Four problems related to engine rattling and whining sounds have been reported for the 2012 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Ford F-150 based on all problems reported for the 2012 F-150.
The timing chain in the engine gets prematurely stretched and requires replacement so timing chain failure does not occur. I had the chain replaced in Jan 2017 completely and the issue was supposed to be completely resolved. 1 year later the same issue is back and the chain needs to be replaced again. It is a loud rattling noise that occurs on start up and can cause complete engine failure. Several hundreds of complaints can be found about this well known issue. Ford refuses to acknowledge it. The early model 3. 5l ecoboost engines are causing the stretching of the timing chain and a recall needs to be placed on them to ensure customer safety.
Upon cold startup my truck makes a terrible rattling noise for 2-5 seconds. Their is a current TSB out to fix this issue from Ford to replace primary chain and all 4 phasers. This only gets fixed under new vehicle limited warranty, which my truck is out of. Ford acknowledges there is a problem, but unwilling to issue a recall and fix this issue for the many people it is affecting.
The vehicle was purchased used from a dealership with 95,000 miles. At 115,000 miles the vehicle exhibited a rattling sound at startup and was taken to a mechanic. The mechanic noted the problem was with the tming chain and Ford had issued TSB 14-0194. He advised it should be addressed by a Ford dealer. The Ford dealer inspected and agreed with the diagnosis, primary timing chain wear, and provided an estimate of $2,200 for the repairs. Shocked by the need for a major engine repair at this mileage, a complaint was issued to Ford corp. They responded through the dealership offering nothing. The dealership's service consultant noted the vehicles service records indicate the timing chain had already been replaced under warranty. Further research indicates this is a common and recurring problem for this model year. I expect a recall to be issued.
I purchased this 2012 Ford F-150 brand new!!! I am a die hard Ford fan, and have never bought something new, so after many old preowned Ford trucks, I bought a new F-150. Under both the 36,000 miles and 3 year bumper to bumper warranty, it would rattle, shake, and tick a lot, a whole lot! it would also make a loud rattling noise during a cold start, or between 1800-2000 rpm. After doing my homework, this 3. 5 liter engine (ecoboost) has timing chain issues and the timing chain has been known for pre-mature stretch. I found 4 other testimonials of the same exact issue with the timing chain. It gets better, the other people were also told the same thing after bringing it to their Ford dealer for repair. They said "Ford is aware of the issue, but it would not affect long term operation of the vehicle, and Ford deems it acceptable; no repair necessary". . . . . . . . . Wow!!!!!! after spending almost 40k on my first new truck. I then went to call Ford cooperate where I climbed up the ladder of 3 different managers, each of higher ranking, and the wrote the highest customer service official a letter, only to be told no, nothing could be done.