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moderate 36 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Of the 36 engine complaints filed for the 2012 Ford F-350, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
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.
Among the 18 model years of Ford F-350 in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
All 2 active engine recalls on this vehicle land at critical or severe — none classified moderate.
Excessive heat build up in rear compartment could result in fire.
An unexpected engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, if this were to occur when the ambulance is transporting a patient, there is an increased risk of injury to the patient.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
FORD: 2011-2014 F-SUPER DUTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6.7L DIESEL ENGINE MAY EXPERIENCE A RUNNING ROUGH OR MISFIRE DURING EXHAUST REGENERATION PROCESS
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: CERTAIN 2011-2015 FORD F-SUPER DUTY WITH 6.7 DIESEL ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE A VIBRATION BUZZ NOISE FROM THE DIESEL FUEL CONDITIONING MODULE (DFCM) AND/OR MAY 10/1/1 PRESSURE FUEL LINES W/O DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE POOSA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: WHILE OPERATING IN LOW SPEED CONDITIONS AND/OR WHEN OPERATING IN STATIONARY IDLE MODE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME, WILL EXPERIENCE AN ILLUMINATION OF MIL AND DTC P207F, WITH OR WITHOUT, DTC P204F, PREVENTING TRUCK FROM FULLY COMPLETING EXHAUST REGENERATION PROCESS. MODEL 2012 F-350.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: SOME TRUCK CHASSIS CAB DIESEL ENGINE MAY EXPERIENCE AN ILLUMINATION OF MIL WHEN OPERATING AT LOW SPEED AND/OR WHEN AT STATIONARY IDLE MODE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. MODELS 2012 F-350.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: DUE TO LOOSE, MISSING, MODIFIED OR DAMAGED GROUND G400, VARIOUS MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (MIL) DTC'S, RELATED TO GLOW PLUG CONTROL MODULE (GPCM), MAY BE EXHIBIT ON SOME DIESEL EQUIPPED TRUCKS. MODEL YEARS 2011-2013. NO MODELS LISTED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2012 F-350 diesel is plagued by multiple engine-system failures that span cooling, fuel delivery, exhaust monitoring, and air intake. Radiators leak and fail around 36,000 to 37,500 miles—right at or past the bumper-to-bumper warranty limit—with Ford knowing the design is flawed but not extending coverage. EGT sensor failures are the most frequent and dangerous complaint: sensors fail at random mileages, trigger a "Stop Safely Now" message, and shut the engine down in seconds with no graceful power-down. Owners report being stranded in intersections, on highways, and mid-trailer tow with no ability to coast to safety or keep heat running in freezing conditions. A single bad sensor out of four triggers total shutdown; Ford issued a recall for ambulances but left civilian trucks unprotected despite using the identical 6.7L engine. Fuel injector hold-down clamps crack and fail, spraying diesel fuel into the engine bay—a fire hazard. Turbo intake hoses rupture without warning, and exhaust manifold studs break, causing CO leak risks. Dealers report seeing the same failures repeatedly in the same model year, parts go on national backorder, and Ford's response is often to replace individual components rather than address root causes. Even after repair, failures recur within weeks or months.
Same Ford F-350 engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013 · 2015
Primary radiator develops cracks or holes, allowing coolant to escape. Owners report antifreeze smell when turning off the vehicle, visual inspection may not reveal obvious leaks, but pressure testing confirms failure. Some radiators fail within warranty period, others just beyond it at high mileage for such early failure.
When: One owner reported at 36,265 miles (just past 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty); another at 37,500 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Antifreeze smell when vehicle shuts off; Difficulty seeing leak during visual inspection; Engine overheating
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement; costs cited range from $650 (after dealer negotiation) to full retail. Pressure test to confirm failure costs $50.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford extended warranty on 2008 models with same radiator; redesigned later model radiators. One complaint mentions a factory recall that owner was called about; one owner paid $650 out of pocket after Ford customer service negotiation.
One or more of the four EGT sensors fails, triggering a safety shutdown protocol that immediately cuts engine power with minimal or no warning. Truck enters limp mode, displays 'Stop Safely Now' message, and shuts down in seconds. Vehicle will not restart for 1–1.5 hours. Owners report this happening repeatedly on the same vehicle; dealers replace individual sensors but do not address root cause. Ford issued a TSB (Tech Service Bulletin 13-13-3, in at least third revision) and recall campaigns (15N01, 15N02, 15M02) but limited ambulance recall to specific models, leaving civilian trucks with same engine unprotected.
When: Failures documented at 4,882 miles through 196,475 miles; repeated failures within months of replacement on same vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Warning message 'Stop Safely Now' on instrument cluster; Loss of throttle response and power (limp mode); Engine shuts down with no time to safely pull over; Vehicle will not restart until 1–1.5 hours pass; Sensor failures repeat after replacement; Check engine light illuminated
Codes mentioned: EGT sensor fault codes (specific codes not always stated)
Repairs/costs cited: EGT sensor replacement, typically $50–$86 per sensor depending on labor. Ford covered under warranty for some (under Campaign 15N01, 15N02, 15M02, 10137151) if within coverage window. Parts on national backorder for extended periods. One owner self-installed sensor; another dealer recommended replacing all four sensors plus EGR valve.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford campaigns 15N01 and 15N02 expired for non-ambulance vehicles. Campaign 15M02 has 11-year coverage limit. TSB 13-13-3 issued. One owner states Ford has no long-term corrective action, only replacement. Ambulance recall issued (13S10 / NHTSA 13V525) but not extended to civilian trucks.
Injector hold-down clamps, particularly on the 6.7-liter diesel, develop cracks and break under normal operation. When clamp fails, fuel injector pops out of engine, causing fuel spray into engine bay and misfires. Multiple clamps on same engine crack simultaneously or in sequence. Repair involves replacing clamps and cleaning fuel-contaminated oil; Ford acknowledges defect and issues TSB but initially offers only partial repair (replacing 4 of 8 clamps), leaving others prone to fail.
When: At 32,000 miles during startup in owner's driveway.
Symptoms owners cite: Injector suddenly pops out of engine during startup; Diesel fuel sprays over engine; Misfire condition; Multiple injector hold-down clamps cracked on inspection; Fuel contamination in crankcase; Exhaust return line also cracked and leaking in same incident
Repairs/costs cited: Injector clamp replacement; owner charged $897.67 for initial 'half repair' (4 of 8 clamps). Ford provided $1,500 assistance. Full repair cost likely exceeds $2,000. Oil change required due to fuel contamination.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford acknowledged defect via TSB; offered partial repair (4 of 8 clamps) for $897.67 to owner, plus $1,500 assistance. Owner states Ford case # CAS-15233762-Q2P6TO. Owner notes TSB is documented on multiple internet sites and Ford is 'well aware' of defect.
Cold air tube/hose for turbocharger catastrophically ruptures under normal operation, spraying pieces and oil across top of engine. Dealership reports seeing failure approximately 2 times per month for this make, model, and year. Ford has redesigned the part but has not issued recall or TSB. Failure occurs with no warning.
When: At 6 years old (2012 model); at approximately 30 mph on freeway.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise during freeway driving; Tube ruptures catastrophically; Oil and tube pieces scattered across engine top; Loss of engine power in traffic after rupture
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership had 11 replacement hoses in stock, suggesting high failure frequency. No labor cost provided. Ford did not cover warranty repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford redesigned the part but issued no recall or TSB to notify customers. Warranty claim denied; corporate representative's response described as dismissive and unprofessional.
Exhaust manifold studs break, causing exhaust leaks under the hood. Ford documented the problem in Notice SSM 50330 covering all Super Duty pickups (F250–F550) from 2011–2014 with the 6.7-liter diesel engine. Ford issued a Customer Satisfaction Program letter (#17M05, dated December 5, 2017) but limited it to F450 and F550 models only, despite the F350 using the identical engine. Exhaust leak in engine bay poses risk of carbon monoxide exposure in the cab.
When: Discovered during summer travel (July); inspected and repaired in August.
Symptoms owners cite: Exhaust leak under hood; Potential carbon monoxide leakage into cab
Repairs/costs cited: Exhaust manifold repair cost $3,750.53 (plus $40.12 routine maintenance). Significant repair cost not covered under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford acknowledged the defect in Notice SSM 50330 (covers F250–F550, 2011–2014) and Customer Satisfaction Program letter #17M05 (December 5, 2017), but limited CSP coverage to F450 and F550, excluding the F350 despite identical engine. Ford directed owner to NHTSA (Case # CAS44584909).
EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) cooler clogs at regular intervals of approximately 20,000–30,000 miles. Clogging causes backpressure and turbo damage. Ford's advised response ('drive truck like it's stolen') is not a solution. Owner on third replacement; last one not covered under warranty. Root cause is defective design that allows clogging. Common problem across 6.7-liter diesel owners.
When: Recurring clogging every 20,000–30,000 miles; owner on third cooler.
Symptoms owners cite: EGR cooler clogging; System backpressure; Turbo damage
Repairs/costs cited: EGR cooler replacement; third replacement not covered under Ford warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford's recommended workaround is to 'drive truck like it's stolen' to prevent clogging—not a design fix. No permanent solution offered.
Reductant heater fails, triggering check engine light. Failure reoccurs after initial replacement under Manufacturer Communication 10137151. Second failure not covered under warranty.
When: At 56,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Reductant heater replacement; first repair covered under MC 10137151, second failure not covered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: First repair covered under Manufacturer Communication 10137151 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Second identical failure not covered; owner referred to NHTSA Hotline.
Turbocharger intake hose fails at plastic connection joint on the turbo or at crimp band connection point. Plastic connection joint breaks without warning, causing sudden loss of power during highway driving. Fleet operator reports 4 failures in fleet trucks with same issue. Sudden power loss poses rear-end collision risk, especially when towing.
When: Highway speeds; one noted as happening in fleet of multiple trucks.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power at highway speed; Plastic connection or crimp band joint failure; Engine power loss
Repairs/costs cited: Turbo hose replacement. Fleet maintenance documented 4 failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford stated 'it's not a problem' and provided no warranty coverage or fix.
Exhaust manifold breaks into two pieces during normal driving, causing loud exhaust leak.
When: During normal road driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud exhaust leak noise
Repairs/costs cited: Not stated.
Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel pump fails, requiring complete fuel system replacement. Diesel fuel spilled on highway during failure—serious fire hazard. Engine replacement needed at 155,000 miles on new engine, suggesting early failure.
When: At 155,000 miles on new engine (new engine had only 155k miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel pump failure; Fuel spill on highway; Engine stall
Repairs/costs cited: CP4 pump, hard lines, and injectors required replacement. Total repair cost $10,713. Fire hazard due to fuel spill.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford provided no assistance with repair.
Upper oil pan develops leaks that worsen over time. Owner reports this occurring across multiple 6.7-liter diesel engines.
When: Progressive leaking.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from upper oil pan; Leak worsening over time
Repairs/costs cited: Not stated.
Instrument panel continuously displays 'Drive to Clean Engine' message regardless of actual driving conditions, even at highway speeds for 30+ minutes. Message appears to be stuck or system malfunction.
When: Ongoing; does not clear with highway driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Continuous 'Drive to Clean Engine' message on dash; Message remains after highway driving at speed
Repairs/costs cited: Not stated.
EGT sensor reads temperature above baseline on cold start or idle, causing check engine light to remain illuminated.
When: Upon ignition/cold start.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light remains on; EGT sensor reads high temperature at baseline conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Not stated.
Engine stalls without warning or with brief warning, causing loss of propulsion at highway speeds. Vehicles with these failures show diagnostic codes related to fuel pressure (P0087, P2291, P2A00) suggesting fuel system issues or sensor faults. Some incidents involve towing loaded trailers.
When: At various mileages: 40 mph, 45 mph, 55 mph, 65 mph, 75 mph highway speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls; Loss of power at highway speed; Loss of Engine Power message displayed; Vehicle will not restart immediately
Codes mentioned: P0087, P2291, P2A00
Repairs/costs cited: Varies by cause; several incidents involved EGT sensor replacement. In one case, friend diagnosed need for CP4 pump, hard lines, and injectors (not repaired).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some repairs covered under warranty; others not. One case directed to NHTSA.
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Due to egt sensor reading high eg temps truck shut off with no warning. Left me stranded in the middle of a busy street until a good samaritan pulled me to the curb. Truck was fully loaded, but not over loaded. *tr
Turbo charger tube failed at the plastic connection joint on the turbo. Plastic connection broke causing a sudden loss of power at highway speed. 4-failures in fleet trucks with the same issue. One turbo hose had a crimp band joint failure. This could result in a rear end crash on a truck pulling a trailer. Ford said its not a problem. 6.7 engine equipped. *tr
This is the third time that my truck has left me on the side of the road. Ford had a recall of all 2012 ambulance f350 because of this exact situation and is leaving the consumer to worry with it on their own. The actual problem is the egt sensor 13 and 14 in the exhaust system. These sensors continue to fail and all Ford can do is to keep my vehicle for 4-5 days and tell me that they cant…
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 36 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 35,000 and 121,450 miles, with the median around 56,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,000; a quarter make it past 121,450. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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.
Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.