Problems · NHTSA complaints

2012 Ford Escape problems

Owners filed 604 complaints about the 2012 Ford Escape with NHTSA between Nov 2011 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is steering (140).

Complaints
604
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
38
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
27
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Steering140
  2. Fuel/propulsion system137
  3. Engine73
  4. Vehicle speed control70
  5. Structure68
  6. Power train66
  7. Electrical system42
  8. Fuel system, gasoline26
  9. Air bags25
  10. Seat belts19
  11. Service brakes18
  12. Suspension12
  13. Visibility/wiper12
  14. Latches/locks/linkages8

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 3, 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
201351
201445
201543
201647
201771
2018119
201951
202019
202137
202220
202326
202419
202521
202611

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

Steering

140 reports3 crashes
“[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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 18, 2026SteeringODI 11771888

Fuel/propulsion system

137 reports2 crashes1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 12, 2025Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11680083

Engine

73 reports3 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026EngineODI 11767730

Vehicle speed control

70 reports8 crashes
“The contact owned a 2012 Ford Escape. While driving in a parking lot at approximately 18-20 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated, and the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle struck a fence and an apartment building. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained a cut above the nose, right shoulder pain, and a concussion. The contact received medical attention. The vehicle was towed by the insurance company and declared a total loss. The failure mileage was 44,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 2, 2026Air bags, Vehicle speed controlCrash reportedODI 11768604

Structure

68 reports5 crashes1 fire
“Sun roof is leaking into the passenger compartment. Car was typically parked under cover and not driven in inclement wether. Drain hose was found not to be clogged however water is leaking into the passenger compartment. Staining the headliner seats and collecting on the floors. The date is the most recent occurrence. The water falls into the vehicle and can short or cause fire to occur on the instrument panel, radio, shift mechanism, or HVAC control. This issue is documented on Ford vehicles containing the same component. Across different vehicles and model years. I believe a recall or TSB should be included on this vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 19, 2026StructureODI 11765501

Power train

66 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 3, 2026

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