2012 Ford Escape body & structure problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 19, 2026AZBody & Structure

   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 fire to occur on the instrument panel, radio, shift mechanism, or HVAC control. This issue is…

   NHTSA complaint #11765501 · source
2. Filed Oct 13, 2024MABody & StructureOther / Unknown

   Sub frame cracked,due to corrosion.Broke Lower control arm. I could not steer my SUV. I was terrified.The noise was so loud. This happened a road away from my home. I called AAA. They came and towed my vehicle to my driveway. I don’t understand why Ford company did not send me a recall. I could have been killed.I was on the highway a day before.I have researched and found this to be a safety concern for Ford Escape 2012. My SUV has 60.000 miles and is in very good condition.…

   NHTSA complaint #11619540 · source
3. Filed Aug 1, 202475,000 miINBody & Structure

   The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle pulled to the right while stopping. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the passenger's side engine cradle subframe was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately…

   NHTSA complaint #11605794 · source
4. Filed Mar 12, 2024MIBody & StructureSteeringSuspension

   While doing an exhaust inspection on my car, I noticed the front subframe is rusted completely through on the right hand side near the rear lower control are bushing. This is a major structural component of the vehicle and I believe it is a huge safety risk driving it. The car has around 114,000 miles on it. I feel Ford should issue a recall and replace these rusted trough front subframes. I cannot afford to replace it at the cost of $2000 including labor. Please help, thank…

   NHTSA complaint #11576912 · source
5. Filed Feb 7, 2024MNBody & Structure

   Was informed by my mechanic that the subframe has rusted out and is a safety issue. There is also excessive rust for the car's age and level of maintenance in the rear wheel wells.

   NHTSA complaint #11570605 · source
6. Filed Oct 13, 202388,000 miGABody & Structure

   The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was a hole in the sub frame cradle due to rust. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11549780 · source
7. Filed Jul 27, 2023125,000 miMIBody & Structure

   The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud abnormal sound coming from the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with rusted and fractured mounts; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11534906 · source
8. Filed Apr 8, 2023TXBody & StructureElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Warning on the dash panel intermittently says Lift gate/back glass is ajar even though it is closed. This causes the interior lights to turn on and off. I believe this is due to a manufacturer defect in the gasket that allows water/condensation to seep into the lift gate and cause corrosion of the electrical wires

   NHTSA complaint #11516130 · source
9. Filed Feb 27, 2023MNBody & Structure

   Excess Rust on both rear fenders in matching pattern. I've seen this exact issue on other Ford Escapes and there are many reports about it.

   NHTSA complaint #11509320 · source
10. Filed Feb 7, 2023ORBody & Structure

    Both rear doors will not open from inside or outside. No way to take panels off to repair. Can’t exit in case of emergency.

    NHTSA complaint #11506055 · source
11. Filed Jun 25, 2022OHBody & Structure

    Unknown. Both rear wheel wells are rusting away. Chunks of this falls off while I’m driving. I do believe that falling rusty chunks of metal may harm another driver that will either run over it and flatten a tire. Or that someone may swerve to miss a piece and cause an accident.

    NHTSA complaint #11470986 · source
12. Filed Jul 9, 202160,000 miTNBody & Structure

    The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that water entered the vehicle through an unknown opening in the trunk. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11424107 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology