Problems · by component

2012 Ford Escape Hybrid structure problems

69 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid cite structure, 12% of all 600 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
69
12% of all complaints
Crashes
5
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the structure

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle pulled to the right while stopping. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the passenger's side engine cradle subframe was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 1, 2024StructureODI 11605794
“While doing an exhaust inspection on my car, I noticed the front subframe is rusted completely through on the right hand side near the rear lower control are bushing. This is a major structural component of the vehicle and I believe it is a huge safety risk driving it. The car has around 114,000 miles on it. I feel Ford should issue a recall and replace these rusted trough front subframes. I cannot afford to replace it at the cost of $2000 including labor. Please help, thank you.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 12, 2024Steering, Suspension, StructureODI 11576912
“Was informed by my mechanic that the subframe has rusted out and is a safety issue. There is also excessive rust for the car's age and level of maintenance in the rear wheel wells.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 7, 2024StructureODI 11570605
“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 aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 13, 2023StructureODI 11549780
“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 rusted and fractured mounts; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 27, 2023StructureODI 11534906

Showing 6 of 69 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.