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2012 Ford Escape: common problems and reliability
· 2nd generationAn average Escape year.
1,203 owner complaints, most about fuel/propulsion system. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Escape?The 2012 Ford Escape has 1203 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are fuel/propulsion system and steering. Owners most often flag electric power steering torque sensor failure after 100,000 miles: causing power steering loss at highway speed.
Safety record for the 2012 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Ford Escape vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Escape years only. How we score it
Is 2012 a good year for the Escape?
Across the 27 Escape model years we track, complaint volume runs from 5 (2000) to 4,834 (2008). With 1,203 complaints, the 2012 Escape sits about the same as the model's median of 1,110.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2012 Escape
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 16V777000Ford 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.
suspension:front:wheel bearing
Campaign 15E045000The 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 owners report on the 2nd generation Escape
Owners of the 2008-2012 Escape generally describe it as a tough, capable, and reliable small SUV, with many praising its snow performance, off-road ability for a unibody crossover, and overall durability at high mileage.
- RecurrentTransmission failure on 2008 models, requiring replacement before 150,000 miles
- RecurrentElectric power steering torque sensor failure after 100,000 miles
Causing power steering loss at highway speed.
- RecurrentRust on rear wheel wells, shock mounts, and front subframe, especially in salt-belt regions
- RecurrentWater pump failure on V6 models, difficult to replace and can cause engine overheating
- RecurrentA/C desiccant bag rupture in receiver dryer on 2009-2012 models
Filling system with sand and requiring full system replacement.
Owner insights for the 2nd generation Escape. Read the full 2nd generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Escape listings typically run $9,995–$20,378.
Other Escape model years
Compare every Escape year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Escape against its rivals
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