KnownCarProblems2021 Ford Escape Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 349 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Escape, most often about the body and structure (26% of complaints, typically around 41,500 miles). It is 20th of 27 Escape model years by number of complaints and has 19 recalls.
Most common 2021 Ford Escape problems
Body and structure
92 complaints · 26%Half of these problems showed up before 41,500 miles. Parts named most often: body.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while closing the door, the door made an abnormal sound and failed to close as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a fractured door weld. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised…
The contact's brother owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's side door made an abnormally loud sound while opening. Additionally, the contact stated that the spot welds on the check arm bracket were fractured. The contact stated that the front driver's side door could only be closed from…
Fuel system
73 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated. The contact received…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v467000(fuel system, gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced difficulty starting and hesitation upon acceleration. Additionally, the check…
Other or unspecified
59 complaints · 17%The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing and pressing the brake pedal, there was a loud screeching sound coming from the rear brakes. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who serviced the rear brake calipers and rotors but the failure continued to occur. The manufacturer was…
Front windshield is prone to crack. I have had to replace 5 windshields since I first purchased the vehicle. It is a known documented issue. Assuming aerodynamics is the issue and can cause more than the reasonable amount of cracked windshields. Valve body and transmission went out at 100,243 miles. All…
Brakes
50 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 5,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, electrical.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing, there was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that whenever it rained, there was water accumulating in the taillights. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving in reverse, a loud grinding sound was present while depressing the brake pedal without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to have the brake rotors, brake pads, and brake calipers replaced; however, the parts for the repair…
Engine
47 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 39,500 miles.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine coolant overheated warning light illuminated. The vehicle stalled after the warning light illuminated and became inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and jerking abnormally. The contact also stated that the engine had overheated, and the vehicle could not be driven for more than an hour. The check engine and oil pressure warning lights were…
Transmission
44 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle suddenly shut off and failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the fuel injector had failed. The vehicle was repaired. After having the vehicle repaired, the contact received…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while in reverse(r). In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be…
Electrical
34 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 39,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument panel, ignition.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon having the A/C unit serviced, the service technician shocked and burned himself on the wiring harness. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the issue. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle for the state inspection, the contact was informed that the gateway module of the vehicle was not communicating, preventing the inspection from being performed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the gateway…
Visibility and wipers
25 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 49,000 miles. Parts named most often: power window devices and controls, defroster/defogger/hvac system, sun/moon roof assembly.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was driven to the…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the sunroof plastic cover detached and struck the driver's hat. There was no reported injury. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the sunroof assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2021 Ford Escape recalls
Backup camera: software
Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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."
Visibility and wipers: motor
Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Body and structure: hinge and attachments
Risk: A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Equipment: engine block heater
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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
Full defect 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.
Fuel system: fuel injection system
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.
Fix: 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, 2
Full defect 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.
Backup camera: software
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Engine
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Fuel system: fuel injection system
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Electrical: management system/energy control module (bms/becm)
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Equipment: labels
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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."
Transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Engine
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Fuel system: fuel injection system
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.
Fix: 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 p
Full defect 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.
Body and structure: active shutters/grill
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Engine: oil/lubrication
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Hybrid system: hybrid propulsion system
Risk: A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Brakes: caliper
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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."
Electrical: traction battery
Risk: A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Fuel system: control/drive module
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Failed door check arm attachment point
Summary
On july 7, 2023, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe23-013 to investigate instances of check arm bracket failure in the front doors in model year (my) 2020-2021 ford escape vehicles. At the time of opening, odi received 118 vehicle owner questionnaires (voqs) alleging this failure. To date, odi has received 593 voqs alleging this failure, with a variety of reported failure conditions. The most common reported failure condition was reduced door functionality (e.g. Door was more difficult to open or close) and the least common was inadvertent door opening. Other reported failure conditions include inability to latch and inability to open. Three voqs reported injuries, one of wh
Healey brothers ford / open recall sale
Summary
Nhtsa is opening this audit query to investigate whether healey brothers ford, llc of beacon, new york, has complied with the requirements of the national traffic and motor vehicle safety act. The safety act requires, among other things, that a manufacturer notify its dealers of defects related to motor vehicle safety and noncompliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards and in turn that a dealer not deliver a new vehicle subject to a recall unless the recall remedy has been performed. 49 u.s.c. ⧠30120(I).NHTSA is in receipt of information that indicates this dealer delivered at least one new vehicle to a first purchaser without having performed required recall repairs. Accordingly
Questions about the 2021 Ford Escape
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Escape?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: body and structure (92 complaints, typically around 41,500 miles); fuel system (73 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles); other or unspecified (59 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Escape have?
- 19 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 3, 2026 (backup camera). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2021 a bad year for the Ford Escape?
- It is 20th of 27 Escape model years by number of complaints, with 349 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.