repaired · 2016 Q2
Equipment
Risk. The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
2012 Ford F-450Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 14 owner complaints about the 2012 Ford F-450, most often about the engine. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-498 the manufacturer reports only 0% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 9, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Ford F-450 has problems
14 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
5Engine
3Suspension
3Steering
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Engine and engine cooling
1Fuel system, gasoline
1Electrical system
1Exterior lighting
1Tires
11 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2012 Ford F-450 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2015 Q1
Engine
Risk. An unexpected engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Risk. Excessive heat build up in rear compartment could result in fire.
no report yet
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. THIS WILL ALLOW THE OPERATOR TO INADVERTENTLY SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY TO…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other F-450 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the F-450 median. How we score
'90'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Ford F-450, and the recalls they led to.
- Vehicle Commanded Engine ShutdownLed to recall 15V-175
In owners' words
What F-450 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
WE HAVE TO REPLACE OUR FUEL TANK BECAUSE THE LINING HAS DELAMINATED. WE HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN A RESULT OF THE LINING DETERIORATION.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-450. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL AND THE CHECK ENGINE AND OIL PRESSURE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS IT STALLED AND TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT…
WHILE TRANSPORTING A PATIENT TO THE HOSPITAL THE ENGINE ON OUR 2012 FORD AMBULANCE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING DERATED. THIS CAUSED OUR AMBULANCE TO SLOW DRAMATICALLY AND DELAYED TRANSPORT TO THE HOSPITAL. WE BROUGHT THE AMBULANCE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE ENTIRE DEF SYSTEM WOULD NEED TO BE…
Own a 2012 F-450?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.