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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2012 Ford Escape has an acceptable complaint history so far, with leaking rear window problems showing up as the main concern so far. NHTSA complaint data shows an early pattern of problems with stalling while driving.

Another concern is the 2012 Escape rolled onto its roof during an NHTSA side impact test so it only received a marginal side impact rating ... not good.

9.5

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,000
Average Mileage:
82,750 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
2012 Ford Escape transmission problems

transmission problem

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2012 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #4

Nov 162022

Escape XLT 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 94,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Terrible. I am going to sell my Ford Escape and never EVER buy another one. I have a 2nd gen Ford Escape (2012) 6 cylinder 3.0L automatic. It was my first car. The transmission is extremely rough upshifting AND downshifting, to the point you can feel the entire car jerk into gear. It doesn't shift easily, instead the RPMs just skyrocket.

I always drove it SUPER easily due to this absolutely terrible transmission. What I mean is I never went above 2,500 RPMs because if I did, the clunky transmission would jerk into the next gear even more violently than if I was babying it. There was ONE week where I drove it and just let the vehicle shift itself, (typically the RPMs would get up to 4000-5500 RPMs). At the end of the week, the transmission failed on my way home from work and the car wouldn't shift out of first gear, and made loud metallic grinding noises. I got it towed home and learned that my transmission was entirely F*CKED and needed complete replacing.

Okay sure, maybe this will fix the transmission being super rough! $2,000 later, and no; it still drives just as terribly and I'm back to babying it under 2,500 RPMs. What good is a 6 cylinder if it destroys its own transmission with ease?!

Steer clear. Buy literally ANY other vehicle.

- Q G., Uxbridge, MA, US

problem #3

Feb 092019

Escape LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

Purchased the car 6 months ago from what I thought was a significant dealership. Now I am having to replace transmission condenser. About $900 worth of work. Just bought the car in July does if all under the Lemon Law?

- Celeste H., Riverdale, US

problem #2

Apr 012016

Escape XLS 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,000 miles

I first brought my car in on April Fools Day (no joke) with problems on getting my car up to speed. It was chugging and having a hard time shifting gears. Every time I'd step on the gas a little my RPMs would skyrocket, I'd have to do this about 4 times to get my car up to speed where it didn't have to shift. Once I got up to speed it was fine but anytime I'd have to stop or even yield, I'd have to fight with my car to get it up to speed again. Once again, 10 months later I've had to bring my car in today with the same problem but this time it is more intermittent. I understand that cars get old and parts need to be replaced but to have the same problem twice in 10 months!?

- Molly S., Edina, MN, US

problem #1

Nov 182016

Escape Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,500 miles

The transmission in my 2012 Ford Escape Limited V6 is apparently just poorly designed. It's an automatic transmission that shifts harshly and very jerky. The whole vehicle shudders while it tries to shift. It also shifts very unpredictably. I bought the vehicle with just over 28,000 miles on it. The problem was noticed immediately. The vehicle is still under the factory power train warranty so I took it to the Ford Dealership and they checked it out.

They called me the next day and told me nothing was wrong with it and that the transmission was computer controlled and if anything was wrong the vehicle would throw a code. Code or no code the transmission is my 2012 Ford Escape is either faulty or just flat out poorly designed, either way Ford needs to MAN UP and make it right. I really don't care if they need to completely redesign the transmission and remove and replace it. That is simply the cost of doing business.

I've been told by Ford service advisers that I just need to get used to it. Really !!! that is UNACCEPTABLE Ford needs to develop a real solution for the existing transmission or they need to redesign a new transmission and install it on their dime. This vehicle sold for over 30K new and I bought it preowned with only 28,000 miles for just under 20K. We the consumers are making large investments and we are NOT getting what we paid for.

Come on Ford, you guys are clearly one of the leading auto manufactures in the world. I don't expect you to always get it right, however, when you don't get it right I DO expect you to make it right. Do the right thing Ford and get these transmissions fixed or replaced. I did my part by trusting you and buying your product, now it's time for you to do your part and provide me with the quality that I deserve and that I know Ford can deliver !!!!

- abowie3110, Sanford, FL, US

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