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SuspensionPart report

2012 Ford Escape Suspension Problems

Complaints
12about this part
Share
2%of 604 total for the year
Median mileage
46,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the suspension of the 2012 Ford Escape, 2% of the 604 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

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.

“Please forward to appropriate personnel, on thursday, august 14th at ~5:45pm a clear day: our mom/mother in-law had just dropped of my daughter after shopping and was making her way home thru the windy back roads less than two miles from our home. As she climbed a hill a few blocks around the corner from her home and stopped at a stop sign on the crest of the hill. The 2012 Ford escaped lurched/surged forward uncontrollably. As from her description, she heard loud rumblings coming from the engine; the Escape shook and launched her forward while she had her foot on the brake. …”

NHTSA complaint #10626454, filed 2014-08, 15,320 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11576912, filed 2024-03

“Took my mothers car to the Ford dealership for inspection. Upon inspection the mechanic told us that the subframe is rotted out and that it is not safe to drive which is why there was issues with steering and tire leaning due to control arm coming off subframe. This vehicle has been taken care of through out the years. My 70 year old mother could have been seriously injured if not dead. Never have i seen a sub frame rot like that on a car unless it was sitting for many years. Now the dealership wants 3,000 dollars to replace sub frame.”

NHTSA complaint #11693844, filed 2025-10

“I have had a multitude of issues regarding the steering and suspension of my 2012 ford escape limited. I have replaced the same parts multiple times over a short period of time. And the parts normally would not be replaced but once in a car lifetime such as control arms 4x 3x on passenger 1x on driver. But anyway this led to me finding out that my front passenger subframe is rotted. Which led me to a community chat about this vehicle where I found people that have had accidents been hurt and this is a common thing to happen with this vehicle. …”

NHTSA complaint #11677192, filed 2025-07

“When I turn it makes a pop, the tail gate (trunk) will not open and back light shortage out at times. Car balls out sometime when I'm trying to go and will idle up on its own at times.”

NHTSA complaint #10883125, filed 2016-07

Suspension: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202252%
202172%
202091%
201931%
2018111%
201780%
201671%
2015131%
2014181%
2013271%
2012122%
2011322%
2010342%
2009191%
2008312%
2007197%
20066514%
200545933%
200415431%
20039016%
2002808%
2001424%

Other parts of the 2012 Ford Escape

Fuel system
160 complaints
Steering
140 complaints
Engine
73 complaints
Vehicle speed control
70 complaints
Body and structure
68 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
66 complaints
Other or unknown
46 complaints
Electrical system
42 complaints
Air bags
25 complaints
Brakes
21 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaints
Seat 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 28, 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