Is the 2012 Ford F-350 reliable?

The 2012 Ford F-350 has 252 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: STEERING problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Ford F-350?

Top problems: STEERING (66 complaints, avg repair $500); SUSPENSION (65 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (37 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Ford F-350?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, ENGINE, EQUIPMENT. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Ford F-350?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Ford F-350 is approximately $1,478/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2012 Ford F-350

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Ford F-350 has 252 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 252. The most common issue is steering problems (26% of all complaints), specifically: front wheel wobble after hitting bump. *tr. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.

5 fire reports 5 crash reports 2 injuries

252

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

66 complaints

26%

• FRONT WHEEL WOBBLE AFTER HITTING BUMP. *TR
• AT 55 MILES AN HOUR ON ROUGH PAVEMENT, THE TRUCK BEGIN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE BACK AND FORTH. THIS SHAKING AND JERKING CAUSED ME TO ENTER INTO THE ONCOMING LANE OF TRAFFIC. IN ORDER TO REGAIN I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKE PEDAL CONTROL THEREBY GETTING THE SPEED DOWN TO 40 MILES AN HOUR. FORD SUGGESTED I
• FIRST INCIDENT AT 20K MILES: AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY I CROSSED A BRIDGE JOINT AND THE FRONT END STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE HORIZONTAL STEERING STABILIZING SHOCK ABSORBER FAILED. SECOND INCIDENT AT 49K MILES. AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY THE FRONT END STARTE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“FRONT WHEEL WOBBLE AFTER HITTING BUMP. *TR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2012 Ford F-350

Based on 178 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 90K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 100-150K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

Earlier than typicalmedian 39K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

Earlier than typicalmedian 90K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

Earlier than typicalmedian 57K mi · 30 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

Reported earliermedian 89K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

Reported earliermedian 96K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 112K mi · 46 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE23/08/2013

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.

Fix: Manning Equipment has notified owners, and dealers will install tailpipe extensions free of charge. The recall has already begun. Owners may contact Manning Equipment at 1-502-426-5210.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Ford F-350

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,478

Full coverage / month

$123

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-12%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1478

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford F-350 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2012 F-350, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 252 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
STEERING: FRONT WHEEL WOBBLE AFTER HITTING BUMP. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: FRONT WHEEL WOBBLE AFTER HITTING BUMP. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: DELAYED REACTION OF ACCELERATOR : ENGINE RPM DOES NOT DECREASE IMMEDIATELY WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED THEREFORE MAKING THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO STOP IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION . *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: DEATH WOBBLE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY DANGEROUS. WE HAVE REPLACED TIRES, SHOCKS, STEERING DAMPENER AND TRACK BAR. IF WE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHILE IN A CURVE THE DEATH WOBBLE IS SO SEVERE IT IS LUCKY THAT I HAVE NOT LOST CONTROL. BUT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)