Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Fuel/propulsion System — runs 4.1× the fleet median for that category across the 1401 model-years tracked on this site.
598Complaints
2Recalls
37Crashes
3Fires
26Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Fuel/propulsion System (22.9% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Fuel/propulsion System complaints here are 4.1× the median for that category across the 1401 model-years tracked on this site.
1 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 5 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Fuel/propulsion System
137 · 22.9%
Recalled
Recall 16V777000
Steering
136 · 22.7%
No official action
—
Engine
72 · 12%
Investigation closed
PE13003 · DP12006
Vehicle Speed Control
69 · 11.5%
No official action
—
Power Train
63 · 10.5%
No official action
—
Structure:body
55 · 9.2%
No official action
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 598 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“VEHICLE CUTS OUT WHILE DRIVING - NO GAS PRESSURE - ENGINE RUNNING, PEDAL TO FLOOR, NO REV., OR EXCESSIVE REV WHILE DRIVING. ADVISED BY ASE…”NHTSA complaint 10604784 — filed 06/20/2014 · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
“DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AND WAS A POP AND I HAD NO GAS AT ALL. I HAD TO COAST OFF THE FREEWAY. THE REPAIR BILL…”NHTSA complaint 10552667 — filed 11/18/2013 · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
“THE CAR WAS DRIVING FINE ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN SUDDENLY IT COMPLETELY LOST POWER AND WOULDN'T STOP TO COMPLETION. AFTER SHUTTING DOWN THE CAR AND…”NHTSA complaint 10546479 — filed 10/02/2013 · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Escape?
Fuel/propulsion system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 137 of 598 NHTSA complaints (22.9%), followed by steering (136), engine (72), vehicle speed control (69). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2012 Ford Escape have?
598 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 37 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 26 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2012 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 16V777000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 Ford Escape's reported problems?
1 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page is backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.
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