Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Ford Escape owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space the vehicle suddenly accelerated hitting a parking sign causing it to fall and hit another vehicle. Then the vehicle crashed into another parked vehicle. The vehicle's passenger side of the bumper and headlight had been damaged. The vehicle was able to be steered in another direction while the brake pedal was aggressively pressed causing the vehicle to come to a stop. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle that the parking sign fell onto had received paint damage on the hood of the vehicle and the parked vehicle's bumper had detached from the vehicle. There were no injuries. No medical attention was needed. A police report was filed. The The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle body had failed. …
The contact's friend owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated after parking and exiting the vehicle, the vehicle began to roll backwards. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
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. …
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.
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
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.
Tl* 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.
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact was entering a residential driveway at an unknown speed when the brake pedal was engaged but the pedal failed. The vehicle failed to stop and the contact crashed into a residential deck. The air bags failed to deploy however, there were no injuries. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 16,276. Updated 9/4/14
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.
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.
Brake complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2012 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 Ford Escape, 3% of the model year's 604 complaints. The component named most often is pedals and linkages (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Ford Escape brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2012 Ford Escape, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Ford Escape brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.