2012 Ford Escape: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Jul 11, 2025 · Acceleration, Steering · 160,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Aug 2, 2021 · Engine · 94,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who attempted to repair the failure however, the failure recurred. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

Filed Jun 13, 2019 · Fuel system · 56,000 miles · VA

Pulling out from a red light, the car made a whirring noise and hesitated to move then started jumping when the accelerator was pressed. Drove car approximately 2 miles and the car made the noise, hesitated and started jumping again. Made to a parking lot and parked car. A transmission specialist checked it out and said the transmission is locked in high gear.

Filed Dec 19, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 110,350 miles · IN

When my heater motor kicks on while I am driving it causes my car to want to stall or die. My car shutters so I must turn off my heat so my far will go as it should. Other times my car has had a hesitation while I am driving. I push the accelerator and it shutters . It has been an issue since I bought it like that. The happy car store glenbrook hyundai in fort wayne indiana sold it to me like this.

Filed Nov 30, 2016 · Fuel system · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford escape. Upon attempting to start the vehicle, there was a strong hesitation and strong fumes entered the vehicle. A mechanic stated that there was not enough fuel traveling through the system and that the dealer should perform further diagnostic testing. The vehicle was inspected, but not yet diagnosed by a dealer. The manufacturer was notified. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v777000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Jun 6, 2016 · Acceleration · 110,000 miles · MD

Chronic (many times over a period of years) hesitation when accelerating from a low speed, as when attempting to merge from a highway on-ramp. Only a second or so, but enough to make acceleration uncertain and unpredictable causing several near-miss accidents

Filed Jan 13, 2015 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford escape. After starting the vehicle and shifting into reverse, the vehicle hesitated to reverse. The contact also stated that while shifting gears, a popping noise was present and the vehicle jerked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Nov 6, 2014 · Acceleration, Transmission · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford escape. While driving various speeds, the vehicle failed to switch gears without warning. As a result, the vehicle hesitated and accelerated rapidly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was operating up to standard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed May 29, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 4,000 miles · AL

When moving forward from a dead stop at an intersection of a busy highway, the automobile engine hesitates or semi stalls and will not pick up normal speed in order to get out of the way of approaching,on coming and following vehicles. At several different times we were almost rear-ended by vehicles behind us, or hit from the driver's side or front passengers side of the vehicle because of the engine's hesitation when crossing intersections or major highways. I took the vehicle to a ford dealer and was told that "no problem" was found, but the problem still exists. I guess when a death or serious injury occurs something will be done!

Filed Jul 15, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · 4,849 miles · OH

Note, this has occurred at varying times/dates since purchase of the vehicle in 2012, has not just occurred at the date listed. When accelerating, the vehicle will have a prolonged hesitation and even a loss in speed when switching via the automatic transmission from 2nd to 3rd gear. This occurs every time the vehicle is driven, not randomly. Also, when getting up to highway speed, there is a hesitation if you touch the gas to accelerate up to the highway speed; it will hesitate a few seconds before kicking into acceleration mode.

Filed Apr 16, 2013 · Transmission · 1,500 miles · MO

On several occasions the transmission lags, or shifts hard, slips, hesitate when put in reverse, have had the vehicle back to dealer twice, first time was told the computers were not communicating the way they should, the second which was today, was told it was a quart low? Vehicle now has 32000 on it does not leak fluid, and was low on fluid when bought new from dealer why is this happening? Dealer says it is because of low fluid, but I am not buying that. And probably will not buy another.

Filed Mar 2, 2013 · Acceleration · 69,016 miles · NY

I was driving my escape about 15 MPH and went to accelerate. When I pushed the gas pedal down, the total car did nothing. I just hesitated and stumbled then finally accelerated. It has done this since new, but thought it was just the drive by wire system they use now. This makes me nervous if in a sudden avoidance situation and can't avoid it.