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ProblemsByVin File / 2012-FORD-ESCAPE
2012 · ford

ford Escape problems

2 safety recalls. 596 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
135 reports · avg $700
moderate
powertrain
61 reports · avg $2,500
severe
body
52 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
cruise control
49 reports · avg $600
severe
engine
33 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
electrical
29 reports · avg $850
moderate
fuel system
25 reports · avg $1,200
moderate
airbags
20 reports · avg $1,100
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 Escape · powertrain
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR, CAME TO A STOP SIGN, STOPPED AND PROCEEDED TO PRESS GAS AND TURN INTO LANE. THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD AND ALMOST STALLED. IT DID NOT STOP RUNNING HOWEVER IT WOULD ONLY MOVE APPROX 1 MPH. JUST ENOUGH TO PULL OF ROAD AND PARK. WHEN I RESTARTED, THE ENGINE WAS…
12/30/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10557672.0
2012 Escape · visibility
GOING TO WORK EARLY (6:35AM) MONDAY MORNING, DRIVING AROUND 35-40MPH, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDENLY I HEAR A BIG BOOM AND THE SOUND OF SOMETHING BEING SPLATTER AND HITTING THE BACK OF MY HEAD. THE NEXT THING I KNOW I FEEL A BIG GUST OF COLD AIR IN THE CAR AND WHEN I LOOK THROUGH MY…
12/29/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10668907.0
2012 Escape · steering
ON OCTOBER 26, 2018, I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WAITING TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I PROCEEDED TO MAKE MY TURN, MY WHEEL WAS TIGHT AND LOCKED INTO ONE POSITION. IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STRAIGHTEN IT OUT. I DROVE ABOUT ONE MILE BEFORE I…
12/27/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11163631.0
2012 Escape · powertrain
AFTER SLOWING DOWN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC I FELT A JOLT OR THRUST FORWARD. WHEN I LOOKED AT THE DASHBOARD I NOTICED THE WRENCH LIGHT WAS LIT. I TRIED TO GIVE THE CAR GAS AND IT WENT NO WHERE. I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND LOOK UP THE LIGHT IN THE OWNER'S…
12/27/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10557429.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 16V777000 26/10/2016

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

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 15E045000 03/06/2015

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

Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2012 Ford Escape reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 596 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Ford Escape has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2012 Ford Escape?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 135 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Ford Escape has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Ford Escape?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 596 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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