2012 Ford Escape recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Ford Escape and 604 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are steering (140), fuel/propulsion system (137), engine (73). It earned a 3-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 20–23 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2012 ranks #7 of 14 Escape model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (1,083). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 10.7 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Ford Escape. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Suspension · front · wheel bearing
Problem: 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.
Risk: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
[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. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 r…
The power steering failed unexpectedly. I am not sure what the problem is but there is fluid all over the wheel well. I see that the was a recal on the power steering. How can I find out why my car was not included?
Safety ratings
2012 Ford Escape SUV 4x4
2012 Ford Escape SUV 4x2
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Ford Escape.
Escape AWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Escape AWD FFV
Auto 6-spd · 6 cyl · 3.0 L
Gasoline or E85
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Escape have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Ford Escape, most recently for fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump (10/26/2016). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Escape?
Based on 604 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are steering (140), fuel/propulsion system (137), engine (73).
Is the 2012 Ford Escape safe?
The 2012 Ford Escape earned a 3-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2012 a good year for the Ford Escape?
The 2012 ranks #7 of 14 Escape model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (1,083). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 10.7 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Ford Escape get?
EPA ratings for the 2012 Ford Escape range from 20 to 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2012 Ford Escape in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: ESCAPE, Escape.