2012 Ford F-150
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2012 Ford F-150 maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Ford F-150.
For oil changes, the 2012 Ford F-150 takes 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 8 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Motorcraft Gold (OAT), and transmission fluid is Mercon LV. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Ford F-150, torque the lug nuts to 150 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2012 Ford F-150 have reported 5 common issues including "Transmission Doesn't Shift Correctly", "Loss Of Power While Driving" and "Engine Problems". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 4 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2012 Ford F-150. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2012 Ford F-150 uses 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (8 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 150 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2012 Ford F-150.
Common problems reported by 2012 Ford F-150 owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
Transmission Doesn't Shift Correctly
The 2012 Ford F-150 has a problem with its transmission shifting incorrectly, causing the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock.
TSB #19N01-S3 (Nov 12, 2020) - Certain 2011 - 2013 Model Year F-150 and 2012- 2013 Model Year Expedition/Navigator Vehicles Equipped with A 6R80 Transmission
Est. Cost: $7,400Loss Of Power While Driving
The 2012 Ford F-150 has a problem where the vehicle loses power while driving, causing the engine to stall or hesitate.
TSB #APU-12A04 (Jan 14, 2013) - A software upgrade is available for certain vehicles, including the 2012 F-150.
Est. Cost: $2,300Engine Problems
The 2012 Ford F-150 has engine problems, including issues with the Ecoboost engine and oil leaks.
TSB #SSM 46210 (Nov 17, 2016) - Some 2010-2016 EPAS equipped vehicles may exhibit steering related noises.
Est. Cost: $1,500Steering Problems
The 2012 Ford F-150 has steering problems, including issues with the power steering system and loose or worn-out belts.
TSB #SSM 46210 (Nov 17, 2016) - Some 2010-2016 EPAS equipped vehicles may exhibit steering related noises.
Est. Cost: $1,200Brake Problems
The 2012 Ford F-150 has brake problems, including issues with the brake pads and rotors.
TSB #CSP-12B38 (May 24, 2012) - Standard power windows will continue to function when the one touch up front window system fails.
Est. Cost: $1,0004 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2012 Ford F-150. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
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.
Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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
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.
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.
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
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 SEATS OCCUPANT SUCH THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DOES NOT DEPLOY WHEN IT SHOULD, DOES NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED, OR DEPLOYS WHEN IT SHOULD NOT.
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.
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
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.
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 VEHICLES 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 VEHICLES NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.
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.