On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Ford E-150 powertrain problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 3 powertrain complaints filed for the 2012 Ford E-150, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2009-2016 E-Series, F-Super Duty, 2009-2015 F-53 Motorhome and 2011-2015 F-59 Stripped Chassis vehicles equipped with a TorqShift® transmission and a transmission built on or before 12/15/2015 may exhibit a MIL with DTCs P0751, P0730 and/or P2700
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗4R75E TRANSMISSION - GRINDING/WHINE/VIBRATION/GEAR SLIPPAGE - SERVICE KIT AVAILABLE ISSUE A service kit has been released to assist with proper repair of the 4R75E transmission in 2008 Mark LT, 2008-2010 F-150, 2008-2010 / 2013-2014 E-Series, 2008-2011 Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis and Town Car vehicles that exhibit a grinding, whine-type noise, vibration and/or gear slippage while driving, or a loss of reverse resulting from a planetary gear assembly failure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Torqshift Transmission - Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) diagnostic trouble codes (DTCS) P0751, P0730 and/or P2700
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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 nj-38, maple shade township, nj 08052, 888-722-6721) where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed. The vehicle…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford e-150. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle independently downshifted into first gear and the wheels seized. The vehicle stalled immediately. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the speed sensor and the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the…
Was driving vehicle felt jerking and heard grinding noise. Pulled off highway into parking lot. Check could not find anything wrong. Tried to back up vehicle jerk very badlywouldnotback-up. Vehiclewoulddriveforward. *tr
Had powertrain trouble with your 2012 Ford E-150?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2012 Ford E-150?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 113,962 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Ford/E-150.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.