2012 Ford F-150 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

4 safety recalls on file

The 2012 Ford F-150 has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 1,784 complaints with NHTSA, including 40 crashes, 14 fires, 29 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Power Train (684 reports).

4Recalls
1,784Owner complaints
40Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your F-150?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2012 Ford F-150 recalls

Transmission May Downshift to First Gear Unexpectedly

Recall 19V075Feb 11, 20191,263,051 vehicles affected

Some 2011-2013 Ford F-150 trucks with a 6-speed automatic transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear regardless of how fast the vehicle is moving.

Transmission May Unexpectedly Downshift to First Gear

Recall 16V248Apr 27, 2016153,581 vehicles affected

Some vehicles have an automatic transmission that can unexpectedly downshift into first gear regardless of how fast the vehicle is moving.

Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive

Recall 12V198May 3, 2012101 vehicles affected

Most common 2012 Ford F-150 problems

Problem areas named in the 1,784 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Power Train684
Engine483
Steering205
Vehicle Speed Control195
Electrical System173
Service Brakes124
Unknown Or Other119
Visibility/Wiper95
Fuel/Propulsion System84
Air Bags38

What owners report

2026-10-20, Power Train
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH in 4th or 5th gear, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into 1st gear. The contact pulled to the side of the road and manually shifted into 2nd gear and drove to the residence. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the failure with the powertrain control module and the downshifting had been repaired in 2021. The manufacturer was informed about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,200.
2026-09-30, Power Train
I have a 2012 F150 that has a safety, hazard with the transmission. It’s a 6 R80 transmission and the lead frame assembly is suddenly downshifting. from six gear to second year I have contacted the Ford motor company. They say they cannot do anything. That the safety issue is expired, but I bought the truck used and was unaware of the safety issue. And now I’m having problems with it. I need the safety issue fixed as soon as possible. Thank you. Sincerely, [XXX]. [XXX] United States Air Force , XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2026-09-30, Power Train
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. The failure was a persistent failure, with the power train warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed lead frame and transmission. The contact was informed that the lead frame and transmission needed to be replaced. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train). The contact was uncertain if the recall repair was completed and the dealers did not confirm. The contact was informed th
2026-09-17, Power Train
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the transmission seized while driving 15 MPH and making a left turn onto the highway in oncoming traffic, and the vehicle suddenly stopped. The wrench symbol was displayed. The instrument panel was blank. The contact stated that the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The failure had occurred several times while driving at various speeds. The contact logged into the Ford account and became aware of Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N01. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the program had expired and opened a case.
2026-09-01, Power Train
On XXX, I brought my 2012 Ford F-150 (VIN: [XXX]) to an authorized dealership (Ed Morse Ford Geneseo) to complete mandatory safety recall 19S07 (Molded Lead Frame Software Update). The vehicle was fully operational, shifting safely, and completely functional upon arrival. Immediately upon completion of the safety recall software flash, during the direct drive home from the dealership, the transmission suffered a total mechanical failure. The vehicle began slipping, chattering, and downshifting violently, rendering it completely undrivable and unsafe on public roads. It required an emergency tow to a repair facility. A formal diagnostic inspection by a certified transmission specialist confir

2012 Ford F-150 questions

Does the 2012 Ford F-150 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2012 Ford F-150: Transmission May Downshift to First Gear Unexpectedly; Transmission May Unexpectedly Downshift to First Gear; Exterior Lighting:Back Up Lights; Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm); Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

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

Based on 1,784 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (684), Engine (483), Steering (205).

How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Ford F-150 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Ford F-150 years

Other 2012 Ford models