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2012 Ford Escape body problems

68 complaints (11% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 57,000. 5 crashes reported.

owner complaints
68
of this car's complaints
11%
typical mileage
57,000
crashes
5
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Body
    56
  • Frame and members
    2
  • Body: door
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Escape body problems in other years

200120052010201520202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Ford Escape body

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Water leak 7

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2012 Ford Escape owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 19, 2026 · Body · AZ

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 documented on Ford vehicles containing the same component. Across different vehicles and model years. I believe a recall or TSB should be included on this vehicle.

Filed Oct 13, 2024 · Body · MA

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.

Filed Aug 1, 2024 · Body · 75,000 miles · IN

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 75,000.

Filed Mar 12, 2024 · Body, Steering · MI

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 you.

Filed Feb 7, 2024 · Body · MN

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.

Filed Oct 13, 2023 · Body · 88,000 miles · GA

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.

Filed Jul 27, 2023 · Body · 125,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Feb 27, 2023 · Body · MN

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.

Filed Feb 7, 2023 · Body, Locks · OR

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.

Filed Jul 14, 2022 · Body · IL

Frame rotted out under normal use.

Questions about the 2012 Ford Escape body

Does the 2012 Ford Escape have body problems?

Owners have filed 68 complaints about the body of the 2012 Ford Escape, 11% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2012 Ford Escape body problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 57,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Ford Escape body?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Ford Escape have the most body problems?

The Ford Escape model years with the most body complaints are 2020 (671 complaints), 2005 (434 complaints) and 2004 (138 complaints).

Other 2012 Ford Escape problems

Fuel system 160Steering 140Engine 79Acceleration 70Transmission 66Electrical 42Airbags 25Brakes 21Visibility 20Seat belts 19Suspension 12Driver assistance 8Locks 8Seats 5Lights 2Wheels 2Tires 1

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