Five problems related to paint have been reported for the 2012 Ford Escape. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the 2012 Escape.
I have owned this Escape for a little over 5 yrs (out of warranty). I just noticed this winter that the paint was bubbling and peeling off the rear passenger side fender. The inner fender well (same side) - the metal is warped and rusted. The lift gate on this vehicle has started to rust at the lower seam. Rust is visible. I think Ford motor company should step up to the plate and fix/repair this flaw. It is definately a defect or poor workmanship.
Body paint peeling and rust in multiple areas including wheel wells and rear cargo door since 38k miles. Now at 43k miles more rust is visible. At this point the warranty is useless unless rust is through body.
Bought this fore Escape 3 years old. (out of warranty). Noticed after buying it, that the paint was bubbling and peeling off the rear driver side fender. The inner fender well is rusted. The lift gate on this vehicle has started to rust at the lower seam. Rust is visible. I think Ford motor company should step up to the plate and fix/repair this flaw. You spend this kind of money on a car and should not be rusting after three years. Defect or poor workmanship.
The body has rusted through around the wheel wells and along the rear hatch door. Plus the paint is flaking off of the engine hood. I have taken it to a couple local dealerships that have acknowledged that it is a problem. But that I needed to contact Ford because of warranty issues.
I have only owned this Escape 1. 5 yrs. I just noticed this spring that the paint was coming off in the wheel well, now as of 7/7/2015 it has gotten bigger. As well as the rear hatch when you open it you can already see bubbling. My understanding by the paper work I received with it it was suppose to have had some kind of under body protection put on it.