Problems · by component
2012 Ford Escape Hybrid power train problems
67 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid cite power train, 11% of all 600 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
67
11% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
What owners say about the power train
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the gear shifter was shifted into drive however, the gear shifter failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that after several attempts, the gear shifter responded as needed. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed of an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.”
“After starting the vehicle for the first time that day, the vehicle was driven 4 miles. When attempting to shift the center console shifter into the PARK position, the shifter was unable to fully move into the PARK position as it was blocked from transiting through the REVERSE position. The vehicle could only fully reach the NEUTRAL position from DRIVE position. After a few more attempts to move the shifter later the shifter was able to fully reach the PARK position. Subsequent attempts were inconsistent. In one case, the shifter showed PARK but when driver released the foot brake, the vehicle starting rolling backward in reverse (it was determined to be engaged in REVERSE). The issue was resolved by installing a new SHIFTER CABLE fitting at the transmission. The small two-piece plastic fitting that attaches (snaps on and then adjusts/locks) the cable assembly (part number AL8Z-7E395-A) to the transmission Manual Control Lever Ball Stud was loose and likely worn. Before installing the new snap on plastic fitting , attempts were made to adjust the original cable plastic fitting without success. Note that subsequent model years 2013 - 2019 had a similar failure…”
“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 manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.”
“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”
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while shifting out of park(P) into drive(D), the vehicle started jerking. The contact kept the brake pedal depressed and shifted back to park(P) before attempting to shift to drive(D) again. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the PIN needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.”
Showing 6 of 67 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.