The Lemon Index2012 Ford Escape.
The 2012 Ford Escape is better than average by owner complaints: 168 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 58, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about speed control, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 20 to 32 mpg combined. The best Ford Escape year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 619 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Escape year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 33K to 93K miles on the car (424 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- steering complaints mostly came at 66K–131K miles
- fuel or ev drive system complaints mostly came at 37K–73K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 17K–64K miles
Recalls 2
- fuel system, gasoline 2016
On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.
- suspension 2015
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 43 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Illuminated mil or safety stop now message, or a no
- On the left hand half shaft seal, there is a fluid leak from the transmission because of wear…
- Mercury/ford: on some vehicles, there is a fluid leakage, coming from left hand (lh) halfshaft…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedElectronic throttle body malfunction2013–2014
- ClosedElectronic throttle body malfunction2012–2013
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Escape SUV 4x4 | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ford Escape SUV 4x2 | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ford Escape Hev SUV 4x4 | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ford Escape Hev SUV 4x2 | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2000–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Engine died while making a right hand turn onto another street.
2012 Ford Escape owner · NHTSA complaint 10667497
More owner reports
Vehicle is repeatedly surging without warning or stalling without warning. Often during turns in heavy traffic. Dealer is unable to replicate but suspects throttle body malfunction.
NHTSA complaint 10507062
Vehicle cuts out while driving - no gas pressure - engine running, pedal to floor, no rev., or excessive rev while driving. Advised by ase mechanic - throttle body needs replaced.
NHTSA complaint 10604784
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Ford Escape reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 58; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Escape year by this measure since 2010 is 2025.
What are the most common 2012 Ford Escape problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are speed control (29%), engine (26%) and transmission & drivetrain (25%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Escape have?
2 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Ford Escape get?
20 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Ford Escape safe?
NHTSA gave it 3 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Ford Escape problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 33,000 and 93,300 miles. The middle report was at 56,000 miles, from 424 complaints.
Does the 2012 Ford Escape have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 25% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2012 Ford Escape cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Ford Escape have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Ford Escape year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2015 and 2018.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works