What 1,717 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Ford F-150 Supercab

While driving, gear will automatically drop to the 1st gear and won't go past the 3rd gear. The vehicle stalls and swerves, gets stuck in 3rd gear. The vehicle will unsafely drop the speed causing danger not only to us driving and our passengers but also to the other drivers around. F150 (2014) trucks was recently recalled for the same problem. No warning lights appeared prior the problem. Service center noted a code (DTC) P0770 - Shift Solenoid E malfunction.

NHTSA ODI 11604165

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from 4th gear to 1st gear. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was self-corrected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the transmission sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

NHTSA ODI 11603784

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted from 6th gear to 1st gear and nearly caused the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the instrument cluster went black. The contact pulled off the roadway, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and was able to resume normal driving. The contact stated that failure was a recurring failure and occurred at various speeds. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power train control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

NHTSA ODI 11602863

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the speedometer went blank, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving then but pulled over, turned off and restarted the vehicle and the speedometer became operable, and the check engine warning light was off. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had since become a constant failure. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission lead frame needed to be replaced. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N01 - Transmission Molded Leadframe Extended Warranty (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11602996

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from 6th gear to 1st gear. The contact stated that the vehicle was stopping independently, and the service transmission warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the rear wheels felt as if they had seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed lead frame. The contact was informed that the lead frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); however, the contact was informed that the recall repair would not prevent the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was one year outside of coverage for the lead frame repair. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11601241

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted from seventh gear to first gear, nearly causing several crashes. The contact stated that the transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the failure had been reoccurring. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was determined that an update of the TCM needed to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the manufacturer confirmed the vehicle was not included and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

NHTSA ODI 11600548

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle independently downshifted to first gear with several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the failure nearly caused the vehicle to be rear ended by an 18-wheeler that was forced into the emergency lane to avoid rear-ending the vehicle. The contact pulled over and restart the vehicle and the transmission warning light illuminated upon restart. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights remained illuminated on the instrument panel. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train). The contact called J.C. Lewis Ford Pooler (501 Memorial Blvd, Pooler, GA 31322) and J.C. Lewis Ford (9505 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31406) and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact attempted to reach the manufacturer but was unsuccessful in speaking to a representative. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

NHTSA ODI 11600064

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from and stationary position, the transmission malfunctioned, and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 145,000.

NHTSA ODI 11599289

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission independently downshifted and an unknown warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle jerked and decelerated. The contact proceeded to drive the vehicle to the residence; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11599313

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 20–70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. While at a stop, the vehicle shut off. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the instrument cluster had gone blank several times. The wrench symbol was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The mechanic performed a tune-up. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist, who stated that the failure was related to the computer sensor. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V444000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted, and opened a case and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 325,000.

NHTSA ODI 11597933

Transmission shifted from 6 to 5 at 60 miles per hour. Truck has 60 thousand one owner miles on truck. Dealership had not heard of 6 to 5. No warning lights or messages. Has not been inspected. Very conserved for safety when this happened.

NHTSA ODI 11597796

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, causing the vehicle to decelerate unintendedly. During the failure, the service wrench symbol was illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under an Extended Warranty coverage, but the failure occurred. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA ODI 11597545

The contact's wife owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered and vibrated while shifting from 3rd to 4th gear. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 25-35 MPH, the transmission failed to downshift and was stuck in 4th or 5th gear; requiring that the accelerator pedal be depressed harder for the transmission to shift out of the gear. The contact stated that the vehicle then responded by accelerating abruptly, nearly causing a crash. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle shuddered while shifting from 3rd to 4th gear, and then shifted into 5th gear. The vehicle then downshifted into first gear unexpectedly, and the rear wheels locked-up, causing the vehicle to skid and to stop on the side of the road. The contact attempted to continue driving; however, the vehicle failed to shift out of first gear. The contact stated that he disconnected and reconnected the battery temporarily and was able to resume driving; however, the failure persisted. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was test-driven, and the failure was replicated. The mechanic provided videos and pictures of the transmission fluid leaking at the bellhousing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times with videos of the transmission leak, but the dealer informed the contact that the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ODI 11597266

Driving down the road at 60 mph and heard a boom pulled over and seen oil coming out of motor and a pulley was broken off of the timing housing of the motor putting a hole in motor where pulley used to be. (Did some research ford 2011-2012 do not have supports on engine housing where pulley mounts but the newer 5.0 motors do have the supports to stop motor from breaking where pulley mounts I will include photos below the new supplied replacement part has supports) This has happened to multiple people

NHTSA ODI 11596661

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 80 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear. The Service Vehicle Soon warning light was illuminated. The Vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with speed sensor relay failure. The independent mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V433000 (Power Train). The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11596886

Automatic transmission dropped from 5th gear to first on road and forced the truck to lock up the wheel and come to an abrupt stop in the middle of the road with cars behind us. Brakes were never applied. The new recall For 2014 f150 says it had a previous recall for 2012 but there is no active recall done this truck to be able to have it fixed. We have 2 kids under two we don’t feel safe driving around in the truck as it’s unpredictable when it will happen and has happened 8 times since we bought it from Ford Anderson. Each time they test drive it and it doesn’t happen at those times and they don’t know what to fix.

NHTSA ODI 11596915

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed the speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The contact related the failure with an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.

NHTSA ODI 11596936

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of a failure within the transmission. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift into gear properly and the transmission remained in drive(D). There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11596950

6months ago it suddenly downshifted on my wife, I told her she must be in 4wd so she turned dial, no issues for a cpl wks then it repeated, went home in low sp, I called a shop and they said Lead Frame issue, not under warranty so I had it repaired, last wk it happened again! I see that newer models (2014 a newer are having this issue, I would like to have mine fixed as well !

NHTSA ODI 11596525

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. In addition, an unknown service light was illuminated. The contact who is an independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle with turbine shaft sensor failure. Additionally, the lead frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,200.

NHTSA ODI 11594927

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently downshifted from 6th gear to 1st gear. The contact was unaware if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty and to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.

NHTSA ODI 11593429

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train) however, the failure reoccurred. The local dealer was contacted and stated that the recall was a one-time free repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000.

NHTSA ODI 11592430

The contact owns a 2012 Ford-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was related to the recall. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

NHTSA ODI 11591619

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.

NHTSA ODI 11591407

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended, prompting the contact to attempt to jump-start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power train control module. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, who then diagnosed an additional failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 168,000.

NHTSA ODI 11586810