2012 FORD ESCAPE Complaints

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. The small two-piece plastic fitting that attaches (snaps on and then adjusts/locks) the cable assembly (part number AL8Z-7E395-A) to the transmission Manual Control Lever Ball Stud was loose and likely worn. Before installing the new snap on plastic fitting , attempts were made to adjust the original cable plastic fitting without success. Note that subsequent model years 2013 - 2019 had a similar failure result (Safety Recall 22S43).

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.

Brake system light warning on every time I drive. Was told there was a recall for 2014 Escape but not 2012. Was told the anti-lock brake system computer has a malfunction.

Shortly after start-up, the power steering stopped working and the steering wheel locked up. I attempted to turn the car off and back on (something I saw suggested online by other 2012 Ford Escape owners), but the power steering did not return. There were no warning lamps indicating a malfunction. When I researched the issue, I found a recall on previous models of the Ford Escape for the same issue. When I searched my car's VIN, it was not included in the recall.

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.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60-65 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The battery, TPMS, ABS, and AWD warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while making a left turn, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the steering wheel operated as needed. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

The steering acted like it lost power, it was extremely hard to turn. It showed slide marks on dashboard. It also has airbag light on dashboard. We had a mechanic to run a test, the only thing it showed was that the airbag had no signal to the computer

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and making a left turn into a parking lot, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent; however, had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

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