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
- 602
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
23% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 602 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 996 |
| 2002 | 1,027 |
| 2003 | 558 |
| 2004 | 499 |
| 2005 | 1,394 |
| 2006 | 464 |
| 2007 | 254 |
| 2008 | 1,974 |
| 2009 | 1,692 |
| 2010 | 2,070 |
| 2011 | 1,316 |
| 2012 | 602 |
| 2013 | 2,748 |
| 2014 | 2,086 |
| 2015 | 1,083 |
| 2016 | 1,116 |
| 2017 | 2,688 |
| 2018 | 1,806 |
| 2019 | 590 |
| 2020 | 1,600 |
| 2021 | 346 |
| 2022 | 233 |
| 2023 | 99 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 25 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Steering
23% · 139 reportsMost commonly citing electric power assist system.
Show 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, 2017-11-16
The power steering failed unexpectedly. I am not sure what the problem is but there is fluid all over the wheel well. I see that the was a recal on the power steering. How can I find out why my car was not included?
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-29
I started the truck and began to back out of my parking spot but the steering was so stiff I couldn't turn so I shut it off. After about 3 minutes I stated it up and the steering was fine. The.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-26
Fuel/propulsion system
23% · 137 reportsEngine
12% · 73 reportsVehicle speed control
11% · 69 reportsShow 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, 2017-11-22
Structure
11% · 68 reportsMost commonly citing body and frame and members.
Show complaint excerpts
Sun roof is leaking into the passenger compartment. Car was typically parked under cover and not driven in inclement wether. Drain hose was found not to be clogged however water is leaking into the passenger compartment.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-19
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2012-10-02Defect petitionClosed 2013-02-21 Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
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2013-02-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2014-02-28 Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
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2015-05-20Suspension15E045000 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.
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2017-11-06Fuel system, gasoline16V777000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 139 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 137 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 73 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 15E045000 · Suspension
- Recall 16V777000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 steering, 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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.