NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Ford F-150. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
Driving on freeway and truck downshifted and almost control, orange wrench was on display, speedometer stopped working and I could barley get to 30 mph...finally was able to pull off freeway...turned -off...waited and turned back on...engine light was on...it drove alright for alittle bit, than it downshifted to first and would shift had to pull over and shut it down again and restart...made it home...next day took to AUTO ZONE...Code reads P0720 OSS SENSOR FAULT...Ford had a SAFETY RECALL19S07 for trucks 2011-2013 ...I did not receive any letter for that or the Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01...same issue and cannot drive my truck, it is unsafe...had to drop-off at FORD Dealership to repair and update software on transmission...it should be repaired at no charge, having to pay for Rental.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission warning light illuminated, and the transmission inadvertently downshifted. Additionally, the vehicle would not accelerate above 30 MPH while driving. The contact restarted the vehicle to correct the failure; however, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the output speed sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000. The contact wants to reimbursed for the cost of the repairs.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted to third gear. The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle downshifted to first gear with the service vehicle warning light illuminated and DTC code: P0720 (Powertrain Control Module) was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that after several attempts, she was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle had exceeded the timeframe for Customer Satisfaction Program: 19B05,19S19, 19S07. The contact was advised to call the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.
Electric assisted steering locks up traveling or parked. While traveling really have to strain muscles keeping in lane of travel, when steering turns it turns to far and I am trying to correct steering over corrects back in opposite direction. Cannot keep pickup in lane of travel.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost electronic functions. The vehicle then shifted abnormally before downshifting into first gear, causing the vehicle to come to a sudden stop. The contact stated that he was able to maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway before the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. After restarting the vehicle, the electronic functionality returned. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the powertrain control module. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V248000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the traction control warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the power steering angle sensors were defective, and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
Automatic transmission dropped out of gear while driving on the Interstate going around 60-65mph today. The wheels locked up and the vehicle just reved like it was in neutral. From other Ford owners (Unintended downshift into first gear can cause an abrupt wheel speed reduction, which could cause the rear tires to slide until the vehicle slows down. This condition could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash) My truck shows no mileage and the airbag light is on.No inspection has been performed as of today. Recall # 19507
Had swollen lug nuts Had to buy breaker bars to loosen them. Ended up destroying most off them Can't reuse them
As your driving advance track failure light comes on and you lose power steering. Steering gets real tight and hard to turn. Almost got in a car accident but was able to turn the steering as hard as i could just to make the turn. Drive for a little while then all of a sudden power steering kicked back on. It happen every time i drive my truck.
AFTER 2 RECALLS AND POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE UPDATES, THE SUDDEN DOWNSHIFT PROBLEMS PERSIST. I QUESTION THAT A SOFTWARE UPDATE CAN BE A FULL REPAIR IF THE SOURCE IS THE SPEED SENSOR IN THE TRANSMISSION (THIS HAS BEEN LABELED AS THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM BY FORD). THE NTHSA HAS SAID THEY ARE SATISFIED WITH THE REPAIR, IS THIS BECAUSE THE "REPAIR" PREVENTS CRASHES AND INJURY EVEN THOUGH IT DOES NOT PRESENT A SOLUTION TO THE REAL PROBLEM?
Had the lead frame recall performed but transmission still downshifted from 6 gear to 1 gear while traveling at a speed of 70 mph. Supposively there is a software update they didn’t perform and now saying I have to pay for that. Should have been performed at time of lead frame recall but not part of that recall however it still caused the dangerous downshift to 1st gear.
Vehicle started to downshift while driving at highway speeds a few months ago. Also a loss of power and acceleration with instrument failure. Later learned this was a common problem with the 11-13 f-150s that Ford knows about. They did give everyone a 10 year, 150k warranty but my truck is just barely out being a 12 with 151k miles. I took it to dealer where it cost me around a $1000 to fix. Was told by service manager there were many more people with the same issue. The transmission leadframe assembly was bad in thousands of trucks. There is a back order of over 12000 of these parts I was told. I think there should be a recall on all of these transmissions and be fixed by Ford. Also, refunds for those of us who already paid out of pocket. Thank you for your attention in this matter.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted from 6th to 1st gear. The contact shifted the vehicle into neutral and coasted to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and regained proper function. The contact stated that the turn signal was also blinking abnormally. Additionally, the speedometer failed while making a left turn at slow speeds. The vehicle was restarted to remedy the failure. The contact also stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and was informed that the vehicle had been producing incorrect DTC codes. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the molded leadframe had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.
Without warning, power steering went out. This truck has less than 17,000 miles on it and is kept spotless and well maintained, garage kept. Power steering came back but now we're worried it'll go out again without warning and under possibly much worse/dangerous conditions. Bringing it in for a diagnostic, but cost of a new rack is over 2000.00. And what assurance do we have that it will not happen again with the new rack? These electric racks are being recalled under other Ford vehicles, yet not the F150.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train) however, the dealer advised the contact that the vehicle mileage of 136,000 had exceeded the mileage limit for the software update to the transmission, which might cause severe damages if the update was performed. The contact stated that the dealer refused to perform the software update. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Illuminated wrench light followed by malfunctioning speedometer, cruise control, & turn signal cancellation. Delayed and no gear shifting including an unexpected transmission downshift to 1st gear occurring at 40 mph: rear wheels locked up, engine revved to redline, had to put hazard flashers on and shut engine down in heavy moving traffic. Finally Check Engine/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL); later reading P0720 code.
AFTER POGRAM THE COMPUTER MY TCM STAR FAILED..MI TRASMICION GEAR SHIFT STOCK SO DANGER SITUATION
The problem with this vehicle is the body control module has gone out. It controls everything from the safety functions to back up cameras and engine function and starting. My truck first, lost its back up camera within the first year of purchase, then the driver side, turn signals, stopped working, the battery drains overnight, and the latest issue is that the truck will turn off while driving down the road. Three months ago, the engine cut off and all systems locked up while I was driving 45 mph in town. There are no issues with any other system in the truck. Mechanics have tested everything and state. It is only the body control module. I am unable to purchase a body control module from Ford and my mechanic, the Ford mechanics, the Ford distributor for this region, nor Carmax, where I bought the car can get the part because Ford says that all of their shelf held parts for this vehicle type are defective. They state is a known issue and there is no date for resolution at all. The date on the shelf hold is zero month zero day zero year meaning no date. The body control module in this series of Ford F1 50s is a “known issue” to Ford. Due to their semi conductor manufacturer contract that has lapsed for this older technology, they state that the 4000 vehicle’s that currently require this part are not they’re greatest concern. They stated that there is an indefinite “shelf hold” on this part due to their only being less than 50 of them available for anyone to purchase. Those parts that are being held are also suspect of defect. Since I have only owned this vehicle for two years and it is under the extended warranty, I purchased with it having only 19,000 miles on it that I have put on it, it seems that they should at least allow me to buy one of the shelf, held pieces to replace mine. Please help the 4000 of us. Please encourage them to do what’s right for all of us. I still owe $17k on a non-running vehicle Carmax or Ford wont buy back.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the transmission down shifted inadvertently, and the tires locked up and the vehicle skidded. The contact veered over to the side of the roadway and turned off and restarted the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake lights failed to illuminate as designed. The wrench warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the wrench light disappeared. The contact stated that after driving for a few miles, the transmission downshifted, and the wheels locked up. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that the transmission range sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. The consumer stated the failure mileage is incorrect, it was 142,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and lost motive power. Additionally, the accelerator pedal went down to the floorboard when depressed. The vehicle service warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with the PCM. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
We bought this truck in 2019 from someone. My daughter was driving it at 50 mph and the truck slammed down into 1st gear causing her to almost collide with other vehicles on Route 29 highway. We looked up recall ( 19S07) and it was done at Ted Britt Ford, but is broken again. We called several Ford dealerships and they said theres nothing they can do because Ford isn't making any more replacement parts for this recall. They instructed us to go on ebay and buy a used part to put on, but no repair shops have the part or they refuse to put a refurbished one on due to liability. We do not feel this is safe and now we have a scared daughter that wont drive it, a truck we can't drive, or sell. We feel we have been treated unfairly. This is a FORD issue from the beginning and we have $14,000 invested in this vehicle. We have had to rent a vehicle for my daughter to get to college and work. We do NOT feel safe in this vehicle.
Brakes seem to go in and out from time to time . I keep getting the service brake system light on and will turn itself off after next key cycle . Dealer advised vacuum pump issues this should be a full blown recall
I had the Sudden Transmission Downshift Recall, 19S07, performed on my truck in 2022. The output speed sensors are well known to go out on these trucks. Instead of fixing the problem correctly, the 19S07 recall only programmed the transmission not to downshift rapidly. This takes care of one of the safety issues, but when the speed sensor inevitably breaks, it makes the vehicle extremely dangerous to drive. The transmission will get stuck in 1st gear, or sometimes 6th gear, or anything in between. The truck goes in to limp mode and restricts power to the transmission. I was trying to get onto interstate 94 and the truck was not speeding up. I almost got rear ended before quickly steering off of the road. There were no injuries but it was close. This issue now happens daily and I am not able to safely drive the vehicle. The truck shifts loudly and "bucks" forward when put into drive even with the brakes engaged. Ford refuses to fix this critical safety problem and there are thousands of Ford vehicles on the road with the same transmission lead frame, and same issue. Ford dealership confirmed that the Lead Frame and Output Speed Sensor Have gone out. Almost $2000 to repair this critical safety issue. I will be putting myself at risk by attempting to fix it myself, as I cannot afford the repair. Warning Lights I see include the check engine light, wrench light, AIRBAG light, the speed drops to zero, and the mileage drops to zero. The truck is EXTREMELY UNSAFE! This issue has happened over 15 times, starting November 2022 after I took it in for recall.
The rear-window defroster over heated on the passenger side causing that window to chatter. At one spot at the bottom, the rubber frame around the glass started to melt and burn just before the window chattered. If I had not been standing close to see what was happening, and turn the control off, I believe this could have started a fire that could have burned the entire truck and areas around it threating people and property. This is also a safety concern for anyone sitting in the back seat at the time of window chattering, as small shards of glass could hit passengers possibly causing eye and other injuries. Due to my incident, I did research on YouTube an other Ford forums that document many others being a victim of this same problem over several years including 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and maybe more. Owners over the years have documented and informed Ford about this problem, apparently without any trucks being recalled or getting much help from Ford about this problem. Ford and NHTSA should be concerned and Ford held accountable for this defect. Many owners were told buy the service men that replaced their back glass because of this issue, that this was quote a "common problem caused by the defroster" on this trucks. If there are "safety concern" that yell "RECALL!", this is for sure one of them.
Traveling at 60mph in dry weather when suddenly my MIL (malfunction indicator light) briefly displayed and several dash information displays when blank or did not provide correct information, i.e speedometer when to zero. My transmission indicated that I went from 6th gear to 3rd gear. Fortunately the vehicle was still contollable and I went straight home. I restarted the vehicle and all information went back to normal. This is a well documented issue with certain Ford vehicles. NTSB campaign 19N01 currently applies to my vehicle; however, I am outside the mileage and age for Ford's extended warranty solution. I will need to pay for repairs once parts are available, if ever. I feel this a safety issue that will only get worse for customers that do not qualify for the Ford Customer Service Program remedy on this issue.
Hello, this is an update to ref 11396297 Since the last incident 1-3-21 letter, I have had 3 more air bag related codes: 10-24-21 B1211 Restraint contol module code 10-24-22 B11D8 Restraint contol module code 1-28-23 B1211 Restraint contol module code, air bag light on. Dealer has done about $2600 in repairs and the issue(s) continue. I have written to Ford again (Attached) Please update your file, and please let me know if you have any new information on regarding Ford F150 air bag issues. Thank you, Pete
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently shifted gears while the traction control warning light blinked once. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle restarted after several attempts. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the PCM software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 104,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted from sixth to first gear. The check engine and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated the failure had been more consistent in the past month. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the Insurance provider informed her that the vehicle was included in an unknown recall related to the failure; however, the manufacturer was contacted and stated the recall had expired. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the powertrain malfunction warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic went to the residence to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the transmission wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.
Safety belts have become locked & unusable after a collision. The seat belts on the driver and front passenger side will not pull out from the retracted position. Vehicle was inspected by State Farm Insurance & Caliber Collision, in connection with Boggus Ford Dealer, & all have determined that this is NOT collision related. This decision was made because the front passenger seat was unoccupied at the time of collision. Therefore I am reaching out to whoever will listen, this vehicle is no longer safe to drive as it apparently has a potential deadly defect.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F150. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle downshifted, and the powertrain malfunction warning light illuminated. The contact stated that several minutes later the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the transmission control module was reprogramed; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer stated that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 177,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the transmission downshifted from 7th to 6th gear, without warning. The contact pulled to the side of the road and shifted the vehicle into park(P) then back into drive(D). The contact stated that the transmission then selected 5th gear remained in 5th gear. The wrench warning light then illuminated. The contact stated that after arriving home, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to clear the codes and the vehicle operated as needed. The contact stated that the transmission continued to slip, causing the contact to continually clear the codes to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the lead frame needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 10201087 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired due to the contact needing to clear the codes in order to drive the vehicle to the dealer; however, removing the trouble codes would prevent the dealer from performing the Customer Satisfaction Program. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.
After arriving at work, when I went out to my truck to drive to lunch I started the truck and it was fine, for about 3 seconds. As I started to drive it the power assist steering failed and the error code displayed on the dash. The steering as you might expect become very heavy and hard. Luckily I was not at speed, and there was not a vehicle near me to hit. Turned off the truck and inspected under the hood. No apparent damage and nothing appeared broken. Closed hood and restarted truck. Same sequence occurred. Could steer initially just enough to start moving, then complete steering assist failure with the error code popping up on the dashboard display. Turned off again. Restarted and left running and popped hood to see if anything looked bad. Nothing bad. After idling for about 5 minutes while I poked around, tried again and for some reason the power assist had restarted itself and was working. After carefully testing in the parking lot, decided to drive to a local auto repair shop I use. They are assessing the error codes and trying to figure out what happened. If this had happened at speed and without warning, I guarantee I could have hit something or someone before I could wrestle the truck to a safe place.
Cylinder 2 had a stored code for misfire and oil and coolant mixture leaking from block. With the F150 raised up on the lift I removed the lower splash shields and continued inspection. Oil was found predominantly on passenger side with a mixture of oil and coolant leaking out drivers side. Using my lab scope I was able to locate the damage in the block. A large crack split down in a Y pattern. This split is located on cylinder #2 location. I would say #2 connecting rod has impacted block due to internal failure.
The vehicle would down shift aggressively into first gear. The speedometer and gear displays would not function showing 0mph while driving. The vehicle would move through gears erratically. Driver and passengers would be jerked forward.The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Ford dealer. There were no indicator lights at the start of the issue. Indicator light appeared after multiple incidents spanning over a few months .
Vehicles cuts off while driving at ramdom speeds Can be 20, 30, or 50
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds while the engine was warmed up, the speedometer would occasionally go blank, and the transmission would stay stuck in 3rd or 5th gear. The contact would restart the vehicle and it would provide an interim fix but the failure would recur. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the molded transmission lead frame was responsible for the failure and that it would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact noted that her vehicle should have been repaired under customer satisfaction program 19N01 however the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.
Unable to perform tire rotation due to swollen lug nuts. Not sure what could cause this issue as all tire changes and tire rotations are performed by authorized service departments.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the engine revved and the RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to perform as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission molded leadframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
TEMPORARY DOWNSHIFT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO MAINTAIN HIGHWAY SPEED. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND THE PART THEY NEED IS UNAVABLE. aBLE TO DRIVE THE TRUCK IN MANUAL UNTIL THE PROBLEM BEGAN HAPPENING WHILE IN MANUAL, TRUCK IS NOT DRIVABLE.
Sudden down shift while driving
Timing chains stretch, cam phasers fail , timing chain tensioners fail . This resulting in engine failure, ford charges $5000 for timing chain phasers and tensioners
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the front passenger's side door and the rear driver's side door had failed to latch while closed and opened unexpectedly while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the door latches were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the doors were required to be kept closed with a rope. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000. The VIN was not available.
Exhaust manifold studs are breaking on the ecoboost V6 engines (Gen 1 and Gen 2 series trucks), causing exhaust fumes to enter passenger area of vehicle when the heater/AC is on. The exhaust studs are on the back of the engine and happen on both sides. Ford knows of the problem and refuses to recall to replace them.
I was running 65mph and my truck down shifted from 6th to 3rd. I called my dealer and they said they never heard of this problem so I called two more and can’t get any answers. Glad no one was behind me.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted and jerked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised him to take the vehicle to a transmission specialist. The vehicle was then taken to the transmission specialist, who diagnosed that the molded leadframe and wheel speed sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was included in the Customer Satisfaction Program: 16N02 (Molded Leadframe Extended Coverage) however, the mileage was over the warranty coverage. The failure mileage was 165,982.
Rear window shattered with no warning or impact.
Lug nuts bulging/rusting under chrome coating. Potential for lug nut failure/wheel coming off vehicle while driving. Yes, problem was found by independent service center. It has not been inspected. No warnings.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently downshifted causing the wheels to lock-up and the vehicle to slide. The contact also stated that the speedometer warning light flashed on and off and then remained. The dealer was notified of the failure and scheduled an appointment to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 190,000.
Unsure of how fire started but truck was in garage at repair facility and the dash spontaneously caught fire and burned. The truck had been parked for over 48 hours and keys were not in ignition . The truck can be seen on security camera video with a small flash starting in the dash then larger flames inside the cab. It burned for about 3 minutes then the fired died out but not before completely burning the dash . There is security camera footage which was too large to upload.