2012 FORD F-350 Complaints and Recall Information
The 2012 FORD F-350 has 12 complaints and 4 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues related to the "death wobble," causing intense shaking at highway speeds. Other complaints include front suspension failures and high-pressure fuel pump malfunctions.
Common Issues
- Death wobble. Multiple reports describe violent shaking at speeds around 60 mph, creating unsafe driving conditions. Attempts to remedy include dealer recommendations to add stabilizers or track bar components.
- Front track bar failure. The front track bar fractured unexpectedly while driving, causing loss of vehicle control and damage to the fuel cooler. Replacement of the track bar and fuel cooler was advised but not completed.
- Fuel pump failure. Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel pump failed during operation, causing diesel fuel to spill and extensive repair costs exceeding $10,000. The engine had relatively low mileage at failure.
- Vehicle stall. At highway speeds, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart, requiring tows and diagnostics pointing to fuel system components needing replacement.
- Front end shuddering. After rolling over bumps at highway speeds, the vehicle shook violently side to side, leading owners to slow down to regain control. Some dealers installed dampers and track bars in response.
There are four recalls affecting various systems on the 2012 FORD F-350 ranging from powertrain and engine issues to equipment-related fire risks. These recalls address problems with shift interlock switches, engine sensors, exhaust system heat buildup, and oil leaks near exhaust components.
Recalls
- Brake shift interlock switch (Recall 11V582000). Affects 16,091 vehicles. The transmission can be shifted out of park without pressing the brake pedal due to a faulty switch. This increases crash risk by allowing unintended vehicle movement. Ford will inspect and replace the switch free of charge.
- Exhaust gas temperature sensor (Recall 13V535000). Affects 2,951 diesel ambulance package vehicles. Sensor malfunction can cause engine power loss and stalling, raising crash and injury risks, especially during patient transport. Dealers will replace the sensor at no cost.
- Exhaust tailpipe extension (Recall 13V380000). Affects 37 gasoline engine vehicles. Tailpipe ends short of the body edge, causing heat buildup in rear storage compartments that may lead to fire. Dealers will install tailpipe extensions free of charge.
- PTO pressure switch oil leak (Recall 14V498000). Applies to 3 modified chassis vehicles with specific PTO assemblies. Oil leaking from the pressure switch onto the exhaust’s thermal blanket can increase fire risk. A new pressure switch kit will be installed at no charge.
Owners facing repeated repairs related to suspension instability, engine stalling, or unresolved recall issues may have rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting with a qualified consumer protection attorney could assist in assessing potential claims.
2012 FORD F-350 Summary
2012
Model Year
12
Total Complaints
4
Total Recalls
19082
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2012 FORD F-350
3 vehicles affected
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 covering the exhaust.
Risk: The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
2012 FORD F-350
37 vehicles affected
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 build up in rear curbside storage compartment.
Risk: Excessive heat build up in rear compartment could result in fire.
2012 FORD F-350
2951 vehicles affected
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 engine stall.
Risk: An unexpected engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, if this were to occur when the ambulance is transporting a patient, there is an increased risk of injury to the patient.
2012 FORD F-350
16091 vehicles affected
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 REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 114, “THEFT PROTECTION.” THE TRANSMISSION CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DUE TO BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH PROBLEM.
Risk: THIS WILL ALLOW THE OPERATOR TO INADVERTENTLY SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY TO A NEARBY PEDESTRIAN.
Complaints
2012 FORD F-350
ID: 2106336LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Death wobble
2012 FORD F-350
ID: 2106335SEATS
Death wobble
2012 FORD F-350
ID: 2106334SERVICE BRAKES
Death wobble
2012 FORD F-350
ID: 2103821FUEL/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.
2012 FORD F-350
ID: 2103820ENGINE
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.
2012 FORD F-350
ID: 2093822SUSPENSION
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.
2012 FORD F-350
ID: 2088804STEERING
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.
2012 FORD F-350
ID: 2088803SUSPENSION
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.
2012 FORD F-350
ID: 2063265WHEELS
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.
2012 FORD F-350
ID: 2063264SUSPENSION
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.
2012 FORD F-350
ID: 2063263STEERING
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.
2012 FORD F-350
ID: 2059420ENGINE 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.