Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 owned a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle on an inclined road and turning the engine off the vehicle erroneously rolled down the hill and crashed into a tree. During the crash, the front driver sustained facial, right knee, injuries, and a concussion which required medical treatment. The front passenger sustained two fractured wrists. The vehicle was destroyed during the crash. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 100,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the gear shifter was shifted into drive however, the gear shifter failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that after several attempts, the gear shifter responded as needed. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed of an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 5 MPH, the steering wheel failed to respond as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was attempting to straighten the steering wheel and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, and the gear shifter failed to move or operate as intended. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift from 2nd to 3rd without force. The contact also stated she had to depress the accelerator pedal for the vehicle to change gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 46,236.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while shifting out of park(P) into drive(D), the vehicle started jerking. The contact kept the brake pedal depressed and shifted back to park(P) before attempting to shift to drive(D) again. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the PIN needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
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.
After starting the vehicle for the first time that day, the vehicle was driven 4 miles. When attempting to shift the center console shifter into the PARK position, the shifter was unable to fully move into the PARK position as it was blocked from transiting through the REVERSE position. The vehicle could only fully reach the NEUTRAL position from DRIVE position. After a few more attempts to move the shifter later the shifter was able to fully reach the PARK position. Subsequent attempts were inconsistent. In one case, the shifter showed PARK but when driver released the foot brake, the vehicle starting rolling backward in reverse (it was determined to be engaged in REVERSE). The issue was resolved by installing a new SHIFTER CABLE fitting at the transmission. …
Torque converter lock up issues from friction. Many issues and FORD will not repair assistance or recall. It about stalls on highway and acceleration into traffic. Many reports but not action. Been waiting on parts. Goes in shop 9/12/22 for $1,800 repair
Vehicle was being prepared to back out of level garage onto driveway with mild downhill slope. Vehicle was started, emergency brake released and automatic transmission placed in reverse, driver's foot engaged brake. Driver realized wallet with driver's license was left inside house. Transmission placed in park, driver removed foot from brake and exited vehicle. Vehicle not noted to be moving when driver exited. Driver entered house through garage entry, retrieved wallet. When garage was re-entered vehicle was backing out of garage onto driveway on its own. Driver attempted to catch up to vehicle on foot and attempt to regain control. Vehicle backed down full length of driveway (approx. 100 feet) and backed across road and down fairly steep embankment on other side of road. …
I purchased my 2012 Ford Escape in 2012. About 2 yrs. Later as I exited off a ramp of our local by-pass, the car unexpectantly accelerated without pressing on the accelerator. I was quite frightened; and, after applying the brake several times, I got the car stopped. I called our Ford dealer; had the car towed; the service mechanics put it on a computer which "did not" pick up any recent malfunction. They said the car was safe to drive. The most recent calamity occurred on May 29, 2016 in the parking lot of our church. I was driving; my husband was the passenger. As I pulled my car into a parking space, I realized I needed to straighten it out. Upon my observation of another car coming in to park behind me, I waited until the car was parked, put my car in reverse, and "all hell broke loose". The car fully accelerated in reverse and crashed into the parked car. …
Transmission complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 66 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2012 Ford Escape, 11% of the model year's 604 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Ford Escape transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.