WhichCarParts

12th generation (2009–2014; covered from 2012) · 2012–2014 · Full-size pickup (steel body; Regular Cab, SuperCab, SuperCrew)

2012 Ford F-150 parts and specs

Everything you need to own and maintain this exact model year. Verified specifications, part numbers, and the problems that recur, in one place.

Last verified

Photo: RL GNZLZ from Chile / CC BY-SA 2.0. Illustrative, not necessarily your model year or trim.

Quick facts

Engine oil
5W-20, 6 qt (base engine)
Battery
Group 65, 650 CCA
Tire size
235/75R17 (base trim)
Wiper blades
22" / 22"
Max towing
11,300 lbs
Key fob battery
CR2032 (separate remote or integrated keyhead 'flip' key)

Specifications for the 2012–2014 F-150

Oil & filter

Viscosity, capacity, filter part numbers, change interval

Battery

BCI group size, cold cranking amps, AGM or flooded

Tires & wheels

Factory sizes by trim, pressures, bolt pattern, lug torque

Wiper blades

Driver, passenger and rear blade lengths

Air & cabin filters

Cabin and engine air filter part numbers, locations, intervals

Bulbs

Headlight, fog and marker bulb types

Brakes

Rotor diameters, pad references, service notes

Fluids

Transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid and capacities

Service schedule

What's actually due at every mileage interval

Problems & reliability

Documented failures, recalls, and which years to avoid

Oil light reset

Step-by-step maintenance light reset, no tools

Key fob battery

Which coin cell the remote takes

Specs

Towing, weight, fuel tank, fuel economy

These specifications are shared across every F-150 of the 12th generation (2009–2014; covered from 2012) generation. See the 2012–2014 Ford F-150 overview for the full picture, or the Ford F-150 guide to compare every generation.

What changed for the 2012 Ford F-150

  • 2012Second year of the modern engine lineup (3.7/5.0/3.5EB/6.2); 6-speed 6R80 on all engines

Known problems with the 2012 Ford F-150

4 of the 5 issues we track for the 2012–2014 generation are documented against the 2012 model year, and 2 carry a recall or service bulletin.

  • 3.5L EcoBoost intercooler (CAC) condensation misfire

    moderateTSB 13-8-1 (and 12-11-15)

    In humid weather, condensation pools in the charge-air cooler and gets ingested under hard acceleration after highway cruising, causing a violent stumble/misfire (P0304–P0306) and sometimes a white-smoke puff. Ford's fix (TSB 13-8-1, superseding 12-11-15) adds an air deflector in front of the CAC and revised calibration. Widely reported on 2011–2013 trucks; an NHTSA investigation was closed without a recall.

    Typical cost: $0 under warranty/TSB; $150–$400 for a deflector/reflash out of warranty

  • Early 3.5L EcoBoost timing chain stretch

    major

    First-run 3.5L EcoBoosts (mostly 2011–2012, some 2013) can stretch timing chains and wear guides/tensioners, showing a cold-start rattle and P0016/P0008 codes. Neglected oil changes accelerate it. The repair is chains, guides, tensioners, and phasers, a big labor job. Later builds got improved parts.

    Typical cost: $1,500–$3,000 parts and labor

  • Unintended downshift into 1st gear (recall)

    majorNHTSA 19V-075 (Ford 19S07)

    An intermittent output-shaft-speed-sensor signal loss can make the 6R80 suddenly downshift to first at any road speed, chirping or locking the rear tires. Ford recalled about 1.48 million 2011–2013 F-150s in 2019; the fix is a free PCM reflash (some 2013 5.0/6.2 trucks needed a follow-up recall after an incorrect first repair).

    Typical cost: Free under recall (software update)

  • MyFord Touch freezes and glitches

    minor

    2011–2014 trucks with MyFord Touch (SYNC 2) suffer frozen screens, reboots, lost Bluetooth, and unresponsive climate controls. Software updates improved it but never fully cured it; some owners retrofit SYNC 3 hardware or aftermarket units. Annoying, not dangerous.

    Typical cost: $0 (updates/reset) – $500+ (SYNC 3 retrofit or aftermarket head unit)

1 more issue reported in other 2012–2014 years
  • Brake master cylinder fluid leak (recall) — 2013–2014 (3.5L EcoBoost)

Full detail, costs and sources on the Ford F-150 problems and years to avoid guide.

Which engines were offered in the 2012 F-150?

EngineTrimsOilOil capacity
3.7L Ti-VCT V6 (Duratec)XL, STX, XLT (base engine)5W-206 qt
5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (Coyote)XL, XLT, FX2/FX4, Lariat, King Ranch5W-207.7 qt
3.5L EcoBoost V6 (1st gen, twin-turbo)XLT, FX2/FX4, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited5W-306 qt
6.2L SOHC V8 (Boss)SVT Raptor (standard), Lariat/Harley-Davidson/Platinum (optional)5W-207 qt

About the Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 is America's best-selling vehicle, and the 2012–2025 span covers three mechanically distinct trucks. 5L EcoBoost twin-turbo, an engine that towed brilliantly but taught owners about intercooler condensation misfires and early timing-chain wear. 0L oil consumption (2018–2020).

5L PowerBoost full hybrid with Pro Power Onboard, and racked up a long but mostly software-fixable recall list. Across all three generations the bolt pattern is 6x135 with 150 lb-ft lug torque, wipers are 22 inches on both sides, and one Motorcraft FA-1883 engine air filter fits nearly every year, but oil specs, batteries, and transmission fluids changed repeatedly, which is exactly why owners look things up.

For how the specifications changed across every generation, see the full Ford F-150 guide.

Other Ford F-150 years

2025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013
Data confidence for this generationVerified

Sources