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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.

3.6

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
35,921 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 accessories - exterior problems

accessories - exterior problem

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2012 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #4

Feb 042023

Escape

  • miles

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

Both rear doors will not open from inside or outside. No way to take panels off to repair. Can-€™t exit in case of emergency.

- Lafayette, OR, USA

problem #3

Jun 052021

Escape

  • miles
I have a 2012 Ford Escape what the following safety malfunctions: 1. Driver's door malfunction Driver's side door failed to close/ door lock ajar even when system door lock buttons are pressed. It first began June 1, 2021. Door flung open while driving my daughter and I to school and work. I had to hold the door with one hand and steer with other as this door malfunction posed a safety risk to others. Hazzard light for door is functioning when key is in ignition. I am in the process of contacting the dealer for inspection and servicing the vehicle. 2. Steering wheel Steering wheel will sometimes lock up while key is in ignition not long after starting the car. When this vehicle is in this state of condition, it will not turn and steering wheel will lock in place while in motion. Began noticing more of the occurrences February 2021. When this happens I immediately restart the vehicle by turning it off and then on again to unlock the steering wheel to drive in the direction I need to go. This poses a major risk to others, my 9 year old daughter and myself because it happens unexpectedly while car is in motion which can lead to incidents. 3. Check engine light Car warning light appears and then disappears on any occasion. Vehicle has passed Smog testing, and has previously been serviced for tune-up and oil changes regularly. (December 2019)

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #2

Jun 242020

Escape

  • 118,685 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, the driver door was closed but failed to latch securely. Additionally, the vehicle failed to start-up. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the door latch fractured and needed to be replaced. The door latch was replaced however, the mechanic was unable to start the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,685.

- New Paris, OH, USA

problem #1

May 282013

Escape 4-cyl

  • 25,000 miles
On 6 different occasions door latches have been replaced, I've been locked in and out of my vehicle, my husband is disable and I had to climb through the hatch back to get doors to open. I am afraid of this vehicle, if it catches fire will I get out? I feel this is a death trap and Ford is just soothing my feathers to keep me happy. Also, I was sold a 2012 4X4 vehicle, however my vehicle is not a 4X4. The dealership said they go by VIN, this one is wrong!

- Marble Falls, AR, USA

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