FORD F-350 · model year

2012 FORD F-350

252 NHTSA complaints, 9 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2012FORDF-350 carries 252 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 9 crashes, 5 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 F-350 is steering with 66 filings, followed by suspension (65) and engine (25). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 177 investigation files overlapping the 2012 F-350, and 8 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

252
Complaints
9
Crashes
5
Fires
6
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

252 filings

Crashes Reported

9 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING66
SUSPENSION65
ENGINE25
UNKNOWN OR OTHER17
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM13
POWER TRAIN9
WHEELS9
SERVICE BRAKES8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
AIR BAGS2

Recalls (4)

13V53500030/10/2013

ENGINE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 F-350/450/550 Ambulance Package vehicles manufactured February 22, 2010, through October 19, 2012 and equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine. Due to an exhaust sensor problem, the vehicles may experience loss of power followed by an en

13V38000023/08/2013

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

Manning Equipment Inc. LLC (Manning) is recalling certain model year 2012 Ford F-350, F-450 and F-550 gasoline engined dual rear wheel chassis vehicles manufactured October 2011 through June 2012. The tailpipe on the exhaust system does not extend out beyond the edge of the body, allowing heat to b

14V49800013/08/2014

EQUIPMENT

PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket coveri

11V58200008/12/2011

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 F-250, F-350, F-450 AND F-550 HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 12, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE RE

Recent Complaints

20250925ENGINE

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the message "Loss of Engine Power" was displayed before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and DTC: P0087, P2291, and P2A00 were retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,843.

Mileage: 128,843

20250704CrashSERVICE BRAKES

Death wobble

20250704CrashSEATS

Death wobble

20250704CrashLANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Death wobble

20250626ENGINE

Bosch CP4 High Pressure Fuel Pump failed in transit cost $10,713 to repair only 155k miles on new engine. Diesel fuel spilled from engine on highway, lucky no fire. Ford no help.

20250626FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Bosch CP4 High Pressure Fuel Pump failed in transit cost $10,713 to repair only 155k miles on new engine. Diesel fuel spilled from engine on highway, lucky no fire. Ford no help.

20250522SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while his son was driving 25 MPH, the front track bar unexpectedly fractured into two pieces, causing the vehicle to swerve off the road. Additionally, the vehicle had experienced the death wobble. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the front track bar fracture caused the rear axle to be pushed into the fuel cooler, which caused the fuel cooler to be punctured and to leak. The contact was informed that the front track bar and the fuel cooler needed to be replaced, and a coolant flush needed to be performed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.

Mileage: 300,000

20250505SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the contact rolled over a bump and the vehicle started to shudder and sway to the left and right violently. The contact slowed down to 20 MPH and regained control of the vehicle. The contact stated there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred two years prior. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who installed dampers and a track bar on the front end. The contact had not yet taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic following the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

20250505STEERING

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the contact rolled over a bump and the vehicle started to shudder and sway to the left and right violently. The contact slowed down to 20 MPH and regained control of the vehicle. The contact stated there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred two years prior. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who installed dampers and a track bar on the front end. The contact had not yet taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic following the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

20250207STEERING

I'm currently experiencing the "Death Wobble" with my vehicle, making it unsafe to drive past 60 mph due to intense shaking. This is a serious safety concern for both me and my family. This issue happens frequently on the freeway, and we all fear that the wheels could fall off or the vehicle might flip over. When I took the vehicle to the service center, the advisor told me I needed to add a stabilizer to my front wheels and suggested that I buy the part online and install it myself, recommending YouTube for guidance. However, I have no idea what part to buy or where to get it. I’m not the designer of the truck, and I shouldn’t have to add extra parts for it to drive properly. I also believe this is a manufacturer issue, especially since multiple people seem to be experiencing the same problem.

20250207SUSPENSION

I'm currently experiencing the "Death Wobble" with my vehicle, making it unsafe to drive past 60 mph due to intense shaking. This is a serious safety concern for both me and my family. This issue happens frequently on the freeway, and we all fear that the wheels could fall off or the vehicle might flip over. When I took the vehicle to the service center, the advisor told me I needed to add a stabilizer to my front wheels and suggested that I buy the part online and install it myself, recommending YouTube for guidance. However, I have no idea what part to buy or where to get it. I’m not the designer of the truck, and I shouldn’t have to add extra parts for it to drive properly. I also believe this is a manufacturer issue, especially since multiple people seem to be experiencing the same problem.

20250207WHEELS

I'm currently experiencing the "Death Wobble" with my vehicle, making it unsafe to drive past 60 mph due to intense shaking. This is a serious safety concern for both me and my family. This issue happens frequently on the freeway, and we all fear that the wheels could fall off or the vehicle might flip over. When I took the vehicle to the service center, the advisor told me I needed to add a stabilizer to my front wheels and suggested that I buy the part online and install it myself, recommending YouTube for guidance. However, I have no idea what part to buy or where to get it. I’m not the designer of the truck, and I shouldn’t have to add extra parts for it to drive properly. I also believe this is a manufacturer issue, especially since multiple people seem to be experiencing the same problem.

20250127ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence and a friend diagnosed the vehicle. The contact was informed that the CP4 pump, hard lines, and injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 262,000.

Mileage: 262,000

20241229STEERING

Truck has a random death wabble and differnt speeds. I've taken the truck to three differnt ford dealers multiple times and they alll can't find any worn parts, the dealers all with say ford knows there is a saftey issue with the trucks but don't have a real fix for the issue. several other ford owners have the same issues

20241229SUSPENSION

Truck has a random death wabble and differnt speeds. I've taken the truck to three differnt ford dealers multiple times and they alll can't find any worn parts, the dealers all with say ford knows there is a saftey issue with the trucks but don't have a real fix for the issue. several other ford owners have the same issues

20241018SUSPENSION

Death whoble

20241018FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Death whoble

20241018LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

Death whoble

20241018STEERING

2012 F350 Lariat 4x4, 125000 miles. While driving at 65 mph. I hit a spilt in the highway and the truck went into a death wobble, the most violent and scary thing to experience on the crowded highway. Only thing I could do was let it slow down coasting when it finally went away I accelerated back to highway speed and hit yet another bump in the highway and it went into another death wobble so violent I could not control the truck. This truck has no lift and is stock. This will kill someone one day or cause a serious accident. Ford should own this defect and fix it before they responsible for actual death.

20241018SUSPENSION

2012 F350 Lariat 4x4, 125000 miles. While driving at 65 mph. I hit a spilt in the highway and the truck went into a death wobble, the most violent and scary thing to experience on the crowded highway. Only thing I could do was let it slow down coasting when it finally went away I accelerated back to highway speed and hit yet another bump in the highway and it went into another death wobble so violent I could not control the truck. This truck has no lift and is stock. This will kill someone one day or cause a serious accident. Ford should own this defect and fix it before they responsible for actual death.

Compare 2012FORDF-350 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 8 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2012 FORD F-350 have?
The 2012 FORD F-350 has 252 NHTSA complaints, 9 crashes, 5 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2012 FORD F-350?
Yes, the 2012 FORD F-350 has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 FORD F-350?
The most-complained component for the 2012 FORD F-350 is STEERING with 66 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SUSPENSION and ENGINE.
Is the 2012 FORD F-350 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.