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, Dec 1, 2021
My power steering gave out while driving. Fortunately, I was going at a low speed. I researched recalls on the 2012 Ford Escape and found recalls for this same problem were only on Ford Escapes up to 2011.
Other or unspecified, Nov 12, 2021
The contact's mother owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her mother was at a standstill at a stop sign, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The driver towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the steering column to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,500.
Steering, Sep 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. He stated that while his wife was driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column assembly and power assist steering unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Steering, Sep 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel was stiff and difficult to turn. The failure almost caused a collision. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed as steering column failure and the steering column was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer suggested that the contact take the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 175,000.
Seat belts, Aug 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when he arrived to work and was attempting to exit the vehicle, the driver’s side seat belt failed to unlatch after several attempts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that he leaned the seat backward and crawled out of the seat. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact also stated that the hatchback also would not close securely. The contact stated that he disassembled the hatchback and attempted to repair the locking mechanism. The contact stated he was able to close the hatchback, but the hatchback would no longer open. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the fuel delivery module had expanded and leaked fuel while refueling. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel delivery system was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. After checking the VIN, the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V777000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 16,000.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 8, 2021
There is something not connecting right when you accelerate from a stopped position. From when you first start the car and begin to drive to slowing down to a complete stop as soon as you begin to accelerate there is almost no going right away when you push down on the pedal. It takes almost 10 seconds or more to even begin to stay with on coming traffic. You have to be at a 3 rpm to even shift to go a little more faster then the speed starts to increase if able. It is available when needed to look over at any point and I dont feel safe driving as theres something not right with the connection to the fuel I believe and it feels like. I have taken it to a local shop and they looked it over and didnt seem to find or see much but they cleaned the air flow meter but that didnt do the trick? Also while driving the car tends to veer to the left with or with no wind. It doesnt like to stay straight while driving and thats also unsafe as the driver your doing everything to stay straight. Have not been inspected by anyone other than the local shop I trust and is family friend. Have never noticed or seen any defective lights come on since I purchased the vehicle. I noticed this not even a month into purchasing and I took it to where I purchased the vehicle and asked about it and they said its normal in this older ford escape? I was kinda stunned and annoyed so I just left. Also when the ac is on it seems to take even more power to try and get going I have noticed. I also have tried to upload a photo of an invoice and my computer isnt allowing me?
Engine, Aug 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who attempted to repair the failure however, the failure recurred. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Wheels, Jul 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact purchased MOOG aftermarket lug nuts, Serial Number: 19112401H, Part Number: LK015 and LK016. The contact was unable to tighten the lug nuts. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000. Purchased MOOG parts LK015 and LK016 are wheel bearing/knuckle subassemblies which contain wheel lug nuts. Purchased through CARID.com. inspecting the torque of the lug nuts roughly 3,000 miles after install, the lug nuts were not able to be installed; the Wheel Studs had FAILED. My assessment as an aerospace engineer is that the studs had stretched to failure due to defective material used in manufacture of the studs. Luck is the only factor that caused this to be discovered when the vehicle was stopped and not resulting in a wheel falling off at highway speed. Immediate repairs were required at a cost of $575. Receipts available. CARID.com as well as MOOG were contacted and engineering expertise was offered to assist in correcting the issue. MOOG refused to answer my calls. MOOG repeatedly removed product reviews detailing unsafe materials used. CARID refused all solutions except replacement with the same unsafe parts. Multiple reviews removed from the CARID.com website detailing unsafe parts; documentation available. This refusal to address the problem and removal of reviews indicates willful endangerment of human life with unsafe critical components.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 21, 2021
12/3/2020 Recall 16S41-Fuel Delivery Module Flange Replacement was performed on vehicle at Ford Dealership. Upon starting the vehicle, I noticed a long crank & engine light was on. Technician advised the issue would resolve itself in a few days. It did not. 12/16/2020 Returned to Ford Dealership for for diagnostic of long crank & engine light. Techs determined there was a defect in the hose. According to them, they replaced the faulty part and issue was fixed. It was not. I was advised again, after some time the issue would be resolved. It was not. 05/5/21 Returned to Ford Dealership for diagnostic & repair of same. Techs advised they replaced a clamp, and that the fuel delivery module installed was defective(again) causing a leak down. They refused liability and advised I needed the fuel pump replaced at my own expense($628). I declined.
Structure, Jul 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that water entered the vehicle through an unknown opening in the trunk. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Steering, Jun 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his wife was driving at 35 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the electrical power steering became stiff. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's wife was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated when his wife turned off the vehicle and restarted it, she noticed the electrical power steering had loosened up. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated the failure had been recurring. The failure reoccurred today while driving. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 167,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 5, 2021
I have a 2012 Ford Escape what the following safety malfunctions: 1. Driver's door malfunction Driver's side door failed to close/ door lock ajar even when system door lock buttons are pressed. It first began June 1, 2021. Door flung open while driving my daughter and I to school and work. I had to hold the door with one hand and steer with other as this door malfunction posed a safety risk to others. Hazzard light for door is functioning when key is in ignition. I am in the process of contacting the dealer for inspection and servicing the vehicle. 2. Steering wheel Steering wheel will sometimes lock up while key is in ignition not long after starting the car. When this vehicle is in this state of condition, it will not turn and steering wheel will lock in place while in motion. Began noticing more of the occurrences February 2021. When this happens I immediately restart the vehicle by turning it off and then on again to unlock the steering wheel to drive in the direction I need to go. This poses a major risk to others, my 9 year old daughter and myself because it happens unexpectedly while car is in motion which can lead to incidents. 3. Check engine light Car warning light appears and then disappears on any occasion. Vehicle has passed Smog testing, and has previously been serviced for tune-up and oil changes regularly. (December 2019)
Seat belts, May 10, 2021, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT 20-35 MPH, WHEN HE CHOKED ON FOOD AND PASSED OUT, WHICH THEN CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT A TELEPHONE POLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT TIGHTENED TO STOP HER FROM GOING FORWARD TOWARDS THE DASHBOARD DURING THE COLLISION. THE CONTACT AND HER HUSBAND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND WERE TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING LOT AND DEEMED TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER CAR-MART OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK (6601 WARDEN RD, SHERWOOD, AR 7212) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, May 7, 2021
BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP FAILED DURING HIGHWAY DRIVE TO WORK. BRAKE PEDAL BECAME SOFT. STOPPING CAR BECAME DIFFICULT. AFTER BOOSTER PUMP WAS REPLACED, FRONT BRAKES BEGAN TO STICK CAUSING BRAKES TO OVERHEAT. ABS/HCU CONTROL MODULE ALSO REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. FORD DOES NOT CURRENTLY RECOGNIZE THIS PROBLEM A FREQUENTLY OCCURRING ISSUE.
Steering, May 3, 2021
THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING. IT DONT MATTER WHERE YOU ARE EITHER. SO IN ORDER FOR IT TO WORK AGAIN YOU HAVE TO PUT YOUR VEHICLE IN PARK TURN IT OFF WAIT AND RESTART IT. THERE ARE TIMES YOU HAVE DO DO THIS MULTIPLE TIMES. IT IS NOT SAFE TO LOSE YOUR ABILITY TO STEER WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS ISSUE WAS RECALLED ON 2008 TO 2011 BUT THE SAME PARTS WERE USED ON THE 2012. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN YOUR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A WHILE BUT IT JUST GETTING WORSE.
Steering, Apr 15, 2021
LOST POWER STEERING WHILE GOING DOWN HIGHWAY. TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON AND IT FIXED IT. RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM FOR THIS MAKE VEHICLE UP TO 2011 MODEL. SOME OF THE PARTS CARRIED OVER TO 2012. 2012 NEEDS RECALL ALSO. VERY DANGEROUS.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 11, 2021
AFTER THE FUEL LINE RECALL WAS REPAIRED IN 2020 THE ENGINE STUTTERS BEFORE IT CRANKS COMPLETELY. I REACHED OUT TO FORD AND THE ONLY THING THEY DID WAS OFFER 20 DOLLARS OFF THE DIAGNOSTIC FEE AT THE DEALERSHIP.
Steering, Apr 6, 2021
TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF. NO MAINTENANCE LIGHTS COME ON BUT MANAGED TO SLOWLY PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER. TURNED OFF VEHICLE FOR 5 MINS, THEN TURN BACK ON AND STEERING WAS WORKING AGAIN. LUCKILY I WAS JUST 2 MILES AWAY FROM MY DESTINATION. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THE YEAR/MAKE/MODEL. IT APPEARS THOUGH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL BUT DIFFERENT YEARS 2008-2011 WERE RECALLED FOR SAME THING. I AM TOTALLY TERRIFIED TO DRIVE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT MIGHT HAPPEN AGAIN WITHOUT ANY WARNING.
Structure, Mar 1, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS SEVERE RUST OVER THE TWO REAR WHEEL WELLS. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FLOOD FORD OF EAST GREENWICH (2545 S COUNTY TRAIL, EAST GREENWICH, RI 02818, (401) 884-4000) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ISSUE MIGHT HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE WINTER WEATHER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
Structure, Mar 1, 2021
OVER THE BACK WHEEL WELL BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. THEN IS RUST AND CORROSION THAT IS GETTING WORSE AND WORSE. BIG PIECES ARE BREAKING OFF MORE AND MORE EVERY DAY. I FEEL THERE IS SO FAILURE OR DETACHMENT OF EXTERIOR BODY AND FRAME COMPONENTS, AND OTHER STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS THAT MAY PRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD
Structure, Mar 1, 2021
OVER THE BACK WHEEL WELL BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. THEN IS RUST AND CORROSION THAT IS GETTING WORSE AND WORSE. BIG PIECES ARE BREAKING OFF MORE AND MORE EVERY DAY. I FEEL THERE IS SO FAILURE OR DETACHMENT OF EXTERIOR BODY AND FRAME COMPONENTS, AND OTHER STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS THAT MAY PRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD
Steering, Feb 20, 2021
VEHICLE IN MOTION PULLING IN PARKING LOT, UPON TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN TO A PARKING SPOT STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN RIGHT OR LEFT ALMOST FEELING AS IF IT WERE SEIZING UP. TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE ON THAT DATE, FEB. 10, 2021 WAS APPROXIMATELY 20-30 DEGREES. VEHICLE HAS 61,158 MILES. VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, ONCE RESTARTED STEERING WENT BACK TO NORMAL. FEARFUL THIS WILL AGAIN ESPECIALLY WHILE DRIVING ON MAIN ROADS IN TRAFFIC AND POSSIBLY GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT.
Steering, Feb 19, 2021
LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING.
Steering, Feb 10, 2021
WHILE DRIVING ON A COLD DAY (20-30 DEGREES), THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. THE CAR COULD BE STEERED WITH SOME DIFFICULTY BUT THERE DIDN'T APPEAR TO BE ANY POWER ASSIST AT ALL. NO WARNINGS OR ERROR MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED. SHUTTING OFF AND RESTARTING THE CAR CORRECTED THE PROBLEM, AT LEAST FOR NOW.