2012 Ford Escape Engine Oil Capacity

Curious about the oil capacity in your 2012 Ford Escape? Jerry has you covered with a guide to oil changes for your Ford.
Written by Elaine Yang
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
The 2012
Ford Escape
is known for its spacious cabin and fuel efficiency—and many people choose it as their primary vehicle. To keep your Ford up to standard, you’re going to need to learn about its oil capacity. 
Owning a car can get expensive—just think about all the maintenance bills you need to cover. That's why tons of people do
regular maintenance checks
, like oil changes,  themselves. However, before you take apart your car, read your owner's manual so you're using the suitable types of oil for your
Ford
.
Jerry
, the
super app
that helps drivers save money on
car insurance
, knows how expensive car ownership can be. That’s why we’ve created this guide to oil changes for your 2012 Ford Escape. 

2012 Ford Escape engine oil capacity

Firstly, you need to figure out how much engine oil your 2012 Ford Escape needs. 
The oil capacity of a car tells you how much oil you need to use for an oil change. A 2012 Ford Escape has an oil capacity of 5.3 quarts or 5 liters for its 2.5L engine and an oil capacity of 6 quarts or 5.7 liters for its 3.0L engine. Make sure not to confuse a vehicle’s oil capacity with its engine displacement. The engine displacement is how much volume the cylinders take up, while oil capacity is how much oil your engine can hold

What kind of oil does a 2012 Ford Escape need?

While you might be tempted to grab the first bottle of motor oil you see, not all brands will be compatible with your Ford. A 2012 Ford Escape needs 5W-20 synthetic motor oil for an oil change, so be on the lookout for those values when shopping for a replacement. 
Using the recommended 5W-20 motor oil is essential because these values indicate that the oil performs well during colder and hotter temperatures. This means that your engine will perform well during the winter months, and the lower viscosity rate will prevent additional abrasion to the engine
You might notice that you can choose between conventional and synthetic motor oil when choosing a replacement. While they will both work with your Ford, synthetic oil is easier on the engine. That's why Ford recommends that drivers use synthetic motor oil for oil changes. 

How often to change oil on a 2012 Ford Escape

With the preliminaries out of the way, you will need to know when you should be doing an oil change. 
Ford recommends that their drivers change their oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, you might run into a situation where you need to change your oil sooner or later, depending on how much you drive. Many DIYers keep an eye out and check their oil anytime they fill up on gas. Look for these indicators as a sign that you might need an oil change: 
  • Your oil has changed colors and is darker than before 
  • A gritty texture 
  • Engine noises
    when you turn on the car
  • Noticeable smells (ex. oil, smoke, or burning)
  • Performance changes
Don't get ripped off!
Estimate repairs near you with GarageGuard™ for free so you KNOW the fair price.
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees
icon4.717k Ratings
5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged

How to change your oil and oil filter

If you have noticed that your 2012 Ford Escape needs an oil change, here’s a
guide
through each step you should take.  You’ll need a socket wrench, a drain pan, a new filter, new oil, and a filter wrench.
Follow these steps:
  • Run your engine to warm it up. This should take around five minutes, and maybe a little longer in colder climates 
  • Turn the engine off and open your vehicle’s hood
  • Find the oil fill cap and remove it 
  • Remove the oil drain bolt and washer. These should be under the engine
  • Remove the old oil and
    old filter
  • Install the new filter
  • Use a new washer and replace the oil drain bolt 
  • Refill the engine and replace the cap
Use your dipstick to tell you when you’ve added enough oil. A good indicator of a successful oil change is having your
oil pressure light
turn off. 
After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary.
Once you're done, don't just leave the old oil on the ground or dump it in the sewer. Oil is very toxic to the environment and needs to be disposed of properly. Instead, put the oil into a resealable container and drop it off at your local recycling center or an auto parts store that recycles oil

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

And you’re done! If you're looking for another way to save money,
Jerry
, the
super app
, is perfect for you!
Cheap car insurance
delivered fast is what Jerry does best. A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, the Jerry app gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and can even help you cancel your old policy!
No stress, no hassle, just savings!
“I just had to buy a new car, and I needed quick help to get insurance before I could get my plates. Because I work so many hours,
Jerry
was the ideal choice for getting things done without long phone calls and waiting periods.”  —Rosa G.
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
icon4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars
icon4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers
Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™
Simplify your car maintenance with Jerry.
Try GarageGuard™

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings