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Ford Escape

EPA MPG: 20 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2012 Escape is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2012 Ford Escape has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Ford Escape owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"Have had the oil leak in the shop 3 times and still not fixed. I've given up."

Anonymous, OR (2012 Ford Escape XLT 3.0-L V6)

""exhaust leaks both banks, exhaust manifold. Timing chain cover. Oil pan gasket. Left transmission to seal to half shaft.""

Anonymous, (2012 Ford Escape Limited 3.0-L V6)

""Oil pan gasket split, needing repair. The work involved removing part of the exhaust system. This exhaust work intern caused an O2 sensor to fail after the catalytic converter. This required a trip back to repair for additional cost""

Anonymous, AK (2012 Ford Escape Limited 3.0-L V6)

"oil pan gasket leaks"

Anonymous, NC (2012 Ford Escape XLS 3.0-L V6)

"Started around 150k miles. Requires adding approximately 1 quart of oil every 2 months."

Anonymous, NJ (2012 Ford Escape XLT 3.0-L V6)
Problem(s) fueling the tank

"Had to replace gas tank"

Anonymous, CA (2012 Ford Escape XLS 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"Ac hasnt worked for about the last year"

Anonymous, SD (2012 Ford Escape Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""a/c quit blowing cold. compressor and associated items replaced. Also, blower motor replaced.""

Anonymous, LA (2012 Ford Escape Limited 3.0-L V6)

"It needed replaced"

Anonymous A., GA (2012 Ford Escape XLS 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Heater system

""The AC went out and I cold only get hot air on the passenger side. The repair was extensive and expensive, over $1,000 to repair. They had to take the whole dashbosrd out to fix it.""

Anonymous A., WA (2012 Ford Escape XLT 3.0-L V6)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Rear liftgate seal allows water in even after replacement."

Anonymous, NJ (2012 Ford Escape XLT 3.0-L V6)

"The water leaks were related to the previous problems stated. Unfortunately we had bad storms during that time leaving everything wet inside the car."

Anonymous, (2012 Ford Escape Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Seals and/or weather-stripping

"The sunroof leaked and was replaced. The back hatch leaks and cant be fixed. Because of that leak the lock has been replaced twice. I was told that Ford cant get the parts to fix it properly."

Anonymous, (2012 Ford Escape Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Front passenger side window leaks."

Anonymous, NJ (2012 Ford Escape Limited 3.0-L V6)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Exhaust leaks

"v6 engine both exhaust manifold gaskets failed"

Anonymous, (2012 Ford Escape Limited 3.0-L V6)
Muffler

""The exhaust muffler and pipes rusted and was loud, had to replace it.""

Anonymous, IN (2012 Ford Escape XLT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Other/unsure

""We love the car, however, that style of escape has been known to rust around the real wheel wells. Our low mileage Escape has that issue""

Anonymous, WI (2012 Ford Escape XLT 3.0-L V6)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Bushings

"Motor mount bushing btoke"

Anonymous, KY (2012 Ford Escape XLT 3.0-L V6)
Tie rods

"vibration and a little noise"

Anonymous, OK (2012 Ford Escape XLT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

""From the beginning the shift from 1st to second gear the engine would rev very high and then slam into second violently. Ford supplied a software update which softened this process, but not eliminate it.""

Anonymous, PA (2012 Ford Escape XLT 3.0-L V6)
Slipping transmission

""long shift between 1st and 2nd gear. Other than that trasnsmission shifts well, Have not had it fixed.""

Anonymous, LA (2012 Ford Escape Limited 3.0-L V6)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Antilock braking system (ABS)

"ANS sensors. Over 2000$ to repair. Too much and I can live without ABS."

Anonymous, NJ (2012 Ford Escape Limited 3.0-L V6)
Pulsation or vibration

"I had the brakes done at the Ford dealer and there are not many miles on them The brake pedal pulses during stops and is probably a rotor problem"

Anonymous, MI (2012 Ford Escape Limited 3.0-L V6)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Seat controls - power

""Driver's seat would move forward only, not back. Had to have a part replaced""

Anonymous, OR (2012 Ford Escape XLT 3.0-L V6)
Sunroof

"Leaks water into headliner during heavy rain. Drains are not blocked"

Anonymous, MI (2012 Ford Escape Limited 3.0-L V6)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Rust

""Ford seems to have issues w rusting. Rocker panels, back hatch & a wheel well -- all professionally repaired. Plus some cracked/chipped paint that I'll attempt to fix""

Anonymous, NS (2012 Ford Escape Unsure 3.0-L V6)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Other electrical system problem

""Ignition switch would randomly fail to start SUV. Turn to start no noise, no start. Wiggle key reinsert and would start most of time""

Anonymous A., OH (2012 Ford Escape XLT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Other major transmission & clutch problem

"transmiision leaks"

Anonymous, NC (2012 Ford Escape XLS 3.0-L V6)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Backup or other camera/sensors

"I think the camera works but the "screen" only shows a green square has been this way for years cost to much to repair"

Anonymous, IL (2012 Ford Escape XLT Unsure)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

2012 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Oct 26, 2016
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 13, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S41.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V777000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 329265
SUSPENSION
Jun 03, 2015
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15E045000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 576
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