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ProblemsByVin File / 2012-FORD-E-150
2012 · ford

ford E-150 problems

3 safety recalls. 12 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints

powertrain
3 reports · avg $2,500
moderate

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…
12/26/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11056596.0
2012 E-150 · suspension
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
11/13/2012 · NHTSA ODI #10484095.0
2012 E-150 · powertrain
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…
09/28/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11132178.0
2012 E-150 · other
Is making a grinding noise and will jerk to the right. Will flash cruise control and traction control lights.
07/26/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11534517.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
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Active recalls showing 3 of 3

severe NHTSA 13V261000 21/06/2013

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.
severe NHTSA 14V426000 10/07/2014

Roush Performance Products, Inc

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.
severe NHTSA 14V501000 06/08/2014

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.

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. 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. 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 aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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