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2012 Ford F-150: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists four recall campaigns for the 2012 Ford F-150: three for the powertrain (filed 2012–2019) and one for air bags (filed 2012). Owners have filed 1,783 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the power train and the engine. For comparison, owners filed 2,191 for the 2011 and 2,983 for the 2013 F-150. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 4 stars overall, with a 19.8% rollover risk.

Summary reviewed by Recalls & Safety Desk · Oct 6, 2026 How we write summaries Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 4campaigns 2 power train · 1 lighting · 1 air bag Source: NHTSA Complaints 1,783filed Owner reports, 2008–2017 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 4★overall ★★★★☆ Frontal 4★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 19mpg combined $3,437/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 3.7 L 6-cyl· 6-speed automatic 15 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (4)

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2012 Ford F-150. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2012 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V075000 Filed Feb 11, 2019

Unexpected Transmission Downshift

Power train · automatic transmission
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
60% repairedof 1,263,051 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V075000
Listed for 2012 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V248000 Filed Apr 27, 2016

Unexpected Transmission Downshift

Power train · automatic transmission
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
68.9% repairedof 153,581 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V248000
Listed for 2012 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 12V190000 Filed May 3, 2012

"PRNDL" ILLUMINATION AND BACKUP LAMP ACTIVATION

Exterior lighting · back up lights
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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 “LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.” THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
Consequence
IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE “R” POSITION AND THE VEHICLE’S TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE “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 VEHICLE’S NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.
Remedy
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.
Repair progress not yet reported10,500 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 12V190000
Listed for 2012 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 12V198000 Filed May 3, 2012

OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

Air bags · frontal · sensor/control module-inactive
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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 SEAT’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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
Repair progress not yet reported101 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 12V198000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which F-150 years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Ford F-150All model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (1,783)

1,783 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The power train is mentioned most often.

40involved a crash
14involved a fire
29injuries reported
2deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Ford F-150, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 1,783.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2012 compares with other F-150 years

Best and worst F-150 years →
369 324 843 2,191 1,783 2,983 1,534 1,722 2,061 1,443
2008200920102011201220132014201520162017
This year (2012)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 4 stars overall

Overall★★★★☆
Frontal crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 3★★★★★☆
Side crashDriver 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★☆
RolloverRollover risk 19.8%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2012 Ford F-150 pu/rc 4x2, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 19 mpg combined

19
mpg combined
17
city
23
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$3,550
CO₂ tailpipe
468 g/mi
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks

What it costs you to run

$3,437per year
$286per month
789gallons a year

Miles ÷ 19 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2012 Ford F-150 configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
3.7 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19$3,550468
3.7 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19$3,550468
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 19$3,550468
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18$3,700494
3.7 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18$3,700494
3.7 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18$3,700494
5 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17$3,950523
5 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17$3,950523
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17$3,950523
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17$3,950523
5 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16$4,200555
5 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16$4,200555
6.2 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15$4,450593
6.2 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive12 / 16 / 13$5,150684
6.2 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive12 / 16 / 13$5,150684

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2012 F-150 for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All F-150 years

Where to next

Which F-150 years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2013 Ford F-150 report2,983 complaints · 3 campaigns →2011 Ford F-150 report2,191 complaints · 6 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2012 Ford F-150 FAQ

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

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns: 19V075000 (power train), 16V248000 (power train), 12V190000 (lighting), 12V198000 (air bag). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

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

Owners filed 1,783 complaints with NHTSA. Power train (681), Engine (483), Steering (204) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2012 Ford F-150 get?

EPA rates the 3.7 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic version at 17 city, 23 highway and 19 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2012 Ford F-150 get?

NHTSA rated the 2012 Ford F-150 pu/rc 4x2 4 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (19.8% rollover risk).

How does the 2012 F-150 compare with other years?

Among the 2008–2017 Ford F-150 model years at least five years old, the 2009 drew the fewest complaints (324) and the 2013 the most (2,983). The 2012 drew 1,783. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Summary reviewed on Oct 6, 2026.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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