2012 Ford F-150
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- 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
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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P/U Reg Cab 6.5-Ft Box 2WD | 209.8 in | 78.7 in | 74.8 in | 126 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 4,760 lb | 56/44 |
| P/U Reg Cab 6.5-Ft Box 4X4 | 209.8 in | 78.7 in | 76 in | 126 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 4,989 lb | 56/44 |
| P/U Reg Cab 8-Ft Box 2WD | 228.7 in | 78.7 in | 76.4 in | 144.9 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 4,861 lb | 56/44 |
| P/U Reg Cab 8-Ft Box 4X4 | 228.7 in | 78.7 in | 76 in | 144.9 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 5,108 lb | 56/44 |
| P/U Super Cab 6.5-Ft Box 2WD | 228.7 in | 78.7 in | 71.7 in | 144.9 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 5,181 lb | 56/44 |
| P/U Super Cab 6.5-Ft Box 4X4 | 228.7 in | 78.7 in | 76 in | 144.9 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 5,410 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV FFV | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | +12% | $3,550 | 468 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV FFV | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | +12% | $3,550 | 468 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 19 | +12% | $3,550 | 468 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | +6% | $3,700 | 494 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV FFV | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | +13% | $3,700 | 494 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV FFV | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | +13% | $3,700 | 494 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV FFV | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | 0% | $3,950 | 523 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV FFV | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | 0% | $3,950 | 523 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | +7% | $3,950 | 523 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | +7% | $3,950 | 523 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV FFV | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | +1% | $4,200 | 555 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV FFV | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | +1% | $4,200 | 555 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -12% | $4,450 | 592 |
| F150 Raptor Pickup 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 12 / 16 / 13 | -18% | $5,150 | 684 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 12 / 16 / 13 | -18% | $5,150 | 684 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Ford F-150 (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Colorado | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 GMC Canyon | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Nissan Frontier | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Honda Ridgeline | 17 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup | 16 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
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 ÂLAMPS, 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 ÂRÂ POSITION AND THE VEHICLEÂS TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE ÂRÂ 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 VEHICLEÂS 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 SEATÂS 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.
Not every 2012 Ford F-150 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Ford F-150 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 581 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 222 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Steering — 180 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 57,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 F-150 | 24 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 8 | 18 |
| 2025 F-150 | 23 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 16 | 128 |
| 2024 F-150 | 23 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 11 | 232 |
| 2023 F-150 | 25 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 13 | 511 |
| 2022 F-150 | 25 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 23 | 816 |
| 2021 F-150 | 25 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 29 | 1,302 |
| 2020 F-150 | 24 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 11 | 741 |
| 2019 F-150 | 25 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 9 | 1,342 |
| 2018 F-150 | 25 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 18 | 2,325 |
| 2017 F-150 | 22 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 17 | 1,462 |
| 2016 F-150 | 21 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 13 | 2,086 |
| 2015 F-150 | 22 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 13 | 1,743 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →