2012 Ford Escape Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller
2012 Ford Escape Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2012 Ford Escape has 785 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve fuel/propulsion system and steering.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

Based on 785 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

136 17.3%

STEERING

133 16.9%

ENGINE

72 9.2%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

68 8.7%

POWER TRAIN

63 8%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, accounting for 17.3% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 51 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2012 Ford Escape

The 2012 Ford Escape has 785 owner complaints in this dataset. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 17% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2012 Ford Escape are FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (136), STEERING (133), ENGINE (72).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 473 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2012 Ford Escape?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 30 of 30 systems

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

46 Reports18% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE WHILE ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD DECELERATE WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. UPDATED 03/16/12*LJ UPDATED 05/03/12

2/24/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 20 MPH SHE ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR BUT RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE GEARS THEN ENGAGED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD. AFTER DEPRESSING AND HOLDINGTHE ACCELERATOR DOWN, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS TO REPLICATE IT TWICE WHILE TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,100. UPDATED 11/07/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE THERE A DEFINITE STRONGHESITATION AROUND 20 MPH. THERE WAS ALSO A PROBLEM AT HIGHER SPEEDS.

10/11/2012

44 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

42 Reports17% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS 55-60 AND THEN COASTING COMING TO A STOP, ONCE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION HITS AROUND 35-40...VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTS EXTREMELY HARD...CALLED DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THIS WAS NORMAL BEHAVIOR...I'VE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE BEHAVE LIKE THIS AND WOULD NOT CONSIDER THAT NORMAL.. *TR

8/27/2012

PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN FEB 2012...DRIVE IT AN HR OR SO 1 WAY EVERYDAY TO WORK...IN JULY STARTED TO NOTICE IT WOULD LAG WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS...AT START AND IN BETWEEN GEARS. TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE THEY HAD IT FOR LESS THEN 3 HRS AND SAID THEIR WAS NOTHING WRONG BUT RESET THE TRANSMISSION COMPUTER PROBLEM SHOULD GO AWAY. IT GOT WORSE TOOK IT BACK 2 WKS LATER FOR SAME ISSUE TRANSMISSION TECH DROVE IT WITH ME IN THE CAR, FOUND NO ISSUE...TOOK IT BACK 3 WKS LATE SAME ISSUE A DIFFERENT PERSON TOLD ME THAT'S NOT NORMAL THEY DROVE IT SAID THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE ISSUE BUT FORD SAYS IT'S NORMAL FOR A HARD SHIFT ON A COLD START. I WILL BE TAKING IT BACK NOW FOR A 4TH TIME TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT......CAR HARD SHIFTS NOT JUST ON COLD START AND IF THIS WAS THE CASE I WOULD HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE FROM DAY 1 NOT 5 MONTHS INTO DRIVING........THIS DOES NOT FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE BUT I AM TOLD I HAVE TO GET USED TO IT...... *TR

9/20/2012

40 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

40 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE WAS BEING PREPARED TO BACK OUT OF LEVEL GARAGE ONTO DRIVEWAY WITH MILD DOWNHILL SLOPE. VEHICLE WAS STARTED, EMERGENCY BRAKE RELEASED AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PLACED IN REVERSE, DRIVER'S FOOT ENGAGED BRAKE. DRIVER REALIZED WALLET WITH DRIVER'S LICENSE WAS LEFT INSIDE HOUSE. TRANSMISSION PLACED IN PARK, DRIVER REMOVED FOOT FROM BRAKE AND EXITED VEHICLE. VEHICLE NOT NOTED TO BE MOVING WHEN DRIVER EXITED. DRIVER ENTERED HOUSE THROUGH GARAGE ENTRY, RETRIEVED WALLET. WHEN GARAGE WAS RE-ENTERED VEHICLE WAS BACKING OUT OF GARAGE ONTO DRIVEWAY ON ITS OWN. DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO CATCH UP TO VEHICLE ON FOOT AND ATTEMPT TO REGAIN CONTROL. VEHICLE BACKED DOWN FULL LENGTH OF DRIVEWAY (APPROX. 100 FEET) AND BACKED ACROSS ROAD AND DOWN FAIRLY STEEP EMBANKMENT ON OTHER SIDE OF ROAD. VEHICLE THEN BACKED INTO A LARGE TREE ABOUT 10-15 FEET FROM ROAD AND ABRUPTLY STOPPED, AND AN ADJACENT TREE WAS SIDE-SWIPED BY THE REAR/LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. NO PROPERTY DAMAGE OCCURRED, SCANT DAMAGE TO 2 LARGE TREES. DRIVER ASSESSED THE DAMAGE, RE-ENTERED THE VEHICLE. DRIVER CANNOT DEFINITIVELY RECALL WHAT GEAR THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN WHEN VEHICLE WAS RE-ENTERED. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO RE-START THE VEHICLE AND MOVE IT ACROSS THE ROAD AND BACK ONTO DRIVEWAY. *TR

6/24/2012

WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS 55-60 AND THEN COASTING COMING TO A STOP, ONCE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION HITS AROUND 35-40...VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTS EXTREMELY HARD...CALLED DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THIS WAS NORMAL BEHAVIOR...I'VE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE BEHAVE LIKE THIS AND WOULD NOT CONSIDER THAT NORMAL.. *TR

8/27/2012

38 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

20 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL CAP WAS MISSING FROM THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONTACT WOULD REFUEL, HE COULD SMELL AN OVERPOWERING GASOLINE FUEL ODOR BEING EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE BY THE TIME HE REACHED HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE NEWER FORD ESCAPE MODELS WERE BEING MANUFACTURED WITHOUT A FUEL CAP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

11/2/2012

VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS FREEWAY SPEEDS. PRESSING ALL THE WAY DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL THE VEHICLE RECOVERS ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AT 325 MI. ON THE ODOMETER AND "NO VEHICLE PROBLEM FOUND". VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED EIGHT FREEWAY INCIDENTS OF STALLS IN 3908 MI.ON THE ODOMETER, THE STALLS HAVE OCCURRED AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS OR VEHICLE MANEUVERS. *TR

2/6/2013

18 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

13 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND IT BECMAE EXTREMELY DIFFICUTL FOR THE CONTACT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WOULD LOOK INTO THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 235. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

11/8/2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING STOPPED FUNCTIONING WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT HIM AT A LATER DATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 468.

5/2/2012

11 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

13 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 75 MPH WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF SENSOR ILLUMINATED WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

12/12/2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED HEAD INJURIES AND A CRACKED STERNUM. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800.

1/12/2012

11 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

11 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE WAS BEING PREPARED TO BACK OUT OF LEVEL GARAGE ONTO DRIVEWAY WITH MILD DOWNHILL SLOPE. VEHICLE WAS STARTED, EMERGENCY BRAKE RELEASED AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PLACED IN REVERSE, DRIVER'S FOOT ENGAGED BRAKE. DRIVER REALIZED WALLET WITH DRIVER'S LICENSE WAS LEFT INSIDE HOUSE. TRANSMISSION PLACED IN PARK, DRIVER REMOVED FOOT FROM BRAKE AND EXITED VEHICLE. VEHICLE NOT NOTED TO BE MOVING WHEN DRIVER EXITED. DRIVER ENTERED HOUSE THROUGH GARAGE ENTRY, RETRIEVED WALLET. WHEN GARAGE WAS RE-ENTERED VEHICLE WAS BACKING OUT OF GARAGE ONTO DRIVEWAY ON ITS OWN. DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO CATCH UP TO VEHICLE ON FOOT AND ATTEMPT TO REGAIN CONTROL. VEHICLE BACKED DOWN FULL LENGTH OF DRIVEWAY (APPROX. 100 FEET) AND BACKED ACROSS ROAD AND DOWN FAIRLY STEEP EMBANKMENT ON OTHER SIDE OF ROAD. VEHICLE THEN BACKED INTO A LARGE TREE ABOUT 10-15 FEET FROM ROAD AND ABRUPTLY STOPPED, AND AN ADJACENT TREE WAS SIDE-SWIPED BY THE REAR/LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. NO PROPERTY DAMAGE OCCURRED, SCANT DAMAGE TO 2 LARGE TREES. DRIVER ASSESSED THE DAMAGE, RE-ENTERED THE VEHICLE. DRIVER CANNOT DEFINITIVELY RECALL WHAT GEAR THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN WHEN VEHICLE WAS RE-ENTERED. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO RE-START THE VEHICLE AND MOVE IT ACROSS THE ROAD AND BACK ONTO DRIVEWAY. *TR

6/24/2012

THERE IS A VERY BAD REFLECTION OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASH VENT PRESENT IN THE SIDE MIRROR. THE DASH VENT IS TRIMMED IN CHROME AND AS A RESULT IT REFLECTS IN THE MIRROR BLOCKING THE VIEW OF TRAFFIC ALONG THE DRIVER'S SIDE. *TR

10/19/2012

9 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

11 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN THE VEHICLE STALLED - THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON - I PUT IT IN PARK TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND RESTARTED - I DROVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP - THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT VERIFY THE CONCERN - THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT. *TR

2/25/2013

ON THE WAY TO WORK AT 7PM, THE BACK HATCH BEGAN RANDOMLY LOCKING AND UNLOCKING AND OPENED SLIGHTLY. AFTER WORK THE NEXT MORNING AT 8AM, THE BACK HATCH UNLOCKED AND OPENED WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY ROAD AT 10MPH. I CONTACTED AIRPORT FORD IN FLORENCE, KY AND THEY STATED NEVER HEARING OF THIS HAPPENING WITH ANOTHER ESCAPE. *TR

3/25/2014

9 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING ABOVE 50MPH, GET A LOUD THUD, THUD, SOUND. ALONG WITH A CHANGE IN INTERIOR PRESSURE, OR REAR WHEEL PROBLEM. SLIGHT VIBRATION NOTICED. SOUND RELLY HURTS EARS HAVE TO REDUCE SPEED BELOW 50 MPH. DEALER HAS FAILED TO MAKE AN IN DEPTH INSPECTION OR TEST DRIVE SUV. FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS INDICATED THIS IS WITHIN NORMAL OPERATING SPECIFICATIONS (MORE OR LESS). CURRENTLY PAYING FOR A SO CALLED TOP RTAED FORD PRODUCT. BUT I CAN NOT ENJOY THE FULL CAPACITY OF IT. MORE THAN 30 YEARS OF BUYING A FORD PRODUCT.

3/29/2012

AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT MY CAR STALLED OUT AND DIED COMPLETELY.

6/6/2015

4 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE WHILE ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD DECELERATE WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. UPDATED 03/16/12*LJ UPDATED 05/03/12

2/24/2012

1. WHILE HIGHWAY CRUISING AT CONSTANT SPEED, ENGINE SUDDENLY DROPPED TO IDLE SPEED AND VEHICLE SLOWED RAPIDLY, UNTIL GAS PEDAL WAS LIFTED AND PRESSED DOWN AGAIN. ENGINE HESITATED AND SURGED. PROCESSED KEPT REPEATING AT VARIABLE INTERVALS. 2. TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY HESITATES EXCESSIVELY ON FIRST TO SECOND UPSHIFT WHILE ENGINE DROPS TO IDLE SPEED. BOTH PROBLEMS ARE INTERMITTENT, NEITHER IS REGULAR OR CONSTANT. DEALER SAYS NOTHING WRONG AND NO FAULT CODES ARE RECORDED. PROBLEM #1 IS VERY INFREQUENT . PROBLEM #2 MUCH MORE COMMON. BOTH MIGHT BE RELATED TO SUMMER TEMPERATURES, ESPECIALLY #1.

10/13/2012

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SEAT BELTS

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WHEN A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT TIGHTEN. THE REAR OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT FRACTURED AS A RESULT OF THE CRASH. THE POLICE ARRIVED ON SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE AND TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER REPAIRED NOR INSPECTED FOR THE AIR BAG, SEAT BELT AND SEAT FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,595.

3/21/2012

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A REAR PASSENGER ATTEMPTED TO UTILIZE THE SEAT BELT BUT THE ENTIRE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY FRACTURED FROM THE SOCKET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE RENTAL COMPANY WHERE THEY WERE INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT COULD NOT VERIFY IF ANYTHING HAD BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,017.

1/2/2013

3 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE CREATED A REFLECTION ON THE WINDSHIELD AND AFFECTED HIS VISION. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED DURING SUNNY WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

6/15/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER ONLY HAD TWO SPEEDS SETTINGS AND WOULD NOT COMPLETELY CLEAR THE WINDOW WHEN DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. *TR

4/19/2013

3 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON 2/29/2012. I PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AFTER RETURNING FROM WORK THE FOLLOWING DAY (3/1/2012). I WAS SITTING IN THE VEHICLE WITH THE IGNITION OFF, WHILE TALKING ON THE PHONE. THE CAR SAT IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES WHILE OFF AND STATIONARY. THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS AROUND 35-40 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. SUDDENLY, THE REAR WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED, AND GLASS WAS DISTRIBUTED BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE WERE CALLED, TO INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBILITY OF SOMEONE THROWING OR SHOOTING A PROJECTILE AT THE WINDOW. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED, AND NO EVIDENCE OF HUMAN INVOLVEMENT WAS FOUND. THERE WERE NO PROJECTILES OR ITEMS IN THE VICINITY THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE WINDOW TO BREAK. I WAS IN THE VEHICLE WHEN IT HAPPENED, AND THE NOISE WAS VERY LOUD. AFTER SHATTERING, THE WINDOW SUPPORTS WERE IN THE EXTENDED POSITION OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE REAR WIPER ASSEMBLY REMAINED IN IT'S ORIGINAL POSITION. ALL OF THE GLASS EXCEPT SMALL AMOUNTS AROUND THE HINGES AND WIPER ASSEMBLY WERE SHATTERED. I SUSPECT THAT A DEFECT IS TO BLAME, CAUSING THE WINDOW TO SPONTANEOUSLY BREAK IN THIS MANNER. *TR

3/2/2012

THERE IS A VERY BAD REFLECTION OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASH VENT PRESENT IN THE SIDE MIRROR. THE DASH VENT IS TRIMMED IN CHROME AND AS A RESULT IT REFLECTS IN THE MIRROR BLOCKING THE VIEW OF TRAFFIC ALONG THE DRIVER'S SIDE. *TR

10/19/2012

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SEATS

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WHEN A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT TIGHTEN. THE REAR OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT FRACTURED AS A RESULT OF THE CRASH. THE POLICE ARRIVED ON SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE AND TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER REPAIRED NOR INSPECTED FOR THE AIR BAG, SEAT BELT AND SEAT FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,595.

3/21/2012

ON 3/23/13 MY HUSBAND AND I WERE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN WHEN A PERSON HIT US FROM BEHIND AT ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR, WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE FRONT SEATS BROKE AND FELL INTO A LAYING POSITION. THIS GAVE NEITHER MY HUSBAND NOR ME ANY SUPPORT FOR OUR BACKS. I WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE AND MY HUSBAND DROVE THERE. WE FOUND OUT THAT I HAD A HERNIATION ABOVE MY ALREADY FUZED BACK. MY HUSBAND WAS PERFECTLY HEALTHY BUT AFTER THE ACCIDENT, HE HAS NOW A CRACKED VERTEBRAE AND 2 HERNIATED DISKS. *TR

8/15/2013

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THE PEDAL ABRUPTLY EXTENDED PARTIALLY TO THE FLOOR FOR A BRIEF MOMENT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60. UPDATED 08/28/12*LJ UPDATED 08/28/12. *JB

7/18/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH, THE BRAKES, TRACTION CONTROL AND POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER TO BE RESTARTED AND IT BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. ... UPDATED 02/28/13 *BF

12/18/2012

2 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THERE ARE THREE ISSUES WITH THE CAR THAT MAKE IT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. WHEN IT'S SUNNY, THE PLASTIC COVERING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (ON THE BOTTOM LEFT AND RIGHT) REFLECTS SUNLIGHT BACK INTO THE DRIVERS EYES. THE MOLDING SURROUNDING THE GEAR SHIFTER IS METALLIC LOOKING AND ALSO REFLECTS LIGHT BACK INTO THE DRIVERS EYES. THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT TINTED AND MAKES THE REFLECTION WORSE. ALSO THE VISOR CAN'T BE USED BECAUSE IT HITS THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WHEN MOVED. *TR

7/16/2013

2012 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN CONCERN REGARDING LETTER RECEIVED ABOUT THROTTLE BODY FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE REAR TAILGATE WINDOW HAD TO BE REPLACED 3 TIMES, DUE TO A LEAK. *JB

5/1/2014

1 more complaint is available in this category.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE WHILE ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD DECELERATE WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. UPDATED 03/16/12*LJ UPDATED 05/03/12

2/24/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 20 MPH SHE ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR BUT RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE GEARS THEN ENGAGED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD. AFTER DEPRESSING AND HOLDINGTHE ACCELERATOR DOWN, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS TO REPLICATE IT TWICE WHILE TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,100. UPDATED 11/07/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE THERE A DEFINITE STRONGHESITATION AROUND 20 MPH. THERE WAS ALSO A PROBLEM AT HIGHER SPEEDS.

10/11/2012

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

1. WHILE HIGHWAY CRUISING AT CONSTANT SPEED, ENGINE SUDDENLY DROPPED TO IDLE SPEED AND VEHICLE SLOWED RAPIDLY, UNTIL GAS PEDAL WAS LIFTED AND PRESSED DOWN AGAIN. ENGINE HESITATED AND SURGED. PROCESSED KEPT REPEATING AT VARIABLE INTERVALS. 2. TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY HESITATES EXCESSIVELY ON FIRST TO SECOND UPSHIFT WHILE ENGINE DROPS TO IDLE SPEED. BOTH PROBLEMS ARE INTERMITTENT, NEITHER IS REGULAR OR CONSTANT. DEALER SAYS NOTHING WRONG AND NO FAULT CODES ARE RECORDED. PROBLEM #1 IS VERY INFREQUENT . PROBLEM #2 MUCH MORE COMMON. BOTH MIGHT BE RELATED TO SUMMER TEMPERATURES, ESPECIALLY #1.

10/13/2012

ACCELERATING FROM A DEAD STOP ENGINE CUTS OUT. *TR

8/1/2014

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THERE WAS AN UNEXPECTED HESITATION AS THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SURGE FORWARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE MALFUNCTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77. UPDATED 1/15/13* CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED ON 12/13/12. HIS RIGHT FOOT WAS TOUCHING THE SIDE OF THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL.

12/12/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS ENTERING A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED BUT THE PEDAL FAILED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A RESIDENTIAL DECK. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY HOWEVER, THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,276. UPDATED 9/4/14*CN

7/30/2014

SUSPENSION

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHOCKS ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE MADE NOISES WHENEVER A POTHOLE WAS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE SHOCKS WERE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE GOING SEND THE SHOCKS TO FORD'S ENGINEERS TO BE INSPECTED SINCE THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,000. *TR

4/5/2013

PLEASE FORWARD TO APPROPRIATE PERSONNEL, ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 14TH AT ~5:45PM A CLEAR DAY: OUR MOM/MOTHER IN-LAW HAD JUST DROPPED OF MY DAUGHTER AFTER SHOPPING AND WAS MAKING HER WAY HOME THRU THE WINDY BACK ROADS LESS THAN TWO MILES FROM OUR HOME. AS SHE CLIMBED A HILL A FEW BLOCKS AROUND THE CORNER FROM HER HOME AND STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN ON THE CREST OF THE HILL. THE 2012 FORD ESCAPED LURCHED/SURGED FORWARD UNCONTROLLABLY. AS FROM HER DESCRIPTION, SHE HEARD LOUD RUMBLINGS COMING FROM THE ENGINE; THE ESCAPE SHOOK AND LAUNCHED HER FORWARD WHILE SHE HAD HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE ESCAPE PROPELLED HER UNCONTROLLABLY FORWARD CRASHING INTO A LARGE BOULDER, SHE THEN RICOCHETED ACROSS TWO LANES UP HILL, OVER AN EMBANKMENT /WALL, JUST MISSING A TREE, COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE PUSHING IT APPROXIMATELY THREE FEET, PASSED THAT INTO ANOTHER SMALL WALL JUST MISSING THE HOUSE. WE ARE THANKFUL ON MANY LEVELS; THAT OUR DAUGHTER WAS NOT WITH HER, THAT OUR MOM WAS NOT SEVERELY INJURED AND NO ONE ELSE WAS INJURED. I WAS RESEARCHING ONLINE AND THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION OPEN FOR THIS VEHICLE AT ONE TIME. A RECALL IS NEEDED FOR THIS VEHICLE MODEL BEFORE THERE IS A FATALITY INVOLVED. WE ARE VERY CONCERNED KNOWING THAT MANY OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS DRIVE ESCAPE MODELS. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS. WE HAVE MANY PICTURES FROM THE SCENE FOR YOU TO REVIEW. KIND REGARDS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

8/19/2014

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH, THE BRAKES, TRACTION CONTROL AND POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER TO BE RESTARTED AND IT BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. ... UPDATED 02/28/13 *BF

12/18/2012

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS BLOWING WARM AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE CONDENSER EXHIBITED A HOLE AND WAS LEAKING COOLING FLUID. THE CONDENSER WAS UNPROTECTED AND EXPOSED, ALLOWING ROAD DEBRIS TO ENTER AND PUNCTURE THE CONDENSER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY OFFERED TO COVER 50 PERCENT OF THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,000.

5/28/2013

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

ON THE WAY TO WORK AT 7PM, THE BACK HATCH BEGAN RANDOMLY LOCKING AND UNLOCKING AND OPENED SLIGHTLY. AFTER WORK THE NEXT MORNING AT 8AM, THE BACK HATCH UNLOCKED AND OPENED WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY ROAD AT 10MPH. I CONTACTED AIRPORT FORD IN FLORENCE, KY AND THEY STATED NEVER HEARING OF THIS HAPPENING WITH ANOTHER ESCAPE. *TR

3/25/2014

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

ON 6 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS DOOR LATCHES HAVE BEEN REPLACED, I'VE BEEN LOCKED IN AND OUT OF MY VEHICLE, MY HUSBAND IS DISABLE AND I HAD TO CLIMB THROUGH THE HATCH BACK TO GET DOORS TO OPEN. I AM AFRAID OF THIS VEHICLE, IF IT CATCHES FIRE WILL I GET OUT? I FEEL THIS IS A DEATH TRAP AND FORD IS JUST SOOTHING MY FEATHERS TO KEEP ME HAPPY. ALSO, I WAS SOLD A 2012 4X4 VEHICLE, HOWEVER MY VEHICLE IS NOT A 4X4. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY GO BY VIN, THIS ONE IS WRONG! *TT

4/16/2014

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2012 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN CONCERN REGARDING LETTER RECEIVED ABOUT THROTTLE BODY FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE REAR TAILGATE WINDOW HAD TO BE REPLACED 3 TIMES, DUE TO A LEAK. *JB

5/1/2014

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HAVING REGULAR MAINTENANCE PERFORMED, THE TECHNICIAN NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT BRAKES WERE EXCESSIVELY CORRODED. AS A RESULT, BOTH FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,420. UPDATED 9/4/14*CN UPDATED 12/18/2014 *JS

7/16/2014

WHEELS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

6 STAINLESS STEEL LUG NUT COVERS WERE REMOVED BY DEALER DURING INSTALL OF 4 NEW TIRES. DEALER SAYS THIS IS A FORD ISSUE DUE TO DESIGN AND MILEAGE OF VEHICLE. I HAVE CHECKED YOUR DATABASE AND HAVE NOT SEEN ANY RECALLS ON THIS ISSUE. IS THIS A SAFETY CONCERN? THANKS *TR

3/26/2015

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

4/29/15 FORD VIOLATED THEIR NEW CAR WARRANTY COVERAGE, BY REFUSING TO REPAIR, THE DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS FILED IN COMPLAINT 10713581 . THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN HELD HOSTAGE AT INVER GROVE FORD, AGREED TO REPAIR ALL ITEMS IN THE AFOREMENTIONED COMPLAINT #10713581 . AS A DISABLED VETERAN, WITH A SICK SERVICE DOG, I HAVE NO ACCESS OR ABILITY TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. *TR

4/29/2015

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

4/29/15 FORD VIOLATED THEIR NEW CAR WARRANTY COVERAGE, BY REFUSING TO REPAIR, THE DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS FILED IN COMPLAINT 10713581 . THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN HELD HOSTAGE AT INVER GROVE FORD, AGREED TO REPAIR ALL ITEMS IN THE AFOREMENTIONED COMPLAINT #10713581 . AS A DISABLED VETERAN, WITH A SICK SERVICE DOG, I HAVE NO ACCESS OR ABILITY TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. *TR

4/29/2015

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR AN INSPECTION, THE VEHICLE FAILED DUE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAVING EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V165000 (STRUCTURE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.

6/11/2015

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2012 Ford Escape?

The most reported complaint category for the 2012 Ford Escape is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, with 136 owner reports. That is about 17% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, STEERING, ENGINE.

Are complaints about the 2012 Ford Escape a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 473 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2012 Ford Escape?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2012 Ford Escape severe?

473 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Ford Escape: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Complaint entries
785
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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