Makes›Ford›F-150›2012

2012 Ford F-150

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Ford F-150
Pictured: 2018 Ford F-150 XLT Crew Cab, front 11.10.19. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Body styles
P/U Reg Cab 6.5-Ft Box 2WD, P/U Reg Cab 6.5-Ft Box 4X4, P/U Reg Cab 8-Ft Box 2WD, P/U Reg Cab 8-Ft Box 4X4
Engines
3.7L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, 5.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
Horsepower
360–365 hp
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
FFV, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
19 combined · 17 city / 23 hwy
Length
209.8–228.7 in
Curb weight
4,760–5,410 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints1,385 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 28 for similar models — most often about the power train.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Ford F-150 is a standard pickup truck offered with 4 engines (3.7L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, 5.0L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 210 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 126-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,760 lb (P/U Reg Cab 6.5-Ft Box 2WD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 23 highway), 12% better than the 2012 standard pickup truck average of 17 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1385 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 F-150 — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 F-150 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine365 hp3.5L 6-cyl
Engine360 hp5.0L 8-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Built in: Dearborn, Michigan · Kansas City, Missouri

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2012 F-150 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
P/U Reg Cab 6.5-Ft Box 2WD209.8 in78.7 in74.8 in126 in66.9 / 66.9 in4,760 lb56/44
P/U Reg Cab 6.5-Ft Box 4X4209.8 in78.7 in76 in126 in66.9 / 66.9 in4,989 lb56/44
P/U Reg Cab 8-Ft Box 2WD228.7 in78.7 in76.4 in144.9 in66.9 / 66.9 in4,861 lb56/44
P/U Reg Cab 8-Ft Box 4X4228.7 in78.7 in76 in144.9 in66.9 / 66.9 in5,108 lb56/44
P/U Super Cab 6.5-Ft Box 2WD228.7 in78.7 in71.7 in144.9 in66.9 / 66.9 in5,181 lb56/44
P/U Super Cab 6.5-Ft Box 4X4228.7 in78.7 in76 in144.9 in66.9 / 66.9 in5,410 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
F150 Pickup 2WD FFV FFV3.7L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19+12%$3,550468
F150 Pickup 2WD FFV FFV3.7L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19+12%$3,550468
F150 Pickup 2WD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 19+12%$3,550468
F150 Pickup 2WD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18+6%$3,700494
F150 Pickup 4WD FFV FFV3.7L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18+13%$3,700494
F150 Pickup 4WD FFV FFV3.7L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18+13%$3,700494
F150 Pickup 2WD FFV FFV5.0L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 170%$3,950523
F150 Pickup 2WD FFV FFV5.0L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 170%$3,950523
F150 Pickup 4WD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17+7%$3,950523
F150 Pickup 4WD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17+7%$3,950523
F150 Pickup 4WD FFV FFV5.0L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16+1%$4,200555
F150 Pickup 4WD FFV FFV5.0L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16+1%$4,200555
F150 Pickup 2WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15-12%$4,450592
F150 Raptor Pickup 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive12 / 16 / 13-18%$5,150684
F150 Pickup 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive12 / 16 / 13-18%$5,150684
Spend $5,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
17 MPG2012 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Ford F-150.

Similar 2012 standard pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Ford F-150 (this car)19 MPGNot rated4
2012 Chevrolet Colorado21 MPGNot rated2
2012 GMC Canyon21 MPGNot rated2
2012 Nissan Frontier21 MPGNot rated3
2012 Honda Ridgeline17 MPGNot rated11
2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup16 MPGNot rated6

Recalls (4)

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Feb 11, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V075000 · 1,263,051 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Risk
Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S07.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Apr 27, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V248000 · 153,581 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Risk
An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.
Exterior Lighting › Back Up Lights · May 3, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V190000 · 10,500 vehicles

Problem
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 “LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.” THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.
Risk
IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE “R” POSITION AND THE VEHICLE’S TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE “R” MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLE’S NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.
Fix
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · May 3, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V198000 · 101 vehicles

Problem
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 6, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2011. INCORRECT SOFTWARE FOR THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM MODULE (OCSM) WAS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES EITHER AT THE TIME OF MANUFACTURING OR DURING THE COURSE OF REPLACEMENT OF THE MODULE AS PART OF A SERVICE REPAIR. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE OCSM MAY MISCLASSIFY THE PASSENGER SEAT’S OCCUPANT SUCH THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DOES NOT DEPLOY WHEN IT SHOULD, DOES NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED, OR DEPLOYS WHEN IT SHOULD NOT.
Risk
A FAILURE TO DEPLOY, FAILURE TO DEPLOY AS INTENDED, OR A DEPLOYMENT WHEN NOT INTENDED, INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Fix
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OCSM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Ford F-150 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1,385Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
31Involved a crash
11Involved a fire
25Injuries reported
57,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train581
Engine222
Steering180
Electrical System136
Service Brakes116
Unknown Or Other115
Vehicle Speed Control101
Visibility/Wiper88
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 724/12: 925/01: 325/02: 225/03: 1125/04: 625/05: 725/06: 725/07: 825/08: 825/09: 825/10: 725/11: 525/12: 726/01: 326/02: 226/03: 226/04: 226/05: 326/06: 226/07: 726/08: 426/09: 426/10: 124/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 11

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Ford F-150 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 581 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Engine — 222 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Steering — 180 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 57,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Ford F-150. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other F-150 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 F-15024241.3 inNot rated818
2025 F-15023241.3 inNot rated16128
2024 F-15023241.3 inNot rated11232
2023 F-15025207.1 inNot rated13511
2022 F-15025207.1 inNot rated23816
2021 F-15025207.1 inNot rated291,302
2020 F-15024207.5 inNot rated11741
2019 F-15025207.5 inNot rated91,342
2018 F-15025207.5 inNot rated182,325
2017 F-15022207.5 inNot rated171,462
2016 F-15021207.5 inNot rated132,086
2015 F-15022207.5 inNot rated131,743

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →