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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2012 Ford Escape has an acceptable complaint history so far, with leaking rear window problems showing up as the main concern so far. NHTSA complaint data shows an early pattern of problems with stalling while driving.

Another concern is the 2012 Escape rolled onto its roof during an NHTSA side impact test so it only received a marginal side impact rating ... not good.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
32,005 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Ford Escape fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2012 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 1 of 7)

problem #134

Dec 022023

Escape

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While coming to a stop sign, as I took my foot off the gas pedal, it surged forward at a fast speed the gas pedal went to the floor. it took me through the intersection and beyond before I was able to stop the car. It was very scary just thinking if there were anyone crossing the street it could have been very bad. Now im afraid to even drive my car not knowing if it will happen again.I call the service and cannot get appt. for 2 weeks. and it will be at my expense.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #133

Feb 262021

Escape

  • miles
There is something not connecting right when you accelerate from a stopped position. From when you first start the car and begin to drive to slowing down to a complete stop as soon as you begin to accelerate there is almost no going right away when you push down on the pedal. It takes almost 10 seconds or more to even begin to stay with on coming traffic. You have to be at a 3 rpm to even shift to go a little more faster then the speed starts to increase if able. It is available when needed to look over at any point and I dont feel safe driving as theres something not right with the connection to the fuel I believe and it feels like. I have taken it to a local shop and they looked it over and didnt seem to find or see much but they cleaned the air flow meter but that didnt do the trick" Also while driving the car tends to veer to the left with or with no wind. It doesnt like to stay straight while driving and thats also unsafe as the driver your doing everything to stay straight. Have not been inspected by anyone other than the local shop I trust and is family friend. Have never noticed or seen any defective lights come on since I purchased the vehicle. I noticed this not even a month into purchasing and I took it to where I purchased the vehicle and asked about it and they said its normal in this older ford escape? I was kinda stunned and annoyed so I just left. Also when the ac is on it seems to take even more power to try and get going I have noticed. I also have tried to upload a photo of an invoice and my computer isnt allowing me"

- Rochester, MN, USA

problem #132

Jul 212021

Escape

  • miles
12/3/2020 Recall 16S41-Fuel Delivery Module Flange Replacement was performed on vehicle at Ford Dealership. Upon starting the vehicle, I noticed a long crank & engine light was on. Technician advised the issue would resolve itself in a few days. It did not. 12/16/2020 Returned to Ford Dealership for for diagnostic of long crank & engine light. Techs determined there was a defect in the hose. According to them, they replaced the faulty part and issue was fixed. It was not. I was advised again, after some time the issue would be resolved. It was not. 05/5/21 Returned to Ford Dealership for diagnostic & repair of same. Techs advised they replaced a clamp, and that the fuel delivery module installed was defective(again) causing a leak down. They refused liability and advised I needed the fuel pump replaced at my own expense($628). I declined.

- Morgantown, WV, USA

problem #131

Feb 272020

Escape

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

After the fuel line recall was repaired in 2020 the engine stutters before it cranks completely. I reached out to Ford and the only thing they did was offer 20 dollars off the diagnostic fee at the dealership.

- Lowell, NC, USA

problem #130

Jan 022018

Escape

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. While driving at an unknown rate of speed, the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact also stated that the check fuel intake lid indicator illuminated intermittently after filling the vehicle with fuel. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 16V777000 (fuel system, gasoline). The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Columbia, PA, USA

problem #129

May 242019

Escape

  • 79,795 miles
Check engine light on when driving and when parked and engine running and smell of raw gas fumes near left rear wheel area. Shop tested found code P0456 traced to cracked and leaking electric fuel pump. Replaced pump now ok. In checking I found there was a recall #16S41 for 2012 Escape with V6 engine, my car is a 4 cyl. Not incl. In recall but produced in same production sequence production date 8-11 sales date 11-19-2011 the above recall was for leaking fuel pump.I believe my car should have been recalled also. I contacted dealer they referred me to Ford co. Filed case #cas-21767319 on 5-29-19 Ford said no recall, sorry no help with repair bill.I believe this should have been recalled as a safety hazard also covered under emission warranty 8 yeas or 80,000 miles I wrote to dealer 9-12-2019 no response car had 79.795 at time of repair. I still have the car and the defective fuel pump if inspection is required. This condition was on public street and private property moving and stationary. My car could have been involved in a fire if the cause of the fuel leak wasn't detected.

- Scituate, MA, USA

problem #128

Nov 082019

Escape

  • 92,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

After performing the recall the problem continue showing check fuel tank inlet..in the panel and then checking engine ligth on..its been a solid problem for the last few years and Ford should get the rigth way to fix the problem

- Silver Spring, MD, USA

problem #127

Oct 012019

Escape

  • 47,900 miles
My 2012 Ford Escape suddenly loses power when driving. It happened on the highway and I was almost rear ended. I googled the symptoms and found that it is probably the etb electronic throttle body. This is dangerous and NHTSA did not issue a recall or protect the public by requiring Ford to provide towing. Instead NHTSA only required that Ford extend the warranty an additional 10 years leaving Ford owners at risk of injury or worse.

- Kamuela, HI, USA

problem #126

Jul 132019

Escape

  • 72,500 miles
After having the recall 16S41 fuel delivery module flange replacement service, my vehicle would occasionally not successfully start but would continue to try. I called the dealership where it was serviced and they took a look, but found nothing. Less than two months have passed and I notice new issues; vehicle chugs down the highway almost boggy-like; when filling with gasoline the pump stops at 3/4 tank and not full; spits gasoline back out; overall sounds significantly different running.

- Bloomer, WI, USA

problem #125

Apr 292018

Escape

  • 68,534 miles
Evaporation system leak occurred and fuel tank pipe assembly had to be replaced. Car did not start and needed to be towed.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #124

Aug 012018

Escape

  • 31,138 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Upon leaving work on July 31st 2018 I noticed an odd smell as I approached my 2012 Ford Escape limited. Upon getting closer to the car I noticed the smell was gas. I was alarmed thinking my vehicle may not start or could possibly explode if I tried. When opening the door the smell was unbearable. After calling my son he said that there was a recall for my generation Ford for a cracking fuel pump. He said it will be safe to start but will be leaking gas everywhere so keep an eye on the gauge. After starting the car I noticed that the gas level was almost 1/2 a tank lower than when I arrived just 8 hours before. I rolled all four windows down and drove the car the shop I've been visiting and trust. They took my vehicle in on August 1st 2018 and said that they will look into it. After diagnosing the problem they discovered it that the fuel pump was cracked. With only 31,000 miles. After attempting to reach the dealer and the Ford customer service program they told me that the vehicle is not covered under the recall issued by NHTSA. This vehicle seems to fall in every category other than a seven month difference on the build number. Ford said that they are unable to assist me in recovering my money for a recall that is on the same year make model and trim level.

- Mcknight, PA, USA

problem #123

Jun 052019

Escape

  • 110,364 miles
On approximately May 25, 2019, I was at a local gas station to fill up my vehicle, a 2012 Ford Escape XLT, with gas. While filling the gas tank to full, the automatic shut off failed causing gas to forcefully splash back out of the gas tank, onto me and the ground next to the gas pump. The attendant at the gas station followed their protocol for a gas spill. I filled up the gas take at other local gas stations and the problem continued. On June 5, 2019 I scheduled a repair at my local Ford dealership. I paid for a faulty vent valve and a solenoid asy to be replaced for $ $463.08. They stated on my receipt that they added 6 gallons of gas to confirm the repair. A week later I refueled my vehicle in another city, and the problem with the gas overflowing continued. I took the vehicle back to the Ford dealership July 5, 2019, and explained the problem was not resolved. They told me they dropped the gas tank and tested the components and told me it was a faulty valve. They informed me "they talked to detroit" and I would need to replace the "gas tank assembly" and I would be given a "discount" on the repair since I had paid almost $500 for the first repair. The estimate for the second repair was $1,000. I asked of there was a warranty on the repair that was done previously, and was told no. I did not get the repair done this time because the problem was supposed to be corrected and wasn't. there apparently is not warranty on the repair that was done. I am shocked that it will cost an estimated $1,000 more to repair a problem that they said was fixed, and possibly no guarantee on the repairs. After contacting the Ford Motor Company in Michigan, I was told the individual dealerships are in charge of their customer service and that Ford corporate couldn't help with my problem. I contacted this Agency and was given this case number-11234836.

- Yakima, WA, USA

problem #122

May 252019

Escape

  • 110,364 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. While fueling the vehicle, fuel spewed out of the tank. The vehicle was taken to valley Ford (509-453-3125, located at 910 S 1st St, yakima, wa 98901) where the vent valve and solenoid were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer, but could not be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,364.

- Yakima, WA, USA

problem #121

Jun 192019

Escape

  • 127,000 miles
Occasionally when fueling the pump will stop prematurely. The dash will say it's full but 5 miles later your at 3/4 tank. And topping off is illegal so there's not a way to get past it. Car was off, parked, and next to a gas station pump.

- Salem, OR, USA

problem #120

Jun 042019

Escape

  • 56,000 miles
Pulling out from a red light, the car made a whirring noise and hesitated to move then started jumping when the accelerator was pressed. Drove car approximately 2 miles and the car made the noise, hesitated and started jumping again. Made to a parking lot and parked car. A transmission specialist checked it out and said the transmission is locked in high gear.

- Arrington, VA, USA

problem #119

Jun 032019

Escape

  • 88,000 miles
The car has had problems with acceleration dealing with the fuel on the highway. I have also noticed that my car seems to be loosing miles or fuel. The engine light has come on twice in the last week with fueling codes.

- South Hill, VA, USA

problem #118

May 172019

Escape

  • 114,000 miles
The area of most concern is the issue with the steering. Eight months ago, I suddenly lost power steering just after exiting a freeway. Now it is making the same sound again and my mechanic feels the wheel may lock completely.I drive mountain passes, which makes this exceptionally dangerous. Contact with local and corporate Ford says it is my problem to get it over an hour away to the dealer, and repair will be at my expense, even though many people have had this same issue. To make matters worse, I learned only after contacting Ford about the steering issue, that there is a safety recall on the fuel module, which could cause fire. I received no notice of this until I reported the steering issue to the company. The dealer tells me it will take four weeks to get the parts to fix the safety recall. In the meantime, I am losing income every day as I drive for a living. No concern for the safety of me, my family, or others on the road.

- South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA

problem #117

Jan 022018

Escape

  • miles
I lose fuel according to my gage at an alarming rate. It will go from 212 miles to 199 and I've driven maybe a quarter block.

- El Paso, TX, USA

problem #116

Apr 062019

Escape

  • 33,100 miles
In a private parking lot, after executing a 90 degree left turn into a parking spot and with the brake pedal applied in order to slow then stop the vehicle, the vehicle surged forward just before coming to a complete stop. You could hear the engine rev up as it surged forward. Application of the brake pedal did nothing to slow it down. After the vehicle was jarred by striking the curb the engine returned to normal idol. So much power was applied in the surge that the vehicle jumped a curb, traveled over a a grass plot and struck another car on the other side. Our Ford Escape suffered front end damage (toward drivers side) and the other vehicle (a Ford eco -boost) suffered front and drivers side damage. Note that the vehicle was traveling forward at about one mph (almost to a full stop) when the surge occurred. As it surged the speed increased rapidly to about seven to ten mph. The vehicles were not towed at the time but when driving a short distance home a severe defect in the steering (pull to the left) was noticed making it virtually inoperable. The vehicle will be towed from our driveway to the body shop.

- Sicklerville, NJ, USA

problem #115

Jul 102014

Escape

  • 30,000 miles
Two problems here. First one is an issue with the throttle body that I noticed a few years ago but I don't remember the exact date I called Ford regarding this. Occasionally, especially in the hottest days, when I hit the gas to get into traffic, my car doesn't speed up. It just sits there, which has put me in many dangerous positions where I end up pulling up in front of a fast moving car, but since mine fails to speed up even if I push the gas pedal all the way, those cars end up almost hitting me from behind. After about 5 seconds it finally takes off, spinning the tires and again putting myself and other drivers at risk of being hit. This happens more often when my car is on a downhill stop sign a few blocks down my street where I can only go left or right. I merge into traffic, but my car just rolls into the street with no power in the gas pedal for about 3-5 seconds. I notified Ford after going online trying to figure out what is wetting with my car, and finding out that there is a known issue with certain 2012 models, including my car based on the VIN #. they asked me to take my car to a dealer but said they would not be responsible four any out of pocket charges. The dealer said they needed an official letter from the manufacturer in order to not incur any fees. But neither Ford or carmax ever notified me with any actual documentation, which made me weary to take my car to the dealer. The second issue is that I have noticed a gasoline smell in my car for about 2 years now, it's very random and happens about once or twice a month. I attribute it to driving past a gas station or a semitruck on the highway or just normal for cars to smell of gasoline sometimes. The smell only seems to last about 30 seconds.

- Claremore, OK, USA

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