2021 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 348 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 21st highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 9 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Back over prevention, softwareMar 3, 2026
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."
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 26V123000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, motorMar 3, 2026
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.
Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 26V117000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, hatchback/liftgate, hinge and attachmentsDec 1, 2025
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.
A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 25V829000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterOct 10, 2025
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.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 25V685000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, fuel injection systemJul 11, 2025
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.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 25V467000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, softwareJun 27, 2025
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 25V442000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineMay 23, 2025
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.
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 25V345000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, fuel injection systemMar 14, 2025
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.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 25V165000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, propulsion system, traction battery, management system/energy control module (bms/becm)Dec 20, 2024
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 24V954000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsNov 8, 2024
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."
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.
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.
Campaign 24V852000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)May 10, 2024
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.
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 24V330000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineMay 26, 2023
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.
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 23V380000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, fuel injection systemNov 18, 2022
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.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 22V859000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingJul 7, 2022
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.
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 22V484000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, oil/lubricationMar 25, 2022
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.
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 22V191000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, propulsion system, traction batteryMar 11, 2022
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.
A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 22V149000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, disc, caliperNov 23, 2021
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."
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.
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.
Campaign 21V922000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, propulsion system, traction batteryNov 10, 2021
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.
A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V869000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pump, control/drive moduleAug 10, 2021
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.
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V625000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
348 reports, newest first.
Structure, Oct 16, 2023
Drivers side front door making creaking noise upon opening and closing. Does not properly close after 3 days since initial noise was noticed. Window does not go down. Believed to be faulty spot weld due to Fords negligence
Structure, Oct 15, 2023
Drivers door limiter broke away from the door creating an issue opening and closing the door. Also unable to roll the drivers window down very far.
Structure, Oct 11, 2023
Left door weld broke. Making a popping noise. The window will not go up or down.
Structure, Oct 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while parked, the driver's side door hinge had fractured which caused the contact to not be able to open the door or roll the window open. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Ford dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the door needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Structure, Oct 5, 2023
The door weld seems to have come off and causes the door to not latch properly and I cannot roll my window down this is a problem on both driver and passenger side. It appears there is a loose weld in the doors.
Structure, Oct 3, 2023
Upon opening the driver side door there was a pop. Every time the door has been opened to appx 50% full width the same popping noise occurs. The weld is popped in the hinge but this is not visible without taking the door apart. The door will close properly and the window works at this time.
Structure, Sep 29, 2023
Driver door popping do to spot welds broke on door check/limiter
Structure, Sep 20, 2023
Spot welds failed in the check arm bracket for the driver door.
Steering, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 9, 2023
I was in the middle of driving and going around a curve and all of a sudden advance Trac warning light is on hill assist warning comes on and pre collision assist comes on and none of the stability sensors are working in my car and I noticed my steering is very off sometimes it’s stiffer than usual and sometimes it’s not as stiff and that is dangerous I think it definitely needs to be recalled that’s very serious can cause loss of control of the vehicle
Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2023
Driver side door creaks and sticks. Door does not open completely. Incident where front driver window would not open at ATM.
Structure, Sep 5, 2023
Drivers door bracket broken and makes ratcheting noise. Currie Ford in Frankfort Ill contacted and I was advised it will need a new door. Issue raised up to cover claim. Vehicle only has 40000 miles on it. See SSM 50150
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 2, 2023
Driver side Door Check assembly weld broken.
Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2023
The driver side door started popping when opening and closing door. After a couple days it got stuck and wouldn’t fully close. When I did fully close the door the check arm disconnected. The window will not move much since check arm broke. I have not had this inspected at a dealership but plan to. The only light that comes on is a door ajar light comes on occasionally and I have to shut door again.
Structure, Aug 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while opening the front driver's side door, the door made an abnormal popping sound. Additionally, the contact stated that the door failed to open wide enough or close securely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times and the dealer applied a lubricant to the door, and the door was adjusted; however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that the door only opened 6-8 inches wide, causing him to slide in or out when entering or exiting the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact of the door weld failure, and that the manufacturer had determined that the door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Aug 28, 2023
Left Driver door making popping sound when opening or closing due to spot welds failing. Left Driver door has no catch when opening until door is completely open. Left Driver door electronics affected due to spot welds failing this includes window up/down function and locking/unlocking. Claim filed with Ford customer concern and spoke to dealer. Ford wants $2600.00 to repair and will contribute $900.00 because vehicle is out of warranty.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power train, Aug 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, there was smoke coming from the vehicle, with the check engine and power train warning lights illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power however, the contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and had the vehicle towed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 55,137. The VIN was not available.
Service brakes, Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reserving, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle after depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the brake pads to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the brake pads to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 9, 2023, fire
Vehicle caught on fire while we were driving.
Visibility, Aug 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated the driver-side window failed to operate properly (open or close). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Jul 30, 2023
When opened the driver side door on July 29, 2023 my door made a horrible popping noise that is continuing every time I open or close the driver side door.
Structure, Jul 18, 2023
The door weld on the door is causing it to pop when you open and close the door.
Structure, Jul 16, 2023
In the fall of 2022, the driver door on my 2021 Ford Escape would not close properly and I took to the Ford Dealership as I told them it felt unsafe as I felt the door wanted to fall off when driving as the door was physically moving in and out. They laughed at me and said that would never happen. After two visits, they realized the weld had broken on the door and said they would order a new one. They said they had never seen that on a passenger vehicle. It took 12 weeks for the door to arrive and they first said they would cover the rental vehicle and then came back the next day and said they would not cover a rental vehicle even when I said I felt unsafe driving it. So I kept driving it because it was my only vehicle. Ford Corporate tried to charge me $571.00 to pay for my part of the repair. They also dismissed that it was a larger problem. I have documentation regarding these interactions. The dealer stepped in and covered my portion of the repair. After they replaced the door, I reported the door appeared to be falling of the hinges and they investigated and said because they do not replace doors at the dealership often, they improperly installed the door as one of the hinge bolts was already missing. In April, 2023, I traded my 2021 Escape in for a 2022 Escape as I did not feel safe because of the door and the dealer agreed. It cost an additional $5,000 to get out of the lease, but it was worth my safety.
Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2023
Ford is not recalling their ford escape and broncos. I tired to get my state inspection done at two places for my 2021 ford escape and was told that they can not connect to the system due to faulty programs from ford. I was told to go to ford and they wanted ti charge me $199.99 to update the faulty software. They said it is a known problem and ford isn’t/hasn’t recalled it.
Power train, Service brakes, Jun 15, 2023
2021 escape purchased on 10/12/21. By the end of October my vehicle began stalling while driving. The transmission was unable to change gears when the vehicle was accelerating or decelerating. While making a right turn my vehicle almost stalled out in front of the oncoming traffic but at the last minute the car accelerated. Next the vehicle started jerking when placed in reverse. When put in reverse a loud grinding sound and jolting / jumping would occur. The jolt and noise sounded and felt like someone had rear ended the vehicle the moment it was placed in reverse. On 11/6/21 while sitting in traffic I smelled something burning and it seemed to be coming from under my hood. Once I arrived to my destination I opened my hood and looked for any signs of a fire /burning but didn’t notice anything unusual. No warnings were displayed on my vehicle so I brushed it off. Finally on 11/18/21 at 2,965 miles my vehicles powertrain failed. After starting my vehicle and putting it in reverse a loud grinding sound and jump occurred. Once in drive the vehicle began to jerk and had difficulty accelerating. By the time I exited the parking lot a power train failure notice was displayed. Ford replaced the transmission and everything was obviously under warranty. The Ford Pass service record stated the following services were performed: transmission, clutch, axel, other. It is my understanding the entire transmission was replaced. These issues were and still are very concerning given the fact a brand new car experienced power train failure after 2,965 miles. 6/15/23: brakes are ridiculously loud when braking in reverse, brakes make grinding/ scrubbing sound, black break dust on back rims, oh and a new recall for possible fuel injector crack. Rather than addressing the actual fuel injector problem Ford will install a drainage tube to divert fuel away from the engine (*if/ when the fuel injector cracks) and add engenie software to alert drivers when fuel rail pressure has dropped.