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2012 Ford F-350 Super Duty

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2012 Ford F-350 Super Duty is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its capability and workhorse reliability. Engine options included the 6.2L SOHC 2-Valve Flex Fuel V8 (385 hp, 405 lb-ft of torque) and the 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 (400 hp, 800 lb-ft of torque). All engines were paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the F-350’s towing capacity, robust build, and comfortable cabin for a heavy-duty truck. Common complaints often revolve around fuel economy (especially with the diesel engine), the stiff ride when unloaded, and the sheer size of the vehicle making it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces.

Engine

6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8

  • Turbocharger Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced power, excessive black smoke, unusual noises (whining or screeching) from the turbo area, check engine light.
    • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger. May also require cleaning or replacement of related components like the air filter, intercooler, and oil feed lines.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Glow Plug Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, excessive white smoke on startup, engine misfires, check engine light.
    • Solution: Replacement of faulty glow plug(s) and potentially the glow plug control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the number of plugs replaced and if the module needs replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Fuel Injector Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, black smoke, reduced fuel economy, check engine light.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty fuel injector(s). It’s often recommended to replace all injectors on one bank to ensure even performance.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the number of injectors and the labor involved.
    • Recalls: None Found

6.2L SOHC 2-Valve Flex Fuel V8

  • Spark Plug Thread Damage
    • Description/Symptoms: Misfire, engine knocking, check engine light. This is a common issue with the 2-valve engines of this era, especially when changing spark plugs.
    • Solution: Repairing the spark plug threads using a thread repair kit (like a Time-Sert or Heli-Coil).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ depending on the severity and whether the cylinder head needs to be removed.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Low oil level between oil changes, blue smoke from exhaust.
    • Solution: Depending on severity, options range from using a higher viscosity oil and monitoring the levels more frequently, to replacing valve stem seals or piston rings (major engine repair).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (oil change) to $3,000+ (engine work)
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

TorqShift 6R140 6-Speed Automatic

  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at lower speeds. Transmission slipping.
    • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter. Often, the transmission fluid is also contaminated and should be flushed.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, delayed engagement, transmission slipping.
    • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body. In some cases, solenoid replacement within the valve body may be sufficient.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Leaf Spring Sagging/Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rear end sag, reduced load carrying capacity, rough ride, clunking noises.
    • Solution: Replacement of the leaf springs, either with OEM or aftermarket heavy-duty options.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per side depending on the spring type and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Worn Ball Joints
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises from the front suspension, steering wander, uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replacement of the ball joints. Often recommended to replace upper and lower ball joints at the same time.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side depending on the brand and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Trailer Wiring Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Trailer lights not working, brake controller malfunctions, no power to trailer accessories.
    • Solution: Inspection and repair or replacement of damaged wiring, connectors, or the trailer brake controller module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Instrument Cluster Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Gauges malfunctioning or not reading correctly, display screen flickering or blanking out.
    • Solution: In some cases, a software update may resolve the issue. Otherwise, replacement of the instrument cluster is necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • PCM (Powertrain Control Module) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine not starting, stalling, misfires, various sensor errors, and transmission shifting issues.
    • Solution: Replacement and reprogramming of the PCM.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust formation on body panels, especially around wheel wells, rocker panels, and undercarriage.
    • Solution: Rust repair through sanding, patching, and repainting. In severe cases, panel replacement may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ depending on severity and area affected.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Inability to control temperature, air blowing only hot or cold regardless of setting, clicking noises from behind the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty blend door actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ depending on the location and labor involved.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Seat Heater Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater not working, overheating, or only partially working.
    • Solution: Replacement of the seat heater element or the seat heater control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per seat depending on the part that needs replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Ford F-350 Super Duty, while a robust and capable truck, has its share of potential problems. The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine can suffer from turbocharger, fuel injector, and glow plug issues, potentially leading to high repair costs. The 6.2L gasoline engine can have issues with the spark plug threads and oil consumption. Transmission issues can also arise. Suspension components like leaf springs and ball joints are prone to wear, affecting ride quality and handling. Electrical problems, especially related to trailer wiring, can be frustrating. Rust formation is a common concern, particularly in regions with harsh winters. Interior issues like blend door actuator failures and seat heater malfunctions are less severe but still require attention. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and thoroughly inspect any used 2012 F-350 Super Duty before purchase. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended. The severity of these issues ranges from minor annoyances to major repairs, with costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Ford, F-350 Super Duty
Ford F-350 Super Duty 2012
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