2012 Ford Escape Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 1%of 604 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2012 Ford Escape, 1% of the 604 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On 6 different occasions door latches have been replaced, I've been locked in and out of my vehicle, my husband is disable and I had to climb through the hatch back to get doors to open. I am afraid of this vehicle, if it catches fire will I get out? I feel this is a death trap and Ford is just soothing my feathers to keep me happy. Also, I was sold a 2012 4x4 vehicle, however my vehicle is not a 4x4. The dealership said they go by VIN, this one is wrong!”
NHTSA complaint #10583147, filed 2014-04, 25,000 miles“On the way to work at 7pm, the back hatch began randomly locking and unlocking and opened slightly. After work the next morning at 8am, the back hatch unlocked and opened while driving on a busy road at 10mph. I contacted airport Ford in florence, ky and they stated never hearing of this happening with another Escape.”
NHTSA complaint #10574732, filed 2014-03, 33,000 miles“I have a 2012 Ford Escape what the following safety malfunctions: 1. Driver's door malfunction Driver's side door failed to close/ door lock ajar even when system door lock buttons are pressed. It first began June 1, 2021. Door flung open while driving my daughter and I to school and work. I had to hold the door with one hand and steer with other as this door malfunction posed a safety risk to others. Hazzard light for door is functioning when key is in ignition. I am in the process of contacting the dealer for inspection and servicing the vehicle. 2. …”
NHTSA complaint #11419764, filed 2021-06“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”
NHTSA complaint #11516130, filed 2023-04“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, the driver door was closed but failed to latch securely. Additionally, the vehicle failed to start-up. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the door latch fractured and needed to be replaced. The door latch was replaced however, the mechanic was unable to start the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,685.”
NHTSA complaint #11330620, filed 2020-06, 118,685 milesLatches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 54 | 3% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 | 5 | 0% |
| 2017 | 8 | 0% |
| 2015 | 29 | 3% |
| 2014 | 65 | 3% |
| 2013 | 65 | 2% |
| 2012 | 8 | 1% |
| 2011 | 4 | 0% |
| 2010 | 2 | 0% |
| 2009 | 1 | 0% |
| 2008 | 2 | 0% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2005 | 6 | 0% |
| 2004 | 4 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 1% |
| 2002 | 20 | 2% |
| 2001 | 30 | 3% |
| 2000 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2012 Ford Escape
160 complaintsSteering
140 complaintsEngine
73 complaintsVehicle speed control
70 complaintsBody and structure
68 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
66 complaintsOther or unknown
46 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaintsSeat belts
19 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Ford Escape
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology