2012 Ford Escape: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 617 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (21% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 3 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Oct 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 617 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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. It happened the next day while I was driving and that was terrifying!!! It became extremely difficult to steer so I found the strength to turn and park. After turning the truck off and on it was fine.. Now the truck is in my driveway and the steering so stiff that I'll have to leave it.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2026
“Check engine light having a single code P2111 occurring after reduction of power. Vehicle looses power at varying speeds including highway speeds. I have not had it professionally diagnosed. In the process of replacing the I A C. My research indicates that the NHTSA is in the process of investigating complaints of this component malfunctioning across several Ford model vehicles. The abrupt loss of forward momentum is a serious hazard to myself, passengers and vehicles behind me. This has now occurred on about seven occasions since late September. I will no longer drive this vehicle until I replace and test drive the new I A C on or about October 1, 2026.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2026
“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. Staining the headliner seats and collecting on the floors. The date is the most recent occurrence. The water falls into the vehicle and can short or cause fire to occur on the instrument panel, radio, shift mechanism, or HVAC control. This issue is documented on Ford vehicles containing the same component. Across different vehicles and model years. I believe a recall or TSB should be included on this vehicle.”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, there was a strong fuel-like odor entering the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2026
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel locked. The contact used force to turn the steering wheel while driving to the residence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who inspected the vehicle and retrieved DTC: B2278. The independent mechanic determined that the power steering control module and sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The sensor was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2025
“Took my mothers car to the Ford dealership for inspection. Upon inspection the mechanic told us that the subframe is rotted out and that it is not safe to drive which is why there was issues with steering and tire leaning due to control arm coming off subframe. This vehicle has been taken care of through out the years. My 70 year old mother could have been seriously injured if not dead. Never have i seen a sub frame rot like that on a car unless it was sitting for many years. Now the dealership wants 3,000 dollars to replace sub frame.”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2025
“I was driving approximately 35mph and the steering got extremely difficult. I had to use all my strength to try to turn the wheel. I pulled into a gas station parking lot, turned the car off, restarted the car and steering was back to normal. Has happened 2 times since. I had a mechanic friend look at it and he couldn't find a reason why it would do that.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2025
“In other year models the power steering sensor has been under recall. I have a 2012 ford escape. That randomly the power steering does out this part has been replaced twice with no ultimately fixing the issue. It's so dangerous when your driving 75 on the highway and the power steering goes out and the power heel jerks from your hands and you almost run off the road or run someone else off the road.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2025
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon driving into the garage, the steering wheel was significantly loose. The steering wheel then detached but was held together by the electrical wires. There was no warning light illuminated. A mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence. The mechanic determined that the upper steering column shaft had detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2025
“Driving at normal rate of speed, Power steering quits and almost lost control of vehicle. I had to struggle with steering to park vehicle away from traffic. Steering wheel becomes very stiff.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 40 of these complaints and injuries in 28 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Escape years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Escape by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Ford Escape reliable?
NHTSA has 617 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Ford Escape. The most complained-about area is steering (21% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 Ford Escape problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 59,000 miles or less.
Does the 2012 Ford Escape have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.