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, May 16, 2024
The driver side door arm has broken without any reason. It now makes noise opening and closing and will need to be replaced
Service brakes, May 5, 2024
Almost every single time I back up my brakes make an awful noise. I've had the brakes looked at and nothing is wrong with them, I have read numerous articles about other people having this same issue with their 2021 Ford Escapes. Others have brought this to Ford's attention, and they always get told "that's normal". I should not have to hear my brakes screaming for no reason at 7am when leaving work, it is embarrassing and honestly irritating speaking that I would expect my vehicle to have no issues when ford talks to highly about the "quality" of their vehicles.
Structure, May 2, 2024
The spot weld on my driver's side door looks like it broke where the hinge is attached to the door. It's going to totally break.
Other or unspecified, May 2, 2024
I am unsure of the exact part but it is located in the driver side door. The car was stationary when the problem was noticed. My husband walked out to go to work and noticed that the door had started having issues. It makes a popping sound as the door opens and closes as well as the window no longer opens or closes. The door also doesn't open more than half way anymore, nor does it stay open. That has become a safety concern with our small children. The door is also starting to have issues closing all the way once it is attempted to shut the door. We tried contacting Ford and they know that there is an issue but told us that we have to deal with it or pay full price to fix the issue since there isn't an official recall on the part yet. They wouldn't even make an appointment to confirm which part was the issue. When we took it to Kia, which is the deal we bought the vehicle from, they see in their system that it is a part that has a recall and to take it to ford for a whole door replacement. Yet Ford refuses to help us until we have proof of letter that this part has caused an issue.
Structure, Apr 27, 2024
Driver front and passenger front door hinge making noise when opening. Dealer said a lot of people are having same issue but ford is only fixing ones when door falls off when weld completely breaks. Reported this to dealer on11/11/23 and was finally notified to bring in last week. Was called yesterday and was told not fixing at this time as was not safety issue yet! They said if door falls off it would warrant repair. This vehicle is under new vehicle warranty still and should be fixed without question. Dealer agrees it needs fixed but says they cant do anything now. I consider a possible door falling off a safety issue! Hopefully my wife does not fall out of vehicle when door falls off and maybe she can put it in back and drive to dealer with no door. Way to go ford!
Structure, Apr 24, 2024
The drivers door check arm welds are breaking, the plate is flexing inside the door.
Structure, Apr 20, 2024
The door check system on the door assembly of my Ford Escape is attached to the body by three spot welds. These welds have come off and now it's not possible to lower the window. I was in a situation where I had to open the door to adjust my mirror on the road, this is very unsafe and can lead to accidents.
Other or unspecified, Apr 17, 2024
I noticed the door opening hard and making noise. Car parked at home, no accidents or dents. The Door Hinge weld has come disconnected. Tech confirmed on 4/10/2024. Car is still under factory warranty with 33,719 miles. Tech picked up car and brought back with no fix. Tech verified concern, returned vehicle with note Ford Advance Notice for the concern. And when consumer gets the recall notice they will contact me to fix it. In the meantime my warranty is nearly expired and they would not repair it.
Steering, Structure, Engine, Apr 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was veering to the right independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where both the rear shock absorbers and the front passenger's side tie rod were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 60 MPH and at higher speeds, the front end of the vehicle was vibrating. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle while parked, she opened the hood and noticed that the engine was vibrating significantly while running. The contact stated that she also noticed a black stain on the engine. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer Casco Bay Ford1 (213 US-1, Yarmouth, ME 04096), and to a third dealer Rowe Ford Sales (91 Main St, Westbrook, ME 04092), where the contact was informed that the engine was operating as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
Structure, Apr 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the driver's side door was opened, there was a loud banging sound coming from the door. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with fractured spot welds. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Power train, Mar 13, 2024
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 requested/required regular maintenance was completed.
Structure, Mar 11, 2024
The six Spot welds on the driver's door failed. The hinge bracket is adrift inside the car door. Al Packer Ford body shop advised this is a common flaw in the 2021 Ford Escapes.
Structure, Mar 5, 2024
Door check bracket detaches from driver door when it is opened.
Structure, Feb 28, 2024
Door hinge on driver side front came loose from weld and won’t let window roll down.
Structure, Feb 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, he heard an abnormal clicking sound coming from the door. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the door check arm attachment point. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23013 (Structure). The failure mileage was 61,000.
Structure, Feb 27, 2024
Driver door check arm bracket welds broke in door
Structure, Feb 23, 2024
The door stop arm welds broke on drivers side door. I cannot roll down window because of this failure on ford's part.
Structure, Feb 23, 2024
2-23-24 2021 Gold Ford Escape AKA Goldie Purchased on 9-8-23 Miles at purchase 52,771 Current miles 60,054 2-22-24 I took my daughter to school. When I opened the door I heard a popping noise. When I got home I open the door to get out and heard a really big POP. I went to close the door it would not close. I gently tried to close it again but stopped because I did not want to make matters worse. I called a tow truck. The driver mentioned the door check was broken. My service advisor called to let me know the spot wells and door check were broken. She said I would have to take to body shop. My escape is available for inspection. I took Goldie to body shop 2-23-24. Advisor took pictures and said he would have technician look at it then send me a quote. He mentioned I may need a new door. After getting home I did some research on my issue and found the same issues are currently ongoing and Ford has not announces any solution to the matter. After reading the same issues online I am afraid to drive it. Anything faulty with a door in unsafe for me, my family and anyone else. The dealership I purchased Goldie from is aware of the issue because I had it towed there. The body shop knows because I went there and he took pictures to get me an estimate. The popping noise is all I heard which began est. 2-20-24
Structure, Feb 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. That contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the front driver’s side door. Upon inspection of the door, the contact observed that the door hinge attachment point had detached. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where an inspection confirmed that the seem weld inside the door had fractured and the door needed to be replaced. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23013 (Structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 38,584.
Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2024
The Door Hinge Welds came un done on the front drivers door owned car for less than 2 years bought brand new
Structure, Feb 9, 2024
The door has spot wells I believe 6 total. 2 of them so far have come undone. It is the welds for the bracket that keeps the door from flying open.
Structure, Feb 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to close the front driver’s side door, but the door check arm was no longer attached to the door, preventing the door from closing securely. No warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, but the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.
Structure, Jan 31, 2024
Driver door hinge is not welded properly and when driving door opens
Structure, Jan 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver’s side door was very difficult to open and close. Additionally, the window would not properly roll up or down. The contact stated that the failure progressed, and the door could not be opened from inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the door needed to be replaced. The door was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred a year after the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Power train, Jan 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle started shuddering. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was an internal transmission failure caused by the torque converter shudder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.