2012 Ford Escape other reported problems

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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. I have taken great care of my vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11619540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This is a second car so don't drive it every day -- first incident occurred back in 2023 driving in town and car stopped!! Rolled to side and it started back up -- this happened several times and was very hesitant to drive on any highways. Several days the car would not start -- looked on line trying to figure out what was wrong and saw many people were having similar issues but nothing resolved -- battery tested fine but got a new battery from AAA but the next day battery was dead again. My husband did some more research and decided to pull the fuse for the radio and the front display module and the car has not stalled nor the battery been dead since but have been driving without a radio. I had to go on a five hour drive (both ways) last weekend and not fun driving that long without a radio. Stopped by a AAA repair shop yesterday and they said they had many complaints about the radio causing this problem (two actually that morning) and to call Ford to see if there was a recall. I called Ford this morning and the answer was NO! They told me to take it to a Ford Dealer (which is not convenient) and to have it diagnosed but again from what I have read Ford does not have any solutions to this problem. Wanted to get on file to let other people with this same issue to try removing the radio fuses (#14, #28, #39) but they would have no radio either. If I get the radio replaced not sure if that would create other issues and what affect it would have on the anti-theft system.

NHTSA complaint #11584012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Latch/hinge on rear tailgate glass has corroded and broken allowing for potential for glass to fall off. Corrosion has taken place over the last few years. Completely broken on 06/17/2022.

NHTSA complaint #11472302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 times soon after starting car my steering wheel locked up. Had to stop car,shut off, restart and then steering was fine. If this happened while i was further along this could have caused an accident. Will be setting up appointment when i get my next job schedule so i know when to bring it in. I had a rubbing noise in the steering when i turned left about a month ago had brought it in, but they heard nothing and found nothing. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer insurance etc. Did pass MA state inspection this summer. No warning lights, messages etc. This first happened after i accidently leaned on my pocketbook with my keys in it and the remote start turned my car on. I went to go out to my car, realized it was running( i never use this feature)put my key in and drove off. As i went to go out of my street steering wheel locked up. Shut off car, restarted and sthen steering was fine.Happened beginning of Nov.2021

NHTSA complaint #11442407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The contact's mother owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her mother was at a standstill at a stop sign, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The driver towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the steering column to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,500.

NHTSA complaint #11440187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WHERE THE SUNGLASS HOLDER IN THE VISOR IS: IT POURS IN WATER EVERY TIME IT RAINS. WATER STAINS ON VISOR & HEADLINER. GETS THE SHIIFTER CONSOLE WET; WITH POOLS OF WATER IN CUP HOLDERS & SOAKS DRIVERS SEAT. VEHICLE IS PARKED WHEN IT HAPPENS. IT HAS MOON ROOF - SO I CHECKED THAT & ITS COMPLETELY CLOSED.WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THIS HAPPENS EVERY RAIN STORM. CONCERNED IT WILL FREEZE AS THE WEATHER GETS COLDER & CAUSE MORE DAMAGE TO INCLUDE WINDSHIELD FRACTURE.

NHTSA complaint #11365914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WHILE DRIVING THE 2012 ESCAPE IT LOST EXCELLORATION A WENCH LIGHT LITE ON DASH THE TRUCK JUST STOPPED IN TRAFFIC . THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING WOULD NOT RESPOND WHEN GIVEN GAS. TURNED VEHICLE OFF RESTARTED WRENCH LIGHT WENT OUT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME TOOK TO DEALER THEY STATEED THEY FOUND NOTHING.A SEARCH OF THE INTERNET SHOWS THIS PROBLEM HAS ACUURED FOR SOME TIME IN THIS MODLE PLEASE THIS IS DANGEROUS

NHTSA complaint #11352717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE SHIFTER GETS STUCK IN PARK. I WAS STUCK AT THE GYM PARKING LOT FOR AWHILE UNTIL A FRIEND STOPPED TO HELP ME. AN WE GOOGLE WAY TO GET IT IN DRIVE BUT IT SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE LIKE THAT.

NHTSA complaint #11324771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY 2012 FORD ESACPE KEEPS STALLING WHILE I AM DRIVING AND FORD DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I AM A 68 YEAR OLD WIDOW AND THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANPORTATION. IT HAS DONE THIS 5 TIMES IN LESS THEN A MONTH.I CAN BE DRIVING 45 MILES AN HOUR AND IT WILL STALL AND AT THAT TIME I CANNOT ACCELERATE,I HAVE TO PRAY AND TRY TO COAST OUT OF TRAFFIC. I PULL OVER AND WHILE THE ENGINE IS STILL RUNNING THE WRENCH DASHBOARD LIGHT COMES ON. I SHUT IT OFF AND RESTART IT AND IT RUNS NORMALLY UNTIL THE NEXT TIME IT HAPPENS WHICH I NEVER KNOW WHEN THAT WILL BE.

NHTSA complaint #11230611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

REAR HATCH DOOR LEAKS WATER WHEN IT RAINS AND ALSO WHEN WASHING CAR. THE HATCH LOCKS UP AND WILL NOT OPEN. I HAVE PAID FOR THE REPAIR ON 2 OCCASIONS AND NOW IT HAS LOCKED UP AGAIN AND WILL NOT OPEN. THIS IS A DEFECT AND ALSO A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT AND NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH US SAFETY STANDARDS. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL LOCATIONS. IT HAPPENED TWO TIMES IN TUCSON,AZ AND NOW A THIRD TIME HERE IN CA ON 06/12/2019.

NHTSA complaint #11228284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY CAR HAS STALLED ABOUT 10 TIMES WHILE DRIVING SINCE I BOUGHT IT ON HIGHWAY AND STREETS. SUDDENLY MOTOR DIES AND ITS SO DRAMATICALLY DANGEROUS DUE THAT I HAVE ONLY A FEW METERS TO MANEUVER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES AND GOES. I TOOK TO AUTOZONE AND THEY CONNECTED THE SCANNER AND CAME OUT TROUBLE CODE P2111. WHICH MEAN THROTTLE BODY GOT STUCK OR SO. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH FORD DEALER ON 12/05/2018 TO SEE IF THEY FIX. DEFINITELY IS A BIG ISSUE TO DANGEROUS FOR EVERYBODY. ONLY HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING LESS THAN 50MPH. I HAVE JUST RECORDED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON MY PHONE. CAR CAN STALL AT ANY POINT AT ANY TIME AND IT'S HARD TO DOCUMENT IT

NHTSA complaint #11155803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS ISSUE WITH FLAP/FUEL TANK COVER GIVING A ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AND FLAG FOR EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM - KNOWN DEFECTS WITH FORD'S CARS/TRUCKS. DEALER SAYS IT'S PROBABLY A PIPE - FUEL FILLER (PART FOCL8Z-9034-A/B R&R ISSUE BUT LOCAL MECHANICS ALL SAY IT'S THE FLAP/COVER ISSUE/PROBLEM FOR GAS TANKS - A KNOWN FORD DEFECT AND SHOULD'VE BEEN PART OF ALL SIMILAR FORD RECALLS FOR SAME ISSUE/PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED ON OTHER FORD VEHICLES/MODELS. I'M BEING TOLD THIS IS A $600-800 REPAIR BY THE LOCAL DEALER.

NHTSA complaint #11140193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 ISSUES. REAR WINDOW LEAK AND SHORTED OUT THE MTOR TO ALLOW THE LIFT GATE TO OPERATE, REMAINS SHUT. SECOND ISSUE, REAR WIPER MOTOR OVERHEATS AND BURNED OUT. MOTOR CONTINUES TO RECEIVE ELECTRICITY AND OVERHEATS WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE HAZARD

NHTSA complaint #11130490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SUNROOF LEAKS AND LEAKS INSIDE OF MY CAR

NHTSA complaint #11123386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

DRIVER SIDE DOOR ALERT REMAINS ON EVEN WHEN DOOR IS SHUT TIGHT AND LOCKED. UPON PLACING KEY IN IGNITION DINGING IS CONSTANT AND DOOR ICON STAYS ON. WHEN LOCKING VEHICLE UPON EXITING WITH REMOTE IT DOUBLE BEEPS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY LIT. WHEN LOCKING DOORS WITH POWER LOCKS FROM INSIDE VEHICLE THEY AUTOMATICALLY POP BACK UNLOCKED. DOOR LATCH IS FINE. DOOR WILL SHUT AND LOCK THROUGH MANUAL MEANS. SENSOR IS MISREADING ACTIONS AND CAUSING SAFETY ISSUE WITH UNABLE TO LOCK DOORS WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA complaint #11103988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I GOT THE NOTICE FOR THE RECALL. I CALLED MY FORD DEALERSHIP FERMAN FORD AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD CALL ME WHEN PART CAME IN. I CALLED BACK ASKING THEM AND THEY STATED THAT FORD ONLY SENDS RECALL ITEMS WHEN THEY WANT AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS NO CONTROL OVER IT. I CALLED FORD HEAD OFFICE THEY SAID THEY CAN NOT DO ANYTHING UNTIL DIAGNOSED. I TOLD THEM IT IS A RECALL. THEY STATED THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING TILL DIAGNOSED. I STILL DON'T HAVE THE RECALL DONE. I NEED HELP I GETTING THIS DONE FOR MY CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11100303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I HAD A RECALL ON MY TRUCK THAT I RECEIVED IN THE MAIL ABOUT A COUPLE WEEKS AGO AND I TRIED TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER AND COULDN'T GET THROUGH TO NEITHER LOCATIONS

NHTSA complaint #11089184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

APRIL 12, 2018....I'VE BEEN CALLING MY FORD DEALER TO TAKE CARE OF THIS RECALL MATTER SINCE JANUARY, 2018. THEY KEEP TELLING ME THAT THEY DON'T HAVE THE PART AND TO CALL BACK AT ANOTHER TIME. WHAT CAN I DO TO GET THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED?

NHTSA complaint #11084711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

AT APPROX. 46,000 MI. MY ESCAPE BEGAN CUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING. NO WARNING AND NO RHYME OR REASON. AFTER COASTING TO SAFETY (SO FAR) I CAN RESTART AND CONTINUE. NO TROUBLE LIGHT COME ON EXCEPT THE WRENCH WHILE IT IS HAPPENING. AT FIRST IT ONLY HAPPENED EVERY FEW WEEKS OR SO. FORD DEALER SAID THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT PROBLEM IS UNLESS IT IS HAPPENING! NOW IT IS HAPPENING ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE. THIS IS VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS. I HAVE INSTRUCTIONS AND DOCUMENTATION FOR MY DAUGHTER IN CASE I AM KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED BECAUSE I AM THAT AFRAID. I CAN'T AFFORD EXPENSIVE REPAIRS ON A VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 49,000 MILES. FORD CAN'T EVEN TELL ME WHAT IT IS! THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED ON AN INTERSTATE @ 70 MPH ALL THE WAY DOWN TO NEIGHBORHOOD AT 2 MPH. I HAVEN'T HAD AN ACCIDENT YET BUT AM CERTAIN IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. WHILE HAVING IT SERVICED AT FORD DEALER YESTERDAY I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD HAVE TO HAVE A 110.00 TO HOOK IT TO COMPUTER BUT THEY MAY NOT TELL THEM WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER WITH DAUGHTER IN COLLEGE AND CAN'T AFFORD TO GAMBLE 110.00. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE. I PAID FOR A 76,000 MI WARRANTY WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE BUT WAS TOLD IT EXPIRED IN JUNE OF 2017. PLEASE HELP!

NHTSA complaint #11084483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE HOOD OPENED AND BLOCKED THE CONTACT'S VISION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE DEALER (MORRISTOWN FORD, 1112 W MORRIS BLVD, MORRISTOWN, TN 37813) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #11076349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE BACK LIFTGATE WILL NOT OPEN, BUT THE GLASS WILL . O HEARD THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE 2012 FORD ESCAPE .

NHTSA complaint #11076083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NO COLD AIR IN AIR CONDITIONER WHOLE MOTOR REPLACED IN 2014 LOCK ON BACK HATCH REPLACED BROKE AGAIN . THE ELECTRICAL RADIO DASH BROKE. RECALL POWER CHAIN WRENCH LIGHT ON AGAIN. HEATING COAL REPLACED

NHTSA complaint #11071899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SHIFTER ON VEHICLE WON'T ENGAGE FROM PARK TO REVERSE

NHTSA complaint #11022136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

A WIDELY-KNOWN DEFECTIVE A/C PART DAMAGED ENTIRE SYSTEM. "DESSICANT BAG BROKE." I PAID $125 TO DIAGNOSIS, "AROUND $2300" TO REPLACE ALL COMPONENTS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE $30 PART THAT COULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED ANYTIME I HAD IT AT DEALERSHIP WHILE UNDER WARRANTY IF THEY WOULD HAVE SAID SOMETHING. THE ISSUE STARTED AROUND 4 YEARS OLD/40K MILES (ESSENTIALLY RIGHT AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED). SEVERAL FORD TECHS HAVE SAID THIS SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN RECALLED. A VERY PREVALENT ISSUE WHEN YOU SEARCH ONLINE. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=AFQH2B_OV6C SSM 22492 REGARDING FAILURE OF THE RECEIVER/DRYER. THE QUOTED TEXT IS ON THIS PAGE, THANKS TO MAKULOCO2000 SPECIAL SERVICE MESSAGES 22492 2009- 2011 MARINER / 2009-20012 ESCAPE - A/C LACK OF COOLING DUE TO DESICCANT MATERIAL SOME 2009-2012 ESCAPE/MARINER VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN A/C LACK OF COOLING. THIS MAY BE DUE TO DESICCANT CUP MOLDING RELEASING FINE PARTICLES/DEBRIS INTO A/C SYSTEM; WHICH EVENTUALLY CONTRIBUTES TO A RESTRICTION IN THE SYSTEM. SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE EXCESSIVE HIGH SIDE PRESSURES; LOW SIDE PRESSURE CAN BE EXTREMELY HIGH OR LOW; A/C COMPRESSOR MAY NOT ENGAGE OR ENGAGES FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME; PRESSURES SLOW TO EQUALIZE AFTER COMPRESSOR SHUTS OFF. IF ROTUNDA FLUSHINGMACHINE IS NOT AVAILABLE REPLACE ALL COMPONENTS OF A/C, INCLUDING LINES. VERIFY ACCUMULATOR/RECEIVER DRIER IS PN BL8Z-19C836-B (ENGINEERING PN BL84-19E961-AB); REFER TO WSM, 412-03. IF ROTUNDA FLUSHING MACHINE IS AVAILABLE, FLUSH CONDENSER AND EVAPORATOR CORE; REFER TO WSM, 412-00. RECHARGE SYSTEM REFER TO WSM, 413-01 AND USE AVAILABLE SERVICE LABOR TIMES. EFFECTIVE DATE: 26-AUGUST-2012 HTTPS://FORD.PISSEDCONSUMER.COM/COMPLETE-AC-FAILURE-AC-DRYER-FAILURE-20130420402060.HTML?UTM_EXPID=139295969-18.9XI-IQVTSIU4TFZKTEGU_A.0&UTM_REFERRER=HTTPS%3A%2F%2FWWW.FORD-TRUCKS.COM%2FFORUMS%2F1378714-DEBRIS-IN-A-C-CLEAN-FLUSH-VS-REPLACEMENT.HTML

NHTSA complaint #11002523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #10992933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM P2111. ALSO TRANSMISSION WILL JUMP INTO GEAR CAUSING A LURCHING ACTION AND LOUD POP NOISE. MOVING DOWN STREET WHEN CAR SUDDENLY WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. LIMPED INTO AUTOZONE WHO RAN A DIAGNOSIS AND CAME BACK WITH P2111. THEN THEY LOOKED IT UP ON YOUTUBE AND FOUND HOW TO RESET IT (TURN KEY TO LOCK, SLOWLY (10 SEC) PUSH DOWN ACCELERATOR PADDLE, HOLD FOR 10 SEC, DEACCELERATE AT SAME RATE, TURN CAR OFF AND RESTART. IT WORKED FOR A FEW BLOCKS AND IT DID IT AGAIN. RINSE AND REPEAT SEVERAL TIMES TO GET HOME. LAST TIME ENGINE SYMBOL CAME ON...

NHTSA complaint #10992378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY CAR WAS PARKED WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING. FOR NO EXPLAINABLE REASON, THE REAR WINDOW ON THE LIFT GATE EXPLODED. IT WAS PARKED ON A CITY STREET.

NHTSA complaint #10983310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.