2012 Ford F-150 power train problems
678 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2012 Ford F-150 — 38% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“On XXX, I brought my 2012 Ford F-150 (VIN: [XXX]) to an authorized dealership (Ed Morse Ford Geneseo) to complete mandatory safety recall 19S07 (Molded Lead Frame Software Update). The vehicle was fully operational, shifting safely, and completely functional upon arrival. Immediately upon…”
filed Sep 1, 2026
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear, almost causing the wheels to lock up. The power train warning light illuminated, and the instrument cluster became inoperable; however, the…”
filed Aug 20, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speedCampaign 19V075000 · Feb 11, 2019
- Affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly…Campaign 16V248000 · Apr 27, 2016
Related service bulletins
Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the…
TSB 22-2219 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 21, 2022This program extends the warranty coverage of the automatic transmission molded leadframe to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first. This is a one-time…
19N01-S4 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 17, 2021
Power Train problems in other F-150 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 F-150 | 24 | 24% |
| 2024 F-150 | 55 | 29% |
| 2023 F-150 | 156 | 38% |
| 2022 F-150 | 157 | 27% |
| 2021 F-150 | 314 | 31% |
| 2020 F-150 | 352 | 49% |
| 2019 F-150 | 726 | 55% |
| 2018 F-150 | 1,002 | 44% |
| 2017 F-150 | 539 | 38% |
| 2016 F-150 | 576 | 28% |
| 2015 F-150 | 404 | 24% |
| 2014 F-150 | 422 | 28% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Ford F-150
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.