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2012 Ford F-350 Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20262 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis

Complaint Summary

The 2012 Ford F-350 has 252 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve steering and suspension.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.9/ 10

Based on 252 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

STEERING

66 26.2%

SUSPENSION

65 25.8%

ENGINE

25 9.9%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

17 6.7%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

13 5.2%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is STEERING, accounting for 26.2% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 26 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2012 Ford F-350

The 2012 Ford F-350 has 252 owner complaints in this dataset. STEERING is the most common complaint category, representing about 26% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2012 Ford F-350 are STEERING (66), SUSPENSION (65), ENGINE (25).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 198 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2012 Ford F-350?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2011 F-350 complaints2013 F-350 complaints2017 F-350 complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 25 of 25 systems

STEERING

66 Reports26% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

FRONT WHEEL WOBBLE AFTER HITTING BUMP. *TR

2/21/2014

AT 55 MILES AN HOUR ON ROUGH PAVEMENT, THE TRUCK BEGIN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE BACK AND FORTH. THIS SHAKING AND JERKING CAUSED ME TO ENTER INTO THE ONCOMING LANE OF TRAFFIC. IN ORDER TO REGAIN I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKE PEDAL CONTROL THEREBY GETTING THE SPEED DOWN TO 40 MILES AN HOUR. FORD SUGGESTED I CHECKING THE BALL JOINTS AND THE STEERING STABILIZERS. AFTER SPENDING OVER $600 IN PARTS (NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY)AND REPLACING THE WHOLE FRONT END LINKAGE, THE VEHICLE THEN DROVE FINE UNTIL I REACHED ANOTHER 45 THOUSAND MILES OR APPROXIMATELY 90 THOUSAND MILES TOTAL ON TRUCK. NOW IT HAS REPEATED THE SAME PROCESS ALL OVER AGAIN THROWING ME INTO THE OPPOSITE LANE OF TRAFFIC. THE REASON FOR PURCHASING A NEW TRUCK IS TO HAVE A SAVE VEHICLE TO USE FOR PERFORMING MY JOB. THIS TRUCK HAS ALL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND HAS NOT BEEN ALTERED IN ANY WAY PRIOR TO THIS EXPERIENCE. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY FORD. I HAVE FOUND AN AFTERMARKET STABILIZER BAR THAT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER I FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD RECALL AND REPAIR THIS PROBLEM WITH THE PROPER EQUIPMENT BEFORE SOMEONE LOOSES THEIR LIFE OF IT. *TR

6/27/2014

64 more complaints are available in this category.

SUSPENSION

65 Reports26% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

FRONT WHEEL WOBBLE AFTER HITTING BUMP. *TR

2/21/2014

I BOUGHT A SALVAGED F 3-50 KING RANCH. IM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM SOME OF YOU ARE HAVING. I THOUGHT MAYBE I GOT SCREWED FOR BUYING A SALVAGED VEHICLE, BUT YOU ALL ARE HAVING SAME PROBLEM. DEATH WOBBLE. AT 60MPH MY TRUCK SOMETIMES SHAKES EXTREMELY BAD. I THOUGHT TIRES WERE OUT OF BALANCE SO I GOT THAT DONE AND NOPE PROBLEM STILL THERE. I THINK ITS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. IF FORD PUT OUT A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS THE ONLY WAY I COULD GET MINE FIXED, BECAUSE WARRANTY WAS CANCELLED AFTER CRASH. FINGERS CROSSED THEY DO!!!!! *TR

5/14/2014

63 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

24 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DELAYED REACTION OF ACCELERATOR : ENGINE RPM DOES NOT DECREASE IMMEDIATELY WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED THEREFORE MAKING THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO STOP IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION . *TR

2/20/2013

I WAS TRAVELING WITH MY THREE YOUNG CHILDREN TO A TOWN APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES FROM OUR HOME. I WAS GOING ABOUT 70 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, AND JUST AS I STARTED TO EXIT AT AN OFF RAMP A WARNING TONE SOUNDED AND MY DASH FLASHED "STOP SAFELY NOW". I WAS EXITING ANYWAY AND THERE WAS NO WHERE TO PULL OVER, SO I CONTINUED UP THE RAMP. I QUICKLY TURNED INTO THE NEARBY PARKING LOT, AND JUST AS I QUICKLY PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT THE PICKUP COMPLETELY DIED. IT WAS ONLY ABOUT 30 SECONDS FROM WHEN I WAS FIRST ALERTED TO A PROBLEM TO THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTTING OFF. IT WAS PURE LUCK THAT I WAS ABLE TO FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER THAT QUICKLY. I JUST KEPT THINKING ABOUT HOW DANGEROUS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN HAD I NOT BEEN ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY GET OFF THE FREEWAY. IF I HAD LOST POWER ON THE FREEWAY THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. WE WERE THEN COMPLETELY STRANDED AND HAD TO WAIT FOR A TOW. LUCKILY THE WEATHER WAS FAIR AS WE WOULD HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO USE ANY HEAT OR AIR CONDITIONING WHILE WE WAITED FOR WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN HOURS FOR A TOW. NOT TO MENTION THAT WE LIVE IN A VERY RURAL AREA AND OFTEN TIMES DO NOT HAVE CELL SERVICE. ALSO, WE FREQUENTLY ARE TOWING OUR STOCK TRAILER LOADED WITH HORSES OR CATTLE GOING UP AND DOWN STEEP GRADES. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF THE PICKUP DECIDED TO SHUT OFF AT THOSE TIMES. I WAS TRULY SHAKEN UP BY THIS INCIDENT AND THE THOUGHT OF WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF THE CIRCUMSTANCES HAD BEEN DIFFERENT. I AM PLEADING WITH YOU TO PREVENT CERTAIN FUTURE TRAGEDY BY FORCING FORD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. IT'S A SIMPLE FIX (IN MY CASE IT TOOK THE DEALER LESS THAN AN HOUR) AND THERE IS NO EXCUSE. *TR

6/20/2014

22 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

17 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DEATH WOBBLE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY DANGEROUS. WE HAVE REPLACED TIRES, SHOCKS, STEERING DAMPENER AND TRACK BAR. IF WE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHILE IN A CURVE THE DEATH WOBBLE IS SO SEVERE IT IS LUCKY THAT I HAVE NOT LOST CONTROL. BUT THE ONLY WAY TO STOP IT IS TO STOP THE TRUCK - ON THE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC. I HAVE NEARLY BEEN KILLED WITH PEOPLE BARELY ABLE TO AVOID HITTING ME. IT SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE THAT IS, AS YET, UNACKNOWLEDGED. COMMONLY ATTRIBUTED TO THE 'FAULTY PARTS' THAT DO NOT FIX THE ISSUE FOR MORE THAN A VERY SHORT TIME. TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY PRETEND TO HAVE NEVER HEARD OF IT BEFORE AS THOUSANDS OF OTHERS HAVE STATED IN COMPLAINTS ACROSS THE INTERNET. IT HAS BECOME EVEN MORE SEVERE AND WILL HAPPEN EVEN WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITHOUT THE STEERING IN A CURVE. THE ISSUE FIRST BEGAN AT ABOUT 90,000 MILES. TYPICALLY AT 60-65 MILES PER HOUR. TODAY IT WAS AT 60 MPH, 30-40 MPH REPEATEDLY.

10/5/2016

EXHAUST GAS TEMPERATURE SENSORS FAIL REPEATEDLY. THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES. REDUCTANT HEATER A CONTROL PERFORMANCE HAS NOW FAILED AS WELL (ALL PART OF THE DIESEL EMISSIONS DISASTER). ASIDE FROM CONSTANT BREAKDOWNS DUE TO EMISSION RELATED ITEMS THE TRUCK HAS SHUTOFF ABRUPTLY WHEN IT ENCOUNTERS ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAS SHUT ITSELF DOWN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO THESE ISSUES. VEHICLE SAID PULL OVER AND WITHIN 10 SECONDS IT SHUT DOWN ON THE FREEWAY ENDANGERING THE LIVES OF MY FAMILY AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. AS FAR AS WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED IT HAS BEEN MULTIPLE TIMES. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS TO REPLACE THE SAME SENSORS AND NOW OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE DIESEL EMISSIONS PACKAGE ARE FAILING AS WELL.

4/1/2017

15 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

13 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH A WARNING APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHICH DISPLAYED PULL THE VEHICLE OVER. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE IN LIMP MODE. AFTER THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED THE DEALER STATED THE FUEL PUMP CAUSED THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION DUE TO BAD FUEL FLOWING THROUGH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL INJECTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE FUEL PUMP AND INJECTORS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.

4/4/2013

WHEN SHE PURCHASE THE VEHICLE DEC 2016 IT HAD THE CHECK IN LIGHT ON WITH THE FIGURE OF A ENGINE ON , ITS BEING READING TURBO NDERCHARGE BOOST ERROR CODE P0299 COCEQUENCE REDUCE POWER, SEVERAL LINKS ON THE MANIFOLD AND I CAN SMELL THE FUMES INSIDE THE CABIN WHILE DRIVING THE STRONG FUEL FROM THE DIESEL

8/25/2018

11 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DELAYED REACTION OF ACCELERATOR : ENGINE RPM DOES NOT DECREASE IMMEDIATELY WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED THEREFORE MAKING THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO STOP IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION . *TR

2/20/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ENGAGE WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND ALLOW THE ENGINE RPMS TO INCREASE BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD ABRUPTLY ENGAGE IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE FAILURE WAS COMMON FOR THE PARTICULAR MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MOST OFTEN WHEN THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WERE WARM. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT ABRUPTLY WHEN SHIFTING FROM FOURTH TO FIFTH GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,500.

2/21/2013

7 more complaints are available in this category.

WHEELS

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 50 AND 62 MPH THE VEHICLE WILL BEGIN A VIOLENT UNCONTROLLABLE SHAKING IN THE STEERING REQUIRING THE DRIVER TO DECREASE SPEED BELOW 45 MPH TO STOP THE OSCILLATIONS. AT THE TIME THIS IS HAPPENING THERE IS LITTLE CONTROL OVER STEERING AND FRONT WHEEL TRACTION IS REDUCED TO ALMOST NOTHING WHEN IT HAPPENS ON A CURVE RESULTING IN THE INABILITY TO REMAIN ON THE ROADWAY. THIS IS COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS THE "FOR DEATH WOBBLE" AND CAN BE SEEN ON YOUTUBE. THE EARLIEST INCIDENCE I'VE SEEN DATES TO 2007. THE DEALER TELLS ME THAT FORD HAS PRESCRIBED A NUMBER OF THINGS TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION WHICH THE DEALER HAS DONE AND IT STILL HASN'T RESOLVED THE SITUATION. THE REPAIRS HAVE BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY THUS FAR, BUT NOW THEY HAVE NO FURTHER SOLUTIONS TO FIX THE ISSUE. WET OR SLICK CONDITIONS RENDERS THIS VEHICLE UNUSABLE BECAUSE OF THE LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE. *TR

4/15/2015

TREAD SEPARATION ON BF GOODRICH - ALL TERRAIN T/A; LT285/65R20 TIRES -- DOT BE3F UH11 1313. IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS I HAVE RE[;ACED TWO OF THESE TIRES DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION. IN TOTAL THAT IS 4 TIRES (BF GOODRICH - ALL TERRAIN T/A; LT285/65R20) TIRES THAT HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. I DO BELIEVE THAT THIS TIRE IS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED!!!

3/17/2016

7 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2012 F350 SUPER DUTY WAS PARKED AT THE TOP OF A DRIVEWAY THAT SLOPED DOWNWARD ON A 33% GRADE. I PUT THE TRUCK IN REVERSE TO BACK DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO REGULATE THE SPEED ON DESCENT OF THE SLOPE, THE BRAKES FROZE UP AND HAD NO POWER. I HAD TO STAND ON THEM TO ATTEMPT TO SLOW DOWN. THIS DID NOT HAVE ANY EFFECT SO I SLAMMED THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK, WHICH ALSO HAD NO EFFECT DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION RATCHETING SAFETY FEATURE. I HAD TO STOP THE TRUCK WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. BY THIS POINT I WAS IN THE NEIGHBOR'S FRONT YARD. THE BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT DROP TO THE FLOOR, IT JUST NEVER MOVED AT ALL AND WAS FROZEN AT THE UNPRESSED, HIGHEST POSITION. HAVE DELIVERED VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND REPAIR. THIS COULD HAVE EASILY RESULTED IN MAJOR PROPERTY DAMAGE OR FATALITIES. VERY UNSAFE SITUATION. TRUCK IS PRACTICALLY NEW AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

7/4/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-350. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKES SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND MADE THE VEHICLE VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP. THE REMOVED THE BRAKE PADS AND DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE PISTONS IN THE CALIPER WERE SHATTERED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THREE RIVETS ON THE BRAKE PADS THAT MADE CONTACT WITH THE PISTONS. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE BRAKE PADS WERE ORIGINAL PARTS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

5/14/2015

6 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN KEY TURNED ON HAD NO DASH, COMPUTER, LIGHTS,BLINKERS, TACH, SPEEDO, GAUGES. ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. WITH KEY IN OFF POSITION TRUCK STARTED BY ITSELF. WITH ENGINE RUNNING HAD NO DASH DISPLAY,LIGHTS, BLINKERS, COMPUTER, HEADLIGHTS. TOWED TO DEALER, DEALER REPLACED HARNESS UNDER HOOD. PICKED UP TRUCK WEEK LATER. WAS O.K. FOR ABOUT TEN MILES THEN DASH WENT BLANK AGAIN WITH SAME SYMPTOMS. DASH CAME BACK ON IN ABOUT TWENTY MINUTES. TOWED TRUCK TO FORD DEALER AGAIN. TRUCK STILL THERE. *TR

8/26/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,376.

11/13/2015

4 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE TOWING LOADED TRAILER ON 2 LANE HIGHWAY, TRUCK COMPUTER FLASHED MESSAGE TO "STOP SAFELY NOW". ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND WOULD NOT RESTART. DEALER INSPECTION FOUND A FAULTY EGT EXHAUST SENSOR. NO OTHER ISSUES WITH COOLING, OIL OR ENGINE OCCURRED. THE SAFETY ISSUE IS THAT THE NEW CONTROL SYSTEM SOFTWARE IS DESIGNED TO SHUT DOWN ENGINE IN THE EVENT OF A FAULTY SENSOR IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE VEHICLE. THE SYSTEM SHOULD ALERT TO THE ISSUE AND ALLOW THE HUMAN TO DETERMINE IF IT IS SAFER TO CONTINUE DRIVING AND RISK DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. A CONTROL SYSTEM THAT IS NOT AWARE OF THE ROAD, TRAFFIC OR ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED TO OVERRIDE HUMAN REQUIREMENT TO CONTINUE DRIVING OUT OF HARMS WAY. *TR

3/20/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE STOP VEHICLE NOW WARNING MESSAGE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE ALSO LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE EGT EXHAUST TEMPERATURE SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE EXHAUST TEMPERATURE SENSOR REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,882.

5/28/2013

3 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE TOWING LOADED TRAILER ON 2 LANE HIGHWAY, TRUCK COMPUTER FLASHED MESSAGE TO "STOP SAFELY NOW". ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND WOULD NOT RESTART. DEALER INSPECTION FOUND A FAULTY EGT EXHAUST SENSOR. NO OTHER ISSUES WITH COOLING, OIL OR ENGINE OCCURRED. THE SAFETY ISSUE IS THAT THE NEW CONTROL SYSTEM SOFTWARE IS DESIGNED TO SHUT DOWN ENGINE IN THE EVENT OF A FAULTY SENSOR IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE VEHICLE. THE SYSTEM SHOULD ALERT TO THE ISSUE AND ALLOW THE HUMAN TO DETERMINE IF IT IS SAFER TO CONTINUE DRIVING AND RISK DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. A CONTROL SYSTEM THAT IS NOT AWARE OF THE ROAD, TRAFFIC OR ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED TO OVERRIDE HUMAN REQUIREMENT TO CONTINUE DRIVING OUT OF HARMS WAY. *TR

3/20/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE STOP VEHICLE NOW WARNING MESSAGE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE ALSO LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE EGT EXHAUST TEMPERATURE SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE EXHAUST TEMPERATURE SENSOR REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,882.

5/28/2013

2 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS DRIVING 2012 FORD F350 6.7L AND TOWING A 28 FOOT TRAVEL TRAILER. WE WERE SOUTHBOUND ON INTERSTATE 5 IN ENCINITAS, CA WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE TRUCK POWERED DOWN AND AN ALERT APPEARED ON THE DASH: "STOP SAFELY NOW". I HAD VIRTUALLY NO POWER DESPITE DEPRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. I WAS FORCED TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE ROAD WHERE I AS ABLE TO PARK WITH ONLY INCHES SEPARATING MY VEHICLE/TRAILER AND THE FREEWAY TRAFFIC. AS SOON AS I PLACED IT IN PARK, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. MY WIFE AND TWO YOUNG CHILDREN WERE WITH ME AND FOUND MYSELF IN A HELPLESS AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. I KNOW FROM READING OTHER POSTS THAT SOME WHO EXPERIENCED THE SAME EQUIPMENT FAILURE FOUND THEMSELVES UNABLE TO MOVE TO A SAFE LOCATION AND WERE LEFT STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROADWAY. MY COMPLAINT STEMS FROM THE KNOWLEDGE THAT FORD IS AWARE AND HAS BEEN AWARE FOR SOMETIME OF THE ISSUE OF BAD EGT SENSORS WHICH WHAT WAS ULTIMATELY DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED ON MY VEHICLE. HOWEVER THERE ARE FOUR SUCH SENSORS AND FROM READING OTHER COMPLAINTS REPLACING ONLY ONE (WHICH IS ALL FORD WOULD DO UNDER WARRANTY) ONLY DELAYS THE INEVITABLE FAILURE OF ANOTHER OF THE REMAINING SENSORS. I'M AWARE OF A RECENT RECALL OF AMBULANCES BY FORD FOR THE EXACT SAME REASON. I ONLY SPECULATE THAT FORD SAW THE LIABILITY IN HAVING AN AMBULANCE STALL IN A PRECARIOUS SPOT WITH A PERSON IN NEED OF MEDICAL ATTENTION ON BOARD. I FEEL MY EXPERIENCES AS WELL AS COUNTLESS OTHERS WOULD RISE TO THE LEVEL OF A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AND ARE NO DIFFERENT THAN THAT OF THE AMBULANCES WHICH FORD HAS ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY FOR. MY REQUEST IS THAT FORD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS KNOWN ISSUE AND AGREE TO REPLACE ALL SENSORS WITH WHEN ONE GOES BAD OR REPLACE ALL OF THEM REGARDLESS. *TR

4/8/2015

TRUCK HIT BUMP (SMALL CURB) WITH DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL AND SIMULTANEOUSLY STARTED ACCELERATING AND HAD TOTAL BRAKE LOSS. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING TOWARDS A GAS BUMP IN A FILLING STATION. VEHICLE ACCELERATED FROM ABOUT 10 MPH TO PROBABLY OVER 30 MPH UNTIL IT HIT A STATIONARY TRUCK.

2/17/2020

2 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

RECURRING EVENT: REAR LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHTS STOP WORKING. SOME OR ALL MAY FAIL AT ANY GIVEN TIME. DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH ANY WEATHER RELATED CONDITION. VEHICLE PLACED IN TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP REPAIR FACILITIES WITH MULTIPLE 'FIXES' BEING MADE. NONE OF THOSE REPAIRS HAS WORKED AS A PERMANENT FIX. THE REAR LIGHTS GO OUT WITHOUT NOTICE ON PANEL WARNING SYSTEMS. EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS AT NIGHT, IN UNFAVORABLE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND WITH TRAILER TOW. WITH NO REAR LIGHTS THE TRUCK CANNOT BE SEEN BY OTHER APPROACHING DRIVERS AND NO INDICATION OF STOPPING OR TURNING CAN BE DETECTED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN DEALER REPAIR FACILITIES EIGHT TIMES AND THE SERVICE PEOPLE SAY THEY CANNOT DETERMINE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND ONE REPAIR FACILITY STATED IT IS A PROBLEM THEY HAVE SEEN ON OTHER SAME YEAR MODEL TRUCKS. FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND THE ONLY 'HELP' OFFERED IS TO CONTINUE TO TAKE TRUCK TO SHOP EACH TIME AND LET THEM 'RESET' THE SYSTEM. TRUCK IS TOO HEAVY FOR COVERAGE UNDER LEMON LAW. THIS 'FIX' IS A TEMPORARY BAND-AID. IT WORKS FOR A LIMITED AMOUNT OF TIME THEN GOES OUT WITHOUT WARNING AGAIN. THE LIGHTS CAN BE CHECKED FOR OPERATION BEFORE DRIVING, BUT ONCE DRIVING THEY GO OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS OR NOTIFICATIONS. TRUCK PURCHASED NEW FROM DEALER. *TR

4/26/2013

FREQUENTLY ON DAMP AND COLD DAYS, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTS MALFUNCTIONING. THE WIPERS FAIL TO WORK. THE LIGHTS (HEAD, PARKING FOG, BLINKERS) ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE TRUCK DON'T WORK. WHEN I REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE TRUCK THE RADIO AND ALL THE INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY ON EVEN AFTER I TRY TO LOCK THE DOORS. SOMETIMES THE RADIO RANDOMLY TURNS ON WHILE I'M NOT IN THE TRUCK. WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK THE POWER STEERING SEEMS TO FREEZE UP AND THE TRUCK PULLS HARD TO THE RIGHT. WHENEVER THE TRUCK IS TURNED ON THERE IS A LOUD HUMMING NOISE THAT COMES FROM UNDER THE HOOD.

12/22/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

RADIATOR FAILED AT 37,500 MILES DUE TO LEAKING. ENGINE OVERHEATED. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE AND FORD IS AWARE, AS THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE 2008 (SAME MODEL RADIATOR) AND HAVE SINCE CHANGED THE DESIGN ON THE LATEST MODEL. THEY WILL NOT COVER THIS ITEM UNDER THE 100K MILE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY, AND WILL NOT EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON A COMMON FAILURE ITEM. FAILURE OF THE RADIATOR CAN NOT ONLY CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE BUT CAN BE A SAFETY CONCERN IF ENGINE SELF DESTRUCTS WHILE DRIVING DUE TO OVERHEATING. *TR

3/4/2015

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who replaced the reductant heater however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the first repair was covered under Manufacturer Communication Number: 10137151 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who determined the same failure had occurred and a similar repair needed to be completed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the fix was not covered under warranty. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.

11/24/2023

1 more complaint is available in this category.

AIR BAGS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-350 SUPER DUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF A VEHICLE THAT FAILED TO YIELD THE RIGHT-OF-WAY. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES AND THE CONTACT, WHO WAS A PASSENGER, ALSO SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES. THE DRIVER OF THE SECOND VEHICLE ALSO SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,800.

12/14/2012

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the horn was not functioning properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clockspring. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V337000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.

11/20/2023

STRUCTURE:BODY

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AT 55 MILES AN HOUR ON ROUGH PAVEMENT, THE TRUCK BEGIN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE BACK AND FORTH. THIS SHAKING AND JERKING CAUSED ME TO ENTER INTO THE ONCOMING LANE OF TRAFFIC. IN ORDER TO REGAIN I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKE PEDAL CONTROL THEREBY GETTING THE SPEED DOWN TO 40 MILES AN HOUR. FORD SUGGESTED I CHECKING THE BALL JOINTS AND THE STEERING STABILIZERS. AFTER SPENDING OVER $600 IN PARTS (NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY)AND REPLACING THE WHOLE FRONT END LINKAGE, THE VEHICLE THEN DROVE FINE UNTIL I REACHED ANOTHER 45 THOUSAND MILES OR APPROXIMATELY 90 THOUSAND MILES TOTAL ON TRUCK. NOW IT HAS REPEATED THE SAME PROCESS ALL OVER AGAIN THROWING ME INTO THE OPPOSITE LANE OF TRAFFIC. THE REASON FOR PURCHASING A NEW TRUCK IS TO HAVE A SAVE VEHICLE TO USE FOR PERFORMING MY JOB. THIS TRUCK HAS ALL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND HAS NOT BEEN ALTERED IN ANY WAY PRIOR TO THIS EXPERIENCE. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY FORD. I HAVE FOUND AN AFTERMARKET STABILIZER BAR THAT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER I FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD RECALL AND REPAIR THIS PROBLEM WITH THE PROPER EQUIPMENT BEFORE SOMEONE LOOSES THEIR LIFE OF IT. *TR

6/27/2014

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated that there was an extreme amount of rust on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the hood and the front end were replaced, but the failure persisted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

6/23/2023

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED AND FAILED TO STOP UNTIL THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE TIMES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.

7/9/2015

FREQUENTLY ON DAMP AND COLD DAYS, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTS MALFUNCTIONING. THE WIPERS FAIL TO WORK. THE LIGHTS (HEAD, PARKING FOG, BLINKERS) ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE TRUCK DON'T WORK. WHEN I REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE TRUCK THE RADIO AND ALL THE INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY ON EVEN AFTER I TRY TO LOCK THE DOORS. SOMETIMES THE RADIO RANDOMLY TURNS ON WHILE I'M NOT IN THE TRUCK. WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK THE POWER STEERING SEEMS TO FREEZE UP AND THE TRUCK PULLS HARD TO THE RIGHT. WHENEVER THE TRUCK IS TURNED ON THERE IS A LOUD HUMMING NOISE THAT COMES FROM UNDER THE HOOD.

12/22/2019

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SLOW THE VEHICLE BY TAKING HIS RIGHT FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND APPLIED IT TO THE BRAKE. , THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO TRAVEL AT THE SAME SPEED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 620 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 660. UPDATED 01/02/2013*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD TO STAND ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH BOTH FEET, IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE REAR TIRE, THAT WAS CONNECTED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STILL SPINNING UNDER POWER. HE TURNED THE KEY OFF TO THE CUR THE POWER.

11/30/2012

SEAT BELTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT NO LONGER FUNCTIONS AND THE PASSENGER'S FRONT SEAT BELT NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. THE SEAT BELT CAN NOT BE BUCKLED. WHEN THE METAL BELT TONGUE IS INSERTED INTO THE BUCKLE, IT WILL NOT LATCH. THE LATCH SEEMS TO BE JAMMED. THE PASSENGER'S FRONT SEAT BELT HAS BEEN JAMMED FOR APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS AND TODAY THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT JAMMED AND NO LONGER WORKS. OUR FAMILY OWNS FOUR SIMILAR MODEL FORD SUPER DUTIES AND THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON ANOTHER TRUCK ALSO. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFELY ISSUE AND APPEARS TO BE A VEHICLE DEFECT. WE HAVE NOTIFIED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY SAID NO RECALL EXISTS SO WERE NOT WILLING TO ASSIST IN CORRECTING THE ISSUE. THE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. *TR

7/15/2013

TIRES

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I FELT TIRE SEVERELY OUT OF BALANCE AS IF A TIRE WEIGHT HAD BEEN LOST. I STOPPED AT MY FIRST CHANCE AND FOUND THE TIRE HAD SEPARATED ABOUT 12 TO 15 INCHES. CHANGED TIRE SO AS TO COMPLETE TRIP.

8/25/2015

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY VIBRATE. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES TO FORCE THE VEHICLE TO DECREASE IN SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY TURNED OFF TO STOP THE VIBRATION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THIS WAS COMMON AMONG FORD VEHICLES AND WAS KNOWN AS THE "DEATH WOBBLE." THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.

7/29/2016

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated that there was an extreme amount of rust on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the hood and the front end were replaced, but the failure persisted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

6/23/2023

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle was smoking. Additionally, the contact noticed a clinging sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that an 18-wheeler that was driving behind the vehicle, almost crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The contact was able to get the vehicle to the shoulder of the road safely and exited the vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle was engulfed with heavy smoke, but a fire was not present. The contact was concerned for her safety. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed fuel system. The contact was informed that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

2/5/2024

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Death whoble

10/18/2024

SEATS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Death wobble

7/4/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2012 Ford F-350?

The most reported complaint category for the 2012 Ford F-350 is STEERING, with 66 owner reports. That is about 26% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include STEERING, SUSPENSION, ENGINE.

Are complaints about the 2012 Ford F-350 a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 198 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2012 Ford F-350?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2012 Ford F-350 severe?

198 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Ford F-350: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
252
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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