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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.

7.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$220
Average Mileage:
72,900 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace hinge (5 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
2012 Ford Escape windows / windshield problems

windows / windshield problem

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2012 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #6

Dec 122021

Escape XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

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

click to see larger images

window hinge broken

Note received from the warranty company:

The glass hinges fail due to a manufacturers defect that causes them to internally corrode and fall apart. From what I am aware, only the Escape uses these hinges and they have been an issue for them. Unfortunately the glass hinges corroding and falling apart is not something the policy covers. We wouldn't be able to help out with this type of repair.

- Mark R., Sarnia, Ontario, Canada

problem #5

Aug 192018

Escape XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

This is definitely a safety issue. A vehicle whose back window latches disintegrate and fall off is a definite safety issue that could have caused serious injury to anyone who was following behind. The latch completely disintegrated and the other latch looks like it is in the same shape.

If Ford says this isn't a problem, they may be in for a huge lawsuit if someone is killed from the back window falling off.

- catherineon, Whitby, ON, Canada

problem #4

Jul 062018

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,923 miles

One of the back hinges on the rear window completely rotted off one day, which left the window hanging off the other hinge. Apparently, a Ford dealership is the only place this can get fixed. It seems odd that one hinge would rot off and the other one would be fine. This is a huge safety issue. What if the glass came off on the highway? I think it is totally unfair that I have to pay $300 for one hinge! From what I have read this is not a problem unique to me. Therefore it should be covered under warranty or the consumer should at least be informed of the possibility at the time of purchase.

- Cheri W., Woodstock, ON, Canada

problem #3

Sep 012016

Escape V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

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

NO RECALL! I have heard multiple issues of the same problem. The replacement hinges are $230+ just for the parts. I am very unsatisfied with Ford and now will need to pay to have these fixed. NOTE: The more car washes you get the more the hinges will corrode so I suggest to anyone who owns an escape with the same hinges to be cautious and get repaired immediately. My window has completely came off due to the left rear hinge breaking. I have duck taped the window as a temporary fix until I can afford the permanant fix.

- Daniel G., Howell, MI, US

problem #2

Sep 252016

Escape 2.5L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

click to see larger images

window hinge broken

My dad has a 2012 Ford Escape and Sat. 9-25-16 he showed me that the hinges on the back window have not just broke, but appear to have been attacked what looks like some type of acid. With a closer look this morning, I took pictures, those hinges don't just hold the window in place on the outside but are connected to what I believe the electrical units on the inside to heat the window. So I am wondering if what is happening is that the windshield fluid when sprayed on the back is getting somehow inside the hinge, for the hinge is not solid but hollow and eating away at the plastic. And perhaps this may also be what is causing the windows to explode. I by no means am an expert, but I have common sense in what I see and I do my best to look at all the facts of what I see. I am standing firm that these components together have something to do with both the hinge problem and possibly the window shattering issue as well. I can see this white acidic looking stuff all over the hinges and where it appeared to have run down on both hinges. Not in all cases could it be seen on the outside because clearly it began from the inside out. What's it gonna take Ford, a tragic accident before you take this as a Safety Recall, someone(s) to get seriously injured before you see fit to look deeper into this issue? There are so many things this simple recall could prevent. Do you not see how this is a much bigger safety issue than what it appears? If this hinge/electrical are related to the exploding windows and someone is driving and gets frightened by the explosion how that could domino into a major accident, or what about infants who are required to face the back window when it explodes and they get seriously hurt with the glass, so many scenarios could be prevented by Ford making a choice to NOT play the game of chance with people's safety and lives. The 1 hinge has already, as you can see in the picture broken all the way through because of this acidic stuff. I pray that he gets to the dealership before if falls of the other hinge. Be safe Ford driver's, be encouraged and remember... don't fight for your rights in a mindset of anger, instead, do all that you can and leave what you can't do in the hands of the one who can do All Things.

- Deanna B., Ashtabula, OH, US

problem #1

Jul 282016

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,260 miles

The left hinge disintegrated and the window pivoted on the right hinge and slid down. I was in the driveway and caught it. Roped and taped it back into position. The hinge was mostly powder and left a nasty streak on the window. Haven't been able to remove the streak. It is the same problem encountered by #3 on your listed complaints. The repair took approximately 25 minutes to perform. I should be thankful for the quick repair, but $145.01 for a hinge? Next time I'll go to a junk yard and buy one. And, like #3 said, if I had been driving it would have been dangerous for the car behind me and probably would have caused an accident if I had been on a busy street or expressway.

- James T., Oxford, MI, US

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