Skip to content
WrenchConnect
NHTSA-Verified · Common Problems

2012 Ford F 150 Supercab
Common Problems

Ranked from 715 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.

7
Safety
6
High severity
15
Medium
1
Low
7 problems on this vehicle involve a crash, fire, or injury risk. If you are experiencing one, stop driving and have it inspected.

29 Common Problems

Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.

Sort by
  1. 1

    Transmission downshifting into first gear unexpectedly

    371complaints
    Safety riskTransmission

    The transmission randomly downshifts into first gear while driving, causing the rear wheels to lock up and the vehicle to lose control.

    $200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  2. 2

    Engine stalling or losing power during acceleration

    341complaints
    Safety riskEngine

    The engine loses power and stalls when attempting to accelerate, especially in wet conditions or while towing.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  3. 3

    Electrical system failures and warning lights

    10complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    The electrical system fails, causing warning lights to illuminate and various electronic components to malfunction.

    $100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  4. 4

    Engine misfire and power loss

    10complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The engine misfires and experiences power loss, indicated by abnormal sounds and the check engine light being illuminated.

    $200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  5. 5

    Steering failure and difficulty turning

    10complaints
    Medium severitySteering

    The power steering system fails, making it difficult to turn the steering wheel and potentially leading to loss of control.

  6. 6

    Transmission failure and erratic shifting

    10complaints
    High severityTransmission

    The transmission fails to shift properly, causing the vehicle to lose power and shift into first gear unexpectedly.

    $2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  7. 7

    Steering Lock-up and Power Assist Failure

    9complaints
    Safety riskSteering

    The electronic power assist system fails, causing the steering to become difficult to operate and potentially leading to loss of control.

    $200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  8. 8

    Transmission Sensor and Lead Frame Issues

    9complaints
    High severityTransmission

    The transmission sensor and lead frame malfunction, causing the transmission to enter a 'limp mode' and fail to shift properly, increasing the risk of accidents.

    $200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  9. 9

    Electrical System Issues

    6complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    Random electrical issues cause the dashboard to malfunction, including warning lights and system failures.

  10. 10

    Loss of power and vibration during acceleration

    5complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The vehicle loses power and vibrates violently during acceleration, especially in humid or rainy conditions.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  11. 11

    Transmission sensor failures

    5complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    Transmission sensors fail, leading to unexpected downshifts, gear malfunctions, and check engine lights.

    $200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  12. 12

    Transmission shifting improperly between gears

    5complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    The transmission shifts improperly between gears, causing the vehicle to hesitate or stall during acceleration.

    $200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  13. 13

    Airbag system malfunctions

    4complaints
    Safety riskElectrical

    The airbag system malfunctions, potentially failing to deploy during a collision, posing a safety risk.

  14. 14

    Brake System Malfunction

    4complaints
    High severityBrakes

    The brake system fails to function properly, requiring significant effort to stop the vehicle, posing a safety risk.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  15. 15

    Engine performance issues

    4complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The engine experiences performance issues such as hesitation, loss of power, and unexpected downshifts, often accompanied by warning lights indicating a malfunction.

  16. 16

    Powertrain malfunction indicator light illuminates randomly

    4complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    The check engine warning light illuminates randomly while driving, indicating a powertrain malfunction.

  17. 17

    Steering System Failure

    4complaints
    High severitySteering

    The power steering system fails, making it difficult to steer the vehicle, potentially leading to loss of control.

  18. 18

    Backup camera malfunction

    3complaints
    Low severityElectrical

    The backup camera intermittently malfunctions, displaying a blank or distorted image, reducing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of back-over incidents.

    $250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  19. 19

    Suspension noise and component failures

    3complaints
    Medium severitySuspension

    Suspension components produce unusual noises and may fail, affecting ride quality and safety.

    $150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  20. 20

    Transmission range sensor issues

    3complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    The transmission range sensor malfunctions, causing the transmission to shift unexpectedly to lower gears, leading to potential loss of control and damage to the vehicle.

    $200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  21. 21

    Transmission warning light illumination

    3complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    The transmission warning light frequently illuminates, indicating a potential issue with the transmission that may require immediate attention to avoid further damage.

    $200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  22. 22

    Vehicle speed control issues

    3complaints
    Medium severityOther

    The vehicle speed control system malfunctions, causing the transmission to shift unexpectedly to lower gears, leading to potential loss of control and damage to the vehicle.

  23. 23

    Brake Vacuum Pump Failure

    2complaints
    Safety riskBrakes

    The brake vacuum pump fails, reducing the effectiveness of the power-assisted braking system and increasing the risk of accidents.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  24. 24

    Electrical system failures, causing loss of vehicle functions

    2complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    The electrical system fails, causing loss of vehicle functions such as speedometer and cruise control, leading to reduced vehicle control.

  25. 25

    Engine enters Limp Mode due to sensor failures

    2complaints
    Safety riskEngine

    The engine enters Limp Mode due to sensor failures, causing the vehicle to lose power and potentially leading to loss of control.

  26. 26

    Service brakes fail to operate properly

    2complaints
    High severityBrakes

    The service brakes fail to stop the vehicle effectively, leading to loss of control and potential accidents.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  27. 27

    Service brakes malfunction, causing loss of braking power

    2complaints
    Safety riskBrakes

    The service brakes malfunction, causing the vehicle to lose braking power and potentially leading to loss of control and accidents.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  28. 28

    Steering assist malfunctions, causing difficulty in turning

    2complaints
    Medium severitySteering

    The power steering assist malfunctions, making it difficult to turn the steering wheel and potentially leading to loss of vehicle control.

  29. 29

    Transmission control module (TCM) failures

    2complaints
    High severityTransmission

    The TCM fails, causing unexpected downshifts and loss of power, which can lead to loss of vehicle control and potential accidents.

    $200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs labor
    Get local quotes

Other years & sources

2016 Ford F 150 Supercab2017 Ford F 150 Supercab2018 Ford F 150 Supercab2019 Ford F 150 Supercab2020 Ford F 150 SupercabAll NHTSA complaints for this vehicle →

Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.