P0012 on FORD ESCAPE — A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1

Q: "What does P0012 mean on a FORD ESCAPE?"

"P0012 indicates: A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1. This is a fuel and air metering code. 14 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0012 on FORD ESCAPE?"

"Based on 14 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Unknown Or Other,Engine, Power Train. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0012 serious on my FORD ESCAPE?"

"Of 14 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD ESCAPE, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my FORD ESCAPE shows P0012?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P0012 Means on Your FORD ESCAPE

P0012 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1. This code relates to the fuel and air metering system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

14 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2009-2019. Most reports come from the 2009, 2018 model years. The most commonly reported component is Engine (42.9% of reports).

Real FORD ESCAPE Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"I have 80,000 miles on this vehicle. my check engine came on. i have hesitation when giving it gas. i have a vibration when car is running and in drive i took to a ford dealership, they check for the issued ans it came up with a codes, p0012, p0022, p0341, p0346 related to 11-12-5."

— 2009 FORD ESCAPE owner · UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE · Filed 11/15/2017

"While driving on the highway to our vacation, my car felt like it was surging and the engine light came on. i took my car to the local ford dealership and the diagnoses code was p0012 and p0022. both vct solenoids were replaced. my 4 yr old car was still under warranty at the time."

— 2009 FORD ESCAPE owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 05/11/2013

"I was driving down highway in morning traffic with cruise control set at 55-60mph when all acceleration cut off and i had to immediately pull over and put my 2009 ford escape into park, at which point the engine was shuddering violently and my wrench light (powertrain) appeared in the dash."

— 2009 FORD ESCAPE owner · POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · Filed 06/28/2012

"The vehicle has lost all power while in motion. the battery and oil light comes on. i can restart immediately after shifting to neutral. there is no trouble code indicated on my obdii. this has occurred approximately 13 times in the past six months."

— 2009 FORD ESCAPE owner · ENGINE · Filed 01/02/2013

"Took my vehicle in to ford dealer due to check engine light stuck on. diagnostics pulled 2 codes, p0011 & p0012."

— 2009 FORD ESCAPE owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 04/02/2013

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

5

'09

2

'14

1

'15

2

'17

3

'18

1

'19

Common Causes on FORD ESCAPE

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 42.9%

UNKNOWN or OTHER,ENGINE 7.1%

POWER TRAIN 7.1%

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 7.1%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 7.1%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0012 mean on a FORD ESCAPE? ▾

P0012 indicates: A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1. This is a fuel and air metering code. 14 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0012 on FORD ESCAPE? ▾

Based on 14 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Unknown Or Other,Engine, Power Train. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0012 serious on my FORD ESCAPE? ▾

Of 14 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD ESCAPE, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my FORD ESCAPE shows P0012? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

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