Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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 while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle drove as designed. The contact stated that the "Stop Safely Now" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who attempted to repair the failure however, the failure recurred. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would inadvertently stall. The contact stated that the check warning light would illuminate. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing throttle body link replaced but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Check engine light having a single code P2111 occurring after reduction of power. Vehicle looses power at varying speeds including highway speeds. I have not had it professionally diagnosed. In the process of replacing the I A C. My research indicates that the NHTSA is in the process of investigating complaints of this component malfunctioning across several Ford model vehicles. The abrupt loss of forward momentum is a serious hazard to myself, passengers and vehicles behind me. This has now occurred on about seven occasions since late September. I will no longer drive this vehicle until I replace and test drive the new I A C on or about October 1, 2026.
While coming to a stop sign, as I took my foot off the gas pedal, it surged forward at a fast speed the gas pedal went to the floor. it took me through the intersection and beyond before I was able to stop the car. It was very scary just thinking if there were anyone crossing the street it could have been very bad. Now im afraid to even drive my car not knowing if it will happen again.I call the service and cannot get appt. for 2 weeks. and it will be at my expense.
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Ford Escape. While driving 5 MPH, the contact attempted to park the vehicle and it accelerated forward without warning. The contact's foot was not on the accelerator pedal at the time of the failure. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a parked vehicle. There were no injuries. The driver's air bag deployed, but the passenger air bag did not deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard where it was diagnosed as a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 70,000.
The driver of the vehicle was at the car wash. On the way to the car wash, the vehicle was jumping forward while he was stopped at a stop sign. Driver continued on to the car wash. As he was pulling forward at the car wash(vehicle was in drive), the vehicle started jerking again and when driver pushed on the brake, the vehicle jerked back on it's own and crushed a brick wall. The vehicle was later deemed a total loss.
4/29/15 Ford violated their new car warranty coverage, by refusing to repair, the defective components filed in complaint 10713581 . The vehicle has been held hostage at inver grove Ford, agreed to repair all items in the aforementioned complaint #10713581 . As a disabled veteran, with a sick service dog, I have no access or ability to drive an unsafe vehicle.
Driving and car went into power failure mode and wrench displayed on dash display. Found paperwork about throttle body safety recall. Decided to have safety recall 16s41 fuel module done also since it was going in for work. On sept 5, 2017 took to keystone Ford chambersburg [phone]. After both repairs done I was starting car to leave- had very long crank time. Had service person come out to hear and he said" sounds like your starters going bad". Left Ford and car continued with long crank times- never had this problem before they worked on it. Took back on sept 8,2017- they found nothing but said I needed new fuel pump $700.00. I complained because they had worked on the fuel pump and then it went bad!! Clayton black offered me to do the fiel pump for $509 and no cost for labor. Also if not fixed don't have to pay for work done. …
This is a continuous issue first noticed a few months ago when I almost caused an accident on valentine's day because of my car. I was on a ramp about to get into traffic. The highway speed is 75mph and it was busy. I pushed the gas pedal to enter the highway but my car just stood there for about 3 seconds before it finally registered (that I pushed the gas pedal) and sped up really fast. This caused me to cut off the driver on the inside lane because my car didn't speed up as it was supposed to. I drive to work everyday on the highway and this happens about 4 times a week. …
NHTSA investigations
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
On February 21, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 to investigate allegations of electronic throttle body (ETB) failures resulting in sudden reduction of engine power in model year (MY) 2009-2013 Ford Escape, Fusion, Mariner and Milan vehicles.
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
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.
Engine complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2012 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 79 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2012 Ford Escape, 13% of the model year's 604 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Ford Escape engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.