Problems · NHTSA complaints

2012 Ford Escape Hybrid problems

Owners filed 600 complaints about the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid with NHTSA between Nov 2011 and Jul 2025. The most-cited component is fuel/propulsion system (136).

Complaints
600
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
40
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
28
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Fuel/propulsion system136
  2. Steering131
  3. Engine74
  4. Vehicle speed control70
  5. Structure69
  6. Power train67
  7. Electrical system42
  8. Fuel system, gasoline25
  9. Air bags25
  10. Service brakes20
  11. Seat belts19
  12. Visibility/wiper13
  13. Suspension11
  14. Latches/locks/linkages9

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20112
201222
201352
201447
201545
201650
201773
2018122
201952
202020
202137
202220
202326
202419
202513

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Fuel/propulsion system

136 reports2 crashes1 fire
“While coming to a stop sign, as I took my foot off the gas pedal, it surged forward at a fast speed the gas pedal went to the floor. it took me through the intersection and beyond before I was able to stop the car. It was very scary just thinking if there were anyone crossing the street it could have been very bad. Now im afraid to even drive my car not knowing if it will happen again.I call the service and cannot get appt. for 2 weeks. and it will be at my expense.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 4, 2023Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11558436

Steering

131 reports3 crashes
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to make a left or right turn, the steering wheel made an abnormal whining sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle hesitate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 11, 2025Steering, Vehicle speed controlODI 11672913

Engine

74 reports4 crashes
“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” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 14, 2023EngineODI 11511777

Vehicle speed control

70 reports8 crashes
“Power steering suddenly went out on right turn onto residential street at approx 10 mph. No warning lights. When car was restarted, power steering back on. Paid dealer to scan. Failure code B2278-2F. Replace steering shaft torque sensor (internal to steering column), steering shaft must be replaced, too, due to play. Just two parts: part cost $2272, labor $886. Part back-ordered for unknown period. Have not yet told dealer service to order parts. Asked dealer if car was safe to drive: they said "probably not."”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 13, 2022Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed controlODI 11497180

Structure

69 reports5 crashes1 fire
“Sub frame cracked,due to corrosion.Broke Lower control arm. I could not steer my SUV. I was terrified.The noise was so loud. This happened a road away from my home. I called AAA. They came and towed my vehicle to my driveway. I don’t understand why Ford company did not send me a recall. I could have been killed.I was on the highway a day before.I have researched and found this to be a safety concern for Ford Escape 2012. My SUV has 60.000 miles and is in very good condition. I have taken great care of my vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 13, 2024Structure, Unknown or otherODI 11619540

Power train

67 reports3 crashes
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 5 MPH, the steering wheel failed to respond as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was attempting to straighten the steering wheel and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, and the gear shifter failed to move or operate as intended. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 12, 2025Steering, Power trainODI 11647949
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.