2012 Ford F-150 Transmission Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Ford F-150?
681 owners have reported transmission problems on the 2012 Ford F-150, 38% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 50,000–130,000 miles. 3 recalls cover this area.
681 complaints 38% of all 2012 complaints 90,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (529 of 681). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Transmission complaints by the year the problem happened.
Transmission complaints by F-150 year
Related recalls
Transmission may unexpectedly downshift into first
Crash riskThe transmission can suddenly drop into first gear no matter how fast the car is moving. That can cause a loss of vehicle control and raise the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will reprogram the powertrain control module at no cost to you.
Recall 19V075000 · Feb 2019Transmission may unexpectedly downshift to first gear
Crash riskThe automatic transmission can suddenly drop into first gear at any speed, causing the car to slow abruptly without warning. The rear tires may then slide or lock, which raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, and this repair is free of charge.
Recall 16V248000 · Apr 2016Back up lights, Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM)
102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect" and 108 â“lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment.â” these vehicles may have a transmission range sensor (trs) that was calibrated out of specification for reverse gear. If this condition exists, the transmission may not go into reverse or when the driver pushes the shift lever in the reverse â“râ” position and the vehicleâ’s transmission does go in reverse, the â“râ” 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 vehicleâ’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.
Recall 12V190000 · May 2012Get an email when your 2012 Ford F-150 gets a new recall
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Other 2012 Ford F-150 problems
Common questions
What are common 2012 Ford F-150 transmission problems?
Complaints most often name the automatic transmission, driveshaft and control module (TCM / PCM / TECM).
At what mileage do 2012 Ford F-150 transmission problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 50,000–130,000 miles. The middle value is about 90,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2012 Ford F-150 transmission problems?
Yes: 19V075000, 16V248000, 12V190000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which F-150 year has the most transmission complaints?
The 2013 F-150, with 1,342 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.