2012 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 600 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 37 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 26 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpOct 26, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured February 26, 2009, to April 29, 2012, and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured February 25, 2009, to December 12, 2010. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 13, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S41.
Campaign 16V777000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, wheel bearingJun 3, 2015
The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
Campaign 15E045000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
600 reports, newest first.
Steering, Nov 16, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL INDEPENDENTLY STEERED LEFT. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND FLIPPED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE NECK INJURIES, BROKEN RIBS, A BROKEN LEFT HAND, AND FRACTURES TO THE SKULL. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. *TT *TR
Steering, Nov 15, 2017
AS I TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN. I MANAGED TO COMPLETE THE TURN & PARK THE CAR. (10/4/17) THE SECOND TIME THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. (11/10/17)
Vehicle speed control, Nov 14, 2017
SUDDEN DECLERATION AND STALL WHILE IN HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON HIGHWAY, LIKELY DUE TO ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY (ETB) ISSUE. VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 13, 2017
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, MY 2012 FORD ESCAPE HAS COMPLETELY SHUT OFF ON ME WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 40 MPH. I HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, ONE TIME ON A SIDE ROAD AND THE OTHER ON A HIGHWAY WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE, AND THEN TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN. BOTH TIMES THAT SEEMED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DEFECT THAT SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN REPORTED BY MANY OTHER 2012 ESCAPE OWNERS ON FORUMS/BLOGS.
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Nov 12, 2017
I HAVE HAD 3 SERIOUS INCIDENTS WITH THE FORD ESCAPE 2012. FIRST, TWICE THE CAR HAS COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. I WAS THANKFULLY DRIVING AT ONLY ABOUT 30-40 MPH AND WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN, WHICH SEEMED TO HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. VARIOUS MECHANICS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND HAVE NOT FIXED IT. SECOND, ON 11/11/17, I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT WAITING TO TURN LEFT ON A MAJOR ROAD, AND UPON ACCELERATING AND TURNING, THE POWER STEERING SEEMED TO GO OUT ON ME. IT BECAME MUCH HARDER TO STEER. I PULLED OVER ON A SIDE ROAD AND AGAIN TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN, WHICH AGAIN SEEMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE MANY ONLINE FORUMS WHERE THESE TWO ISSUES ARE BEING REPORTED BY MANY OWNERS WITH THE SAME RESULT. MECHANICS CAN'T SEEM TO RECREATE THE PROBLEMS AND THEREFOR CAN'T OFFER A FIX AT THE MOMENT. THESE 3 INCIDENTS THANKFULLY DID NOT CAUSE ANY INJURY, BUT THEY EASILY COULD AND SEE TO BE SERIOUS DEFECTS THAT ARE GOING UNADDRESSED.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 10, 2017
THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE HAS BEEN RECALLED ON MY VEHICLE. I HAVE CALLED MY FORD DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES TO HAVE THE PART REPLACED. I HAD AN APPOINTMENT AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER TO HAVE IT REPLACED, AND WHEN I ARRIVED FOR THE APPOINTMENT I WAS INFORMED AFTER I SHOWED UP THAT THEY NO LONGER HAD THE PART. I HAVE AGAIN CALLED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE THEN AND THERE STATE THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PART.
Air bags, Nov 8, 2017, crash
MY SON WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. FRONT END OF VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG NEVER WENT OFF. BUT THE SEATBELT LOCKED. THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP WAS DUMBFOUNDED AT WHY IT DIDN'T GO OFF. SO AM I.THE SEATBELT AND AIRBAG LIGHTS WERE ON ON THE DASH AFTER THEY FIXED IT. THAT'S HOW WE FOUND THAT THE SEATBELT LOCKED. I COULDN'T GET IT AROUND ME TO GO HOME. THEY THEN REPLACED THE COMPUTER. THE CAR STILL DOESN'T SEEN CORRECT. BUT, HOW DO I KNOW THAT IN THE FUTURE THERE IS AN ACCIDENT WITH THE VEHICLE AND IT DOESN'T GO OFF AND I GET KILLED. MY SON WAS MOVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN THIS VERY YOUNG GIRL WITH A RESTRICTED LICENSE ABRUPTLY STOPPED. MY SON HIT HER. MY SON NOW OWNS THE VEHICLE. I'M MORE CONCERNED THAT I GAVE HIM A CAR THAT IS A HAZARD.
Structure, Nov 7, 2017
THE BODY HAS RUSTED THROUGH AROUND THE WHEEL WELLS AND ALONG THE REAR HATCH DOOR. PLUS THE PAINT IS FLAKING OFF OF THE ENGINE HOOD. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A COUPLE LOCAL DEALERSHIPS THAT HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED THAT IT IS A PROBLEM. BUT THAT I NEEDED TO CONTACT FORD BECAUSE OF WARRANTY ISSUES.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Seat belts, Oct 26, 2017
I HAVE TROUBLE WITH THE SEAT BELTS, THEY DO NOT RETRACK BY THEMSELVES AND SOMETIMES THEY LOCK UP EVEN THOUGH I DID NOT STOP SUDDENLY., ANOTHER PROBLEM IS WITH MY DASHBOARD THE LIGHTING GOES DIM AND THEM BRIGHT WHILE I AM DRIVING FOR NO REASON I CAN TELL, THIS IS ALL DURING CITY STREET DRIVING. I ALSO HAVE A STRONG FUEL SMELL WHICH LASTS FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES WHEN I START THE CAR IN THE MORNING.
Steering, Oct 17, 2017
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING OR TURNING, MY STEERING WHEEL HAS LOCKED IN MY 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THIS MORNING IN THE PARKING LOT OF MY KIDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ENTERING AND EXITING THE PARKING LOT. BOTH TIMES, I HAD TO STRUGGLE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP FROM HITTING OTHER CARS. I HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE WHERE OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR 2012 MODELS. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 13, 2017
DRIVING AND CAR WENT INTO POWER FAILURE MODE AND WRENCH DISPLAYED ON DASH DISPLAY. FOUND PAPERWORK ABOUT THROTTLE BODY SAFETY RECALL. DECIDED TO HAVE SAFETY RECALL 16S41 FUEL MODULE DONE ALSO SINCE IT WAS GOING IN FOR WORK. ON SEPT 5, 2017 TOOK TO KEYSTONE FORD CHAMBERSBURG 717-264-5104. AFTER BOTH REPAIRS DONE I WAS STARTING CAR TO LEAVE- HAD VERY LONG CRANK TIME. HAD SERVICE PERSON COME OUT TO HEAR AND HE SAID" SOUNDS LIKE YOUR STARTERS GOING BAD". LEFT FORD AND CAR CONTINUED WITH LONG CRANK TIMES- NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE THEY WORKED ON IT. TOOK BACK ON SEPT 8,2017- THEY FOUND NOTHING BUT SAID I NEEDED NEW FUEL PUMP $700.00. I COMPLAINED BECAUSE THEY HAD WORKED ON THE FUEL PUMP AND THEN IT WENT BAD!! CLAYTON BLACK OFFERED ME TO DO THE FIEL PUMP FOR $509 AND NO COST FOR LABOR. ALSO IF NOT FIXED DON'T HAVE TO PAY FOR WORK DONE. WENT TO PARSON'S INTERSTATE FORD SHIPPENSBURG FOR 2ND OPINION. THEY SAID THEY COULD DO THE FUEL PUMP FOR $474 WHICH INCLUDED LABOR! WHEN PARSON'S REMOVED THE FUEL PUMP THEY SAID A RING WAS LOOSE AND WOULD HAVE EVENTUALLY LEAKED GAS- WOULD HAVE BEEN DANGEROUS. KEYSTONE DIDN'T HAVE IT ON CORRECTLY! I WANT KEYSTONE TO PAY FOR THE FUEL PUMP REPAIR THEY CAUSED THE DAMAGE TO- $499.
Steering, Oct 3, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALLAN VIGIL FORD OF FAYETTEVILLE INC (275 GLYNN ST N, FAYETTEVILLE, GA 30214, (770) 461-1151) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 3, 2017
THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REDUCES SPEED CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL! AT ANY GIVEN TIME, THE CAR STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD OR HIGHWAY AND WHILE HOLDING UP TRAFFIC, I TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE CAR RESUMES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND MUST BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY!
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 26, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V777000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER (MARITIME FORD-LINCOLN, 1305 FRANKLIN STREET, MANITOWOC, WI 54220) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATES 12/13/2017 *LN *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 22, 2017
2012 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FUEL DELIVERY MODULE SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL REPAIR EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. UPDATED 09/22/2017*JS
Other or unspecified, Sep 7, 2017
SHIFTER ON VEHICLE WON'T ENGAGE FROM PARK TO REVERSE
Structure, Aug 29, 2017
2012 FORD ESCAPE VIN # [XXX] REAR WINDOW HINGES CORRODED. PICTURES ATTACHED OF CORRODED HINGES BOTH SIDES -ONE WORSE THAN THE OTHER PARKED MY CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY .... LATER WENT OUT TO RUN ERRAND AND THE WINDOW WAS OFF. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND CORROSION AT BOTH HINGES CAUSING ONE SIDE OF WINDOW TO DROP OFF. TODAY REVIEWING INTERNET COMPLAINTS I SEE THIS IS A FREQUENT PROBLEM. ONE DEALERSHIP ADMITTED PROBLEM IS COMMON AND ANOTHER DEALERSHIP SAID NOT A COMMON PROBLEM BUT WE SELL QUITE A FEW HINGES. IS THIS PROBLEM NOT BEING REPORTED BECAUSE INDIVIDUALS BUY THE LOW COST REPLACEMENT HINGES AND REPAIR THIS ON THEIR OWN? WOULD APPRECIATE A REVIEW OF THESE COMPLAINTS AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH POTENTIAL FOR SERIOUS INJURY TO CHILDREN AND ADULTS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 25, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT'S FATHER OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT'S FATHER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V777000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED IMPERIAL CARS AT (800) 526-2886 (LOCATED AT 8-18 UXBRIDGE RD, MENDON, MA 01756) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 10/26/17*LJ *JS
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 25, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V777000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Structure, Aug 19, 2017
MY VEHICLE IS RUSTING AND ROTTING. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS WITH THIS MATTER. I HAVE ALSO BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP AT THE DEALERSHIP AGREED THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING AND ADVISED ME TO CONTACT CORPORATE SINCE HE NEEDED THEIR APPROVAL TO REMEDY THE ISSUE. I WAS INFORMED BY CORPORATE THAT SINCE MY 3-YEAR WARRANTY EXPIRED, I WAS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REPAIR. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. HOW IS IT THAT MY VEHICLE, THAT WAS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD, IS RUSTING AND ROTTING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE? THE VEHICLE IS PROPERLY MAINTAINED AS WELL AS GARAGE KEPT.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 17, 2017
WHILE DRIVING UPHILL ON A BRIDGE ON A CITY STREET AT 40 MPH ENGINE SUDDENLY QUIT AND ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON. NO PREVIOUS DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE SHUT DOWN. COASTED TO A PARKING LOT. ENGINE WOULD TURN OVER BUT NOT START. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER. FORTUNATELY NO TRAFFIC AT TIME, BUT IF I HAD BEEN ON EXPRESSWAY OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THE RESULT COULD HAVE BEEN WRECKS AND FATALITIES. DEALER SAID IT WAS A FUEL PUMP PROBLEM. I ATTACHED THE REPAIR REPORT WITH PERSONAL INFO HIDDEN. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL BEFORE SOME GETS INJURED AS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IF OCCURS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 15, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V777000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO BALISE FORD OF CAPE COD (90 HIGH SCHOOL RD, HYANNIS, MA 02601) WHO STATED THAT PARTS HAD NOT YET BEEN SENT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 15, 2017
MY 2012 FORD ESCAPE WAS RECALLED OCTOBER OF '16. TO DATE, I HAVE RECEIVED NOTHING FROM FORD IN REFERENCE TO NHTSA RECALL #16V777 AND ACCORDING TO THE RECALL, IT HAS NO REMEDY YET. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SAFETY RECALL HAS A BIRTHDAY WITHOUT A REMEDY? WE'RE SUPPOSED TO ALLOW TIME FOR THINGS TO BE RESOLVED, BUT REALLY??? THIS IS A SAFETY RECALL ISN'T IT? THIS IS TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM BURSTING INTO FLAMES DUE TO A POORLY DESIGNED FUEL MODULATOR FAILURE RIGHT?
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 11, 2017
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE CAUSING ISSUES WITH TRANSMISSION, SHIFTING. MECHANIC SAID TRANSMISSION IS STARTING IN 5TH GEAR. JERKS VERY HARD WHEN PUT IN REVERSE. UPON GOING 45 MPH ENGINE REVS TO 3 RPM. CANNOT TAKE OFF FAST, VERY SLOW MOVING.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 8, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V777000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER (FORD OF OCALA, 2816 N. PINE AVENUE, OCALA, FL 34475) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.