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2012 Ford Escape recalls and problems

The 2012 Ford Escape has 1 safety recall and 604 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
604
Crashes / fires
38 / 3
Injuries / deaths
27 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Ford Escape vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Ford Escape recalls

Recall 16V-777: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Oct 26, 2016 · 329,265 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

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.

2012 Ford Escape problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering140
Fuel/Propulsion System137
Engine73
Vehicle Speed Control70
Structure68
Power Train66
Unknown or Other44
Electrical System42
Fuel System, Gasoline26
Air Bags25
Seat Belts19
Service Brakes18

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 56
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 4
  • Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 3
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages — 2
  • Structure › Body › Door — 2
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery — 2
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 57,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Ford Escape complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · reported Oct 18, 2026
[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)
Vehicle Speed Control · at 44,000 miles · reported Oct 2, 2026
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.
Steering · reported Sep 29, 2026
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?
Engine · reported Sep 29, 2026
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…
Steering · reported Sep 26, 2026
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.

Other Ford Escape years

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Compare all Ford Escape years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Ford Escape have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Ford Escape: 16V-777 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Ford Escape?

Owners report steering problems most often (140 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (137). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 57,000 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.