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2012 Ford F-53
Limited data — few reports on file, read the verdict loosely
Too few owner complaints are on file to affirm this car. Treat it as unproven — not endorsed — and lean hard on a professional pre-purchase inspection.
1 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 10, 2026 · source: NHTSA
What the record shows so far
Only 1 owner complaint on file for this exact model year — too few to judge long-term reliability. Treat this as unproven, not endorsed, and lean on a professional inspection.
The math, shown
Full methodology →The road ahead
What breaks on a 2012 Ford F-53, plotted where owners report it happening.
Suspension
100%1 complaints
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I NOTICED A SUDDEN AND DISTINCT DETERIORATION IN HANDLING, SO SEVERE THAT IN CROSSWINDS OR WHEN BEING PASSED BY A SEMI-TRAILER IT WAS DIFF…”
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Power Train · 12V035000
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-53 AND F-59 STRIPPED CHASSIS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2010 THROUGH JULY 1, 2011 AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 F-53 AND F-59 STRIPPED CHASSIS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 10, 2011 THROUGH OCTOBER 25, 2011. THE PRNDL CABLE MAY BREAK AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL SELECTOR ARM ASSEMBLY MOUNTED ON THE STEERING COLUMN. IF THE CABLE BREAKS, THE TRANSMISSION GEAR INDICATOR IN THE PRNDL DISPLAY IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL REMAIN IN THE FIRST GEAR POSITION REGARDLESS OF THE GEAR SELECTED.
Risk: AN INCORRECT GEAR INDICATION IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MAY PREVENT THE DRIVER FROM KNOWING IF THEY ARE IN PARK OR REVERSE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR ARM ASSEMBLY AND THE PRNDL CABLE ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150–$250 independent inspection of this exact 2012 Ford F-53 beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2012? See how every F-53 model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2012 Ford F-53 against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score — if they disagree, that’s worth knowing.