2012 Ford Escape: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Ford Escape: 1 recall, 603 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
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Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #16V777000 · 2016 · 329,265 vehicles
What's wrong: On vehicles with a 3.0l engine, the fuel delivery module (fdm) May crack, causing a fuel leak.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The 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…
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Suspension Equipment recall #15E045000 · 2015 · 576 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 27 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (139): the most common themes are steering problems (134), warning light on (37).
- Fuel & propulsion (137): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (16), leaks (16), warning light on (11).
- Engine (73): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (40), warning light on (18).
- Speed control / throttle (70): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (28), warning light on (13).
The 2012 Ford Escape has 603 owner complaints, ranking #15 of 27 Escape model years for complaints (well below the 1016 average). Complaints peaked in 2018 (119 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 57,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (1317 complaints, 2 recalls), 2013 (2750 complaints, 18 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 28 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | Gasoline or E85 |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Ford Escape.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2012 Ford Escape, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Ford Escape problems?
Owners have filed 603 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (139), fuel & propulsion (137), engine (73).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Ford Escape get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Ford Escape repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.