2012 FORD ESCAPE

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    steering electric assist

    68 unsafe

    68
    incidents
    Typical range: 73,500–142,500 mi

    Median 108,000 mi, based on 57 reports (31% had no usable mileage)

    • "DRIVING ON A OFF RAMP SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER STEERING NO WARNING MY YOUNG DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND COULD BARELY CONTROL/MANEUVER THE VEHICLE THIS IS CLEARLY A PROBLEM WITH FORD ESCAPE HENCE THE RECALL ON 2009-2011 MODELS WHY AREN'T THE 2012 MODELS INCLUDED,…"~11,200 mi, complaint #1708995
    • "MADE A COMPLETE STOP AT AN INTERSECTION AND EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOST OF POWER STEERING. CAN'T DRIVE VEHICLE, CAN'T STEER IT."~73,068 mi, complaint #1469732
    • "TURNED ON TO ON-RAMP TO HIGHWAY, POWERING STEERING FAILED. HARD TO TURN WHEEL TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND PULLED TO COMPLETE STOP AND TURNED OFF ENGINE. WAITED FIVE MINUTES AND TURN VEHICLE BACK ON AND POWER STEERING WAS WORKING ONCE AGAIN. DROVE HWY 14 MILES AND…"~99,000 mi, complaint #1514815
    • "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 i…"~121,000 mi, complaint #2144306
    • "LOST POWER STEERING WHILE GOING DOWN HIGHWAY. TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON AND IT FIXED IT. RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM FOR THIS MAKE VEHICLE UP TO 2011 MODEL. SOME OF THE PARTS CARRIED OVER TO 2012. 2012 NEEDS RECALL ALSO. VERY DANGEROUS."~170,000 mi, complaint #1741389
  2. #2

    engine stall or no start

    7 stranded, 44 unsafe

    51
    incidents
    Typical range: 24,500–74,000 mi

    Median 45,000 mi, based on 84 reports (9% had no usable mileage)

    • "ENGINE STALLS AND DOES NOT RESPOND AT DIFFERENT TIMES. *TR"~500 mi, complaint #968859
    • "VEHICLE LOST POWER ON HIGHWAY FOR APPROX 5-10 SECONDS, POWER CAME BACK SLOWLY AND THEN HAPPENED AGAIN A FEW MINUTES LATER FOR 5-10 SECONDS. DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR HAD NO EFFECT. *TR"~23,900 mi, complaint #1044207
    • "ENGINE DIED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN ONTO ANOTHER STREET. *TR"~43,500 mi, complaint #1140868
    • "ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, MY 2012 FORD ESCAPE HAS COMPLETELY SHUT OFF ON ME WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 40 MPH. I HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, ONE TIME ON A SIDE ROAD AND THE OTHER ON A HIGHWAY WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE, AND THEN TURN THE CAR OFF AND BA…"~68,000 mi, complaint #1424783
    • "The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle drove as designed. The contact stated that the “Stop Safely Now” messag…"~200,000 mi, complaint #1880058
  3. #3

    throttle and pedal

    1 stranded, 33 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    35
    incidents
    Typical range: 31,500–66,000 mi

    Median 43,000 mi, based on 65 reports (16% had no usable mileage)

    • "THE VEHICLE HAS LOST POWER ON 5 SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE IT WAS IN MOTION. TWICE ON SURFACE STREETS. TWICE WHILE ENTERING A FREEWAY ON-RAMP. ONCE WHILE ENTERING A DRIVEWAY. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY NOVEMBER 8, 2012. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT O…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1087716
    • "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 LI…"~36,749 mi, complaint #1028878
    • "MY CAR HAS STALLED ABOUT 10 TIMES WHILE DRIVING SINCE I BOUGHT IT ON HIGHWAY AND STREETS. SUDDENLY MOTOR DIES AND ITS SO DRAMATICALLY DANGEROUS DUE THAT I HAVE ONLY A FEW METERS TO MANEUVER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES AND GOES. I TOOK TO AUTOZONE AND THEY C…"~43,200 mi, complaint #1520731
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE CONTACT'S FOOT BECAME STUCK ON A PLASTIC PIECE THAT PROTRUDED OUTWARDS NEAR THE PEDAL. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO APPLY MORE PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAG…"~70,600 mi, complaint #1355004
    • "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 RESTART…"~460,900 mi, complaint #1029257
  4. #4

    other

    10 unsafe, 18 annoyance

    28
    incidents
    Typical range: 30,000–76,000 mi

    Median 58,500 mi, based on 27 reports (72% had no usable mileage)

    • "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 #107135…"~17,532 mi, complaint #1178778
    • "FORD I NEED HELP...MY SENIOR PARENTS JUST PURCHASED A 2012 FORD ESCAPE AND IT HAS AN INTERIOR CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK. AND WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE DEALER DOES NOT HAVE THE EQUIPMENT TO TEST FOR CARBON DIOXIDE LEAK. MY PARENT…"~35,000 mi, complaint #949634
    • "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? TH…"~58,483 mi, complaint #1169378
    • "NO ACTION YET ON A SAFETY RECALL ISSUED 8 MONTHS AGO- WHATS THE [XXX] HOLDUP? PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)."~80,000 mi, complaint #1378669
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE HOOD OPENED AND BLOCKED THE CONTACT'S VISION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE DEALER (MORRISTOWN FORD, [REDAC…"~140,000 mi, complaint #1452284
  5. #5

    fuel tank and lines

    22 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    25
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=18, median 77,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor detected around the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufactu…"~24,400 mi, complaint #1841249
    • "I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN JAN 2018 BUT THE FORD DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO OBTAIN THE PARTS NECESSARY TO MAKE THE REPAIR AS OF 5/8/18. THE RECALL STATES A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE INCREASES THE RISK OF A FIRE SO I AM VERY CONCERNED H…"~48,000 mi, complaint #1466781
    • "AFTER FILLING THE CAR WITH GAS THERE IS A VERY STRONG ODOR OF GAS IN MY GARAGE COMING FROM THE GAS FILL AREA OF THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPEN THE LAST 4 MONTHS AFTER FILLING WITH FUEL. I FILL THE CAR ONCE A MONTH."~62,400 mi, complaint #1353032
    • "OCCASIONALLY WHEN FUELING THE PUMP WILL STOP PREMATURELY. THE DASH WILL SAY IT'S FULL BUT 5 MILES LATER YOUR AT 3/4 TANK. AND TOPPING OFF IS ILLEGAL SO THERE'S NOT A WAY TO GET PAST IT. CAR WAS OFF, PARKED, AND NEXT TO A GAS STATION PUMP."~127,000 mi, complaint #1577488
    • "THERE IS FUEL LEAKING OUT FROM THE RECALLED LOCATION PART. FORD AND THE FORD DEALERSHIP ARE WAITING ON BACKORDERED PARTS WITH NO ETA FOR NEARLY 8 WEEKS SINCE WE FIRST REPORTED THE LEAK ON MARCH 5, 2018. THEY HAVE OFFERED NO LOANER CAR AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS…"~870,000 mi, complaint #1464406
  6. #6

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    23 unsafe

    23
    incidents
    Typical range: 4,000–69,000 mi

    Median 36,500 mi, based on 32 reports (18% had no usable mileage)

    • "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 INTE…"~1,750 mi, complaint #944383
    • "FORD ESCAPE LOST SPEED AND WAS MANUEVERABLE AT IDLE SPEED ONLY. REPAIR WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON. PUT HAZARD LIGHTS ON AND PULLED INTO NEARBY PARKING LOT AFTER ALMOST GETTING RUN IN TO BY ANOTHER CAR WHO DID NOT SLOW DOWN IN RESPONSE TO HAZARD LIGHTS. TURNED CAR OF…"~29,000 mi, complaint #1095030
    • "I PULLED OUT OF A POST OFFICE PARKING LOT ONTO A TWO LANE ROAD AND BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. MY VEHICLE STARTED SLOWING ON ITS OWN EVEN THOUGH I WAS PUSHING THE ACCELERATOR. IT WAS CREEPING ALONG, BARELY MOVING, AND WAS UNRESPONSIVE TO ME PUSHING THE ACCELERATOR.…"~41,000 mi, complaint #994311
    • "I WAS DRIVING MY ESCAPE ABOUT 15 MPH AND WENT TO ACCELERATE. WHEN I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL DOWN, THE TOTAL CAR DID NOTHING. I JUST HESITATED AND STUMBLED THEN FINALLY ACCELERATED. IT HAS DONE THIS SINCE NEW, BUT THOUGHT IT WAS JUST THE DRIVE BY WIRE SYSTEM THEY…"~69,016 mi, complaint #966180
    • "CHRONIC (MANY TIMES OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS) HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A LOW SPEED, AS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MERGE FROM A HIGHWAY ON-RAMP. ONLY A SECOND OR SO, BUT ENOUGH TO MAKE ACCELERATION UNCERTAIN AND UNPREDICTABLE CAUSING SEVERAL NEAR-MISS ACCIDENTS"~110,000 mi, complaint #1287614
  7. #7

    transmission automatic

    22 unsafe

    22
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=24, median 10,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "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 W…"~1,000 mi, complaint #936380
    • "TRANSMISSION ISSUE- I HAVE A 2012 FORD ESPAPE 6 CYLINDER. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT LOW SPEED (20MPH) THE VEHICLE SOUNDS LIKE IT IS NOT IN THE RIGHT GEAR, IT MAKES A NOISE AS IF IT WANTS TO CHANGE GEARS BUT CAN'T. WHEN YOU COME TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN OR…"~8,402 mi, complaint #978903
    • "THE TRANSMISSION IN MY ESCAPE SHIFTS BADLY. HAS A LAGGING UPSHIFT FROM STARTS AND A HARSH DOWNSHIFT WHEN COMING TO A STOP A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2012 ESCAPE FROM WHAT I HAVE READ. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TWICE SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG JUST THE WAY THE TRANSMISS…"~46,000 mi, complaint #1234081
    • "COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS RESULTS FOUND TRANSMISSION A-1 CELL DEFECTED IN TWO AREAS CAUSING MY 2012 F-ESCAPE LIMITED THE INABILITY TO SEND PROPER SIGNALS FOR THE ENGINE TO RECEIVE POWER/ENERGY NECESSARY TO DRIVE. TRANSMISSION IS STUCK IN 5TH GEAR. MY SUV HAS UNDER…"~57,000 mi, complaint #1624934
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO REVERSE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING GEARS, A POPPING NOISE WAS PRESENT AND THE VEHICLE JERKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSE…"~150,000 mi, complaint #1147280
  8. #8

    door latch and hinge

    18 unsafe, 1 broken, 2 annoyance

    21
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=21, median 72,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "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 TH…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1057317
    • "VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED (70MPH) WHEN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY HOOD LATCHES FAILED AND HOOD WAS BLOWN OPEN INTO THE WINDSHIELD. THIS WAS AFTER 5+ HOURS OF HIGHWAY TRAVEL WITHOUT ANY RECENT OPERATION OF THE INTERIOR HOOD LATCH RELEASE. EMERGENCY STOP…"~57,000 mi, complaint #1518826
    • "DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LATCH BROKE NOT ALLOWING ME TO CLOSE THE DOOR AT ALL. AFTER CONTACTING FORD MOTOR COMPANY I WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS MODEL YEARS 2013-2015 NOT INCLUDING 2012. I HAD THE PART REPLACED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP SINCE THIS IS A SAFET…"~72,000 mi, complaint #1381312
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPENED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKED ONCE IT WAS AT THE RESIDENCE…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1323025
    • "THE HOOD FLEW OPEN AFTER DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD I CHECKED THE OIL AND MADE SURE THE HOOD WAS CLOSED BY ATTEMPTING TO LIFT IT. I WAS ON THE ROAD FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES WHEN THE HOOD BLEW OPEN DAMAGING THE HOOD AND LATCHES IT WAS A WINDY DAY OUT MY SPEED WAS AROUND…"~160,000 mi, complaint #1654784
  9. #9

    corrosion and rust

    18 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    19
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 69,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "RUST PROBLEMS IN THE REAR QUARTER PANELS BOTH SIDES DRIVER AND PASSENGER. THE DEAL I WENT TO TOLD ME UPFRONT FORD HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH 2012 MODELS BUT WILL NOT REPAIR UNLESS RUST IS ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE PANELS. THIS IS DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURER'S PROBL…"~33,000 mi, complaint #1361679
    • "BODY PAINT PEELING AND RUST IN MULTIPLE AREAS INCLUDING WHEEL WELLS AND REAR CARGO DOOR SINCE 38K MILES. NOW AT 43K MILES MORE RUST IS VISIBLE. AT THIS POINT THE WARRANTY IS USELESS UNLESS RUST IS THROUGH BODY."~38,000 mi, complaint #1309767
    • "I HAVE OWNED THIS ESCAPE FOR A LITTLE OVER 5 YRS (OUT OF WARRANTY). I JUST NOTICED THIS WINTER THAT THE PAINT WAS BUBBLING AND PEELING OFF THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FENDER. THE INNER FENDER WELL (SAME SIDE) - THE METAL IS WARPED AND RUSTED. THE LIFT GATE ON…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1351262
    • "The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was a hole in the sub frame cradle due to rust. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made…"~88,000 mi, complaint #1935364
    • "RUSTING OF THE REAR INNER WHEELS WELL AND FENDERS OVER BOTH WHEELS. IF NOT REPAIRED COULD LEAD TO EXHAUST MIGRATING INTO THE PASSENGER AREA OF THE CAR."~115,000 mi, complaint #1492008
  10. #10

    power steering hydraulic

    19 unsafe

    19
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=14, median 100,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY FAILED, FORCING THE WHEEL TO TURN ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT. FORTUNATELY, THE PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND TRYING TO EXIT A PARKING LOT. IT TOOK A LOT OF FORCE TO RE-CENTER THE WHEEL AND…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1247000
    • "POWER STEERING FAILED TWICE ON OUR 2012 FORD ESCAPE AT APPROXIMATELY 66,000 MILES. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR ON A SERIES OF WINDY BACK ROADS, SHORTLY AFTER SETTING OUT, THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILED AND BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. IT WAS POSSIBLE BUT DIFFIC…"~66,000 mi, complaint #1519303
    • "MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING TO WORK. I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING GARAGE. LUCKILY I WAS NOT ON THE FREEWAY. I STARTED THE CAR ABOUT 3 HOURS LATER AND IT WAS FINE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE TORQUE SENSOR. I MENTIO…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1518014
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOMBALL FORD ([REDACTED PHONE], LOCATED…"~106,000 mi, complaint #1569179
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY AND MADE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL VERY DIFFICULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOU FUSZ FORD ([REDACTED ADDRESS], CHESTERFIELD, MO 63005, [REDACTED PHO…"~151,085 mi, complaint #1503428
  11. #11

    unintended acceleration

    15 unsafe

    15
    incidents
    Typical range: 15,500–50,000 mi

    Median 37,000 mi, based on 29 reports (9% had no usable mileage)

    • "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…"~15,320 mi, complaint #1099568
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS…"~37,000 mi, complaint #1356883
    • "WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A RAPID REDUCTION OF SPEED AND SLOWED TO A CRAWL. WHEN TRYING TO BRAKE THE CAR WOULD ACCELERATE THEN DECELERATE RAPIDLY UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF."~45,150 mi, complaint #1230215
    • "AS I WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY MY CAR HAD A SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE ENGINE WAS RACING SO I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BREAK WHICH HAD NO EFFECT SO I PUT THE CAR INTO PARK. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN AT FULL SPEED SO I TURNED THE CAR OFF. I THEN CALLED…"~54,206 mi, complaint #1668700
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE VEHICLE AND IT ACCELERATED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT'S FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASH…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1428466
  12. #12

    airbag system

    13 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    14
    incidents
    Typical range: 5,500–51,000 mi

    Median 40,000 mi, based on 25 reports (17% had no usable mileage)

    • "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…"~4,000 mi, complaint #894839
    • "SOUTHBOUND ON [REDACTED ADDRESS] TONED IN THE LEFT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS. AT FAULT DRIVER RAN A STOPSIGN AT 65MPH WHILE WE WERE TRAVELING 55MPH. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *TR"~15,000 mi, complaint #1036078
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING A CORNER DURING RAIN WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE SLID OFF THE ROAD CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A TELEPHONE POLE, SLID INTO A DITCH, AND A CORNFIELD. THE WINDOWS ON THE FRO…"~31,000 mi, complaint #1593376
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CCONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAI…"~52,000 mi, complaint #1227288
    • "MY WIFE AND ONE MONTH OLD CHILD WERE IN AN ACCIDENT THE OTHER DAY. SHE TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF AN ONCOMING VEHICLE AND OUR 2012 FORD ESCAPE XLT WAS HIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER CORNER. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER JUST FINISHED DETERMINING THE DAMAGE ONLY TO CONCLUD…"~71,076 mi, complaint #1296518
  13. #13

    glass and windshield

    12 unsafe, 2 broken

    14
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=18, median 65,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "BACK WINDSHIELD LEAKS AND HAS BEEN SINCE 27000 MILES. *TR"~30,000 mi, complaint #1049481
    • "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…"~52,200 mi, complaint #1142875
    • "BACK WINDOW SHATTERED IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT."~68,000 mi, complaint #1343205
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED OUTWARDS FOR THE SECOND TIME. EACH TIME, THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF ANY VANDALISM. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS; THEREFORE, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST.…"~101,943 mi, complaint #1612565
    • "BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY. BOTH BRACKETS THAT ATTACH FROM THE ROOF TO THE GLASS IN THE REAR (TOP HALF OF HATCH BACK) SNAPPED IN HALF AND THE GLASS DROPPED - HELD ON ONLY BY THE TWO ARMS THAT GUIDE THE WINDOW/GLASS UP AND OUT WHEN OPEN/LIFTED."~125,000 mi, complaint #1647137
  14. #14

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 56,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "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…"~18,017 mi, complaint #956007
    • "ESCAPE HAS SEVERAL ISSUES, FORD DEALER WOULD REVIEW AND REPORT NO ISSUES FOUND. I BOUGHT MY ESCAPE NEW IN JULY 2012. 1.FRONT SEAT BELTS - WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR (JAN-FEB 2013 - MILEAGE 5,000ISH) THE FRONT SEAT BELTS WOULDN'T RETRACT 90% OF THE TIME, CAUSING T…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1278403
    • "The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when he arrived to work and was attempting to exit the vehicle, the driver’s side seat belt failed to unlatch after several attempts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1765357
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT 20-35 MPH, WHEN HE CHOKED ON FOOD AND PASSED OUT, WHICH THEN CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT A TELEPHONE POLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1746287
    • "SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT, WHEN PUTTING ON OR TAKING OFF."~125,000 mi, complaint #1562405
  15. #15

    steering column

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=23, median 112,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact's mother owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her mother was at a standstill at a stop sign, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to park on the side of t…"~64,500 mi, complaint #1778189
    • "STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT WHILE DRIVING ON HWY AT 65 MPH . TOOK TO NEAREST SHOP . NO LIGHTS CAME ON DASH . WHEN ARRIVED AT SHOP STEERING WAS IN POSSIBLE . REPLACED SENSOR . STEERING WHEEL WOULD SPIN OUT OF CONTROL ON OWN . ENDED UP HAVING TO REPLACE ENTIR…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1584003
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE, WHICH RESET THE POWER STEERING AND RETURNED IT TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO…"~98,691 mi, complaint #1513529
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALLAN VIGIL FORD OF FAYETTEVILLE INC ([REDACTED ADDRESS] N, FAYETTEVILLE, GA 30214, [REDACTED PHONE]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNO…"~107,000 mi, complaint #1412051
    • "TL* THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNE…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1621052
  16. #16

    fuel pump

    6 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "WHILE DRIVING UPHILL ON A BRIDGE ON A CITY STREET AT 40 MPH ENGINE SUDDENLY QUIT AND ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON. NO PREVIOUS DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE SHUT DOWN. COASTED TO A PARKING LOT. ENGINE WOULD TURN OVER BUT NOT START. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER. F…"~11,415 mi, complaint #1401234
    • "UPON LEAVING WORK ON JULY 31ST 2018 I NOTICED AN ODD SMELL AS I APPROACHED MY 2012 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED. UPON GETTING CLOSER TO THE CAR I NOTICED THE SMELL WAS GAS. I WAS ALARMED THINKING MY VEHICLE MAY NOT START OR COULD POSSIBLY EXPLODE IF I TRIED. WHEN OPENI…"~31,138 mi, complaint #1594421
    • "DRIVING AND CAR WENT INTO POWER FAILURE MODE AND WRENCH DISPLAYED ON DASH DISPLAY. FOUND PAPERWORK ABOUT THROTTLE BODY SAFETY RECALL. DECIDED TO HAVE SAFETY RECALL 16S41 FUEL MODULE DONE ALSO SINCE IT WAS GOING IN FOR WORK. ON SEPT 5, 2017 TOOK TO KEYSTONE FOR…"~57,000 mi, complaint #1414077
    • "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WHEN DRIVING AND WHEN PARKED AND ENGINE RUNNING AND SMELL OF RAW GAS FUMES NEAR LEFT REAR WHEEL AREA. SHOP TESTED FOUND CODE P0456 TRACED TO CRACKED AND LEAKING ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP. REPLACED PUMP NOW OK . IN CHECKING I FOUND THERE WAS A R…"~79,795 mi, complaint #1627278
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER (WALKER FORD, [REDACTED ADDRESS] 19 N, CLEARWATER, FL 33764) STATED THAT FORD WAS NOT PERFORMING REPAIRS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V777000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) BECAUSE IT CAUSED…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1448272
  17. #17

    suspension arms and bushings

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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 MANUFACTUR…"~46,000 mi, complaint #1190091
  18. #18

    trunk or liftgate

    3 unsafe, 1 broken, 2 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE GLASS LIFT GATE LEAKS AROUND THE SEAL. BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF FORD DEALER WHILE UNDER WARRANTY BUT WAS TOLD THAT THE WARRANTY DID NOT COVER IT. AFTER A RAIN, THE WATER PUDDLES IN THE BACK."~12,000 mi, complaint #1532754
  19. #19

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    3 unsafe, 2 broken

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "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 EXPO…"~13,000 mi, complaint #982043
    • "I PURCHASED MY 2012 ESCAPE IN AUGUST 2014,WITH APPROXIMATELY 29,000 MILES ON IT. WITHIN TEN MONTHS, THE AIR CONDITIONER QUIT WORKING. AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT, SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE RADIATOR AREA AND A GREEN SUBSTANCE WAS BLOWING OUT. THE…"~39,000 mi, complaint #1398066
    • "AC UNIT QUIT WORKING AT 42000 MILES. THE REAR WINDOW LEAKS, BAD LATCHES."~42,000 mi, complaint #1310171
    • "A WIDELY-KNOWN DEFECTIVE A/C PART DAMAGED ENTIRE SYSTEM. "DESSICANT BAG BROKE." I PAID $125 TO DIAGNOSIS, "AROUND $2300" TO REPLACE ALL COMPONENTS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE $30 PART THAT COULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED ANYTIME I HAD IT AT DEALERSHIP WHILE UNDER WARRANTY IF…"~43,000 mi, complaint #1388722
  20. #20

    engine internal

    1 stranded, 3 unsafe, 1 broken

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "ENGINE...SIGNIFICANT NOISE AND VIBRATION WHEN STATIONARY. I WAS TOLD FROM THE DEALERSHIP THAT I WOULD NOT FIND THIS AFTER I DROVE THE VEHICLE AROUND FOR AWHILE; DUE TO BEING IN THE GARAGE AND MOISTURE. SEED CONTROL...SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING ON INTER…"~38,000 mi, complaint #1276052
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND NOTICED THAT BOTH ENGINE TENSIONER PULLEYS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTI…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1306445
    • "I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL OF MY FORD ESCAPE. THE VEHICLE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AND WENT THRU THE DASHBOARD AND THE CAR WAS DESTROYED. I HAD BEEN PAYING A YEAR FOR THIS AUTO AND NOW HAVE TO BUY ANOTHER. I CALLED FORD AFTER THE FIRE TO COMPLAIN AND THAT'S…"~41,000 mi, complaint #1339238
    • "LOUD TICKING NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE AT IDLE AND WHILE DRIVING. SOUNDS AS THOUGH VALVES OR ENGINE COULD BE CRACKING."~64,769 mi, complaint #1596279
  21. #21

    abs module

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WITHIN THE PAST 2 YRS THE ABS HAS GONE OUT COMPLETELY ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. HAD TO COAST TO A STOP. VERY DANGEROUS AND TRAUMATIZING..."~50,000 mi, complaint #1679384
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…"~113,000 mi, complaint #1340434
  22. #22

    brake hydraulics

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "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 FAILE…"~16,276 mi, complaint #1092309
    • "BRAKES FAILED AND ENDED UP GOING THROUGH CROSS TRAFFIC AT AN INTERSECTION. AFTER $4990 AND A FULL MONTH AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALER, IT WAS FOUND THE HCU HAD A LEAKING SEAL AND WOULD INTERMITTENTLY DISABLE THE BRAKES!"~39,632 mi, complaint #1437837
    • "BRAKE HOSE CONNECTOR FOR FRONT BRAKES IS NOT ALLOWING FLUID TO FLOW BACK TO MASTER CYLINDER. THIS CAUSES BRAKES TO REMAIN APPLIED AND HEATING UP. TEMPERATURES PREDICTED BY FORD DEALER (SHANE AT BOB ALLEN FORD, OVERLAND PARK, KS) PREDICTED TO BE AS HIGH AS 1…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1378336
    • "2 MONTHS AGO WE HAD TO STOP IMMEDIATELY TO GO INTO A SHOP BECAUSE OUR CAR WAS MAKING A HORRIBLE LOUD NOISE AND WE COULD BARELY MOVE THE CAR. THE BRAKES HAD LOCKED INTO THE PISTONS AND THE PISTONS WERE CRACKED AND EVERYTHING INVOLVING THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE RE…"~92,000 mi, complaint #1570983
  23. #23

    engine mounts

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "HAD TO HAVE ENGINE MOUNTS REPLACED DUE TO VEHICLE HEAVILY SHAKING. ALSO WINDSHIELD WAS REMOUNTED AT SAME TIME TO DUE LOUD NOISE. *TR"~17,500 mi, complaint #1049497
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE ENGINE MOUNT BOLT SHEARED OFF AND CAUSED THE TO ENGINE TO BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT…"~21,600 mi, complaint #984687
    • "WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IT STARTED MAKING A LOT OF NOISE AND VIBRATING A LOT. CHECKED LUG NUTS AND FOUND ALL TIGHT. GOT UNDER VEHICLE AND FOUND THE RIGHT DRIVE SHAFT HAD COME APART. HAVE NEVER HAD ONE FAIL SUDDENLY LIKE THIS. HAD CAR TOWED TO FORD DEALER. UPON I…"~85,000 mi, complaint #1291826
    • "The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud abnormal sound coming from the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with ru…"~125,000 mi, complaint #1913771
  24. #24

    transmission manual clutch

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "AS PER MY VEHICLE REPORT FROM THE DEALERSHIP: CONCERN 52*: TECH NOTES CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER IS LEAKING. CAUSE: VERIFY CONCERN, FIND THAT VEHICLE HAS CLUTCH FLUID LEAKING FROM INSIDE BELL HOUSING AREA. CORRECTION: REMOVE TRANS & INSPECT, FIND THAT SLAVE CYL…"~18,678 mi, complaint #1078555
    • "THE SHIFTER GETS STUCK IN PARK. I WAS STUCK AT THE GYM PARKING LOT FOR AWHILE UNTIL A FRIEND STOPPED TO HELP ME. AN WE GOOGLE WAY TO GET IT IN DRIVE BUT IT SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE LIKE THAT. *TR"~165,000 mi, complaint #1663457
  25. #25

    wiring harness

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE AIR VENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAL DID NOT PROPERLY PROTECT THE VEHICLE FROM WATER. AS A RESULT, WAT…"~22,000 mi, complaint #1193369
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RODENTS DESTROYED THE WIRING IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER SENSOR AND THE FUEL CAP SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHI…"~51,000 mi, complaint #1298049
  26. #26

    brake pads and rotors

    2 unsafe, 1 broken

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "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 M…"~13,420 mi, complaint #1086979
    • "WHEN SLOWING DOWN, THE REAR BRAKES MAKE A RUBBING SOUND LIKE HAVING A FLAT SPOT ON THE DRUMS. ITS BEEN TO THE FORD DEALER 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME SOUND. THEY SAY ITS NORMAL. 1 YEAR BEFORE WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR, IT NEVER SOUNDED THAT WAY. EVEN WHILE PARKED AND STE…"~26,000 mi, complaint #1136815
  27. #27

    evap system

    1 stranded, 2 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS ISSUE WITH FLAP/FUEL TANK COVER GIVING A ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AND FLAG FOR EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM - KNOWN DEFECTS WITH FORD'S CARS/TRUCKS. DEALER SAYS IT'S PROBABLY A PIPE - FUEL FILLER (PART FOCL8Z-9034-A/B R&R ISSUE BUT LOCAL MECHANIC…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1506367
    • "EVAPORATION SYSTEM LEAK OCCURRED AND FUEL TANK PIPE ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED. CAR DID NOT START AND NEEDED TO BE TOWED."~68,534 mi, complaint #1600724
    • "GET CK FUEL FILL INLET WARNING, THEN GET CHK ENGINE LIGHT CODE IS P0457.SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY ."~72,188 mi, complaint #1384578
  28. #28

    fluid leak unspecified

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE LEAKED WATER INTO THE INTERIOR AND CREATED MOLD. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD…"~22,000 mi, complaint #1230009
    • "DRIVER DOOR SEAL (TOP) LEAKS TO THE POINT OF THERE BEING 2 INCHES OF WATER ON DRIVER FLOOR. ALSO WATER IS GETTING INSIDE THE DOOR, WHICH IS CAUSING ELECTRICAL ISSUES. HAD IT REPAIRED 3 TIMES AT DEALER & LEAK STILL EXISTS. THIS IS CAUSING MOLD & RUST IN THE VEH…"~37,000 mi, complaint #1649940
  29. #29

    power windows and locks

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "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…"~33,000 mi, complaint #1049482
    • "THE DOORS LOCK AND WON'T UNLOCK. THIS HAPPENS AT THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND BOTH OF THE BACK SEAT PASSENGER DOORS. SOMETIMES THEY BEGIN UNLOCKING A WEEK OR SO LATER OTHER TIMES THEY DON'T UNLOCK EVER. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, SOME…"~58,000 mi, complaint #1295186
    • "AUTO DOOR LOCK / UNLOCK FEATURE WILL NOT ALLOW A PERSON IN THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT TO ESCAPE FROM A DISABLED VEHICLE IF THE DRIVER IS INCAPACITATED."~63,000 mi, complaint #1335173
  30. #30

    seat mechanism

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "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 WA…"~22,000 mi, complaint #1002414
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT RETRACTED INTO THE FOLDED REAR SEAT. THE REAR SEAT WOULD NOT FOLD UPRIGHT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GREAT LAKES FORD ([REDACTED ADDRESS], MUSKEGON, MI 49442, [REDACTED PHONE]…"~139,635 mi, complaint #1600466
  31. #31

    stability and traction control

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "I WAS DRIVING IN TOWN AT A SLOW RATE WHEN MY BRAKING FEEL LIKE THERE WAS BORN ABS AND MY CAR WAS GETTING TO CLOSE AND I APPLIED PRESSURE ON THE PEDAL BUT IT WOULDN'T STOP. MY STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY STIFF AND COULDN'T TURN IT. AN HOUR LATER, I WAS DRIVING O…"~114,500 mi, complaint #1558350
    • "DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 75 MPH DURING MORNING TRAFFIC DURING RAIN COVERED ROAD. MY TRACTION STABILITY AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON AGAIN. I WAS DRIVING TO A DOCTOR APPT AND SAW THE WARNING LIGHT COME ON. I APPLIED LIGHT PRESSURE TO MY BRAKES AND GRADU…"~115,000 mi, complaint #1558998
  32. #32

    steering rack mechanical

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING OR TURNING, MY STEERING WHEEL HAS LOCKED IN MY 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THIS MORNING IN THE PARKING LOT OF MY KIDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ENTERING AND EXITING THE PARKING LOT. BOTH TIMES, I HAD TO STRUGGLE WIT…"~123,000 mi, complaint #1414943
    • "The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel to the right, the steering wheel was jerking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to several…"~173,000 mi, complaint #1920731
  33. #33

    sunroof

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "SUNROOF/MOONROOF OF OUR 2012 FORD ESCAPE EXPLODED FOR NO REASON A YEAR AND A HALF AFTER PURCHASE. LUCKILY, WE HAD THE COVER SHUT OR IT WOULD'VE INJURED US AND OUR SMALL CHILD. FORD DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT, THEY WANTED US TO CLAIM IT ON OUR CA…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1203686
  34. #34

    suspension struts shocks

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "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 TE…"~600 mi, complaint #912112
    • "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 SHOC…"~1,000 mi, complaint #972438
  35. #35

    wiper and washer

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "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…"~5,000 mi, complaint #974690
    • "THE REAR WINDOW OF THIS FORD ESCAPE LEAKS CAUSING VISIBILITY ISSUES ON THE REAR WINDOW, MOISTURE COLLECTION IN CENTER BRAKE LIGHT, AND WATER RESIDUE IN/ON ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN REAR DOOR. BEGAN AT ABOUT 24,000 MILES. OUT OF WARRANTY WHEN ISSUE WAS TAKEN TO…"~93,000 mi, complaint #1335241
  36. #36

    driveshaft axle cv

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING FROM LEFT HALF SHAFT SEAL"~85,000 mi, complaint #1275310
    • "I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 50 MPH; DRIVING STRAIGHT WHEN IT SEEMS LIKE I HAD RAN SOMETHING. THE VEHICLE SOUNDED LIKE A RUBBER BAND UNWINDING AND BEGAN VIBRATING SEVERELY AT RIGHT FRONT. IT APPEARED I MIGHT LOSE CONTROL. I DE-ACCELERATED AND SAFELY EXITED THE…"~93,385 mi, complaint #1489679
  37. #37

    fuel injector

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHILE THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD AN ACTIVE RECALL NOTICE SINCE JANUARY 2018, THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNWILLING/UNABLE TO SECURE THE PART TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM IN THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE. RECALL NOTICE 16S41 / NHTSA 16V-777"~71,000 mi, complaint #1475602
  38. #38

    instrument cluster

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHILE DRIVING DURING THE DAYTIME. HAWK FORD IN OAK LAWN, ILLINOIS REPLACED THE HEADLAMP CONTROL SWITCH, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER…"~50,850 mi, complaint #1476107
    • "GOING DOWN THE ROAD, AND ALL THE SUDDEN MY GAUGES DROPPED, EXCEPT FOR FUEL. MY INITIAL REACTION WAS TO HIT THE GAS PEDAL TO SEE IF I'D LOST ENGINE POWER. I STILL HAD ENGINE POWER, THANKFULLY. SINCE THEN, W/O ANY WARNINGS THE GAUGES WILL DROP, AND ALL THE SENSO…"~59,200 mi, complaint #1560179
  39. #39

    battery and charging

    1 stranded

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was idling in the restaurant drive thru line, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who determined that the battery cable had failed and…"~110,000 mi, complaint #1939848
  40. #40

    brake booster

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP FAILED DURING HIGHWAY DRIVE TO WORK. BRAKE PEDAL BECAME SOFT. STOPPING CAR BECAME DIFFICULT. AFTER BOOSTER PUMP WAS REPLACED, FRONT BRAKES BEGAN TO STICK CAUSING BRAKES TO OVERHEAT. ABS/HCU CONTROL MODULE ALSO REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. FOR…"~116,000 mi, complaint #1745858
  41. #41

    catalytic converter

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "IN MOTION - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, REPLACED 02 SENSOR UPSTREAM. GETTING 8 MPG AFTERWARDS. TOOK IT BACK TO SERVICE DEPT AND NO CODES PRESENT, LIVE DATA SHOWED PURGE SOLENOID WOULD STICK OPEN SOMETIMES, REPLACED SOLENOID, NOW GETTING 12 MPG, MORE RATTLE…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1487783
  42. #42

    control module

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE CAUSING ISSUES WITH TRANSMISSION, SHIFTING. MECHANIC SAID TRANSMISSION IS STARTING IN 5TH GEAR. JERKS VERY HARD WHEN PUT IN REVERSE. UPON GOING 45 MPH ENGINE REVS TO 3 RPM. CANNOT TAKE OFF FAST, VERY SLOW MOVING."~64,000 mi, complaint #1399732
  43. #43

    engine cooling

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "AS PER MY VEHICLE REPORT FROM THE DEALERSHIP: CONCERN 51: CUSTOMER STATES DRIVE BELT COMING APART. CAUSE: WARRANTY CORRECTION: VERIFY BELT SHREDDED. FOUND WATER PUMP LOCKED UP UNABLE TO REMOVE DEBRIS FROM TENSIONER REPLACE WATER PUMP TENSIONER BELT. TEST DR…"~36,950 mi, complaint #1078544
  44. #44

    engine head gasket

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "AS PER MY VEHICLE REPORT FROM THE DEALERSHIP: CONCERN 51: VERIFY CUST CONCERN, FIND THAT VEH SPINS OVER BUT WILL NOT START, INSTALL IDS & PERFORMED KOEO, ALL PASS. PERFORM RELATIVE COMPRESSION TEST, 80% LOSS 3,4. CORRECTION: PERFORM MANUAL COMPRESSION TEST.…"~18,678 mi, complaint #1078471
  45. #45

    engine oil consumption

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Oil engine leak .. clicking sound from the front wheels when turning .. "complaint #1901305
  46. #46

    hv system fault reduced power

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THIS OCCURS SPORATICALLY - THE GAS WILL STOP RESPONDING AND THE CAR WILL COMPLETELY DECELERATE WHILE I AM DRIVING. THE WRENCH SIGN APPEARS AND THE CAR IS STILL RUNNING, BUT I AM UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. IT USUALLY HAPPENS WHILE I'M DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE I…"~56,000 mi, complaint #1007735
  47. #47

    mirror

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "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"complaint #945558
  48. #48

    noise or vibration unspecified

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "MY VEHICLE MAKES LOUD NOISE WHEN I DRIVE FROM THE WHEEL BARREL"complaint #1551545
  49. #49

    paint and clearcoat

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS ESCAPE 1.5 YRS. I JUST NOTICED THIS SPRING THAT THE PAINT WAS COMING OFF IN THE WHEEL WELL, NOW AS OF 7/7/2015 IT HAS GOTTEN BIGGER. AS WELL AS THE REAR HATCH WHEN YOU OPEN IT YOU CAN ALREADY SEE BUBBLING. MY UNDERSTANDING BY THE PAPER W…"~32,345 mi, complaint #1196547
  50. #50

    parking brake

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact's friend owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated after parking and exiting the vehicle, the vehicle began to roll backwards. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…"~170,000 mi, complaint #1840301
  51. #51

    starter

    1 stranded

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE IGNITION ON THIS VEHICLE RANDOMLY WILL NOT WORK. THERE IS APPARENTLY A COMMONLY KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLES IGNITION SWITCH WITH IT FAILING TO ENGAGE AND START THE VEHICLE."~18,000 mi, complaint #1323250
  52. #52

    tire failure

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "July 2020, we purchased 4 Cooper Tires, size is 225/65 R17 102T. These tires are 80,000-mile tires. Vehicle was taken into Discount Tire due to heavy vibration when driving on June 13, 2022. The tires had 13,663 miles on them. A tire was found to be separated.…"complaint #1834084
  53. #53

    torque converter

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Torque converter lock up issues from friction. Many issues and FORD will not repair assistance or recall. It about stalls on highway and acceleration into traffic. Many reports but not action. Been waiting on parts. Goes in shop 9/12/22 for $1,800 repair"complaint #1834193
  54. #54

    wheel or rim

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact purchased MOOG aftermarket lug nuts, Serial Number: 19112401H, Part Number: LK015 and LK016. The contact was unable to tighten the lug nuts. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted…"~123,000 mi, complaint #1760557

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for FORD ESCAPE directly.