Recall 12V005 covers 244,530 2001-2002 Ford Escape vehicles for brake-fluid leaks that can corrode ABS wiring. Free repair at a Ford dealer once available.
Ford is recalling 244,530 2001-2002 Escape SUVs because brake fluid can leak from the master cylinder reservoir cap and reach the ABS module wiring connector. That corrosion can lead to melting, smoke, or fire, and the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
On 2001-2002 Ford Escape vehicles, the brake master cylinder reservoir cap seals the small tank that holds brake fluid for the hydraulic brake system. That fluid is what lets pedal force move through the brake lines so the brakes apply at the wheels.
The recalled cap does not seal the reservoir correctly. Brake fluid can leak out of the cap and run onto the antilock brake system, or ABS, wiring harness connector, which is the electrical plug that lets the ABS module receive power and sensor signals.
Once brake fluid reaches that connector, it can contaminate the plug and wiring at the ABS module. The problem is not a normal wear item or a driver mistake; it starts at the reservoir cap and then affects nearby brake-system electronics.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not assume the vehicle is clear because the brake pedal feels normal.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2001 and 2002 Escape model years, both tied to the hydraulic brake system.
| 2001 Ford Escape | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2002 Ford Escape | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 244,530 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Corrosion in the electrical connector can cause melting, smoke, or a fire. If you see smoke or electrical connector damage, stop using the vehicle and call a Ford dealer before another trip. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2001-2002 Ford Escape is included in this recall.
- Wait for Ford's owner instructions if your dealer says parts are unavailable for recall number 12V005.
- Park the Escape outside and away from structures until Ford or a franchised Ford dealer confirms the repair path.
- Ask a franchised Ford dealer about the free brake-reservoir-cap replacement and ABS electrical modification that keeps leaking brake fluid away from the ABS connector.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions and reference recall number 12V005 when you call.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the brake master cylinder reservoir cap and modifies the ABS electrical system. The repair is meant to keep leaking brake fluid away from the ABS wiring harness connector. The dealer repair will be free once parts are available for your VIN. If parts are not available, Ford's interim instruction is to park the vehicle outside until the repair parts are ready.
Timeline
| January 9, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 19, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V005?
Recall 12V005 covers 244,530 2001-2002 Ford Escape SUVs with a brake master cylinder reservoir cap that can leak brake fluid onto the ABS module wiring connector. Ford dealers replace the cap and modify the ABS electrical system for free.
What should I do if my 2001-2002 Ford Escape is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Escape is included in recall 12V005. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the brake reservoir cap replacement and ABS electrical system modification. Reference recall 12V005 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 12V005, Ford dealers replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap and modify the ABS electrical system free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 12V005?
The safety risk is fire. In recall 12V005, leaking brake fluid can reach the ABS module wiring connector, where corrosion can develop and lead to melting, smoke, or a fire. Ask the Ford dealer whether the repair parts are available before driving in.
What if I bought my Ford Escape used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2001-2002 Ford Escape is included in recall 12V005, then call a franchised Ford dealer for the repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V005000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V005 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V005000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →