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Campaign 12V438 Posted September 7, 2012 5,499 units

2012 Ford Edge 2.0L Recall 12V438: Fuel Damper Crack

Recall 12V438 affects 5,499 2012 Ford Edge vehicles with 2.0L engines for cracked fuel-line pulse dampers. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.

Ford is recalling 5,499 2012 Edge vehicles with 2.0L engines because the fuel line pulse damper housing can crack and leak while the fuel system is pressurized. A fuel leak near an ignition source raises the risk of fire, and the dealer repair will be free once Ford makes it available.

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What's wrong?

The fuel line pulse damper on the 2012 Ford Edge with the 2.0L engine is part of the gasoline delivery system. It sits in the fuel line and helps smooth pressure pulses as fuel moves toward the engine, so the line stays sealed while the system is pressurized. Its metal housing is supposed to hold that pressure without cracking.

In affected Edge vehicles, the metal housing was made with an improper manufacturing process. That weakness can let the housing crack during normal use. Once the housing opens, pressurized fuel can escape as an odor, a small seep, or a steady leak while the fuel system is under pressure.

There is no warning sign before failure. After the housing cracks, an owner can smell fuel or see wetness near the fuel line area. Treat either sign as a fuel leak concern, because the system is designed to stay closed whenever it is pressurized.

Who's affected?

2012 Ford Edge fuel system
Units affected5,499

Not every 2012 Ford Edge is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.

What's the safety risk?

A fuel leak near an ignition source creates a fire risk. Treat any sign of leaking fuel as a reason to stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact the dealer before using it again. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Ford Edge is included in this recall.
  2. Review Ford's owner notice for recall number 12V438 if you received one.
  3. Contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask whether the free fuel-line pulse-damper repair is open for your Edge.
  4. Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V438 when you call.
  5. Avoid driving if you smell fuel or see fuel weepage or leakage, and ask the dealer about the safest way to move the vehicle.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Ford technician repairs the fuel line pulse damper area tied to the cracked metal housing described in recall 12V438. Ford began the safety recall on September 27, 2012, and the dealer repair is free when the repair instructions apply to your VIN. The service desk can confirm the exact repair procedure and whether parts are needed before the appointment. Ford also lists its Customer Relationship Center for owner questions about this campaign.

Timeline

September 7, 2012 NHTSA published the recall
September 27, 2012 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 12V438?

Recall 12V438 covers 5,499 2012 Ford Edge vehicles with 2.0L engines. The fuel line pulse damper metal housing can crack, leading to fuel odor, weepage, or a continuous leak while the fuel system is pressurized. A Ford dealer repairs the vehicle for free.

What should I do if my 2012 Ford Edge is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific Ford Edge is included in recall 12V438. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the fuel system repair. Reference recall number 12V438 when you call. The dealer repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford dealers repair the affected 2012 Edge vehicles free of charge. Ford's Customer Relationship Center is also listed for this recall at 1-866-436-7332.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is fire. If the fuel line pulse damper housing cracks, fuel odor, weepage, or a continuous leak can occur while the fuel system is pressurized. A fuel leak near an ignition source can result in a fire.

What warning signs should I watch for?

Watch for fuel odor, visible fuel weepage, or a continuous leak while the fuel system is pressurized. If you notice those signs, park in a safe place and call a franchised Ford dealer. The dealer can confirm recall 12V438 and complete the free repair.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V438000
Ford customer service1-866-436-7332
NHTSA recall #12V438
NHTSA recall # (full)12V438000

Source documents

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 →