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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:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
57,679 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 brakes problems

brakes problem

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2012 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #17

Nov 062023

Escape

  • miles

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

2012 Ford Escape-while driving the red triangle brake indicator warning light comes on as well as the check brake system indicator light, it beeps and the car feels like it doesn't want to stop at times. This has intermittently been happening and the warning lights seem to reset once the car is turned off and restarted. I took the car in for service and had new tires and brakes put on. The light indicator and braking issue problem did not resolve. Intermittently, you press the brake and it comes to a partial stop then pushes out further and doesn't always stop as it should. On 5/9/2023, I was approaching a stop sign and experienced complete brake failure and was in an accident. Was going around 15-20 mph, the indicator lights came on, the car slowed and then the brake pedal went all the way to the floor and then the car would not stop. I called the mechanic that put the new brakes on and took the car in again for service, he suggested that I take it to another shop. I took the car to the suggested mechanic and they replaced the brakes, rotors, and brake lines. The indicator lights still kept coming on even on the way home from the mechanics shop. I drove right back and they could not find the issue/no codes. On 11/6/2023, while driving at approximately 20 mph, I experienced another complete braking failure. I was leaving the parking lot, suddenly the ABS warning and brake warning indicator light came on and the brakes did not work at all, the pedal went all the way to the floor. I managed to pull off the road and into a parking lot and pulled the emergency brake to stop the car. The second incident was 11/6/2023 and there was no crash, the vehicle was towed. Contacted Ford Dealership-stated there were no recalls on the vehicle. Can supply service records if needed.

- Harpers Ferry , WV, USA

problem #16

Mar 172023

Escape

  • miles
Brake system light warning on every time I drive. Was told there was a recall for 2014 Escape but not 2012. Was told the anti-lock brake system computer has a malfunction.

- Lake Mary, FL, USA

problem #15

May 022022

Escape

  • miles
The caliber on our front wheel drive 2012, right wheel of the Escape overheated and locked up almost causing an accident. After taking it to be repaired (this time not a Ford dealer), the mechanic said the caliber got so hot that it melted the brake pad. The cost of repair is $900. Our brakes were installed and guaranteed by Tri-County Ford. This situation could have easily cause a serious accident or a car fire and caused bodily harm or worse. Our current mechanic said this is a common problem with our year (2012) Escape. Ford Motor Company needs to address this issue.

- La Grange, KY, USA

problem #14

Apr 282021

Escape

  • 116,000 miles

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

Brake booster pump failed during highway drive to work. Brake pedal became soft. Stopping car became difficult. After booster pump was replaced, front brakes began to stick causing brakes to overheat. ABS/hcu control module also required replacement. Ford does not currently recognize this problem a frequently occurring issue.

- Greenville, SC, USA

problem #13

Jul 232020

Escape

  • 50,000 miles
Within the past 2 yrs the ABS has gone out completely on 3 different occasions. Had to coast to a stop. Very dangerous and traumatizing...

- Buena Park, CA, USA

problem #12

Nov 032019

Escape

  • 173,425 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. While driving 55 mph, the contact depressed the brake pedal and heard an abnormal noise. In addition, the steering wheel shook uncontrollably. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Later that day, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact parked on the side of the road and turned off the engine. When the vehicle was restarted, there was no power steering ability. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 173,425.

- Cherryville, NC, USA

problem #11

Jun 102019

Escape

  • 52,000 miles

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

Brake warning lights on no ABS

- Lake Placid, FL, USA

problem #10

Mar 152019

Escape

  • 92,000 miles
2 months ago we had to stop immediately to go into a shop because our car was making a horrible loud noise and we could barely move the car. The brakes had locked into the pistons and the pistons were cracked and everything involving the brakes needed to be replaced including the calibers. Yesterday 5/30/19 we took it in and yet again the brakes are locked and everything needs to be replaced including the calibers. We looked it up and this is not an uncommon problem https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/41616/Ford/Escape/08-Ford-Escape-front-brakes-locking-up

- Airway Heights, WA, USA

problem #9

Apr 182019

Escape

  • 115,000 miles
Driving on the interstate at 75 mph during morning traffic during rain covered road. My traction stability and ABS warning lights are on again. I was driving to a doctor appt and saw the warning light come on. I applied light pressure to my brakes and gradually came to a stop. My car has 115,000 miles when fail happened

- Bluffton, IN, USA

problem #8

Nov 222017

Escape

  • 39,632 miles
Brakes failed and ended up going through cross traffic at an intersection. After $4990 and a full month at the local Ford dealer, it was found the hcu had a leaking seal and would intermittently disable the brakes!

- Alamogordo, NM, USA

problem #7

May 042017

Escape

  • 130,000 miles

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

While braking there is a vibration and engine stalls. The dealer claims they can not replicate and wants me to reschedule to bring it N again a week later. This happens every I stop or slow down in a right turn. I get the vibration and engine stalls. I have takes else where to check if there is something stuck in the brake but nothing found they do replicate problem but don't know what it is. I can not drive until this is fixed as it is a safety issue if the vehicle stalls. Dealer is no help maybe manufacture or someone else this has happened too can assist.

- Tacoma, WA, USA

problem #6

May 152017

Escape

  • 60,000 miles
Brake hose connector for front brakes is not allowing fluid to flow back to master cylinder. This causes brakes to remain applied and heating up. Temperatures predicted by Ford dealer (shane at bob allen Ford, overland park, ks) predicted to be as high as 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. Potential for fire is high and brakes, rotors and calipers are ruined. Was noticed immediately by driver of vehicle. Not a delayed issue.

- Overland Park, KS, USA

problem #5

Dec 052016

Escape

  • 113,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. While driving 40 mph, the traction control and ABS warning indicators remained illuminated. It was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.

- Winter Garden, FL, USA

problem #4

Aug 012014

Escape 4-cyl

  • 26,000 miles
When slowing down, the rear brakes make a rubbing sound like having a flat spot on the drums. Its been to the Ford dealer 3 times for the same sound. They say its normal. 1 year before when I bought the car, it never sounded that way. Even while parked and stepping on the brake pedal, it still sounds like springs are going to snap. I don't think this is normal.

- Galloway, NJ, USA

problem #3

May 052014

Escape 4-cyl

  • 13,420 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while having regular maintenance performed, the technician notified the contact that the front brakes were excessively corroded. As a result, both front brakes and rotors needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 13,420. Updated 9/4/14 updated 12/18/2014

- St Augustine , FL, USA

problem #2

Sep 182012

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while traveling 40 mph, the brakes, traction control and power steering assist failed. The vehicle was moved to the shoulder to be restarted and it began to function normally. The vehicle was driven to the dealer where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.... updated 02/28/13

- Herron, MI, USA

problem #1

Jul 012012

Escape 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the brake pedal was engaged and the pedal abruptly extended partially to the floor for a brief moment. The contact was able to continue driving as normal. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 60. Updated 08/28/12 updated 08/28/12.

- Osceola, IN, USA

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