general problems of the 2012 Ford F-150 - part 1

Transmission repairs, molded lead frame components due to sudden downshift symptoms from sixth speed, gear to fist speed gear while drive higher speeds and low speeds. $1,421. 00 repairs completed 9/10/2025, at hastings Ford, 3013 east 10th street, greenville, nc 27834, 800. 654. 3429. Doug henry Ford, 809 w. Wilson street, tarboro, nc 27886, 252. 823. 3145, knowingly sold this said vehicle as certified pre-owned 8/27/2025. Now additional concerns, issues have been discovered with said vehicle Monday, September 22, 2025, am, 1. Oil burning odor inside the passenger compartment. Vacuum pump gasket failure, allowing oil to drip onto the exhaust manifold hot engine parts, components. Valve cover gasket leaks. Safety consideration, due to symptoms, this vehicle is unsafe to operate, drive. Technical bulletins TSB’s were stated as issued from Ford motor company engineering service operations, Ford customer service division, mr. David j. Johnson, director, Ford motor company, po box 1904, dearborn, mi 48121, 800. 392. 3673. Symptoms include fuel dilution pcv system TSB 15-00003, addresses fuel odor inside the passenger cabin on ecoboost engines, this 3. 5 l v6 (dohc) turbocharged twin, pcv valve calibrations to reduce the fuel dilution in the engine oil. Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets and turbo seals especially when accelerating and stopping said vehicle. Creating the oil dripping onto hot engine parts, components, causing the strong burnt oil smell within inside the passenger compartment while driving said vehicle. Intercooler condensation, 2011-2012 ecoboost 3. 5l v6 engine experiences intercooler condensation leading to above symptoms and causing stumbling while driving, operating said vehicle and misfiring, which also creates is accompanied by odors within passenger compartment. Safe concern, vehicle can cause, catch fire due to oil, fuel leak, seapage into related component areas, while driving, operating. Your serious attention please and the costs asso.

Fuel pump went bad causing the pump to overdraw electricity on the electrical circuit which melted the fuse in the fuse box. The fuse and fuse position was melted beyond being able to use this again. It could have caused a fire in the engine compartment if the circumstances were different. My mechanic reported that he's seen some of these melt the whole fuse box, creating major damage and a major fire hazard. He reported there is a temporary service bulletin out for this issue, so it seems like the manufacturer knows its and issue, but has not chosen to do anything about it.

Today, my 2012 Ford f150 would crank, but would never start. The vehicle had gas and no issues with the battery. When this occurred today, I found out online that the 2009-2014 Ford f150s have a common issue associated with fuse 27. In 2015, Ford issued a technical service bulletin (TSB 15-0137) related to this issue, but according to Ford’s customer service I was never informed of this TSB because it did not include my truck’s VIN number. None the less it appears to be the same issue as noted in that TSB. After the truck wouldn’t start today, I inspected the engine compartment fuse box. It appears the fuse 27 which provides power to the fuel pump has a commonly known issue of burning up. For my instance today this did appear to be the problem. Fuse 27 was completely burned up on the side of the fuse closest to the engine. Fortunately, I was parked in this instance and my safety or the safety of others was not put at risk, but my big concern is if the fuse were to go out while driving down the road or highway. The sudden loss of fuel due to this common electrical issue could have greatly put my safety and the safety of others at risk. The only warning message that I noticed prior to this issue was a battery warning, but when the vehicle was taken by an auto parts store to pull the code and check the battery, there was not issue with the battery. Note: the battery was replace 5 months ago. I believe this common issue that I and other Ford f150 owners have experience should be investigated further by the NHTSA to keep myself and others safe when driving or traveling in a 2012 Ford f150 to avoid the sudden loss of fuel to the engine that could result in significant injury or death.

The gasses inside the gas tank are building up and causing a farting noise.

This is a follow up to a complaint I made on 7-25-2022. Ref# 114-75779. My truck will not start sometimes or it will just shut off while driving. I have searched online and found that the fuel pump fuse in the distribution box is being burned. I have had it checked by two Ford mechanics and they both have confirmed that is the issue. My truck has just shut off 4 times in the last two weeks while driving without warning. The first time was July 22, the next was July 24, 2022. I've been very fortunate to avoid an accident so far. When this happens, I have to replace the fuse before it will restart, so I'm having to keep a pack of fuses with me at all times. The earliest any dealer close can repair it is August 12. This should be a safety recall with the vehicle just shutting off with no warning at all. Ford makes the fuse relocation kit to fix this issue, so it us a known problem. I'm very concerned as to why this hasn't been a safety recall, seeing the symptoms that are listed in the fuse relocation kit sold by Ford. Today, August 02, my truck shut off twice while driving in traffic and the fuel pump fuse slot was very hot and smoking. I replaced the fuse so I could get it out of the roadway and not cause an accident.

Our truck suddenly went into "limp-mode," for no reason. When we turned the truck off and back on, it was fine.

Vehicle shut off while driving approx 30 mph making a slight right hand turn. Thus losing all throttle, power steering and power brakes. Vehicle error message is low oil pressure but oil level is checked out to be good. Based on online research the culprit is an overheated fuel pump fuse and a very common issue.

In June of 2018 I purchased my 2012 f150 5. 0 with 16,250 miles. I now have 40,650. Back in oct of 2020 I began having issues with the trucks engine sputtering, chugging, etc. . When accelerating in day to day to traffic. The engine would run very rough while I sat on the side of the road or in the middle of traffic waiting for the truck to "work through it" or completely die. I'd wait a few minutes, start it back up and be on my way. I can be sitting at a light, it turns green and I take off and it'll act up or even when I'm traveling down the road a car in front of me slows down to turn and after they turn I press the accelerator and it acts up. It throws no codes but I'm a sitting duck out there when this happens due to the extreme quick loss of power. In most cases of this happening I usually don't have enough momentum to get out of the way of traffic causing unsafe conditions for all. Its very random and unpredictable evident by it occurring several times in a week or not at all for several weeks. As soon as this issue began I had the throttle body replaced by my mechanic but it still continued. My mechanic even kept my truck to drive around at different times during two sperate weeks to "re-enact" the issue, but it never happened. Within a day or two of getting it back from him it would happen again. I've been to Ford and if your vehicle doesn't throw a code they don't have time for you, "but if there's anything else they can do for you just let them know". This is a hassle, unsafe situation that I've been dealing with for several months now with no one able to give me any answers to fix this. Yes, I've seen and heard the list of everything it could possible be from bumper to bumper. I need a resolution because I've extinguished all other avenues.

The position 27 fuse on the engine compartment fuse box was black, melted and crumbling. From researching this, it seems to be a common issue. I found this out in my driveway while it was parked and would not start.

Ford refusing to fix field service action transmission molded lead frame extended coverage number 19n01 truck shifted down to second gear stayed stuck. There is a recall up to 150,000 miles I have 138,000 found this out ;local Ford dealer screwing me over saying not their issues I founs a NHTSA letter saying other wise also a electrical vacuum pump extended repair number 15n05 causing truck to stall going down roead.

I took my 2012 F-150 to byers Ford in delaware,OH. They were to perform the 19s07 recall. They said they did it. After leaving the dealership I noticed immediately that the truck shifts very quickly into first and the brakes felt different. Then since I have put 4 bottles of coolant in it in less than 3 months. Overheating frequently after only 15-20 minutes of driving. Then the breaks don't work half the time and the light comes on service brakes, I have them checked by Ford they say nothing wrong with them. Now the truck shakes, overheating frequently, brakes work part of the time, where is the coolant going? no liquids on the ground under the truck but it smells burnt and wet in the tailpipe. Now byers Ford is saying that it is just due to 2 more recalls, one being the vacuum pump and the other is the transmission module, but they say it should be okay to drive, they can't get me a rental car and they can't get me in until October 9th but they say to just keep driving it with my breaks barely working half the time because of the vacuum pump and it overheating almost every time I drive it, having to fill it up with coolant, loss of power, sluggish, many random computer issues it seems but they say to drive it? my engine and transmission both overheat and major is I have no breaks half the time, it seems like this should be a safety concern but they don't seem to care or want to make it right and address all the issues that the first recall created. The truck had no problems before the recall and now a big mess that is about to blow up that now has 2 more additional recalls because of the first one.

Driving vehicle at approx 65mph, engine lost power, engine wrench light, illuminated, oil pressure light illuminated, engine shifted to 'limp mode'. No acceleration. Pulled over to the side of the highway. Waited 2 minutes and restarted the engine. Was able to get home. Took to certified Ford dealership for repair. Issue occurred twice more while driving to the dealership for repair. Needed to replace the throttle body.

On 3/19/2020 very strong fuel smell coming from right side of vehicle,vehicle would not turn on vehicle also would not even allow lights or dash to work. Vehicle was in a parked position.

Was driving and would loose power and slow way down then power would come back. Could get back to highway speed then loose power again. I wad able to get home. Once I stopped engine it would not restart. Had towed to Ford dealer for repairs. Was told it is a known issue that the fuse is too small and has to be rewired. This is a design flaw and safety issue. Ford should have to recall and fix it. This cost me $430 to have repaired.

While driving approximately 60mph the vehicle suddenly downshifted to first gear on its own causing the tire to lock up putting me into a skid on the highway pulled over restarted vehicle then was stuck in 5th gear and would not accelerate. Shut off vehicle and returned to normal then happened again the next day!.

Vehicle backfired and started shuttering upon acceleration. . . Check engine light came on replaced ignition coil 6. 1000 miles later, same situation cylinder 1&2. . . Replaced those coils and replaced spark plugs. Shuttering lessoned, still backfired on upon strong acceleration. Definitely a safety concern. The backfire does not trigger the engine light to come on. . . From the research I've done, this seams to be a common problem with the eco boost.

2012 F-150 has an eco boost 3. 5 l motor that misfires in damp/wet/rainy/cool weather. Motor goes into a misfire mode with no power to drive or accelerate truck. Before the mileage warranty was up, truck was taken to Ford for their "fix". However, the issue has remained from 2012 to current year, 2018, and without Ford fixing this problem will continue for the indefinite future of these motors from Ford. Cannot trust truck to perform when needed and a safety hazard when driving, towing or accelerating when this occurrs.

While driving vechicle suddeningly lost power, this is the second time this has happened in the last 7700 miles. Very dangerous as this has happened in heavey traffic and almost caused an accident. Truck has the ecboostengine. ## VIN passed ## 2012 Ford f150 ##.

My truck is sputtering at full throttle and throwing a flashing check engine light that is now staying on. It happened on a highway during hard acceleration.

While trying to turn into traffic lost all power to accelerate and stayed in first gear. While on the interstate drops into lower gears without any warning. I stoped driving this vehicle due to my family's safety being jeopardized. I dropped the truck to a local dealership and was informed it is due to a lead assembly to the transmission. The repairs would be over a thousand dollars. While researching I have noticed multiple F-150 with my egine (3. 5 ecoboost ) have had this safety issue. I was informed by Ford to contact you and report the issue.

My 2012 f150 ecoboost 3. 5 studders severely, hesitates, and will not accelerate when trying to pass on the highway. The dealer has bulletins addressing this. I have been told multiple repairs that now are not under warranty including cac cooler deflector, spark plugs, catalytic converter, cam phasers, timing belt, and many others. The truck started this problem and may now require the turbos be replaced. This is a very common problem with this motor and Ford is well aware of the issue. This defect should be covered by Ford.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. On several occasions, while driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled and lost power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after 30 to 40 seconds. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel module wires melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but did not offer assistance. The failure mileage was 125,853.

Dealer identified fuse #27 melted causing stalling and potential to overheat circuit causing an electrical fire. Not covered under Ford certified pre owned warranty for powertrain etc. Vehicle stalled in traffic and failed to restart until after third attempt. .

While driving on the highway I experienced severe reduced engine power during a hard acceleration for an attempted pass. Upon completion of a diagnostic, I was told there was a misfire in cylinders 1-3. The technician informed us the circumstances and results were hallmark for a known condition related to moisture accumulation in the charge air cooler (cac) for turbochargers in 3. 5l ecoboost engines of my model year. The vehicle had just over 54k miles on it at the time of the incident (typical mileage for the problem to manifest). The vehicle was maintenanced one week after the incident at the dealership I purchased it new from. The dealership cited the cause of the misfire as bad coil packs - 4 of them at the time of arrival. Coil packs typically have a lifespan of 100-150k miles before failure. However, 4 of them went bad (3 simultaneously) in a vehicle with <55k miles on it. Literature posted about others/similar situations read the same - bad coil packs, due to ingestion of water into the turbo. An issue Ford was aware would happen without the deflector plate due to design flaw! no alert to the owners that it was a potential concern, bring the vehicle in for a check - no word at all! if there was a known problem with their turbo design leading to compounding premature failure, why wouldn't they let the owners know? the dealership would have had ample opportunity to inform me of the issue if that was their intention as I visit regularly. The call center rep said they don't have to tell us anything unless there is a recall. So basically they manufacture dangerous/problematic vehicles until NHTSA slaps their hand about it!? I surely hope everyone who has this issue is reporting it to NHTSA but I doubt they know it is an option and Ford is profiting from having additional maintenance performed at their dealerships.

2012 F-150 ecoboost with 55k miles. Sever loss of power and missing during idle and acceleration. The issue started at 15k miles and after a lot of pushing, Ford installed the deflector shield for water. That solve the problem for heavy rain, but the missing, lack of power, and poor mileage has persisted and is getting worse. The issue happens when the vehicle is in park, stationary in drive, and while under power. It is really bad when it is under heavy power. This is dangerous when it comes to merging into traffic and loosing power all of the sudden. It seems to be worse when it is hot and/or hot and humid out.

The engine light came on 3 times and my truck dropped speed to what Ford calls "limp home mode" which is rough idle. When the truck is restarted, it runs fine. The Ford dealership reported that my throttle box needed to be replaced for $388. The truck has 50,000 miles on it and out of warranty (not covered under power train). They also then told me I should do a fuse relocation because its a known problem with this vehicle but its not a recall. The total cost would be $750+ I guess I'll role the dice on the second part since its not a total failure yet.

When on cruise control going 60-70 mph, and you pull out to pass and step on the gas, the ecoboost "hesitates" and will not gain speed, but loose speed. I can only stop this by downshifting, then reengaging the gas. This can be a very dangerous situation. This has happened about 10 times over the last 4 years.

I took delivery of this truck in March of 2012. The truck has had documented ongoing serious drivability, safety and reliability issues since October of 2013. The issue of immediate concern relates to ongoing misfire, back fire, and engine stall. This condition has occurred at low speed, highway speed, and while towing. The immediate loss of power and subsequent surging effects caused by this condition renders the truck hazardous to me, my family, and other motorists. This issue has been repeatedly reported to and serviced by Ford. I have also personally filed complaints and concern with Ford motor company. See Ford customer service case number 8603638. The misfire, back fire, and engine stall is the current ongoing issue but you will also see in the service history this vehicle has also experienced traction control, drive shaft, steering system, and sensor/electrical component failures dating back to may of 2012. It is my understanding Ford motor company is aware of this issue with the eco boost engine and drivetrain in my truck. This known issue was responded to by tech service bulletin 13-2-14. However, the mitigation measures of that bulletin and other subsequent service attempted to repair my truck have not been successful. Further, the service bulletin does not take into account the significant safety issue of a truck traveling public roads and experiencing sudden loss of engine power. Finally, I want to point out that the ignition/engine problems my vehicle experienced has caused premature failure to other components to my drive train. This includes fouled spark plugs, damaged coils, and likely accelerated end of life to other emission controls and mechanical components to the engine due to the misfire and water entering the combustion chamber.

Ecoboost, almost 5 serious accidents in a year. In Jan, my wife, 3 children & I were on I-85 in heavy traffic when my truck stalled. We went from 65 mph to 20 & no power. An 18 wheeler was barreling down on us & had to make an aggressive move with his brakes locked to miss us & the other cars. I pulled the car through 4 lanes of 65 mph traffic, doing 15-20 mph & turned the truck off to get it running again. Next, I was stopped at a light. When the light turned green my truck stalled out 3 times before the truck would finally go. Over the next month my truck stalled at least 10 more times. In April, Ford told me that the ecoboost had a problem & they performed TSB 13-8-1, reprogramed pcm & installed deflector. I haven¿t notice any power loss, but lost 2 mpg from my normal driving habits. In June, I merged into heavy traffic & my truck stalled. 65 mph to idle on a major highway. I don¿t know how I avoided an accident. I pulled off the highway & turned the truck off to get it going. My truck stalled 5 more times before taking it back to Ford. In August, my truck stalled at an intersection 4 times. I completely blocked traffic for about 10 mins. I got on the hwy & went 8 miles. My truck stalled 14 times¿ very dangerous. Every time I got the truck up to speed, it would stall & I would have to pull it over & turn the truck off and restart it. In Aug I took my truck to Ford & they replaced the throttle body. 2 months later it was stalling again. Ford told me that it was misfiring & that they needed to change the plug boots, spark plugs & the fuel filter. I was told that it was the next step they were required to do. So now I¿m paying Ford to test different things & hope that something works. Yesterday I pulled out onto a busy street & my truck stalled. I was almost t-boned. I am driving a time bomb. Every time I drive this truck I am risking my life & everyone around me.

TSB 15-0131 timing chain stretches and makes a loud rattle upon starting and eventually leads to loss of power and engine damage. The known cause of this is all the phasers,the intake and exhaust phasers. This is my main concern. Everyone I know who owns this vehicle has this problem. The other complaint is that I get 14 mpg.

July 6 lost power to truck engine at 60 mph when going to pass in hard acceleration situation. Truck engine shuttered for over 3 mins until I could get it stabilized around 2000 rpms in a lower gear/speed. This was the first of two similar situation on the same day with the truck and throughout the remainder of the day any acceleration over 3500 rpms caused a loss of power. We limped the vehicle home that day. Next day check engine light came on and off until we could get truck into our local Ford dealer for service on 7-13. This issue has been researched via info on this site to no conclusion. I can say if you drove this vehicle and simulated this issue you would see the major issue this causes and potential risk of accident at highway speeds with acceleration. Specifically heavy traffic situations. The issue caused spark plug damage, catalytic converter damage and the dealer performed the TSB (4th issued by Ford) to attempt to fix the issue. This is a known issue, causes safety issues and should be recalled to permanently fix not try to patch with four different TSB. Fix this correctly before accidents occur that cause deaths.

I was pulled to the side of the highway (I-95) waiting out a heavy rainstorm. Upon pulling back onto the highway, my truck would not accelerate, lost power, shook and almost stalled out. . I was almost rear ended by a truck. This was the second time this happened since I bought the truck new. The first time was Jan -14 under the same location and circumstances.

After driving in raining conditions for more than four hours, I attemped to pass another vehicle. When I accelerated, my vehicle began to lose power and shake violently. Because of this, I nearly cause a multiple car accident do to my inability to control my trucks rapidly reducing speed. The same issue or type of issue occurred in late August of 2013 while attempting to merge into traffic. Upon acceleration attempt, the engine reduced power, failed to respond and the vehicle shook violently. A Ford dealership completed TSB-13-8-1, however, it was reluctantly done as no code would verify a problem. The truck is currently at another dealership, who once I explained the problem I was having, told me that I needed to have TSB-13-8-1 perfomed. I mentioned it had been perfomed and was told that unless a code could verify a problem, nothing could be done. This is a well documented problem, with many occurances. This vehicle is going to get someone killed if someone doesn't correct the issue. It is not something that can be "created" by a mechanic to, it only happens in real-life situations. Is there something someone can do to make Ford research, identify and correct this issue before even one death?.

I was attempting to approach traffic onto the interstate. I was approaching highway speeds at approximately 65mph and loss power to the vehicle. I had to swerve onto the median to avoid a collision with an 18 wheeler. It was raining at the time.

2012 f150 ecoboost engine. Loss of power and truck shuddering when accelerating at highway speed from possible misfiring. Service engine light came on also, but turned off soon after event. Took to dealer to check, dealer said to change spark plugs and boots. Dealer did not mention previous or current technical service bulletins for this.