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ProblemsByVinFile / 2012-FORD-E-150NHTSA data synced 1 hour ago
2012 · Ford
Ford E-150 problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 12 owner complaints and 3 active recall campaigns. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
Reliability score
8.2 / 10
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 E-150?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2012 Ford E-150? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 3 owner reports
· tends to show around 113,962 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 3 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 8.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
powertrain (~$2,500) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2012 E-150· engine
On sunday, august 20, driving s81 just before the salem exit, the 2012 Ford e-150 white cargo van 4.6l romeo engine blew a spark plug out of the #3 cylinder head while accelerating from 40 MPH. The planned trip started from harrisburg pa to andrews nc. To witness a solar…
Vehicle tracks down road sideways by 6 inches. This will cause premature tire wear and steering problems. Local dealership said there was not a problem with the vehicle and Ford customer care has not returned calls since initial contact. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford e-150. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle shifted into first and second gears, but could not shift out of second gear. The contact stated that an unknown warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to holman Ford Lincoln maple shade (571…
Passenger seat belt stopped working out of the blue. I've had tire sensor thing on my dash since I've bought it an I'm not sure what is happening. The horn stopped working recently. And the overhead dome light doesn't work.
Had a problem with your 2012 Ford E-150?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Mobility Works is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Ford E-150, E-250 and E-350 vehicles manufactured August 2006 through August 2012
If the cable does not clear the wheel chair lift it may contact the power lug and, if it does not have a nonconductive cover, or it has an improperly installed non-conductive cover, a short circuit may occur that could result in a fire.
Fix: Mobility Works will notify owners and Ricon will provide a supplemental cover kit and instructions, free of charge. This recall campaign is expected to begin July 15, 2013. Owners may contact Mobility Works at 1-877-275-4912 and Ricon at 1-818-267-3000.
A propane leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Roush will notify owners and will replace the aluminum fuel line fittings with new stainless steel fittings, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2014. Owners may contact Roush customer service at 1-800-597-6874.
Adrian Steel Company (Adrian) is recalling certain model year 2012 Ford E-150, E-250 and E-350 Commercial Cargo Vans modified by Adrian between September 21, 2012, to September 24, 2012
A propane leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Adrian will notify owners, and dealers will replace the aluminum fuel line fittings with stainless steel fittings, free of charge. The recall began during July 2014. Owners may contact Adrian customer service at 1-800-677-2726.
Common questions
Is the 2012 Ford E-150 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Ford E-150 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2012 Ford E-150?
The 2012 Ford E-150 is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2012 Ford E-150?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 3 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 113,962 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2012 Ford E-150 a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 12 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 113,962 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Ford E-150?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 3 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 113,962 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 113,962 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Ford E-150 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Ford E-150?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 12 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 hour ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Ford/E-150.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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