2012 Ford F-150: Power Train complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 642 owner complaints for the 2012 Ford F-150 that list the power train component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11675725 (filed 07/23/2025): “Vehicle rolls backwards or potentially forwards intermittently depending on direction of incline. have only observed it rolling backwards. when changing gears, above third gear usually, there is a resonant grumbling sound.…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11674180 (filed 07/17/2025): “The transmission made a noise of metal and all electrical when out while driving but the engine stay on but no power to the road. yes its available. my car loss all power electrical and power to the road, had to put off to the side on the road and turn the truck off and on again. the problem has bee…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11673875 (filed 07/16/2025): “The contact owns a 2012 ford f-150. the contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. the contact stated that the failure was intermittent. the cause of the failure was not yet determined. the manufacturer and local dealer were notified of …”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Diagnosis needs a scan tool; repair or replacement needs a lift, transmission jack and the manufacturer's fluid fill/relearn procedure. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
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