---
title: "2012 Ford Escape Parts and Specs"
description: "Everything for the 2012 Ford Escape: oil type and capacity, battery group size, tire sizes, wiper blades, filters, service schedule, and common problems, verified, sourced, and in one place."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012"
updated: "2026-08-20"
---

# 2012 Ford Escape parts and specs

Everything you need to own and maintain this exact model year. Verified specifications, part numbers, and the problems that recur, in one place. 2nd generation (final year), 2012, Compact SUV (boxy body style; FWD or 4WD).

## Quick facts

| Quick fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Engine oil | 5W-20, 5.3 qt (base engine) |
| Battery | Group 96R, 590 CCA |
| Tire size | 235/70R16 |
| Wiper blades | 20" / 20" / 12" rear |
| Max towing | 3,500 lbs |
| Key fob battery | CR2032 (separate remote fob and integrated keyhead transmitters) |

## Specifications for the 2012 Escape

### Oil & filter

Viscosity, capacity, filter part numbers, change interval [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012/oil).

### Battery

BCI group size, cold cranking amps, AGM or flooded [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012/battery).

### Tires & wheels

Factory sizes by trim, pressures, bolt pattern, lug torque [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012/tires).

### Wiper blades

Driver, passenger and rear blade lengths [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012/wipers).

### Air & cabin filters

Cabin and engine air filter part numbers, locations, intervals [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012/filters).

### Bulbs

Headlight, fog and marker bulb types [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012/bulbs).

### Fluids

Transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid and capacities [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012/fluids).

### Service schedule

What's actually due at every mileage interval [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012/service-schedule).

### Problems & reliability

Documented failures, recalls, and which years to avoid [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012/common-problems).

### Oil light reset

Step-by-step maintenance light reset, no tools [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012/oil-reset).

### Key fob battery

Which coin cell the remote takes [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012/key-fob-battery).

### Specs

Towing, weight, fuel tank, fuel economy [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012/specs).

These specifications are shared across every Escape of the 2nd generation (final year) generation. See the [2012 Ford Escape overview](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2012) for the full picture, or the [Ford Escape guide](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape) to compare every generation.

## What changed for the 2012 Ford Escape

| Years | What changed |
| --- | --- |
| 2012 | Final year of the 2nd generation and of the original Escape Hybrid; replaced by the all-new 2013 model. Mechanically identical to 2010-2011. |

## Known problems with the 2012 Ford Escape

5 of the 5 issues we track for the 2012 generation are documented against the 2012 model year.

### 6F35 automatic transmission shudder and failure (major)

The 6F35 6-speed in 2009-2012 Escapes draws widespread complaints for shudder, harsh 1-2 shifts, and outright failure at higher mileage. Fresh Mercon LV fluid helps shift quality; internal failures (torque converter, valve body) mean a rebuilt or used unit. Test-drive carefully before buying.

Typical cost: $150-$300 fluid service; $2,000-$3,800 for a used/rebuilt transmission.

### Electric power steering (EPAS) failure, sudden loss of assist (major)

The EPAS torque sensor can fail, causing sudden loss of power assist, a steering warning light, or self-shaking steering. Ford recalled 2008-2011 Escapes (NHTSA 14V-284, Ford 14S05) but 2012 was not included, and owners report the same failure mode after the recall era. Steering still works without assist but is very heavy.

NHTSA 14V-284 / Ford 14S05 (2008-2011; 2012 excluded). Typical cost: $600-$1,500 (steering column/EPAS repair out of warranty).

### Rust: rear wheel arches, liftgate, and hinges (moderate)

Rust-belt cars commonly rot above the rear wheel arches, on the liftgate, and around the liftgate hinges and release switch (a corroded switch stops the glass/liftgate opening). Inspect the arches from inside the wheel wells; hinge corrosion is a safety item because a hinge can separate.

Typical cost: $50-$150 (liftgate switch) to $1,000+ (body rust repair).

### Leaking driver-side transaxle (axle shaft) seal (moderate)

The left front axle seal on the 6F35 is a known leaker, fluid drips at the left front and the transmission level drops quietly, which can accelerate transmission wear if ignored. Ford sells a repair kit; catch it early and it is a modest repair.

Typical cost: $350-$620.

### HVAC blend door actuator clicking / stuck temperature (minor)

A clicking or knocking from behind the dash and air stuck on hot or cold is the classic failed blend-door actuator. The part is cheap; access determines labor. Harmless but annoying.

Typical cost: $50 DIY part; $150-$350 shop repair.

Full detail, costs and sources on the [Ford Escape problems and years to avoid](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/common-problems) guide.

## Which engines were offered in the 2012 Escape?

| Engine | Trims | Oil | Oil capacity |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2.5L 4-cylinder (Duratec 25) | XLS, XLT, Limited (I4) | 5W-20 | 5.3 qt |
| 3.0L V6 (Duratec 30, flex-fuel) | XLT, Limited (V6) | 5W-20 | 6 qt |
| 2.5L Hybrid (Atkinson-cycle I4 + eCVT) | Hybrid, Hybrid Limited (FWD or 4WD) | 5W-20 | 5.3 qt |

## About the Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is Ford's compact SUV, and the 2012-2025 span covers three very different vehicles. 0L V6 with a 6-speed automatic, plus the last Escape Hybrid until 2020. Cheap to run, but watch for 6F35 transmission trouble, electric power steering failures, and rust.

0L from the 2017 facelift). 0L EcoBoosts are all subject to the well-known coolant-intrusion failure that Ford addressed with customer satisfaction programs 19B37 and 21N12. 5L Atkinson-cycle hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

5L, hybrid engine-failure fire risk, PHEV battery recalls). Across the years the maintenance basics are simple: 5W-20/5W-30 oil with a Motorcraft FL-910S filter on almost every engine, a Group 96R battery through 2019 and a Group 48 (H6) with stop-start afterward, and a CR2032 key-fob battery until the 2020 redesign switched to CR2450.

For how the specifications changed across every generation, see the [full Ford Escape guide](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape).

## Other Ford Escape years

- [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2025)
- [2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2024)
- [2023](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2023)
- [2022](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2022)
- [2021](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2021)
- [2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2020)
- [2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2019)
- [2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2018)
- [2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2017)
- [2016](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2016)
- [2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2015)
- [2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2014)
- [2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/ford/escape/2013)

Data confidence for this generation: High confidence.

## Sources

- [AMSOIL lookup, 2012 Escape 2.5L capacities/torques](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2012/ford/escape/2-5l-4-cyl-engine-code-3-3/)
- [AMSOIL lookup, 2012 Escape 3.0L V6 (6 qt, 5W-20)](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2012/ford/escape/3-0l-6-cyl-engine-code-g-99g-g-flex/)
- [AutoZone, 2012 Escape battery (Group 96R) and wiper fitment](https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery/ford/escape/2012)
- [fueleconomy.gov, 2012 Ford Escape / Escape Hybrid EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2012_Ford_Escape.shtml)
- [Samarins, 2008-2012 Ford Escape common problems review](https://www.samarins.com/reviews/escape_08.html)
- [Car and Driver, 2012 Escape XLS specs (fuel tank, curb weight)](https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/escape/specs/2012/ford_escape_ford-escape_2012)
- [XenonPro, 2008-2012 Escape bulb size chart (H13, 5202)](https://www.xenonpro.com/blogs/home/2008-to-2012-ford-escape-headlight-bulb-sizes)

Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.