What 323 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Ford F-250 Supercab

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that they discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 141,000. It was later discovered upon checking Carfax, that the mileage was 477,000.

NHTSA ODI 11741810

Over 1 year (2025) steering front end shaking began. Our dealership on oil changes did not tell us to watch for anything and we should have been warned. When the shaking occurred we changed Ford shock asborbers from Ford dealership. Problem still occured. We lost faith in Ford and our regular dealership. We then at Moore's tires purchased 4 Michelin premium tires for F250 heavy duty truck and told them about the severe shaking in front end that we will crash because we can't maintain control only to pull off the road with a prayer. Very difficult when this happens on the route 80 highway going 70 mph speed limit. So, Moore's tires store replaced with new tires and replaced some suspension parts thinking they fixed it but not sure. No recall to alert any Ford owners or repair shops... no warnings to anyone. We spent over $7,000. in trying to solve the front end shaking issue. We are lucky we did not die in an accident caused by the front end shaking and no steering control. We want re-imbursement and full repair as the problem is still happening. our family and all of us have Been a Ford customer for over 60 plus years. But not feeling confident or safe with purchasing a new ford vehicle going forward. This can NOT happen that Ford is allowing this risk to potentially kill people due to their neglegence in quality and recall for safety.

NHTSA ODI 11732808

CP4 pump continuous failure sending metal into the fuel system. Ford still uses an inferior product causing truck owners up to $18000 in repairs.

NHTSA ODI 11730059

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 219,825 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was over 330,000.

NHTSA ODI 11724570

I bought this truck used from a dealership in 2022-23 haven't really had any problems till about 2 months ago. Front end started a wobble. A friend of mine just sent me information NHTSA put out about the Death Wobble. I believe it expired in 2024. I never received any kind of recall on this. I was wondering if it would still be something I could get looked into. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11703811

I just had to replace the ECM because it fired. after replacing that it still won't start. I've talked to multiple people who have had the same problem.

NHTSA ODI 11675751

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine seizure due to coolant intrusion in the engine. The contact stated that while the dealer was in the process of replacing the engine, the dealer informed the contact that the transmission also needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the engine and the transmission. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was bucking and jerking. The gear shift indicator light displayed that the transmission was slipping from drive(D) to neutral(N) and reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the part was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,500.

NHTSA ODI 11671757

I purchased this truck new in 2013 and it has only been serviced by Ford, except for an Air Lift Suspension Kit install to allow load leveling when towing. Low miles: 54484 actual. No collision damage, original paint. Date of repair:06/25/2025. Jenkins Ford RO#[XXX]. My truck has a Supercab (Extended Cab) with short rear doors that open to the rear. Both of these rear doors failed within 5 minutes of each other. Specifically, the inside door handles and opening levers on the forward facing side of the doors failed. This is absolutely a safety hazard because a Child, Senior, Handicapped person, pet, etc., would be trapped from making an emergency exit in case of accident or fire. A more athletic person may be able to pull themselves over the from bench seat to exit, but still delaying the exit and dangerous. There were no warnings to alert anyone of the failures. Jenkins Ford (Crystal River, FL) diagnosed the problem and made the costly repair. Both door cables were replaced, no warranty. Cost: $1558.80 I called Ford USA Customer Relations (800) 392-3673 at 1:16PM EDT on 06/24/2025. C/S Rep "Kisha" said Ford would not assist in any goodwill for repair of this safety item. I researched this problem online an apparently, this is a common failure due to plastic parts holding the cables. I acknowledge that this vehicle is over 10 years old, but feel that this is a safety item Ford should stand behind. People keep vehicles longer these days and mine has been garaged, meticulously maintained by Ford, and has extremely low miles. Jenkins Ford did a very professional repair and I'm very happy with this dealer. The Ford Motor Company should be required to recall and repair this problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11670798

it keeps throwing a check engine light for miss fire but ive replaced all of the ignition and fuel parts and it keeps happening now its loosing power and getting hot for no reason.

NHTSA ODI 11665869

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the rear end of the vehicle seemed to be falling apart. The contact stated that the failure was due to the cab mount bushing. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11659662

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated while he was stopped at a traffic signal, he smelled a burning plastic smell. The contact observed that smoke was being emitted from under the vehicle's front end. The contact pulled off the road and parked. As he exited the vehicle, he observed that flames were shooting from under the vehicle. The contact stated that in a few minutes, the flames had engulfed the engine compartment. The fire department was called, and the police had also arrived. The fire was extinguished using water. The police did not filed a report. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.

NHTSA ODI 11658159

Driving on Pa turnpike twice this year and at 70 mph my 2012 ford f 250 with 79000 miles on it started shaking uncontrollably , had my wife and granddaughter with me and they cried and screamed till it stopped. Going to the dealer to see what Ford is going to fix for me before someone is killed ! Hopefully a recall or free fix! I have been educated that this has been an on going issue in many F250 Fords.

NHTSA ODI 11656986

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the engine power was significantly reduced and there was a whining sound coming from the engine compartment. While starting the vehicle, there was a high-pitched whining sound heard. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and determined there was a failure with the fuel pump. The fuel pumps were replaced 4 times, and the front and rear fuel pressure regulators were replaced several times since 2012. The contact was adding coolant to the vehicle every 2 months. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11652468

Daytime running lamps failed

NHTSA ODI 11648609

Today 11/21/24, I notified my husband as I am driving up the ramp going 50 my ford started to shake hard. I had to hold on to the steering wheel and pull over with out pressing the break. I came to a stop and kept him on the phone in case I were to flip over. The vehicle stopped wobbling and I started up again. I was not able to drive but less than 40 and again the wobble coming back. The commute for me was over 1 hour. I would not make it alive home. This vehicle had to go to the shop as if I were to drive home I would not be alive at this moment

NHTSA ODI 11626732

The front suspension randomly shakes when doing speeds above 60 on the freeway. It’s very dangerous especially because we almost experienced running into a semi while driving on I-50 between a cement construction wall and the semi. I find it hard to believe that Ford will NOT own up to this. There is clearly a history of this. I simply want my front suspension fixed to meet safety standards.

NHTSA ODI 11617375

Leaving oil spots on ground. Inside Cab smelling very strongly like burnt oil.

NHTSA ODI 11592865

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump and experienced the death wobble. The contact pulled over and slowed down to stabilize the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and repaired, however, the failure recurred. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired six times for the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11577174

The front end suspension and steering suddenly shakes violently after hitting a bump or uneven road at speeds above 50 MPH. The only way to stop it is to quickly slow down almost to a stop. Very scary and very dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11575131

I was driving on a paved road at 55mph, I did have a passenger in the vehicle. As I steered through the slight curve to the left the steering wheel started to jerk in my hands and the truck started to shake/wobble violently. I removed my foot from the accelerator and started to apply the brake while trying to keep the steering under control. From the violent wobble in the front end of the truck it did cross over the center line slightly, thankfully there were no oncoming vehicles. The wobble in the front end of the truck and jerking of the wheel did not stop until I came to a complete stop. I made sure there was no physical damage, or anything that looked unsafe, and drove the 1 1/2 mile back to my garage at 25mph. The truck is now parked awaiting another inspection. I had an inspection of this vehicle done on January 26, 2024. The wheel bearing on the right front was found to be wearing and in need of replacement. The wheel bearing (hub unit) was replaced to spec on February 11, 2024. Between the time of bearing replacement and incident I had driven this vehicle with no issues for approximately 70 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11572103

EXTENED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR PCM REPROGRAMING INTHE EVENT ABS VEHICLE SPEED SIGNAL RELATED COMMUNICATION LOSS THAT DISABLE OBDII SYSTEM MONITORS.

NHTSA ODI 11570921

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle began to make an abnormal cranking sound with several unknown warning lights flashing on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was discovered that piston rod #3 had snapped inside the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. After a year, the engine was replaced; however, three weeks later, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was informed that the exhaust gas cooling system had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 42,500.

NHTSA ODI 11570520

I continue to experience violent shaking of vehicle when traveling around 70MPH. I almost lost control before I could safely pull over on the highway. I purchased truck with 55,000 miles on it and I replaced all the tires after it happened the first few times. New tires did not help.

NHTSA ODI 11560607

Death wobble--great oscillation and shuddering of steering wheel and vehicle itself after hitting patches of rough road at highway speeds. This has happened 5 times now. Truck is currently being inspected for any faulty equipment. This occurred on interstate 10 in LA, and if not for quick thinking, I would have swerved into other traffic or lost control completely. This is a known problem with Ford F250s and is very dangerous. No warnings, no lights, and no way to predict that this might occur driving over rough pavement.

NHTSA ODI 11539843

Without any warning, smoke started billowing from the driver's side dash and overhead liner. When looking for the cause, I pulled the solenoid and the smoking stopped. Upon further inspection, I discovered broken, melted wiring in the rear drivers side door jamb. In researching this problem online, I found that other owners had experienced the same problem.

NHTSA ODI 11539604