NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 604 owner complaints for the 2012 Ford Escape. Most complaints involve steering (140) and fuel/propulsion system (137). The EPA rates it 20–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 3 stars overall.
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.
The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Escape model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 1,027 |
| 2002 | 1,070 |
| 2003 | 598 |
| 2004 | 499 |
| 2005 | 1,584 |
| 2006 | 720 |
| 2007 | 393 |
| 2008 | 2,417 |
| 2009 | 1,693 |
| 2010 | 2,130 |
| 2011 | 1,319 |
| 2012 | 604 |
| 2013 | 2,757 |
| 2014 | 2,089 |
| 2015 | 1,135 |
| 2016 | 1,178 |
| 2017 | 2,701 |
| 2018 | 1,823 |
| 2019 | 599 |
| 2020 | 1,548 |
| 2021 | 353 |
| 2022 | 238 |
| 2023 | 102 |
| 2024 | 77 |
| 2025 | 26 |
| 2026 | 3 |
“[XXX]. We were pulling away from the gas pump with our children and the steering wheel suddenly stiffened on my husband and we almost hit another car! There was absolutely no warning and it was a scary experience. This should be fixed and it known issue.”
“Gas tank leaking fuel around the joint where the fuel filler hose connects to the tank. It is NOT leaking at the hose connection but is leaking where the fitting connects/enters the tank.”
“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 this component malfunctioning across several Ford model vehicles. The abrupt loss of forward momentum is a serious hazard to myself, passengers and vehicles behind me. This has now occurred on about seven occasions since late September. I will no longer drive this vehicle until I replace and test drive the new I A C on or about October 1, 2026.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape FWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 28 | 25 | $2,550 | 355 |
| Escape AWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Escape FWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Escape FWD FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Escape AWD FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 604 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (140), fuel/propulsion system (137), engine (73). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2012 Ford Escape at 20–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2012 Ford Escape 3 out of 5 stars overall.