2012 Ford F-550
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › F-550 › 2012
These records cover every 2012 Ford F-550. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2012 Ford F-550. Newest first.
PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Remedy
PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.
Almared, Inc., dba A-1 Alternative Fuel Systems, is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-550 transit buses manufactured May 2011 through April 2013, altered to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG). In the affected vehicles, the brackets securing the passenger side CNG fuel tank may break.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the brackets break, the CNG tank may separate from the vehicle frame increasing the risk of a crash or possible fire.
Remedy
Almared, Inc. has notified owners and all affected vehicles have been remedied, free of charge. Owners may contact Almared at 1-559-485-4427.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 F-350/450/550 Ambulance Package vehicles manufactured February 22, 2010, through October 19, 2012 and equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine. Due to an exhaust sensor problem, the vehicles may experience loss of power followed by an engine stall.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the exhaust gas temperature sensor, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S10.
Manning Equipment Inc. LLC (Manning) is recalling certain model year 2012 Ford F-350, F-450 and F-550 gasoline engined dual rear wheel chassis vehicles manufactured October 2011 through June 2012. The tailpipe on the exhaust system does not extend out beyond the edge of the body, allowing heat to build up in rear curbside storage compartment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Excessive heat build up in rear compartment could result in fire.
Remedy
Manning Equipment has notified owners, and dealers will install tailpipe extensions free of charge. The recall has already begun. Owners may contact Manning Equipment at 1-502-426-5210.
Ford IS recalling certain model year 2011 F-150 vehicles manufactured from september 9, 2011, through september 22, 2011, and model year 2012 F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 heavy duty vehicles manufactured from september 12, 2011, through september 22, 2011. these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This will allow the operator to inadvertently shift the vehicle into gear without the brake pedal being depressed, increasing the risk of a crash or injury to a nearby pedestrian.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake shift interlock switch function and replace the switch if necessary, free of charge. the safety recall began on december 22, 2011. owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Owner complaints
13 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling · Steering
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-550 chassis with an Earth Roamer RV. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle was making an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the turbocharger needle on the instrument cluster fell to zero. The…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-550 chassis with an Earth Roamer RV. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle was making an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the turbocharger needle on the instrument cluster fell to zero. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the abnormal banging sound was louder, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled off the highway and then stated that the power steering had failed. The contact was turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the power steering and the abnormal engine sound remained present. The contact was able to drive several yards before the vehicle stalled. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
- Engine
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact made multiple attempts to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle repeatedly failed to start up. Due to the failure, the contact called the dealer…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact made multiple attempts to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle repeatedly failed to start up. Due to the failure, the contact called the dealer and had the vehicle towed there for an inspection. The contact then called an independent mechanic who informed him that based on what he described; his vehicle had experienced engine failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 35,800.
- Engine
While driving vehicle on trail it was noticed that smoke and fire were coming from the undercarriage. Driver attempted to put the fire out with the vehicle supplied fire extinguisher. After the extinguisher ran out the vehicle fire accelerated and totally engulfed the vehicle.*dt*jb
- Engine · Power train · Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2012 ford F-550. While the contact was hauling sand and reground gravel up a hill, the emergency brake was engaged and the gear shifter was placed into park. The engine was running and the contact exited the vehicle. When the contact re-entered the vehicle, shifted gears, and…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 ford F-550. While the contact was hauling sand and reground gravel up a hill, the emergency brake was engaged and the gear shifter was placed into park. The engine was running and the contact exited the vehicle. When the contact re-entered the vehicle, shifted gears, and released the emergency brake to drive, the engine stalled. The vehicle rolled down the hill. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The contact stated failure occurred twice june 05,2019 and sept.6, 2019. There was a full tank of fuel in the vehicle. While driving up a hill hauling sand and gravel, the contact stopped on the hill, released the brake pedal, depressed the accelerator pedal, and the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle started to roll down the hill in reverse with no power. The contact shifted into park and the brakes could not stop the vehicle due to the lack of power. The contact quickly cut into the bank; however, the rear end of the vehicle went up on the bank and the vehicle rolled over on the passenger side down the embankment. The contact sustained injuries to the head and knee, and a broken left hand, neck, ribs, lower back, arm, and legs. Medical attention was not received. The front passenger was not injured. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was pulled out of the bank to the top of the hill and remained on the hillside. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. *Pm consumer stated both incidents happened at the same place.*jb
- Engine · Fuel system, gasoline · Service brakes
I have only used the truck for five months and have had several business interruptions and issues with the truck from the gas tank leaking, problems with the brakes and the box hoist that would not raise. I have had the box hoist fixed multiple times but the weld keeps breaking. I am sure ford…
I have only used the truck for five months and have had several business interruptions and issues with the truck from the gas tank leaking, problems with the brakes and the box hoist that would not raise. I have had the box hoist fixed multiple times but the weld keeps breaking. I am sure ford knows about the hoist problem but they have not issued any recalls for it. as a consumer I feel cheated. my recent problem IS the engine, it had stalled unexpectedly and shut down completely for no reason at all and without warning while my son was driving on the highway. it was a safety issue and put my son's life at risk. I looked up the above vin number on the internet but could not find direct recalls relating to it. ford has put out recalls on some of the engines for ford f550s yr 2012 but only for ambulance type trucks not dump trucks. I am complaining because my dump truck has the same engine stalling problem as on the ambulance type f550s from year 2012, when it unexpectedly shuts down completely and without warning. *Js
- Unknown or other
Ecm loosing information, on high way truck shut down would not move due to emission and pcm problem. Ecm need to reflash on updated version or replace
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2012 ford F-550. The contact stated that the cam shaft fractured internally within the cylinder head and destroyed the engine assembly. The dealer (mathews ford oregon, 2811 navarre ave, oregon, oh 43616, (419) 698-4444) and the manufacturer indicated that the vehicle's three…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 ford F-550. The contact stated that the cam shaft fractured internally within the cylinder head and destroyed the engine assembly. The dealer (mathews ford oregon, 2811 navarre ave, oregon, oh 43616, (419) 698-4444) and the manufacturer indicated that the vehicle's three year warranty had expired and service was denied per the campaign for customer satisfaction number: 17b30. The dealer previously replaced the engine assembly once before and indicated that the part needed to be replaced a second time. The dealer and an independent mechanic indicated that the engine assembly would need to be replaced. The manufacturer provided no assistance other than the dealer repairing the vehicle. The failure mileage was not available. *Tt consumer stated engine cam followers fell off and destroyed the engine this has happened twice. Updated 10/5/18*jb
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2012 ford F-550. While driving on an incline at 60 mph, the engine power loss indicator illuminated. Suddenly, the contact heard a loud pop sound and the engine stalled and lost power. The vehicle was towed to worthington ford (2950 n bellflower blvd, long beach, ca 90815…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 ford F-550. While driving on an incline at 60 mph, the engine power loss indicator illuminated. Suddenly, the contact heard a loud pop sound and the engine stalled and lost power. The vehicle was towed to worthington ford (2950 n bellflower blvd, long beach, ca 90815, (562) 420-3333) where it was diagnosed that the high pressure fuel pump failed and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Diesel exhaust fluid system failed shutting down my vehicle while driving and I had to be towed to a ford dealer. this IS a safety issue and could have caused a major accident on the highway. I never got a recall notice about this major problem. now I am told I would have to spend over $5000.00…
Diesel exhaust fluid system failed shutting down my vehicle while driving and I had to be towed to a ford dealer. this IS a safety issue and could have caused a major accident on the highway. I never got a recall notice about this major problem. now I am told I would have to spend over $5000.00 to get this problem fixed. ford had gotten many complaints about this issue. They should pay to have this repair done. I only had this vehicle for a short time and paid over $59,000 for it. I tried to contact several ford executives over two weeks ago and heard back from none.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2012 ford F-550. While driving 65 mph with the exhaust cleaning cycle operated, the cycle suddenly stopped. The vehicle lost power, stalled, and the check oil warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred on two separate occasions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000.
- Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 2012 ford F-550. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 mph, the engine light illuminated as the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for the failure a diagnostic was performed which located the failure at the computer scanner…
Tl*the contact owns a 2012 ford F-550. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 mph, the engine light illuminated as the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for the failure a diagnostic was performed which located the failure at the computer scanner system was sending the incorrect reading to the engine. the dealer reprogrammed the computer scanning system. However, the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
This vehicle has a baf CNG fuel conversion. The welds broke on the brackets holding the right hand fuel tank to the outboard side of the right frame rail allowing the fuel tank to drop to the pavement. As the fuel tank was being dragged on the pavement the driver saw sparks flying in both rear view…
This vehicle has a baf CNG fuel conversion. The welds broke on the brackets holding the right hand fuel tank to the outboard side of the right frame rail allowing the fuel tank to drop to the pavement. As the fuel tank was being dragged on the pavement the driver saw sparks flying in both rear view mirrors and so she attempted to pull over to the side of the road. As she was trying to pull over the fuel tank slid over to the left side of the vehicle and wedged in front of the left rear tires bringing the vehicle to an abrupt stop with the rear of the vehicle still partially blocking the right hand lane of a 2 lane highway. The only thing holding the tank at this point was the 2 flexible hoses to the tank. Luckily there was no fire or injuries but this IS a 30 passenger transit bus and there are many more units like this on the road with a serious probable defect which could be catastrophic. *tr
- Suspension
I noticed excessive swaying begin while driving my 2012 rv. when I got home I looked under the rv and discovered that the lower bolt on the bracket that attaches the sway bar to the rear axle on the drivers side was missing and the bracket was bent. fairway ford in placentia, ca replaced the bracket and bolt under warranty. the www.irv2.com forum under ford chassis has other reports of this same experience. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package…
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
- CNG Fuel Container Securement
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of 1 incident related to the alleged defect. By letter dated January 10, 2014, Almared, Inc. (doing business as A-1 Alternative Fuel Systems) has notified ODI that it has conducted a safety recall (NHTSA Recall No. 14V-040) to address a safety defect in 18 model year…
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of 1 incident related to the alleged defect. By letter dated January 10, 2014, Almared, Inc. (doing business as A-1 Alternative Fuel Systems) has notified ODI that it has conducted a safety recall (NHTSA Recall No. 14V-040) to address a safety defect in 18 model year 2011-2012 Ford F-550 transit buses manufactured between May 2011 and April 2013. These vehicles have been altered by A-1 to contain one or more compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel containers. According to A-1, the brackets securing passenger side CNG fuel containers to the vehicle chassis may fracture, resulting in a CNG fuel container that is unsecured. A-1 has reportedly inspected all 18 affected vehicles and repaired all vehicles equipped with the defective mounting bracket by installing a new bracket of an improved design. The new bracket has added strength as a result of the following design revisions: the cantilevered mounting plate is reinforced with additional support plates, the cantilevered position is mounted higher on the bracket above the CNG fuel container center line position (thus reducing the moment arm), and it is constructed of heavier gauge steel plate that is also dimensionally wider, which provides for a greater bonding surface area with the vehicle chassis.Based on the recall action taken by Almared, Inc., this investigation is closed.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10205031Touchscreen navigation system - arabic language - blank screen
- 10183767Some 2012-2016 vehicles equipped with a touchscreen navigation system and the language set to Arabic may exhibit a blank screen. This may be the result of the ribbon cables not being fully seated inside the front display interface module (FDIM) or an improper software configuration of the FDIM.
- 10078787This tsb detailed troubleshooting for pump shift air tank plumbing that might freeze up in extreme cold. Also included a photo of problematic installations and instructions for repair, if needed.
- 10057858Ford 2011-2012 F250, F350, F450, F550 : information regarding f-super duty vehicles equipped with a 6.7L engine and built before 10/11/2011 may exhibit a mil on with dtcs, p207f, p20ee, p2200, p2201, p2209, p164a, p2a00 or p0133.
- 10057834Ford: no service action IS recommended for this condition. Please use at your discretion. Various 2010-2015 vehicles may experience a turbulence noise, similar to an helicopter noise, at highway speeds when the rear door window(s) or sunroof are open.
- 10055573Ford: a possible intermediate clutch piston lip seal IS worn and can cause an intermediate rough clutch piston bore to slip 1-3 and/or no 2-3 upshift condition. Model 2012-2013 e series, F-450, 550, 53 motorhome, f 59 stripped chassis.
- 10053606Ford: information being provided, for some trucks, regarding service procedure correction for trucks with diesel engine, experiencing malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with dtcs p2031, p2032 and/or p2033. Models 2011-2012 f super duty.
- 10053474Ford: in some diesel trucks, the mil may illuminate and IS most common with trucks operating in low speed driving and/or operating in stationary idle mode for an extended periods of time, where the exhaust regeneration process IS not fully completed. Model 2012 F-450, F-550 super duty.
- 10053411Ford: 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.
- 10053004Ford: when truck IS prevented, after an extended time period of stationary idleness or low speed driving, it fails to complete exhaust regeneration process and illuminates mil and dtc p207f with/without dtc p204f. Model 2012 F-450, 550.
- 10044213Ford: vehicle may experience exhaust smoke, engine knocking, low power, long crank hard start, runs rough or no crank start which may be caused by contaminated fuel.
- 10044118Ford: some vehicles exhibit a 4X4 not engaging, not staying engaged and/or unlocking in extreme cold temperatures below -18 degrees celsius or 0 degrees fahrenheit. Include ford model F250, f350,f450, and F550 model years 2011-2012.
Every Ford F-550 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.