, 2012 · 10,500 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 ford f-150, 2012 expedition and lincoln navigator, and 2012-2013 mustang vehicles, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard nos. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect" and 108 â“lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment.┠these vehicles may have a transmission range sensor (Trs) that was calibrated out of specification for reverse gear.

Risk: If this condition exists, the transmission may not go into reverse or when the driver pushes the shift lever in the reverse â“r┠position and the vehicleâ’s transmission does go in reverse, the â“r┠may not illuminate on the dashboard of the f-150, expedition, or navigator models and/or the backup lamp on the rear of the f-150, expedition, navigator, or mustang vehicles may not illuminate. These conditions increase the risk of a crash or a pedestrian being struck due to the vehicleâ’s not signaling it is in reverse.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the trs as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on june 11, 2012. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

2012 Ford F-150 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train684
Engine483
Steering205
Vehicle Speed Control195
Electrical System173
Service Brakes124
Unknown or Other119
Visibility/Wiper95
Fuel/Propulsion System84
Air Bags38
Visibility37
Fuel System, Gasoline36

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 18
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Rear Window — 13
  • Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 9
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 8
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 5
  • Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 5
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 4
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 63,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Ford F-150 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · at 100,200 miles · reported Oct 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH in 4th or 5th gear, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into 1st gear. The contact pulled to the side of the road and manually shifted into 2nd gear and drove to the residence. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the failure with the powertrain control module and the downshifting had been repaired in 2021. The manufacturer was informed about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,200.
Power Train · reported Sep 30, 2026
I have a 2012 F150 that has a safety, hazard with the transmission. It’s a 6 R80 transmission and the lead frame assembly is suddenly downshifting. from six gear to second year I have contacted the Ford motor company. They say they cannot do anything. That the safety issue is expired, but I bought the truck used and was unaware of the safety issue. And now I’m having problems with it. I need the safety issue fixed as soon as possible. Thank you. Sincerely, [XXX]. [XXX] United States Air Force , XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power Train · at 150,000 miles · reported Sep 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the transmission seized while driving 15 MPH and making a left turn onto the highway in oncoming traffic, and the vehicle suddenly stopped. The wrench symbol was displayed. The instrument panel was blank. The contact stated that the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The failure had occurred several times while driving at various speeds. The contact logged into the Ford account and became aware of Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N01. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The…
Power Train · reported Sep 1, 2026
On XXX, I brought my 2012 Ford F-150 (VIN: [XXX]) to an authorized dealership (Ed Morse Ford Geneseo) to complete mandatory safety recall 19S07 (Molded Lead Frame Software Update). The vehicle was fully operational, shifting safely, and completely functional upon arrival. Immediately upon completion of the safety recall software flash, during the direct drive home from the dealership, the transmission suffered a total mechanical failure. The vehicle began slipping, chattering, and downshifting violently, rendering it completely undrivable and unsafe on public roads. It required an emergency…
Vehicle Speed Control · reported Aug 31, 2026
While driving the truck suddenly shifted into first year with the automatic transmission. This was the third time that this has happened.

Other Ford F-150 years

Compare all Ford F-150 years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Ford F-150 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Ford F-150: 19V-075 (power train), 16V-248 (power train), 12V-198 (air bags), 12V-190 (exterior lighting, power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Ford F-150?

Owners report power train problems most often (684 reports), followed by engine (483). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 63,000 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.