2012 Ford Escape recalls
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured February 26, 2009, to April 29, 2012, and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured February 25, 2009, to December 12, 2010. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 13, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become…
329,265 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Suspension · NHTSA 15E045000 · Jun 3, 2015
Problem: The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. 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…
Risk: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
576 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Latest owner complaints
Structure · Sep 19, 2026 · AZ
Sun roof is leaking into the passenger compartment. Car was typically parked under cover and not driven in inclement wether. Drain hose was found not to be clogged however water is leaking into the passenger compartment. Staining the headliner seats and collecting on the floors. The date is the most recent occurrence. The water falls into the vehicle and can short or cause…
Steering · May 22, 2026 · NE
No power steering hard to turn left and right
Steering · Apr 30, 2026 · FL
Vehicle: 2012 Ford Escape Issue: Loss of steering assist while driving While operating my vehicle, the power steering assist suddenly fails, making the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn. This creates a dangerous driving condition and significantly increases the risk of an accident. This issue appears to match known problems with the electric power steering system in…
Electrical System · Apr 30, 2026 · FL
Vehicle: 2012 Ford Escape Issue: Loss of steering assist while driving While operating my vehicle, the power steering assist suddenly fails, making the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn. This creates a dangerous driving condition and significantly increases the risk of an accident. This issue appears to match known problems with the electric power steering system in…
Steering · Mar 24, 2026 · MO
I was driving approximately 35mph and the steering got extremely difficult. I had to use all my strength to try to turn the wheel. I pulled into a gas station parking lot, turned the car off, restarted the car and steering was back to normal. Has happened 2 times since. I had a mechanic friend look at it and he couldn't find a reason why it would do that.
Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 28, 2026 · 153,000 miles · PA
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, there was a strong fuel-like odor entering the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 8, 2026 · MA
Clearly the vehicle is leaking and is a fire hazard. I received a notice that it has been recalled but itâs not showing up under my vin.
Steering · Oct 29, 2025 · 121,000 miles · WA
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel locked. The contact used force to turn the steering wheel while driving to the residence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who inspected the vehicle and retrieved DTC: B2278. The independent mechanic determined that the…
Suspension · Oct 16, 2025 · KY
Took my mothers car to the Ford dealership for inspection. Upon inspection the mechanic told us that the subframe is rotted out and that it is not safe to drive which is why there was issues with steering and tire leaning due to control arm coming off subframe. This vehicle has been taken care of through out the years. My 70 year old mother could have been seriously injured if…
Steering · Oct 11, 2025 · MI
Driving at normal rate of speed, Power steering quits and almost lost control of vehicle. I had to struggle with steering to park vehicle away from traffic. Steering wheel becomes very stiff.
Steering · Oct 7, 2025 · 85,000 miles · FL
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon driving into the garage, the steering wheel was significantly loose. The steering wheel then detached but was held together by the electrical wires. There was no warning light illuminated. A mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence. The mechanic determined that the upper steering column shaft had…
Steering · Oct 1, 2025 · OK
In other year models the power steering sensor has been under recall. I have a 2012 ford escape. That randomly the power steering does out this part has been replaced twice with no ultimately fixing the issue. Itâs so dangerous when your driving 75 on the highway and the power steering goes out and the power heel jerks from your hands and you almost run off the road or run…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 2012 Ford Escape, the most recent one (16V777000) for fuel system, gasoline. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Escape?
Based on 599 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are steering (137), fuel/propulsion system (137), engine (72).
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2012 Ford Escape?
Owners reported 37 crashes, 3 fires, 32 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2012 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations that include this vehicle, most recently PE13003: Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction.