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2021 Ford Escape problems, complaints & recalls

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NHTSA has received 365 owner complaints about the 2021 Ford Escape, or 64.3 per year on the road — more complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 1.53, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 85 model-year 2021 vehicles we track, it ranks #69 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Ford models its rate is 18% higher; against other Compact SUVs it is about the same.

Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count

Complaints filed between 2021-06-23 and 2026-09-01. Median delay from incident to filing: 20 days.

365Complaints
64.3Complaints per year on the road
1.53Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
21Recalls
5.2%Share involving a crash or fire
127Last 12 months

Analysis

The previous model year (2020) drew 270.7 complaints per year, more than this one. The following model year (2022) drew 79.6 per year, more than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2021 model collected 46 complaints, 25% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.

The most common problem area is Body & structure (24.1% of complaints), followed by Engine (14.2%) and Brakes (12.3%). Body & structure complaints are 2.6 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Body & structure reports, owners most often mention “door”, “weld”, “check arm”, “window” and “popping”. 19 reports (5.2%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 6 injuries and 0 deaths.

Half of the reported incidents happened within 42 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was years three to five (38% of incidents). In the last 12 months 127 new complaints were filed, versus 66 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.

NHTSA lists 21 safety recalls for this model year. 95% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses. 3 NHTSA defect investigations cover this model year; the most recent is “Failed Door Check Arm Attachment Point” (opened 2023-07-07, closed 2024-01-24).

Complaint index

  • vs. all tracked vehicles1.53
  • vs. other Ford models1.18
  • vs. other 2021 models1.68
  • vs. other Compact SUVs1.03
  • Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (46)0.75
  • #69 of 85 · 2021Rankings ›

1.00 means the same rate as the comparison group. 2.00 means twice as many complaints per year on the road.

Other model years

  • 2018205.0 per year4.87
  • 201975.6 per year1.8
  • 2020270.7 per year6.43
  • 202164.3 per year1.53
  • 202279.6 per year1.89
  • 202335.1 per year0.83
  • 202432.2 per year0.77
  • 202516.1 per year0.38

Ford Escape problems, complaints & recalls by model year ›

What owners complain about

  • Body & structure88 · 24.1% · 2.63×
  • Engine52 · 14.2% · 0.64×
  • Brakes45 · 12.3% · 2.03×
  • Fuel system45 · 12.3% · 2.86×
  • Electrical40 · 11.0% · 0.7×
  • Interior & equipment40 · 11.0% · 1.23×
  • Transmission / powertrain37 · 10.1% · 0.87×
  • Wheels, tires & suspension6 · 1.6% · 0.64×

vs. all vehicles: 1.00 = All-vehicle average

Body & structure · Common terms in reports

  • door76
  • weld20
  • check arm16
  • window25
  • popping18
  • open26

Engine · Common terms in reports

  • fire12
  • engine21
  • valve6
  • recall18
  • hood5
  • smoke5

Brakes · Common terms in reports

  • brakes27
  • reversing13
  • sound19
  • brake pads8
  • depressing brake8
  • brake pedal12

Problem areas: Engine · Body & structure · Transmission / powertrain · Interior & equipment · Electrical · Fuel system · Brakes · Wheels, tires & suspension · Airbags & seat belts · Driver-assist systems · Steering

When complaints were filed

2021: 9 9 2021 2022: 37 37 2022 2023: 83 83 2023 2024: 63 63 2024 2025: 75 75 2025 2026: 98 98 2026
  • Crashes reported: 10
  • Fires reported: 9
  • Injuries: 6
  • Deaths: 0

Vehicle age at incident

  • <1 yr8.2%
  • 1–2 yrs12.3%
  • 2–3 yrs20.8%
  • 3–5 yrs38.4%
  • 5+ yrs20.3%

Median age at incident: 42 months

What owners report

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.

Segment peers · 2021 · Compact SUVs

ModelsComplaintsComplaints per year on the roadComplaint index
2021 Kia Sportage508.80.21
2021 Jeep Compass7713.60.32
2021 Hyundai Tucson7813.70.33
2021 Chevrolet Equinox9116.00.38
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan13624.00.57
2021 Mazda CX-514325.20.6
2021 Jeep Cherokee15427.10.64
2021 Subaru Forester20736.50.87
2021 Nissan Rogue32056.41.34
2021 Ford Escape36564.31.53
2021 Honda CR-V42775.31.79
2021 Toyota RAV450288.52.1

Safety recalls (21)

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR Campaign 26V117000 · 2026-03-03

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.

Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE Campaign 26V123000 · 2026-03-03

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS Campaign 25V829000 · 2025-12-01

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape vehicles. The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.

Risk: A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY Campaign 25V789000 · 2025-11-14

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will update the battery energy control module (BECM) and hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM), free of charge. Owners are advised to only use "Auto EV" mode and will be instructed by mail to limit the maximum charge of the battery until the remedy has been completed. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, and instructions to limit the maximum charge of the battery were mailed December 8, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC4. Vehicles in this recall were previously recalled under 24V954 and will need to have the new remedy performed. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 18, 2025.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER Campaign 25V685000 · 2025-10-10

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM Campaign 25V467000 · 2025-07-11

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will update the engine control software. In addition, dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors, free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165 will need to have the new final remedy performed once it is available.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE Campaign 25V442000 · 2025-06-27

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

ENGINE Campaign 25V345000 · 2025-05-23

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM Campaign 25V165000 · 2025-03-14

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22V-859 or 24V-187. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S21.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM) Campaign 24V954000 · 2024-12-20

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape, and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S79.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS Campaign 24V852000 · 2024-11-08

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) Campaign 24V330000 · 2024-05-10

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.

Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.

ENGINE Campaign 23V380000 · 2023-05-26

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace the engine long-block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S27. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V-484. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V-484 will need to have the new remedy completed.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM Campaign 22V859000 · 2022-11-18

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22V-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-191 will need to have the new remedy performed.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Campaign 22V484000 · 2022-07-07

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S47.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION Campaign 22V191000 · 2022-03-25

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.

Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY Campaign 22V149000 · 2022-03-11

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Corsair and 2021-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Hybrid powertrain. The high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.

Risk: A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S48.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL Campaign 22V109000 · 2022-02-24

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape Hybrid vehicles. The engine crankshaft may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.

Risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the crankshaft and replace the engine, as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed March 2, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S10.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER Campaign 21V922000 · 2021-11-23

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles. The rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Risk: During certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY Campaign 21V869000 · 2021-11-10

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling one 2021 Escape vehicle equipped with a 2.5L hybrid powertrain. The high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.

Risk: A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: A dealer will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. The owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S48.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE Campaign 21V625000 · 2021-08-10

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles. The fuel delivery module may leak inside the fuel tank, causing low fuel pressure which could result in an engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters (remedy not available) were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S38.

How to check whether your car has an open recall ›

Investigations

Frequently asked questions

How many complaints were filed for the 2021 Ford Escape?

365 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Escape, or about 64.3 per year on the road.

What is the most common problem reported for the 2021 Ford Escape?

The most common category is Body & structure, accounting for 24.1% of complaints.

Does the 2021 Ford Escape have any recalls?

NHTSA lists 21 safety recall(s) for this model year. 3 NHTSA defect investigations cover this model year; the most recent is “Failed Door Check Arm Attachment Point” (opened 2023-07-07, closed 2024-01-24).

Is the 2021 Ford Escape still generating complaints?

In the last 12 months 127 new complaints were filed, versus 66 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.

How does the 2021 Ford Escape compare with similar vehicles?

NHTSA has received 365 owner complaints about the 2021 Ford Escape, or 64.3 per year on the road — more complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 1.53, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 85 model-year 2021 vehicles we track, it ranks #69 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Ford models its rate is 18% higher; against other Compact SUVs it is about the same.