Model year

2012 Ford F-550

Other, gasoline, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Nov 20, 2012 to May 23, 2024.

Recall campaigns covering this model year519k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints138.7 times the median 2012 other
Severity index15.42012 others average 11.4
First 24 months2Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2012 Ford F-550 peaked in 2018, with 3 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

0123201220142016201832020202220242026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

77% of complaints about the 2012 Ford F-550 name engine and cooling

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Engine and cooling
10
Fuel system
3
Brakes
2
Electrical system
1
Powertrain
1
Steering
1
Suspension
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

5 recall campaigns cover the 2012 Ford F-550

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2012 Ford F-550
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
14V-498Aug 13, 2014In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaustEquipment3Repair or modification
14V-040Feb 6, 2014In the affected vehicles, the brackets securing the passenger side CNG fuel tank may breakFuel system18Not stated
13V-535Oct 30, 2013Due to an exhaust sensor problem, the vehicles may experience loss of power followed by an engine stallEngine and cooling2,951Part replacement
13V-380Aug 23, 2013Tailpipe on the exhaust system does not extend out beyond the edge of the body, allowing heat to build up in rear curbside storage compartmentEngine and cooling37Repair or modification
11V-582Dec 8, 2011These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 114, “theft protection.” the transmission can…Powertrain16,091Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2012 Ford F-550

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

13 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed May 23, 2024Failure May 17, 202472,000 milesLivingston, TXEngine and engine cooling, Steering

    The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-550 chassis with an Earth Roamer RV. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle was making an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the turbocharger needle on the instrument cluster fell to zero. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the abnormal banging sound was louder, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled off the highway and then stated that the power steering had failed. The contact was turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the power steering and the abnormal engine sound remained present. The contact was able to drive several yards before the vehicle stalled. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11590361
  2. Filed Apr 28, 2022Failure Apr 21, 202235,800 milesBeacon Falls, CTEngine

    The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact made multiple attempts to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle repeatedly failed to start up. Due to the failure, the contact called the dealer and had the vehicle towed there for an inspection. The contact then called an independent mechanic who informed him that based on what he described; his vehicle had experienced engine failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 35,800.

    NHTSA complaint 11462602
  3. Filed Sep 10, 2020Failure Sep 2, 2020Washington, DCEngineFire

    WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON TRAIL IT WAS NOTICED THAT SMOKE AND FIRE WERE COMING FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE. DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH THE VEHICLE SUPPLIED FIRE EXTINGUISHER. AFTER THE EXTINGUISHER RAN OUT THE VEHICLE FIRE ACCELERATED AND TOTALLY ENGULFED THE VEHICLE.*DT*JB

    NHTSA complaint 11354215
  4. Filed Sep 17, 2019Failure Jun 5, 201955,000 milesCharleston, WVEngine, Power train, Service brakesCrash1 injured

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-550. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS HAULING SAND AND REGROUND GRAVEL UP A HILL, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED INTO PARK. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AND THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONTACT RE-ENTERED THE VEHICLE, SHIFTED GEARS, AND RELEASED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO DRIVE, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE HILL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE JUNE 05,2019 AND SEPT.6, 2019. THERE WAS A FULL TANK OF FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL HAULING SAND AND GRAVEL, THE CONTACT STOPPED ON THE HILL, RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL, DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL DOWN THE HILL IN REVERSE WITH NO POWER. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO PARK AND THE BRAKES COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE LACK OF POWER. THE CONTACT QUICKLY CUT INTO THE BANK; HOWEVER, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WENT UP ON THE BANK AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOWN THE EMBANKMENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND KNEE, AND A BROKEN LEFT HAND, NECK, RIBS, LOWER BACK, ARM, AND LEGS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE FRONT PASSENGER WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OUT OF THE BANK TO THE TOP OF THE HILL AND REMAINED ON THE HILLSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. *PM CONSUMER STATED BOTH INCIDENTS HAPPENED AT THE SAME PLACE.*JB

    NHTSA complaint 11256086
  5. Filed Aug 29, 2019Failure Jul 15, 2019Tonawanda, NYEngine, Fuel system, Gasoline, Service brakes

    I HAVE ONLY USED THE TRUCK FOR FIVE MONTHS AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS AND ISSUES WITH THE TRUCK FROM THE GAS TANK LEAKING, PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES AND THE BOX HOIST THAT WOULD NOT RAISE. I HAVE HAD THE BOX HOIST FIXED MULTIPLE TIMES BUT THE WELD KEEPS BREAKING. I AM SURE FORD KNOWS ABOUT THE HOIST PROBLEM BUT THEY HAVE NOT ISSUED ANY RECALLS FOR IT. AS A CONSUMER I FEEL CHEATED. MY RECENT PROBLEM IS THE ENGINE, IT HAD STALLED UNEXPECTEDLY AND SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY FOR NO REASON AT ALL AND WITHOUT WARNING WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND PUT MY SON'S LIFE AT RISK. I LOOKED UP THE ABOVE VIN NUMBER ON THE INTERNET BUT COULD NOT FIND DIRECT RECALLS RELATING TO IT. FORD HAS PUT OUT RECALLS ON SOME OF THE ENGINES FOR FORD F550S YR 2012 BUT ONLY FOR AMBULANCE TYPE TRUCKS NOT DUMP TRUCKS. I AM COMPLAINING BECAUSE MY DUMP TRUCK HAS THE SAME ENGINE STALLING PROBLEM AS ON THE AMBULANCE TYPE F550S FROM YEAR 2012, WHEN IT UNEXPECTEDLY SHUTS DOWN COMPLETELY AND WITHOUT WARNING. *JS

    NHTSA complaint 11252148
  6. Filed Dec 29, 2018Failure Oct 12, 2018267,000 milesParkville, MDUnknown or other

    ECM LOOSING INFORMATION, ON HIGH WAY TRUCK SHUT DOWN WOULD NOT MOVE DUE TO EMISSION AND PCM PROBLEM. ECM NEED TO REFLASH ON UPDATED VERSION OR REPLACE

    NHTSA complaint 11164007
  7. Filed Jun 26, 2018Failure May 14, 2015114,484 milesOregon, OHEngine

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAM SHAFT FRACTURED INTERNALLY WITHIN THE CYLINDER HEAD AND DESTROYED THE ENGINE ASSEMBLY. THE DEALER (MATHEWS FORD OREGON, 2811 NAVARRE AVE, OREGON, OH 43616, (419) 698-4444) AND THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S THREE YEAR WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AND SERVICE WAS DENIED PER THE CAMPAIGN FOR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NUMBER: 17B30. THE DEALER PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THE ENGINE ASSEMBLY ONCE BEFORE AND INDICATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED A SECOND TIME. THE DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE OTHER THAN THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT CONSUMER STATED ENGINE CAM FOLLOWERS FELL OFF AND DESTROYED THE ENGINE THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. UPDATED 10/5/18*JB

    NHTSA complaint 11104106
  8. Filed Apr 3, 2018Failure Jun 15, 2016100,000 milesCompton, CAEngine

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-550. WHILE DRIVING ON AN INCLINE AT 60 MPH, THE ENGINE POWER LOSS INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. SUDDENLY, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POP SOUND AND THE ENGINE STALLED AND LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO WORTHINGTON FORD (2950 N BELLFLOWER BLVD, LONG BEACH, CA 90815, (562) 420-3333) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11083152
  9. Filed Mar 18, 2017Failure Mar 15, 2017102,000 milesTavares, FLElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system

    DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID SYSTEM FAILED SHUTTING DOWN MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AND I HAD TO BE TOWED TO A FORD DEALER. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY. I NEVER GOT A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT THIS MAJOR PROBLEM. NOW I AM TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO SPEND OVER $5000.00 TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED. FORD HAD GOTTEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THEY SHOULD PAY TO HAVE THIS REPAIR DONE. I ONLY HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR A SHORT TIME AND PAID OVER $59,000 FOR IT. I TRIED TO CONTACT SEVERAL FORD EXECUTIVES OVER TWO WEEKS AGO AND HEARD BACK FROM NONE.

    NHTSA complaint 10966637
  10. Filed Nov 2, 2016Failure Nov 1, 201636,000 milesDecker, MTEngine

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-550. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH THE EXHAUST CLEANING CYCLE OPERATED, THE CYCLE SUDDENLY STOPPED. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, STALLED, AND THE CHECK OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10923835
  11. Filed Mar 5, 2015Failure Mar 5, 201578,000 milesLawrensville, GAEngine

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE COMPUTER SCANNER SYSTEM WAS SENDING THE INCORRECT READING TO THE ENGINE. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER SCANNING SYSTEM. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10692327
  12. Filed Aug 7, 2013Failure Aug 6, 201364,632 milesHesperia, CAFuel/propulsion system

    THIS VEHICLE HAS A BAF CNG FUEL CONVERSION. THE WELDS BROKE ON THE BRACKETS HOLDING THE RIGHT HAND FUEL TANK TO THE OUTBOARD SIDE OF THE RIGHT FRAME RAIL ALLOWING THE FUEL TANK TO DROP TO THE PAVEMENT. AS THE FUEL TANK WAS BEING DRAGGED ON THE PAVEMENT THE DRIVER SAW SPARKS FLYING IN BOTH REAR VIEW MIRRORS AND SO SHE ATTEMPTED TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AS SHE WAS TRYING TO PULL OVER THE FUEL TANK SLID OVER TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND WEDGED IN FRONT OF THE LEFT REAR TIRES BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO AN ABRUPT STOP WITH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE STILL PARTIALLY BLOCKING THE RIGHT HAND LANE OF A 2 LANE HIGHWAY. THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE TANK AT THIS POINT WAS THE 2 FLEXIBLE HOSES TO THE TANK. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO FIRE OR INJURIES BUT THIS IS A 30 PASSENGER TRANSIT BUS AND THERE ARE MANY MORE UNITS LIKE THIS ON THE ROAD WITH A SERIOUS PROBABLE DEFECT WHICH COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10534095
  13. Filed Nov 20, 2012Failure Oct 5, 20127,706 milesDiamond BAR, CASuspension

    I NOTICED EXCESSIVE SWAYING BEGIN WHILE DRIVING MY 2012 RV. WHEN I GOT HOME I LOOKED UNDER THE RV AND DISCOVERED THAT THE LOWER BOLT ON THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE SWAY BAR TO THE REAR AXLE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS MISSING AND THE BRACKET WAS BENT. FAIRWAY FORD IN PLACENTIA, CA REPLACED THE BRACKET AND BOLT UNDER WARRANTY. THE WWW.IRV2.COM FORUM UNDER FORD CHASSIS HAS OTHER REPORTS OF THIS SAME EXPERIENCE. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10485361
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

2 NHTSA investigations on file

  • RQ14005 Recall query, Electrical system
    Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
    Opened Jan 13, 2015, closed Mar 15, 2016 · led to a recall
  • PE13038 Preliminary evaluation, Fuel system
    CNG Fuel Container Securement
    Opened Nov 15, 2013, closed Mar 9, 2014 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

12 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • TSB160066 Apr 20, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Touchscreen navigation system - arabic language - blank screen
  • 16-0066 Apr 20, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2012-2016 vehicles equipped with a touchscreen navigation system and the language set to Arabic may exhibit a blank screen. This may be the result of the ribbon cables not being fully seated inside the front display interface module (FDIM) or an improp…
  • 2012-0653 Oct 31, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    THIS TSB DETAILED TROUBLESHOOTING FOR PUMP SHIFT AIR TANK PLUMBING THAT MIGHT FREEZE UP IN EXTREME COLD. ALSO INCLUDED A PHOTO OF PROBLEMATIC INSTALLATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPAIR, IF NEEDED.
  • 15-0042 Oct 11, 2011 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FORD 2011-2012 F250, F350, F450, F550 : INFORMATION REGARDING F-SUPER DUTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 6.7L ENGINE AND BUILT BEFORE 10/11/2011 MAY EXHIBIT A MIL ON WITH DTCS, P207F, P20EE, P2200, P2201, P2209, P164A, P2A00 OR P0133. *LJ
  • 44863 Jul 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FORD: NO SERVICE ACTION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS CONDITION. PLEASE USE AT YOUR DISCRETION. VARIOUS 2010-2015 VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A TURBULENCE NOISE, SIMILAR TO AN HELICOPTER NOISE, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE REAR DOOR WINDOW(S) OR SUNROOF ARE OPEN. *TA
  • ASI-44390 Feb 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FORD: A POSSIBLE INTERMEDIATE CLUTCH PISTON LIP SEAL IS WORN AND CAN CAUSE AN INTERMEDIATE ROUGH CLUTCH PISTON BORE TO SLIP 1-3 AND/OR NO 2-3 UPSHIFT CONDITION. MODEL 2012-2013 E SERIES, F-450, 550, 53 MOTORHOME, F 59 STRIPPED CHASSIS. *PE
  • TSB-12-7-2 Jul 10, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FORD: INFORMATION BEING PROVIDED, FOR SOME TRUCKS, REGARDING SERVICE PROCEDURE CORRECTION FOR TRUCKS WITH DIESEL ENGINE, EXPERIENCING MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DTCS P2031, P2032 AND/OR P2033. MODELS 2011-2012 F SUPER DUTY. *PE
  • TSB-13-6-20 Jun 18, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FORD: IN SOME DIESEL TRUCKS, THE MIL MAY ILLUMINATE AND IS MOST COMMON WITH TRUCKS OPERATING IN LOW SPEED DRIVING AND/OR OPERATING IN STATIONARY IDLE MODE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME, WHERE THE EXHAUST REGENERATION PROCESS IS NOT FULLY COMPLETED. MOD…
  • ASI-32207 May 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FORD: DUE TO LOOSE, MISSING, MODIFIED OR DAMAGED GROUND G400, VARIOUS MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (MIL) DTC'S, RELATED TO GLOW PLUG CONTROL MODULE (GPCM), MAY BE EXHIBIT ON SOME DIESEL EQUIPPED TRUCKS. MODEL YEARS 2011-2013. NO MODELS LISTED. …
  • TSB-13-5-20 May 16, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FORD: WHEN TRUCK IS PREVENTED, AFTER AN EXTENDED TIME PERIOD OF STATIONARY IDLENESS OR LOW SPEED DRIVING, IT FAILS TO COMPLETE EXHAUST REGENERATION PROCESS AND ILLUMINATES MIL AND DTC P207F WITH/WITHOUT DTC P204F. MODEL 2012 F-450, 550. *PE
  • ASI-22262 Mar 1, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FORD: VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE EXHAUST SMOKE, ENGINE KNOCKING, LOW POWER, LONG CRANK HARD START, RUNS ROUGH OR NO CRANK START WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY CONTAMINATED FUEL. *PE
  • 12-2-5 Feb 10, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FORD: SOME VEHICLES EXHIBIT A 4X4 NOT ENGAGING, NOT STAYING ENGAGED AND/OR UNLOCKING IN EXTREME COLD TEMPERATURES BELOW -18 DEGREES CELSIUS OR 0 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. INCLUDE FORD MODEL F250, F350,F450, AND F550 MODEL YEARS 2011-2012. *JS
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.