2012 Ford Escape Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
33/100
#11 most-complained of 16 Escape years
The 2012 Ford Escape ranks 11th worst out of 16 model years with a complaint index of 33 and a "Good" verdict relative to other Escape years. NHTSA lists 599 complaints, 1 recall, and Fuel System as the top problem area with 160 complaints.
- Complaints
- 599
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 37 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 26 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 3 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 26 hwy
Top 2012 Ford Escape problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System160 (27%)
- Steering137 (23%)
- Engine128 (21%)
- Structure & Body76 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain66 (11%)
- Other46 (8%)
- Electrical System43 (7%)
- Airbags24 (4%)
- Brakes24 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers20 (3%)
What owners report
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in frontal and rear-end crashes, sometimes with head injuries or a cracked sternum.
- One owner reported an airbag deploying and burning both the airbag material and the driver during a multi-car collision.
- Owners describe front seats breaking and collapsing into a reclined position after being struck from behind.
- One owner reported the brake pedal failing to stop the vehicle while entering a driveway, resulting in a crash into a residential deck.
- One owner described losing steering control entirely while rounding a curve, causing the vehicle to leave the road.
2012 Ford Escape recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V777000Oct 26, 2016Fuel System329,265 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
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.
2012 Ford Escape fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Ford Escape reliable?
- Compared to other Escape model years, the 2012 ranks 11th worst out of 16 years tracked, with a complaint index of 33 and a "Good" verdict. NHTSA lists 599 complaints and 1 recall for this year.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2012 Ford Escape?
- Fuel System issues are the top problem area, accounting for 160 complaints (27% share) with a median failure mileage of 54,103 miles.
- Does the 2012 Ford Escape have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Ford Escape, covering the Fuel System, where Ford replaces the FDM flange with a redesigned fuel supply port.
- How does the 2012 Escape compare to the 2013 Escape?
- The 2012 Escape has a complaint index of 33 and a "Good" verdict, while the 2013 Escape has a much higher complaint index of 100 and an "Avoid" verdict, with 2,749 complaints and 18 recalls.
- Are airbags a concern in the 2012 Ford Escape?
- NHTSA lists 24 airbag-related complaints for the 2012 Escape, tied to 19 crashes, with some owners reporting airbags that failed to deploy or deployed with burns.