2012 Ford Escape

602 complaints on file, page 1 of 31.

1. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Sep 21, 2026Virginia Beach, VAEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11767730
2. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Dec 31, 1969Lawrence, KSSteering

   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?

   NHTSA complaint 11767723
3. Filed Sep 26, 2026Failure Sep 24, 2026Anaheim, CASteering

   I started the truck and began to back out of my parking spot but the steering was so stiff I couldn't turn so I shut it off. After about 3 minutes I stated it up and the steering was fine. The. It happened the next day while I was driving and that was terrifying!!! It became extremely difficult to steer so I found the strength to turn and park. After turning the truck off and on it was fine.. Now the truck is in my driveway and the steering so stiff that I'll have to leave it.

   NHTSA complaint 11767066
4. Filed Sep 19, 2026Failure Sep 16, 2026Mesa, AZBody

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11765501
5. Filed May 22, 2026Failure May 21, 2026Lincoln, NESteering

   No power steering hard to turn left and right

   NHTSA complaint 11739497
6. Filed Apr 30, 2026Failure Mar 15, 2026port orange, FLElectrical system, Steering

   Vehicle: 2012 Ford Escape Issue: Loss of steering assist while driving While operating my vehicle, the power steering assist suddenly fails, making the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn. This creates a dangerous driving condition and significantly increases the risk of an accident. This issue appears to match known problems with the electric power steering system in this vehicle, which has been the subject of recalls for similar model years. However, my VIN is not currently included. The failure has occurred while driving and has now made the vehicle unsafe to operate. I am requesting investigation into this issue and expansion of the recall to include additional affected vehicles, as this is a serious safety hazard.

   NHTSA complaint 11734932
7. Filed Mar 24, 2026Failure Oct 1, 2025Arnold, MOSteering

   I was driving approximately 35mph and the steering got extremely difficult. I had to use all my strength to try to turn the wheel. I pulled into a gas station parking lot, turned the car off, restarted the car and steering was back to normal. Has happened 2 times since. I had a mechanic friend look at it and he couldn't find a reason why it would do that.

   NHTSA complaint 11726745
8. Filed Jan 28, 2026Failure Jan 28, 2026153,000 milesDrexel Hill, PAFuel system, Gasoline

   The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, there was a strong fuel-like odor entering the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11713853
9. Filed Jan 8, 2026Failure Dec 31, 1969Rockland, MAFuel/propulsion system

   Clearly the vehicle is leaking and is a fire hazard. I received a notice that it has been recalled but it’s not showing up under my vin.

   NHTSA complaint 11709651
10. Filed Oct 29, 2025Failure Oct 22, 2025121,000 milesBellingham, WASteering

    The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel locked. The contact used force to turn the steering wheel while driving to the residence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who inspected the vehicle and retrieved DTC: B2278. The independent mechanic determined that the power steering control module and sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The sensor was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11696458
11. Filed Oct 16, 2025Failure Oct 16, 2025Mt. Sterling, KYSuspension

    Took my mothers car to the Ford dealership for inspection. Upon inspection the mechanic told us that the subframe is rotted out and that it is not safe to drive which is why there was issues with steering and tire leaning due to control arm coming off subframe. This vehicle has been taken care of through out the years. My 70 year old mother could have been seriously injured if not dead. Never have i seen a sub frame rot like that on a car unless it was sitting for many years. Now the dealership wants 3,000 dollars to replace sub frame.

    NHTSA complaint 11693844
12. Filed Oct 11, 2025Failure Sep 9, 2025Kalamazoo, MISteering

    Driving at normal rate of speed, Power steering quits and almost lost control of vehicle. I had to struggle with steering to park vehicle away from traffic. Steering wheel becomes very stiff.

    NHTSA complaint 11692723
13. Filed Oct 7, 2025Failure Sep 20, 202585,000 milesOcala, FLSteering

    The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon driving into the garage, the steering wheel was significantly loose. The steering wheel then detached but was held together by the electrical wires. There was no warning light illuminated. A mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence. The mechanic determined that the upper steering column shaft had detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11691843
14. Filed Oct 1, 2025Failure Sep 24, 2025Marlow, OKSteering

    In other year models the power steering sensor has been under recall. I have a 2012 ford escape. That randomly the power steering does out this part has been replaced twice with no ultimately fixing the issue. It’s so dangerous when your driving 75 on the highway and the power steering goes out and the power heel jerks from your hands and you almost run off the road or run someone else off the road.

    NHTSA complaint 11690697
15. Filed Sep 14, 2025Failure May 1, 2025New Albany, INSteering

    Was driving approximately 35mph and the steering got extremely difficult. Was able to get car safely off street. Turned car off, restarted car and steering was back to normal. Haven’t had problem since this one time. Called local dealer about electric steering and was told it was not in previous recall group of vehicles.

    NHTSA complaint 11687207
16. Filed Aug 12, 2025Failure Jul 14, 2025Austin, TXFuel/propulsion system

    It just started leaking fuel about a month ago and never stops

    NHTSA complaint 11680146
17. Filed Aug 12, 2025Failure Jul 24, 2025Austin, TXFuel/propulsion system

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11680083
18. Filed Jul 30, 2025Failure Apr 15, 2025Cleveland, TNSuspension

    I have had a multitude of issues regarding the steering and suspension of my 2012 ford escape limited. I have replaced the same parts multiple times over a short period of time. And the parts normally would not be replaced but once in a car lifetime such as control arms 4x 3x on passenger 1x on driver. But anyway this led to me finding out that my front passenger subframe is rotted. Which led me to a community chat about this vehicle where I found people that have had accidents been hurt and this is a common thing to happen with this vehicle. The subframe should not rot especially on one side I’m particularly without a reason. There is a recall for some 2012 ford escapes for this part but for some reason my car is not on that recall. My car is now a danger to drive. The recall should include all vehicles that have the issue with that part. My vehicle is unsafe to drive now. Idk how long it’s been like that. I’ve had part after part replaced because of this but no one had figured it out until my most recent mechanic. I have had my wheel fall off my vehicle while driving when my first control arm broke because the rot in the subframe is causing the rubber inside the control arm to wear fast. So when my control arm broke when I was driving luckily I was on a street rd not a highway I was not hurt but had to get it towed. My wheel dropped a second time while I was driving because of the same issue where the rot on the subframe is, is at the connection to the control arm where the rubber is. So there’s 2 times I could’ve been seriously hurt. I drive on the highway a lot. I have been very lucky. There is cases of people being hurt and having accidents because of this. I’m on a chat about this vehicle where an overwhelming amount of owners have the same exact issue with this part.

    NHTSA complaint 11677192
19. Filed Jul 28, 2025Failure Jul 1, 2024Orlando, FLUnknown or other

    My 2012 Ford Escape has a critical HVAC defect that impairs defrost performance and poses a serious safety risk. Specifically, the desiccant bag within the A/C system’s dryer appears to break down over time, releasing particles into the system. This causes clogging and malfunction of the thermal expansion valve (TXV) and other components, ultimately preventing the system from producing cold, dry air necessary to clear interior windshield fog and maintain visibility. This is not a maintenance issue or a wear-and-tear problem. The desiccant bag is a sealed internal component, and its disintegration appears to be the result of a design or manufacturing defect. I have personally replaced key components (including the TXV and dryer) multiple times, yet the problem persists. Each time, the system works temporarily, then begins to fail again. Inspection of previously replaced components reveals no external cause of failure. In Florida’s climate, where humidity is high and sudden rain is common, a functioning defroster is essential for safety. Without adequate cooling and dehumidification, the windshield fogs up quickly and cannot be cleared. This creates a serious and unpredictable visibility hazard during everyday driving, especially during morning commutes or in wet weather. Despite the apparent systemic nature of this problem and numerous online reports of similar issues in Ford Escape models of this era, Ford has not issued a recall or technical service bulletin. A recall should be considered due to the direct impact this issue has on driver visibility and safe vehicle operation.

    NHTSA complaint 11676575
20. Filed Jul 11, 2025Failure Jun 18, 2025160,000 milesWestern Springs, ILSteering, Vehicle speed control

    The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to make a left or right turn, the steering wheel made an abnormal whining sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle hesitate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11672913