2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty is a popular heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing and hauling capabilities. Available engine options included a 6.2L gasoline V8, and a 6.7L Power Stroke diesel V8. The 6.2L gasoline V8 produced 385 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. All engine options were paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the F-250 for its robust build quality, powerful engine options, and comfortable ride (for a heavy-duty truck). Common dislikes include fuel economy (especially with the gasoline engine) and the sheer size of the vehicle, making it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.

Engine

6.7L Power Stroke Diesel V8

• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough running, misfires, white smoke from the exhaust, decreased fuel economy. Can eventually lead to engine damage if left unaddressed.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector(s). It is recommended to replace all injectors at once to ensure balanced performance and prevent future failures.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per injector (parts and labor). Total cost could be several thousand dollars if replacing all injectors.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive black smoke from the exhaust, loud whining or whistling noises from the engine bay.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger. Check for oil leaks and proper lubrication.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, decreased fuel economy, check engine light. Can cause excessive soot buildup in the intake manifold.
  • Solution: Replace the EGR valve. Clean the intake manifold if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, frequent regeneration cycles, check engine light, potential for engine damage.
  • Solution: Attempt to manually regenerate the DPF. If unsuccessful, replace the DPF. Consider modifications to reduce soot production.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ (parts and labor for replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

6.2L Gasoline V8

• Spark Plug Breakage During Removal
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficult to remove spark plugs, potential for ceramic insulator to break off inside the cylinder head.
  • Solution: Use proper removal techniques, including penetrating oil and specialized spark plug sockets. If a spark plug breaks, extraction tools may be necessary, and the cylinder head may need to be removed in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the severity and the need for head removal.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption between oil changes, blue smoke from the exhaust, low oil pressure.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the oil consumption (e.g., worn piston rings, valve stem seals). Repair or replace the affected components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $5,000+ depending on the cause and the extent of the repairs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6R140 6-Speed Automatic (Used with both 6.2L and 6.7L Engines)

• Torque Converter Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: A vibrating or shaking sensation, especially at lower speeds or during light acceleration. Often described as feeling like driving over rumble strips.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter or flush the transmission fluid. A triple flush is generally recommended.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Harsh or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky gear changes, delays in shifting gears, especially between first and second gear or when shifting into reverse.
  • Solution: Check the transmission fluid level and condition. Replace the fluid and filter. Inspect the valve body for wear or damage. If the valve body is damaged it may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on the extent of the repairs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front End “Death Wobble”
  • Description/Symptoms: Violent shaking or vibration in the front end, especially at highway speeds after hitting a bump.
  • Solution: Inspect and replace worn suspension components, including ball joints, tie rod ends, steering stabilizer, and track bar. Ensure proper alignment.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ depending on the worn components.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Leaf Spring Sagging/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear end sag, reduced load carrying capacity, uneven ride height.
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs. Consider upgrading to heavier-duty springs if towing or hauling heavy loads frequently.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ (parts and labor per side).
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of gauges, flickering displays, warning lights illuminating randomly.
  • Solution: Check the wiring harness and connections to the instrument cluster. Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Body Control Module (BCM) Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic operation of various electrical systems, including power windows, door locks, lights, and wipers.
  • Solution: Diagnose the BCM and reprogram or replace it as needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,200+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty engaging or disengaging 4WD, grinding noises, failure of the 4WD system.
  • Solution: Check the vacuum lines, solenoids, and actuators associated with the 4WD system. Repair or replace faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ depending on the affected part.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Bed Rails/Wheel Wells
  • Description/Symptoms: Surface rust or corrosion developing on the bed rails and around the wheel wells. Can lead to structural damage if left unaddressed.
  • Solution: Remove the rust, treat the affected areas with a rust inhibitor, and repaint or apply a protective coating.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the severity and extent of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Air Conditioning Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Lack of cold air, warm air blowing from the vents.
  • Solution: Check the refrigerant level, compressor, condenser, and evaporator. Repair or replace faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on the cause.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Heater Core Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant smell inside the cabin, fogging of windows, lack of heat, coolant loss.
  • Solution: Replace the heater core.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ (parts and labor) due to the extensive dashboard removal required.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty can be a reliable workhorse, but potential buyers should be aware of the common issues outlined above. The diesel engine is prone to expensive fuel injector and turbocharger failures, while the gasoline engine can suffer from oil consumption problems. The transmission can experience torque converter shudder and shifting issues. Suspension problems such as the “death wobble” and leaf spring sag can also occur. Electrical issues and interior problems with the AC and heater core can also arise. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but some repairs, such as engine and transmission work, can be quite expensive. Inspecting a used F-250 thoroughly and addressing any potential problems early can help prevent costly repairs down the road.