Research · Vans, Cargo Type

2012 Ford E-150Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints for the 2012 Ford E-150. Most complaints involve power train (3) and seat belts (2). The EPA rates it 13–15 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
13–15mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
7campaigns
Latest Nov 2015
Owner complaints
12
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$4,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

7 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Equipment adaptive

Free remedy

MobilityWorks (WMK Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, and E-350 vans modified by MobilityWorks to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported Nov 4, 2015NHTSA 15V729000

Equipment adaptive

Free remedy

Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply (Cummings) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, Chevrolet Express, 2006-2008 Dodge Sprinter, and 2009-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to October 8, 2014, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation after January 1, 2006. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported Nov 5, 2014NHTSA 14V706000

Equipment adaptive

Free remedy

National Van Builders, Inc. (National Van) is recalling certain 2007-2014 Ford E-150 and E-250 vehicles manufactured February 26, 2007, to August 19, 2014, and equipped with certain 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.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported Sep 23, 2014NHTSA 14V584000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

12 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2012 – Jul 2023
  1. Power train3
  2. Seat belts2
  3. Structure2
  4. Suspension2
  5. Forward collision avoidance1
  6. Exterior lighting1
  7. Service brakes1
  8. Engine1
  9. Electrical system1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each E-150 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201123
201212
201319
20146
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

3 reports
“WAS DRIVING VEHICLE FELT JERKING AND HEARD GRINDING NOISE. PULLED OFF HIGHWAY INTO PARKING LOT. CHECK COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. TRIED TO BACK UP VEHICLE JERK VERY BADLYWOULDNOTBACK-UP. VEHICLEWOULDDRIVEFORWARD. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 8, 2020Power trainODI 11327898

Seat belts

2 reports1 crash
“Passenger seat belt stopped working out of the blue. I've had tire sensor thing on my dash since I've bought it an I'm not sure what is happening. The horn stopped working recently. And the overhead dome light doesn't work.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 26, 2023Exterior lighting, Seat belts, Service brakesODI 11534519

Structure

2 reports1 crash
“UGA”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 31, 2017Electrical system, Seat belts, StructureCrash reportedODI 10948604
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Vans, Cargo Type, Vans, Passenger Type
Engines
4.6L 8-cyl · 5.4L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
E150 Van FFV
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
131715$4,300592
E150 Van FFV
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
121614$4,600635
E150 Wagon FFV
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
131614$4,600635
E150 Wagon FFV
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
121613$4,950684
  • E150 Van FFV
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L
    13 city · 17 hwy · $4,300/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
  • E150 Van FFV
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L
    12 city · 16 hwy · $4,600/yr
    14
    mpg comb.
  • E150 Wagon FFV
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L
    13 city · 16 hwy · $4,600/yr
    14
    mpg comb.
  • E150 Wagon FFV
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L
    12 city · 16 hwy · $4,950/yr
    13
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Ford E-150 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 6395Vehicle 6394
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2012 E-150 questions

How many recalls does the 2012 Ford E-150 have?

7 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2012 Ford E-150 problems?

Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (3), seat belts (2), structure (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2012 Ford E-150 get?

The EPA rates the 2012 Ford E-150 at 13–15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026