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2012 Ford

Escape AWD FFV

Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L

Ford Escape: best and worst years
2012 Ford Escape AWD FFV

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2012.

PhotoCpl. Jessica L. MartinezPublic domainWikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
All-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission
Automatic 6-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel
Gasoline or E85EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

HP
240
Power to weight
0.069 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.51
Cyl
6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
23 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
18 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
20 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$3,100EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score
6/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Real-world MPG
21 mpg, reported by 3 driversabout 1 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
175 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
71 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
68 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
103 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
3,494 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
No
Lane-departure warning
No
Recalls
2
Owner complaints
598
Reported injuries
26
Theft rate
0.8 per 1,000 produced (CY 2012 federal data)

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM17%
  • STEERING17%
  • ENGINE9%
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL9%
  • STRUCTURE8%
  • POWER TRAIN8%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 792 total.

Ford Escape: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • DP22005opened Jan 27, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM

    Pedestrian alert sounds

  • PE13003opened Feb 21, 2013ENGINE

    Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction

  • DP12006opened Oct 2, 2012ENGINE

    Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

42 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Feb 24, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSSM 54601

    Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applica

  • Oct 10, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHERSSM 53040

    While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmis

  • Apr 24, 2024EQUIPMENTSSM 52476

    All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer

  • Apr 4, 2023STRUCTURESSM 51536

    For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repai

  • Jun 3, 2020ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTORDOR-M9J4S-07

    These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.

  • Jun 3, 2020ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTORDOR-M3J3F-07

    These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.

  • Mar 30, 2018EQUIPMENTSSM 47201

    Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Only approved Genuine Ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems. If you suspect a system has been modified, the following resources can be used to verify original e

  • Feb 14, 2018EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.SSM 47080

    2010-2018 various vehicles equipped with SYNC or SYNC 3 may not function when attempting to find or use the Spotify app via AppLink. As of an update released on 1/15/2018 Spotify will no longer be supporting their AppLink integration. No repair attempts should be attempted to correct this concern.

  • and 34 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.