2012 Ford Escape
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 996 |
| 2002 | 1027 |
| 2003 | 558 |
| 2004 | 499 |
| 2005 | 1394 |
| 2006 | 464 |
| 2007 | 254 |
| 2008 | 1973 |
| 2009 | 1692 |
| 2010 | 2068 |
| 2011 | 1316 |
| 2012 | 598 |
| 2013 | 2744 |
| 2014 | 2077 |
| 2015 | 1073 |
| 2016 | 1092 |
| 2017 | 2664 |
| 2018 | 1774 |
| 2019 | 578 |
| 2020 | 1586 |
| 2021 | 335 |
| 2022 | 228 |
| 2023 | 95 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
23% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 137 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY23% of complaints: steering — 137 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing electric power assist system.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171116
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the contact made a right turn, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel became firm. No warning light was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230906
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20111108
12% of complaints: engine — 72 distinct reports on file.
CRASH12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 69 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE ENGINE UNEXPECTEDLY REVVED VERY HIGH BEFORE THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A TREE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171122
11% of complaints: structure — 67 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and frame and members.
CRASH FIRE INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
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...
Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 16V777000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (137 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (137 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (72 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15E045000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V777000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Ford Escape reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Ford Escape is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Escape?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Escape have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.