RoadVitals

2012 Ford Escape Hybrid

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
15
Latest Nov 20, 2020
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
0
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 15 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid, most frequently naming the visibility, body & structure and brakes categories. 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 6 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Visibility210.5%
  • Body & structure210.5%
  • Brakes210.5%
  • Engine210.5%
  • Fuel system210.5%
  • Interior & seats210.5%
  • Steering210.5%
  • Airbags15.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

No recalls in our database for this model year

That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

DP22005ClosedDefect Petition

Pedestrian alert sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023
Closed Aug 7, 2023

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEMLed to recall 22V063000
DP12006ClosedDefect Petition

Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction

Opened Oct 2, 2012
Closed Feb 21, 2013

In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford Escape vehicles. On October 2, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition DP12-006 to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition is hereby granted on certain model years. The NCCC letter cites two complaints of stall while driving in MY 2009 Ford Escape vehicles that were diagnosed as failed throttle bodies with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed. The petitioner indicates that the owners of both vehicles reported experiencing repeated incidents of stalling and engine surging. According to Ford, Escape non-hybrid vehicles are equipped with Electronic Throttle Body (ETB) assemblies beginning with MY 2009. Vehicles manufactured between June 22, 2009 and October 15, 2009 may contain contaminated printed circuit boards (PCB) with plating variations. Plating variations could lead to a lack of continuity in the throttle position sensor circuit where P2111 and/or other DTCs would be generated and stored. Ford and its electronic throttle body supplier, Delphi, modified the PCB manufacturing process and issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) 09-23-5. Vehicles produced after October 15, 2009 incorporated ETBs manufactured with a PCB process that resolved this condition. ODI's analysis identified a total of 123 unique reports indicating allegations of reduced motive power or vehicle stall. Depending on the condition of throttle control system malfunction, a driver may experience varying levels of reduced engine performance associated with three limp home modes. In two limp modes, reduced engine performance may maintain vehicle speeds above 20mph while the third is a limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Allegations of stall appear to be related to the limited limp home mode. Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability. Allegations of vehicle surge appear to be related to limp home mode operation. Complaints alleging surge are most likely related to engine RPM fluctuations at low vehicle speeds or idle as the control system engages to prevent engine stall. In limited limp mode, rough-idle conditions may exist while the control system attempts to modulate engine RPMs once the vehicle reaches a reduced speed to maintain approximately 900 RPM. Separately, ODI received 59 complaints alleging incidents of engine stall while driving in model year (MY) 2010-2011 Ford Fusion vehicles. Approximately 60 percent (36) of the incidents occurred at speeds of 40 miles per hour or more. Eighty percent of complaints (47) were received beginning March 2012 and 14 complaints reported that the throttle body was replaced or DTCs associated with limp home modes. Additionally, Ford issued TSB 10-21-6 addressing DTCs associated with idle speed drops and limited limp home mode. The petition is granted on certain model years.Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.See full copy of the closing resume for this defect petition for list of the VOQs associated with the defect petition analysis.

ENGINE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Steering
Filed Nov 20, 2020

TLA* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING ASSIST AND BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE FAILURE WAS CORRECTED AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RAMP FORD LOCATED AT 4869 NESCONSET HWY, PORT JEFFERSON STATION, NY 11776 HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.*DT*JB

NHTSA ID
11375581
Incident
Sep 1, 2020
Mileage
53,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Feb 21, 2019

I TURNED ON MY BACK WINDOW DEFROSTER AND WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE WINDOW EXPLODED/SHATTERED THEREBY ALMOST CAUSING ME TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID
11181502
Incident
Feb 21, 2019
Body & structureInterior & seats
Filed Sep 24, 2018

MY 2012 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID HAS RUST COVERING THE ENTIRE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I NEVER NOTICED IT UNTIL YESTERDAY WHEN I NOTICED SOME RUST UNDER THE WHEEL WELL. WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR I WAS HORRIFIED. THE RUST IS REALLY BAD AND IT'S EATING THROUGH TO THE INTERIOR. WHEN I LOOKED CLOSELY I SAW RUST UNDER BOTH SEATS ON THE BRACKETS. WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE CARPET I CAN SEE THAT IT'S AFFECTING THE INTERIOR UPHOLSTERY. IT IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE TO HAVE THIS AMOUNT OF RUST ON A VEHICLE THAT IS SIX YEARS OLD. I THINK IT MIGHT BE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THE CAR. THE ENTIRE UNDERSIDE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I CHECKED AROUND ONLINE LAST NIGHT AND IT WILL LIKELY COST A LOT TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM IF IT CAN BE REPAIRED AT ALL. LAST YEAR I DID NOTICE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ALWAYS HUMID ON THE INSIDE BUT I DIDN'T THINK TO LOOK FOR RUST ON A CAR THIS NEW. THE PART THAT REALLY ANGERS ME IS THAT THERE ARE ONLY 36,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND I PLANNED TO DRIVE IT FOR YEARS. IT HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND SERVICE CONTRACT WITH FORD. THE WARRANTY EXPIRED LAST YEAR. I REALLY THINK IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE EXTENT OF THE RUST. SHOULD I TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP EVEN THOUGH I KNOW THEY WON'T FIX IT? WHAT SHOULD I DO? I WILL TAKE SOME PHOTOS IN THE DAYLIGHT AND ADD THEM TO THIS REPORT.

NHTSA ID
11130870
Incident
Sep 22, 2018
Mileage
36,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Mar 14, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE HOOD SUDDENLY FLEW UP AND CRASHED INTO THE WINDSHIELD WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GAUDIN FORD (6625 W. ROY HORN WAY, LAS VEGAS, NV 89118, 702-534-3094) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. *TT

NHTSA ID
11079441
Incident
Mar 12, 2018
Mileage
40,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jan 15, 2018

5 WEEKS AGO THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH LIT UP. I CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT GET ME IN FOR 3 WEEKS. I WAS PLANNING ON GOING ON A VACATION AROUND THAT TIME, SO DECIDED TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER I GOT BACK. UNFORTUNATELY, 2 DAYS PRIOR TO MY TRIP, WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED. THE ONLY THING THAT SAVED ME FROM A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WAS DOWNSHIFTING AND TURNING THE IGNITION OFF WHICH WHEN I RESTARTED IT REBOOTED THE BRAKES FOR A WHILE, ENOUGH TO GET ME TO THE FORD DEALER. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR ALMOST THREE WEEKS AND THEY ARE STILL NOT SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. THEY WOULD LIKE TO REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE HYDRAULIC PUMP (FOR $5000.00) WHICH I AM HESITANT TO AUTHORIZE. I DO NOT BELIEVE IN A 6 YEAR OLD VEHICLE THAT THIS IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. IN DOING RESEARCH ON LINE I HAVE DISCOVERED NUMEROUS SIMILAR STORIES ON DIFFERENT YEARS OF THE SAME VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY 2008. I THINK THIS IS A DANGEROUS MANUFACTURING ISSUE AND WOULD LIKE IT INVESTIGATED TO SEE HOW MANY OTHER SIMILAR CASES ARE INVOLVED AND IF ANY FATALITIES HAVE OCCURRED AS A RESULT. *TT *TR

NHTSA ID
11062898
Incident
Dec 20, 2017
Mileage
120,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 15, 2017

TAKATA RECALL CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND COMPUTER WRENCH SIGHN 10LIGHT APPEARED AT A RED LIGHT IN THE CITY CAR DRIVE VERY SLOW PULLED OVER SHUT CAR OFF AND IT STARTED WITH WRENCH LIGHT WENT OFF .

NHTSA ID
11033448
Incident
Oct 15, 2017
Mileage
145 mi
Fuel system
Filed Sep 25, 2017

RECALL #16S41/NHTSA 16V-777 REC NOTICE IN DECEMBER 2016 HAVE CALLED DEALER AND CORP ALSO AND KEEP GETTING TOLD PART NOT DONE YET OR NO WAY TO FIX I DO SMELL GAS EVERYTIME I FILL UP AND NOW I SMELL IT ON RANDOM TIMES ESPECIALLY WHEN RAINING AND GOING THRU PUDDLE SMELL OF FUMES GAS IN VEHICLE LAST CALLED TODAY 9/25/2017

NHTSA ID
11025305
Incident
Sep 25, 2017
EngineFuel system
Filed Nov 7, 2016

I OWN A 2012 FORD ESCAPE AND HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP OVER TEN TIMES. I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN FOR TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS COMING ON. MULTIPLE TIMES THEY HAVE GAVE ME AN OIL CHANGE AND CLEANED THE SOLENOIDS. MY TRANSMISSION STILL SPUTTERS AND ONCE AGAIN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME BACK ON. ONE TIME I LOST COMPLETE POWER AND WAS ALMOST KILLED IN AN INTERSECTION. IF ANYONE WANTS TO TAKE MY CAR FOR TESTING THEY CAN. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ANYMORE AND AM SCARED THAT SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED. FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THIS ISSUE. I HAVE HEARD FROM MULTIPLE SITES THAT THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE. THE ENGINE HAS BEEN DESCRIBED TO ME LIKE A HELICOPTER AND WHEN IT SHIFTS LIKE I AM A NASCAR DRIVER

NHTSA ID
10924867
Incident
Feb 20, 2016
Mileage
48,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB 16-0118

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Some 2005-2012 Escape Hybrid and 2006-2011 Mariner Hybrid vehicles may set DTCs P0A81 (battery pack cooling fan 1 control circuit) and/or P0A96 (battery pack cooling fan 2 control circuit) in the traction battery control module (TBCM). These codes by themselves normally do not result in any symptoms that are noticeable to the customer. DTCs P0A81/P0A96 are typically found when diagnosing other drivability concerns. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.

16-0066

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2012-2016 vehicles equipped with a touchscreen navigation system and the language set to Arabic may exhibit a blank screen. This may be the result of the ribbon cables not being fully seated inside the front display interface module (FDIM) or an improper software configuration of the FDIM.

TSB160066

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

Touchscreen navigation system - arabic language - blank screen

44863

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

FORD: NO SERVICE ACTION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS CONDITION. PLEASE USE AT YOUR DISCRETION. VARIOUS 2010-2015 VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A TURBULENCE NOISE, SIMILAR TO AN HELICOPTER NOISE, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE REAR DOOR WINDOW(S) OR SUNROOF ARE OPEN. *TA

AS1-32241

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

FORD: ON VARIOUS VEHICLES WITH MY TOUCH,AFTER ANY APIM PROGRAMMING, REPLACEMENT OR DISCONNECT FROM FRONT DISPLAY INTERFACE MODULE (FDIM), TOUCHSCREEN CALIBRATION MUST BE PERFORMED. MODEL YEARS 2011-2013. NO MODELS LISTED. *PE

TSB-22353

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

FORD: DUE TO A POSSIBLE LEAK IN THE INTERNAL CHECK VALVE, THE RED BRAKE LAMP ILLUMINATES WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) C1015, C0101C OR P1A1B WITH BRAKE PEDAL FEELING NO CHANGE. *PE

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Escape Hybrid by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026000
2025000
2024400
2023220041.1
2022660144.3
20211201247.3
20202831244.6
2013504
2012Viewing150246.3
2011370349.0
2010590341.4
20091530344.4
20084430341.7
20071240237.4
20062190239.5
20051780238.0

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.