2012 Ford Escape problems and complaints

Owners have filed 603 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Ford Escape. The most-reported areas: Steering (139), Fuel/Propulsion System (137), Engine (73).

Key takeaways

  • 603 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 38 involve a crash, 3 a fire, 27 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering13923%
Fuel/Propulsion System13723%
Engine7312%
Vehicle Speed Control7012%
Structure6811%
Power Train6611%
Unknown Or Other447%
Electrical System427%
Fuel System264%
Gasoline264%
Air Bags254%
Service Brakes224%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2012 Ford Escape SUV 4x43/53/53/53/5
2012 Ford Escape SUV 4x23/53/53/53/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Air Bags,vehicle Speed Control - filed 2026-10-02

The contact owned a 2012 Ford Escape. While driving in a parking lot at approximately 18-20 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated, and the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle struck a fence and an apartment building. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained a cut above th...

Steering - filed 2026-09-29

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?

Engine - filed 2026-09-29

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...

Diagnose it yourself

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

More for the 2012 Ford Escape

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.