When I top off my 2012 Escape Limited fuel comes out of the filler tube but not out the opening where the nozzle goes. I rock the car to purge air out of the tank and top it off but there remains a puddle of gas near the left rear tire.
However, it doesn't come out of the filler opening. If I over fill it then fuel comes out there but also somewhere from the filler hose inboard of the gas cap opening. If there was a leak down the filler tube wouldn't it cause a check engine light to come on because the tank can't hold pressure?
Also, wouldn't this condition be unsafe because gas can leak out when the gas cap is closed.

The filler tube shouldn't allow gas to spill if it doesn't overflow out the filler opening.

I haven't reported this to the dealer because maybe it is supposed to do this via some king of overflow valve that I'm not aware of.
Has anyone else noticed this when filling the gas tank?

 

I see the dealer never showed you the special fuel system. Probably should read the manual. There's an air gap between the tube and the opening, something to do w/ the capless design. The same thing will happen if you try to fill up using a gas can, it will just run out on the ground. There should be a little white spout clipped to one of the square covers on the side back in the cargo bay that you'll have to use to bridge the gap if you need to use a gas can.

Also, for future reference, it's generally not a good idea to "top off" newer vehicles. You can overwhelm the evap system and create issues. Just let the pump click off.

 

maverick22,
Thank you for your help with my question.
I know about the special filler spout for filling from a gas container.
However, I wasn't aware of the air gap between the tube and the opening.
I suspected that was the case but it sure seems bizarre to me.
If it is designed that way I'll not attempt to get that extra little bit of gas into the tank anymore.
Air gap... OK!
I certainly don't want issues with evap system but I'll have to study that fuel system/evaporative fuel vapor recovery system when I can buy the shop manual for this application. Last time I checked (July) new 2012 shop manuals weren't out yet. I'll be checking again.
It does appear to be an interesting concept.
Thanks for your help. I hate going to the service dept for stuff if I can find out from knowledgeable folks here.

 

I have always added one gallon past the pump cutoff point with no problem to date.