Owners have filed 792 complaints
about the 2012 Ford Escape with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 16 of 25 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 27
Against the median year of the Ford Escape. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 55
10.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 49
29% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
5576.4%
Latch
45.6%
Glass, Side/Rear
34.2%
Pedals AND Linkages
22.8%
Frame AND Members
22.8%
Door
22.8%
Automatic Transmission
22.8%
Delivery
22.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
295.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
305.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
6110.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
12822.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
13123.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
6511.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
8515.1%
150,000+ miles
335.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2011peak 24May 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Ford Escape
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE13003Opened 21 Feb 2013Closed 28 Feb 2014ENGINE
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. During this investigation, Ford identified a condition in subject vehicles equipped with 2.5L and 3.0L engines that may result in a sudden reduction of engine power.According to Ford, the ETB internal motor contacts may develop a high resistance material buildup condition on the commutator, resulting...
DP12006Opened 2 Oct 2012Closed 21 Feb 2013ENGINE
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. 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...
Recalls on the 2012 Ford Escape
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
16V777000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured February 26, 2009, to April 29, 2012, and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured February 25, 2009, to December 12, 2010. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
15E045000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Risk: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201652869,570 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the thickness of the port wall of the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may be below specification and could result in the supply port cracking. If a crack were to develop in the vertical portion of the FDM fuel supply port, a fuel leak could occur. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the FDM flange with a flange that has a redesigned fuel supply port.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 135,000 milesNashua, NHCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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 mechanic had shared that the vehicle was included in a TSB (ID number unknown). The contact had called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was no longer covered under the TSB due to the time duration at which it was active had since passed. The vehicle had been repaired by the mechanic. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the diagnosis was confirmed and the throttle body was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #11611368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harpers Ferry, WVCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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. I called the mechanic that put the new brakes on and took the car in again for service, he suggested that I take it to another shop. I took the car to the suggested mechanic and they replaced the brakes, rotors, and brake lines. The indicator lights still kept coming on even on the way home from the mechanics shop. I drove right back and they could not find the issue/no codes. On 11/6/2023, while driving at approximately 20 mph, I experienced another complete braking failure. I was leaving the parking lot, suddenly the ABS warning and brake warning indicator light came on and the brakes did not work at all, the pedal went all the way to the floor. I managed to pull off the road and into a parking lot and pulled the emergency brake to stop the car. The second incident was 11/6/2023 and there was no crash, the vehicle was towed. Contacted Ford Dealership-stated there were no recalls on the vehicle. Can supply service records if needed.
NHTSA complaint #11554009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Humacao, PR1 injured
AIR BAGS
The steering wheel came off in my hands. I pushed it back on and went to Ford to get it fixed, they couldn't help me because they had no techs employed that work on my year vehicle, they never told me it was a safety issue and sent me on my way to look for outside mechanic not a FORD specialist. I was driving and the airbag exploded while I was backing up. It caused me injury and could have caused an accident because there was no warning, it suddenly exploded with a loud noise, if this happened when I was on the highway it would have caused severe accident, luckily I was backing the car up when it happened. I didn't hit anything to cause the airbag to deploy. When the steering wheel came off in my hands it was when I was parked, it could have happened when I was driving causing severe injury to myself and those around me. I keep my vehicle maintained by FORD and the steering wheel was never touched or repaired. But when I bought the vehicle brand new from FORD it was missing the Sirius satellite radio it was advertised as coming with, when I brought it back to Ford the seller told me they take it out for import reasons and I could buy it from them for $150 plus installation. I don't know if they touched the steering wheel when they removed the Sirius radio parts. I have the Sirius button on my vehicle and it was advertised with 6 months free Sirius, but the dealership said it's common practice in Puerto Rico for them to remove it because of import fees. I'm the only owner of this vehicle and it was sold to me as brand new. The steering wheel gave me no warning it was about to come off in my hands, it was not loose, it had no play in it, I was parked in my driveway and had just gotten into the car when it came off in my hands. I have the car for inspection and need to alert people of this danger and get the vehicle steering wheel recalled to prevent severe injury to another person.
NHTSA complaint #11527085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Humacao, PR1 injured
STEERING
The steering wheel came off in my hands. I pushed it back on and went to Ford to get it fixed, they couldn't help me because they had no techs employed that work on my year vehicle, they never told me it was a safety issue and sent me on my way to look for outside mechanic not a FORD specialist. I was driving and the airbag exploded while I was backing up. It caused me injury and could have caused an accident because there was no warning, it suddenly exploded with a loud noise, if this happened when I was on the highway it would have caused severe accident, luckily I was backing the car up when it happened. I didn't hit anything to cause the airbag to deploy. When the steering wheel came off in my hands it was when I was parked, it could have happened when I was driving causing severe injury to myself and those around me. I keep my vehicle maintained by FORD and the steering wheel was never touched or repaired. But when I bought the vehicle brand new from FORD it was missing the Sirius satellite radio it was advertised as coming with, when I brought it back to Ford the seller told me they take it out for import reasons and I could buy it from them for $150 plus installation. I don't know if they touched the steering wheel when they removed the Sirius radio parts. I have the Sirius button on my vehicle and it was advertised with 6 months free Sirius, but the dealership said it's common practice in Puerto Rico for them to remove it because of import fees. I'm the only owner of this vehicle and it was sold to me as brand new. The steering wheel gave me no warning it was about to come off in my hands, it was not loose, it had no play in it, I was parked in my driveway and had just gotten into the car when it came off in my hands. I have the car for inspection and need to alert people of this danger and get the vehicle steering wheel recalled to prevent severe injury to another person.
NHTSA complaint #11527085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBoise, IDCrash2 injured
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11463093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesJacksonville, ARCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT 20-35 MPH, WHEN HE CHOKED ON FOOD AND PASSED OUT, WHICH THEN CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT A TELEPHONE POLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT TIGHTENED TO STOP HER FROM GOING FORWARD TOWARDS THE DASHBOARD DURING THE COLLISION. THE CONTACT AND HER HUSBAND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND WERE TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING LOT AND DEEMED TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER CAR-MART OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK (6601 WARDEN RD, SHERWOOD, AR 7212) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11415824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lincoln, NE
STEERING
No power steering hard to turn left and right
NHTSA complaint #11739497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Orange, FL
STEERING
Vehicle: 2012 Ford Escape Issue: Loss of steering assist while driving While operating my vehicle, the power steering assist suddenly fails, making the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn. This creates a dangerous driving condition and significantly increases the risk of an accident. This issue appears to match known problems with the electric power steering system in this vehicle, which has been the subject of recalls for similar model years. However, my VIN is not currently included. The failure has occurred while driving and has now made the vehicle unsafe to operate. I am requesting investigation into this issue and expansion of the recall to include additional affected vehicles, as this is a serious safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11734932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Orange, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle: 2012 Ford Escape Issue: Loss of steering assist while driving While operating my vehicle, the power steering assist suddenly fails, making the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn. This creates a dangerous driving condition and significantly increases the risk of an accident. This issue appears to match known problems with the electric power steering system in this vehicle, which has been the subject of recalls for similar model years. However, my VIN is not currently included. The failure has occurred while driving and has now made the vehicle unsafe to operate. I am requesting investigation into this issue and expansion of the recall to include additional affected vehicles, as this is a serious safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11734932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arnold, MO
STEERING
I was driving approximately 35mph and the steering got extremely difficult. I had to use all my strength to try to turn the wheel. I pulled into a gas station parking lot, turned the car off, restarted the car and steering was back to normal. Has happened 2 times since. I had a mechanic friend look at it and he couldn't find a reason why it would do that.
NHTSA complaint #11726745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesDrexel Hill, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, there was a strong fuel-like odor entering the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000.
NHTSA complaint #11713853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockland, MA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Clearly the vehicle is leaking and is a fire hazard. I received a notice that it has been recalled but it’s not showing up under my vin.
NHTSA complaint #11709651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesBellingham, WA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel locked. The contact used force to turn the steering wheel while driving to the residence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who inspected the vehicle and retrieved DTC: B2278. The independent mechanic determined that the power steering control module and sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The sensor was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
NHTSA complaint #11696458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mt. Sterling, KY
SUSPENSION
Took my mothers car to the Ford dealership for inspection. Upon inspection the mechanic told us that the subframe is rotted out and that it is not safe to drive which is why there was issues with steering and tire leaning due to control arm coming off subframe. This vehicle has been taken care of through out the years. My 70 year old mother could have been seriously injured if not dead. Never have i seen a sub frame rot like that on a car unless it was sitting for many years. Now the dealership wants 3,000 dollars to replace sub frame.
NHTSA complaint #11693844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kalamazoo, MI
STEERING
Driving at normal rate of speed, Power steering quits and almost lost control of vehicle. I had to struggle with steering to park vehicle away from traffic. Steering wheel becomes very stiff.
NHTSA complaint #11692723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesOcala, FL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon driving into the garage, the steering wheel was significantly loose. The steering wheel then detached but was held together by the electrical wires. There was no warning light illuminated. A mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence. The mechanic determined that the upper steering column shaft had detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11691843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marlow, OK
STEERING
In other year models the power steering sensor has been under recall. I have a 2012 ford escape. That randomly the power steering does out this part has been replaced twice with no ultimately fixing the issue. It’s so dangerous when your driving 75 on the highway and the power steering goes out and the power heel jerks from your hands and you almost run off the road or run someone else off the road.
NHTSA complaint #11690697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Albany, IN
STEERING
Was driving approximately 35mph and the steering got extremely difficult. Was able to get car safely off street. Turned car off, restarted car and steering was back to normal. Haven’t had problem since this one time. Called local dealer about electric steering and was told it was not in previous recall group of vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11687207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Gas tank leaking fuel around the joint where the fuel filler hose connects to the tank. It is NOT leaking at the hose connection but is leaking where the fitting connects/enters the tank.
NHTSA complaint #11680083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
It just started leaking fuel about a month ago and never stops
NHTSA complaint #11680146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleveland, TN
SUSPENSION
I have had a multitude of issues regarding the steering and suspension of my 2012 ford escape limited. I have replaced the same parts multiple times over a short period of time. And the parts normally would not be replaced but once in a car lifetime such as control arms 4x 3x on passenger 1x on driver. But anyway this led to me finding out that my front passenger subframe is rotted. Which led me to a community chat about this vehicle where I found people that have had accidents been hurt and this is a common thing to happen with this vehicle. The subframe should not rot especially on one side I’m particularly without a reason. There is a recall for some 2012 ford escapes for this part but for some reason my car is not on that recall. My car is now a danger to drive. The recall should include all vehicles that have the issue with that part. My vehicle is unsafe to drive now. Idk how long it’s been like that. I’ve had part after part replaced because of this but no one had figured it out until my most recent mechanic. I have had my wheel fall off my vehicle while driving when my first control arm broke because the rot in the subframe is causing the rubber inside the control arm to wear fast. So when my control arm broke when I was driving luckily I was on a street rd not a highway I was not hurt but had to get it towed. My wheel dropped a second time while I was driving because of the same issue where the rot on the subframe is, is at the connection to the control arm where the rubber is. So there’s 2 times I could’ve been seriously hurt. I drive on the highway a lot. I have been very lucky. There is cases of people being hurt and having accidents because of this. I’m on a chat about this vehicle where an overwhelming amount of owners have the same exact issue with this part.
NHTSA complaint #11677192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2012 Ford Escape has a critical HVAC defect that impairs defrost performance and poses a serious safety risk. Specifically, the desiccant bag within the A/C system’s dryer appears to break down over time, releasing particles into the system. This causes clogging and malfunction of the thermal expansion valve (TXV) and other components, ultimately preventing the system from producing cold, dry air necessary to clear interior windshield fog and maintain visibility. This is not a maintenance issue or a wear-and-tear problem. The desiccant bag is a sealed internal component, and its disintegration appears to be the result of a design or manufacturing defect. I have personally replaced key components (including the TXV and dryer) multiple times, yet the problem persists. Each time, the system works temporarily, then begins to fail again. Inspection of previously replaced components reveals no external cause of failure. In Florida’s climate, where humidity is high and sudden rain is common, a functioning defroster is essential for safety. Without adequate cooling and dehumidification, the windshield fogs up quickly and cannot be cleared. This creates a serious and unpredictable visibility hazard during everyday driving, especially during morning commutes or in wet weather. Despite the apparent systemic nature of this problem and numerous online reports of similar issues in Ford Escape models of this era, Ford has not issued a recall or technical service bulletin. A recall should be considered due to the direct impact this issue has on driver visibility and safe vehicle operation.
NHTSA complaint #11676575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesWestern Springs, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to make a left or right turn, the steering wheel made an abnormal whining sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle hesitate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11672913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesWestern Springs, IL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to make a left or right turn, the steering wheel made an abnormal whining sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle hesitate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11672913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesFrederick, MD
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11671592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesSaint Charles, MO
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed around a roundabout, the vehicle independently veered toward the right before the steering wheel became firm. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic steering column needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted; however, the part to perform the repair was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #11667649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brewster, NY
STEERING
RE: Subject: Urgent Concern Regarding Power Steering Failure - 2012 Ford Escape (VIN: [XXX] ) I am writing to express my urgent concern regarding a significant and recurring power steering failure in my 2012 Ford Escape, which I have owned for thirteen years. I have been experiencing a complete loss of power steering while driving, creating extremely dangerous situations. This issue is not intermittent; it occurs frequently and without warning, making my vehicle difficult to control, particularly at lower speeds. I am now unable to drive my beloved car, My research indicates that Ford issued a safety recall for similar power steering problems in several 2011-2013 Ford models, including the Taurus, Flex, Fusion, and others. The recall, as described on [XXX] , addressed "a potential intermittent electrical connection in the steering gear that might result in the loss of electric power steering assist while driving." This description perfectly matches the issues I am experiencing. Despite these known problems and the related recall, I did not receive any notification, and my 2012 Ford Escape was not included in the listed models. I am deeply concerned and puzzled by this omission, as the safety risk is identical. The loss of power steering has repeatedly placed me in potentially hazardous situations, and I fear for my safety and the safety of other drivers. I urgently request your assistance in resolving this matter. Specifically, I would like to: Determine why my 2012 Ford Escape was not included in the power steering recall, given the identical symptoms. Request an immediate inspection of my vehicle by a certified Ford technician to diagnose and repair the power steering issue. Inquire about any potential remedies, including financial assistance, for the repairs, considering the known recall and the safety risk involved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11656838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesSonora, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V777000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and the vehicle was repaired under the recall. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired, the vehicle would only start after several attempts. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who acknowledged that the clamp for the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) flange was not properly placed, and the issue was corrected. The contact stated that the failure persisted while attempting to start the vehicle the following morning. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning fuel odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #11653663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesHuntington Beach, CA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle became difficult to turn to the left or right. The contact stated that as a temporary repair, the vehicle was restarted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering column assembly needed to be replaced due to the steering wheel seizing. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unknown Ford Recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
NHTSA complaint #11652487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesCortland, OH
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11647949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesCortland, OH
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11647949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.