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2012 Ford F-150: common problems and reliability
An average F-150 year.
5,151 owner complaints, most about power train. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 F-150?The 2012 Ford F-150 has 5151 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine.
Safety record for the 2012 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Ford F-150 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other F-150 years only. How we score it
Is 2012 a good year for the F-150?
Across the 30 F-150 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 324 (2009) to 8,388 (2013). With 5,151 complaints, the 2012 F-150 sits above the model's median of 2,537.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2012 F-150
power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Campaign 19V075000Ford 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.
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 16V248000Ford 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.
air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive
Campaign 12V198000FORD 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 SEATS OCCUPANT SUCH THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DOES NOT DEPLOY WHEN IT SHOULD, DOES NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED, OR DEPLOYS WHEN IT SHOULD NOT.
power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Campaign 12V190000FORD 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 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
What owners say across generations
Owners express strong overall satisfaction, particularly with the Lightning EV model, which is praised as the best vehicle many have owned. The spacious rear seat is highlighted as excellent for families with three car seats.
Owner insights cover all generations of the F-150. See the full F-150 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used F-150 listings typically run $16,400–$34,944.
Other F-150 model years
Compare every F-150 year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.
Compare the F-150 against its rivals
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