DecodedCars2012 Ford Escape
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD Xlt/Limited, 4dr SUV FWD Xlt, Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD/Hybrid Limited, Hybrid 4dr SUV FWD/Hybrid Limited
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 240 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 34 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 174.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,296–3,810 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 53% better than the average 2012 SUV - (20.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints496 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 147 for similar models — most often about the steering.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Ford Escape is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,494 lb (4dr SUV AWD Xlt/Limited).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (34 city / 30 highway), 53% better than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 496 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Escape — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Escape →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Kansas City, Missouri
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2012 Escape configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD Xlt/Limited | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.2 in | 3,494 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Xlt | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.2 in | 3,296 lb | 59/41 |
| Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD/Hybrid Limited | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.2 in | 3,810 lb | 57/43 |
| Hybrid 4dr SUV FWD/Hybrid Limited | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.2 in | 3,651 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape Hybrid FWD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 / 30 / 32 | +53% | $2,100 | 278 |
| Escape Hybrid AWD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 30 / 27 / 29 | +53% | $2,300 | 306 |
| Escape FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 28 / 25 | +20% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Escape FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +10% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Escape AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 23 | +21% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Escape FWD FFV FFV | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | 0% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Escape AWD FFV FFV | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | +5% | $3,350 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Ford Escape.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Ford Escape (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Honda CR-V | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Subaru Forester | 23 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan | 24 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Kia Sportage | 25 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Oct 26, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V777000 · 329,265 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured February 26, 2009, to April 29, 2012, and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured February 25, 2009, to December 12, 2010. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 13, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S41.
Not every 2012 Ford Escape is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Ford Escape buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 134 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 123 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Structure › Body — 52 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,600 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Ford Escape. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Escape years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Escape | 40 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 4 |
| 2025 Escape | 40 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 31 |
| 2024 Escape | 39 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 88 |
| 2023 Escape | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 139 |
| 2022 Escape | 41 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 21 | 386 |
| 2021 Escape | 41 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 21 | 498 |
| 2020 Escape | 41 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 25 | 1,910 |
| 2019 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 599 |
| 2018 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 1,822 |
| 2017 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 2,702 |
| 2016 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 1,172 |
| 2015 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 1,132 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →