NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 1,717 owner complaints for the 2012 Ford F-150. Most complaints involve power train (642) and engine (473). The EPA rates it 13–19 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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.
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.
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 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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each F-150 model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 360 |
| 1997 | 2,855 |
| 1998 | 1,418 |
| 1999 | 1,121 |
| 2000 | 1,205 |
| 2001 | 1,340 |
| 2002 | 955 |
| 2003 | 464 |
| 2004 | 2,036 |
| 2005 | 1,121 |
| 2006 | 589 |
| 2007 | 492 |
| 2008 | 369 |
| 2009 | 324 |
| 2010 | 851 |
| 2011 | 2,137 |
| 2012 | 1,717 |
| 2013 | 2,796 |
| 2014 | 1,362 |
| 2015 | 1,425 |
| 2016 | 1,798 |
| 2017 | 1,148 |
| 2018 | 1,929 |
| 2019 | 1,021 |
| 2020 | 562 |
| 2021 | 1,042 |
| 2022 | 605 |
| 2023 | 419 |
| 2024 | 195 |
| 2025 | 119 |
| 2026 | 0 |
“Vehicle rolls backwards OR potentially forwards intermittently depending on direction of incline. Have only observed it rolling backwards. When changing gears, above third gear usually, there is a resonant grumbling sound.”
“The cam phasers are in need of changing. Ford has acknowledged they are aware of the problems with the 3.5 Ecoboost engine but will not take responsibility and repair them. I definitely can not pay for this type of tepair”
“My truck started to skid as I was making a left turn. I wasn't going fast enough to skid. I then noticed the idiot light was on so I took it in for an estimate. I was told that the truck needed a power steering rack and the cost would be around $3000.00 I arranged for the repair. Truck mileage was 101051.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F150 Pickup 2WD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 6.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,300 | 592 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 6.2 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | $4,950 | 684 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 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.
Owners filed 1,717 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (642), engine (473), steering (197). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2012 Ford F-150 at 13–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2012 Ford F-150 4 out of 5 stars overall.