2012 Ford F-350 Super Duty

Introduction

The 2012 Ford F-350 Super Duty is a heavy-duty pickup truck available with three engine options: a 6.2L V8 (385 hp, 405 lb-ft), a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel (400 hp, 800 lb-ft), and a 6.8L Triton V10 (362 hp, 457 lb-ft). Transmission options include a 6-speed automatic, a 6-speed manual with the 6.2L V8 only, and a TorqShift 6-speed automatic with the diesel and V10 engines. The F-350 Super Duty is known for its durability, towing capacity, and off-road capabilities, but it has also been plagued by several issues.

Engine

6.2L V8

• Fuel Injector Failure: Injectors become clogged or fail, causing engine misfires, rough idle, and poor fuel economy. Replacing the injectors can cost between $500 - $1,000 per injector, plus labor.
• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak: The intake manifold gasket can develop leaks, leading to coolant or oil leaks and decreased engine performance. Repairing the leak involves replacing the gasket, which typically costs $200 - $500.
• Turbocharger Failure (if equipped): The turbocharger can fail due to oil starvation or other mechanical issues, resulting in reduced power and increased emissions. Replacing the turbocharger can cost between $1,500 - $3,000.

6.7L Power Stroke V8 Diesel

• Turbocharger Malfunction: The variable geometry turbocharger can stick or fail, leading to reduced power, increased emissions, and engine noise. Replacing the turbocharger costs around $2,000 - $4,000.
• EGR Cooler Failure: The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler can become clogged or fail, causing the engine to overheat and experience decreased performance. Replacing the EGR cooler costs approximately $1,500 - $3,000.
• Injector Sticking: The fuel injectors can become stuck open or closed, leading to engine misfires, rough idle, and reduced power. Replacing the injectors typically costs between $500 - $1,000 per injector, plus labor.

6.8L Triton V10

• Spark Plug Failure: The spark plugs can develop carbon deposits or fail, causing engine misfires and reduced power. Replacing the spark plugs costs around $200 - $400.
• Intake Valve Sticking: Intake valves can stick open or closed, leading to decreased engine performance, rough idle, and engine knock. Repairing this issue requires replacing the valves and associated components, which costs approximately $1,000 - $2,000.
• Timing Chain Failure: The timing chain can stretch or break, causing catastrophic engine damage. Replacing the timing chain and related components can cost between $2,000 - $4,000.

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (all engines)

• Transmission Fluid Leak: The transmission can develop a leak at the pan gasket or other seals, causing fluid loss and transmission damage. Repairing the leak typically costs between $200 - $500.
• Torque Converter Shudder: The torque converter can develop a shudder during gear shifts, indicating a need for transmission servicing or rebuild. The cost to rebuild a transmission can range from $2,000 - $4,000.
• Shift Solenoid Failure: The transmission shift solenoids can fail, causing shifting problems and erratic behavior. Replacing the solenoids costs approximately $300 - $800.

6-Speed Manual (6.2L V8 only)

• Clutch Wear or Failure: The clutch can wear out or fail due to heavy use or abuse, resulting in slipping gears and difficulty shifting. Replacing the clutch typically costs between $800 - $1,200.
• Transmission Input Bearing Failure: The input bearing can fail, causing noise and binding during gear shifts. Replacing the input bearing costs approximately $500 - $1,000.

TorqShift 6-Speed Automatic (6.7L V8 and 6.8L V10)

• Transmission Slipping: The transmission can slip gears under load, indicating worn or damaged clutch packs. Rebuilding the transmission can cost between $2,000 - $4,000.
• Overheating: The transmission can overheat during towing or heavy use, causing reduced performance and potential damage. Servicing the transmission and replacing the fluid can resolve this issue, costing approximately $200 - $500.
• Valve Body Failure: The transmission valve body can fail, leading to shifting problems and erratic behavior. Replacing the valve body costs around $1,000 - $2,000.

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Breakage: The leaf springs can break under heavy loads or repeated flexing, resulting in a sagging or uneven ride. Replacing the leaf springs typically costs between $500 - $1,000 per side.
• Shock Absorber Failure: The shock absorbers can fail due to wear or damage, causing a rough ride and reduced handling. Replacing the shock absorbers costs approximately $300 - $800.
• Ball Joint Wear: The ball joints can wear out, causing looseness in the steering and front end components. Replacing the ball joints costs between $300 - $600 per side.

Electrical

• Charging System Failure: The alternator or voltage regulator can fail, leading to a lack of battery charging and potential electrical problems. Replacing the alternator or voltage regulator costs around $500 - $1,000.
• Battery Drain: The battery can drain prematurely due to a parasitic electrical draw, such as a faulty module or short circuit. Diagnosing and repairing the electrical issue can cost between $200 - $500.
• Headlight Switch Failure: The headlight switch can fail, causing the headlights or other lighting components to malfunction. Replacing the headlight switch costs approximately $200 - $400.

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure: The door lock actuators can fail, causing difficulty locking or unlocking the doors. Replacing a door lock actuator typically costs $100 - $200 per door.
• Tailgate Handle Failure: The tailgate handle can break or malfunction, making it difficult to open or close the tailgate. Replacing the tailgate handle costs approximately $100 - $200.
• Body Panel Rust: The body panels can develop rust spots, especially on areas exposed to salt or moisture. Repairing rust can be expensive, depending on the severity of the damage.

Interior

• Climate Control Failure: The climate control system can malfunction, leading to problems with heating or cooling the cabin. Repairing or replacing the climate control components costs approximately $300 - $800.
• Radio Malfunction: The radio can experience issues such as loss of sound, screen problems, or Bluetooth connectivity issues. Replacing the radio costs between $500 - $1,000.
• Steering Wheel Control Issues: The steering wheel controls for the audio system or cruise control can malfunction, causing difficulty operating those features. Replacing the steering wheel controls costs approximately $200 - $400.

Summary

The 2012 Ford F-350 Super Duty has been plagued by a number of issues that can be expensive to repair. The most severe issues include turbocharger failures, EGR cooler failures, timing chain failures, transmission slipping, and body panel rust. The estimated cost to repair these issues can range from $1,500 to over $4,000 in some cases. It is important to note that not all F-350 Super Duty trucks will experience these issues, but they are known to be common problems among owners.