NHTSA vehicle safety data

2012 Ford F-450 SD Recalls & Complaints

The 2012 Ford F-450 SD has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 3 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ford dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2012 Ford F-450 SD. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2012 Ford F-450 SD owner complaints

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Ford F-450 SD, describing incidents dated August 14, 2013 to November 29, 2014.

Most-cited components

Service Brakes 2 complaints
Steering 2 complaints
Electrical System 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #11161082 · Filed December 13, 2018
THE A/C COMPRESSOR JUST WENT OUT FOR THE SECOND TIME AND FROM WHAT IT LOOKS TO ME IS WHY THE SECOND FAILURE HAS OCCURRED IS BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT REPLACE THE CONDENSER AS WAS REQUIRED AND ALSO PAID FOR BY ME. THE TRUCK HAS THE "DEATH-WOBBLE" EVEN THOUGH I HAVE REINFORCED THE STEERING IN…
ODI #10734188 · Filed November 14, 2014
VEHICLE WAS INITIALLY NOT RUNNING AND IN DRIVEWAY. THERE HAD BEEN NO PRIOR INDICATION OF ANY PROBLEM, AND NO ISSUE NOTED WITH ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM. VEHICLE HAD RECENTLY BEEN SERVICED AT LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR OIL/FILTER CHANGE. DEALER INSPECTION NOTED NO ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS…
ODI #10682653 · Filed February 10, 2015
AS PER YOUR ODI RESUME #RQ14-005, MY RV BUILT ON 2012 CHASSIS EXPERIENCED EGT SENSOR MALFUNCTION TO NUMBER 13 AND 14. THIS OCCURRED ON I-75 OUTSIDE OF LEXINGTON, KY. I WAS VERY LUCKY TO BE IN THE RIGHT LANE AND JUST BARELY PULLED TO THE SHOULDER BEFORE THE ENGINE SHUTDOWN. HAD TO CALL STATE POLICE…

Read all 3 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2012 Ford F-450 SD in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Recall Query RQ14-005: Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
Closed March 15, 2016
- Recall 15V-175

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Engine Shutdown in Emergency Vehicles

NHTSA #15V175000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Control Module (TCM/PCM/TECM) · NHTSA notice

Reported March 25, 2015 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 6,322 vehicles

Repair completion: 82.57% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 15S09 · Owners notified April 22, 2015 · Vehicles built February 22, 2010 – January 30, 2015 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks manufactured February 22, 2010, to January 30, 2015, and equipped with ambulance or fire engine preparation packages. The affected vehicles may detect an incorrect Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGT) fault indicating that the vehicle is too hot, causing the engine management system to shut down the engine and prevent its immediate restart.

Safety consequence

Engine shut down and a subsequent cool down period may delay medical treatment or assistance to those needing it, increasing their risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S09.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

PTO Pressure Switch Oil Leak may Result in Fire

NHTSA #14V360000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported June 23, 2014 · Palfleet Truck Equipment Company, LLC

Potentially affected: 10 vehicles

Owners notified July 29, 2014 · Vehicles built June 1, 2009 – June 30, 2013 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Palfleet Truck Equipment Company, LLC (Palfleet) is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 super duty vehicles modified by Palfleet 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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Palfleet will notify 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 July 29, 2014. Owners may contact Palfleet customer service at 1- 502-376-2458.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

PTO Pressure Switch Oil Leak may Result in Fire

NHTSA #14V326000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported June 13, 2014 · Manning Equipment Inc. LLC

Potentially affected: 10 vehicles

Repair completion: 70% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified July 16, 2014 · Vehicles built June 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Manning Equipment Inc. LLC (Manning) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles modified by Manning 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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Manning will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. This action is the same as the service campaign action. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Manning at 1-800-876-8768.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

PTO Pressure Switch Oil Leak may Result in Fire

NHTSA #14V328000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported June 13, 2014 · Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc.

Potentially affected: 21 vehicles

Repair completion: 57.14% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified July 28, 2014 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. will notify owners and dealers to inspect the Muncie PTO pressure switch to determine if it is from the range of defective switches and if required, remove the pressure switch assembly and put a plug in the port where the PTO switch had been installed. This switch was never being utilized. This will be done free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-July 2014. Owners may contact Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. at 1-800-247-5958.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. will notify 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 July 28, 2014. Owners may contact Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. at 1-800-247-5958.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

PTO Pressure Switch Oil Leak may Result in Fire

NHTSA #14V327000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported June 12, 2014 · Stahl

Potentially affected: 10 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified November 12, 2014 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Stahl is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Ford F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles modified by Stahl 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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Stahl will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. Owners may contact Stahl customer service at 1-800-277-8245, or Muncie at 1-800-367-7867.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

PTO Pressure Switch Oil Leak may Result in Fire

NHTSA #14V379000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported June 10, 2014 · Utility Truck Equipment Company, LLC

Potentially affected: 16 vehicles

Repair completion: 0% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified June 20, 2014 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Utility Truck Equipment Company, LLC (Utility Truck) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 UTLI41A, 2011 UTLN41, and 2012 UTLN46 aerial trucks manufactured December 2010 to September 2013 equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies installed on 2010-2013 Ford F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Utility Truck will notify 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 in June 2014. Owners may contact Utility Truck customer service at 1-254-857-8813.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

PTO Pressure Switch Oil Leak may Result in Fire

NHTSA #14V382000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported June 10, 2014 · SOMERSET WELDING & STEEL, INC.

Potentially affected: 4 vehicles

Owners notified August 4, 2014 · Vehicles built June 1, 2009 – June 30, 2013 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Somerset Welding & Steel, doing business as J&J Truck equipment (J&J), is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis with 6.8L gasoline engines modified by J&J to be 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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Somerset will notify 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 August 2014. Owner's may contact Somerset customer service at 1-800-777-2671.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2012 Ford F-450 SD. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

3 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Ford F-450 SD.

Steering; Service Brakes

ODI #11161082

Incident: August 14, 2013 · Filed: December 13, 2018

THE A/C COMPRESSOR JUST WENT OUT FOR THE SECOND TIME AND FROM WHAT IT LOOKS TO ME IS WHY THE SECOND FAILURE HAS OCCURRED IS BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT REPLACE THE CONDENSER AS WAS REQUIRED AND ALSO PAID FOR BY ME. THE TRUCK HAS THE "DEATH-WOBBLE" EVEN THOUGH I HAVE REINFORCED THE STEERING IN GENERAL AND IS VERY DANGEROUS. HOWEVER, DUE TO JUST THESE TWO ISSUES AND THE OTHERS IT HAS HAD WHICH ARE FAILED WATER PUMP, TURBO, STARTER AND HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE BOOSTER WITH THE WATER PUMP GOING OUT AT ABOUT 50,000 MILES AND THEN THE TURBO AT ABOUT 82,000 MILES WITH THE WORK PERFORMED AT TWO DIFFERENT FORD DEALERSHIPS AT A VERY POOR QUALITY I REPLACED THE STARTER MYSELF AND THE HYDRO-BOOST. YOU CANNOT TRUST A DEALERSHIP WHEN THE WORKED PERFORMED IS AT BEST NO BETTER THAN WHAT I CAN PERFORM. JUST LIKE RIGHT NOW OR FOR QUITE A LONG TIME IT HAS HAD THE TWO FIELD SERVICE ACTION ITEMS BEING NUMBERS: 15M02 AND 18M01 AND AFTER READING THE HORROR STORIES ABOUT AND OR AFTER A DEALERSHIP HAS PERFORMED THESE TWO FUNCTIONS ON OTHER SUCH PERSON(S) VEHICLES, I MOST LIKELY WILL NOT LET A DEALERSHIP TOUCH MINE.

Steering; Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #10734188

Incident: November 11, 2014 · Filed: November 14, 2014

VEHICLE WAS INITIALLY NOT RUNNING AND IN DRIVEWAY. THERE HAD BEEN NO PRIOR INDICATION OF ANY PROBLEM, AND NO ISSUE NOTED WITH ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM. VEHICLE HAD RECENTLY BEEN SERVICED AT LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR OIL/FILTER CHANGE. DEALER INSPECTION NOTED NO ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS CRANKED UP AND PUT INTO DRIVE. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN, IMMEDIATE, AND TOTAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKE CAPABILITY. VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. EXTREME PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO BRAKE PEDAL BUT IT WOULD NOT STOP VEHICLE FROM MOVING FORWARD. POWER STEERING WAS NON-FUNCTIONAL CAUSING EXTREME DIFFICULTY IN STEERING VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY PUT INTO NEUTRAL UNTIL IT SLOWED ENOUGH TO PUT INTO REVERSE AND STOP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING FORWARD. VEHICLE ALMOST HIT ROAD SIGN BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. BRAKES AND POWER STEERING WERE NON FUNCTIONAL. VEHICLE WAS SLOWLY MOVED BACKWARD TO GET IT OUT OF THE ROAD PATH USING REVERSE/NEUTRAL POSITIONING. VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND CHECKED FOR POSSIBLE LOSS OF POWER STEERING/BRAKE BOOSTER SYSTEM FLUID. FLUID LEVEL WAS JUST BELOW MAXIMUM LEVEL MARK, SO NO LOSS OF FLUID IN POWER STEERING/POWER BRAKING BOOSTER SYSTEM HAD OCCURRED. UPON RESTART, POWER STEERING SYSTEM WAS MARGINALLY FUNCTIONAL WITH GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM POWER STEERING/POWER BRAKING BOOSTER SYSTEM WHEN STEERING WHEEL TURNED OR BRAKE PEDAL APPLIED. PULSATING FEEL COMING FROM BRAKE PEDAL WHEN PRESSURE APPLIED. POWER BRAKES WERE STILL NON-FUNCTIONAL. VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE DUE TO COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKING FUNCTION AND ONLY MARGINAL STEERING FUNCTION. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO FORD DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. AFTER 4 DAYS, DEALER HAS STILL NOT LOOKED AT VEHICLE.

Electrical System

ODI #10682653

Incident: November 29, 2014 · Filed: February 10, 2015

AS PER YOUR ODI RESUME #RQ14-005, MY RV BUILT ON 2012 CHASSIS EXPERIENCED EGT SENSOR MALFUNCTION TO NUMBER 13 AND 14. THIS OCCURRED ON I-75 OUTSIDE OF LEXINGTON, KY. I WAS VERY LUCKY TO BE IN THE RIGHT LANE AND JUST BARELY PULLED TO THE SHOULDER BEFORE THE ENGINE SHUTDOWN. HAD TO CALL STATE POLICE BECAUSE OF THE CLOSE PROXIMITY TO TRAVEL LANE AND VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR OTHER VEHICLES. THIS TRIP STARTED IN CLEMMONS, NC, AND INCLUDED 2 TUNNELS WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER IF THE INCIDENT OCCURRED IN EITHER ONE. CALLED FORD ABOUT RECALL FOR AMBULANCE CHASSIS SINCE THIS SEEMS TO BE SAME TYPE. THEY STATED THE COMPUTER PROGRAM IS DIFFERENT AND THEREFORE THE RECALL DOES NOT PERTAIN TO MY UNIT. *TR

Other Ford F-450 SD model years

Check your 2012 Ford F-450 SD VIN

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