2012 Ford F-450 recalls and problems

The 2012 Ford F-450 has 4 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
14
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Ford F-450 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Ford F-450 recalls

Recall 14V-498: Equipment

Reported Aug 13, 2014 · 3 vehicles affected · PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 13V-535: Engine

Reported Oct 30, 2013 · 2,951 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 13V-380: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Aug 23, 2013 · 37 vehicles affected · Manning Equipment Inc. LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 11V-582: Power Train

Reported Dec 8, 2011 · 16,091 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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, â“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.

Fix: 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.

2012 Ford F-450 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine5
Engine and Engine Cooling4
Unknown or Other4
Steering3
Suspension3
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Exterior Lighting1
Tires1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1
Electrical System1
Fuel System, Gasoline1

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 2

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-450 complaints

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

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 98,188 miles · reported Mar 9, 2026
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…
Engine · reported Feb 21, 2020
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.
Steering · at 63,000 miles · reported Jun 8, 2016
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…
Engine · at 75,000 miles · reported Jun 2, 2016
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 36,220 miles · reported May 28, 2016
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.

Other Ford F-450 years

Compare all Ford F-450 years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Ford F-450 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Ford F-450: 14V-498 (equipment), 13V-535 (engine), 13V-380 (engine and engine cooling), 11V-582 (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-450?

Owners report engine problems most often (5 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (4). 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.