Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Escape, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Structure92
- Unknown or other59
- Power train45
- Fuel system, gasoline44
- Engine44
- Service brakes40
- Electrical system34
- Fuel/propulsion system29
- Visibility16
- Back over prevention11
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 5 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 29 2021 Escape vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 11 people died inside them. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2021 Ford Escape failed the safety check 1.42% of the time — 50% more often than the average 2021 passenger car (0.95%). Median odometer at inspection: 21,811 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
In New Zealand
788 2021 cars are on the New Zealand register; 0% arrived as used imports, 99% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 5 variants; 4 of 4 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Escape HEV SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 17.4 % |
| 2021 Ford Escape HEV SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 16.9 % |
| 2021 Ford Escape SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 17.4 % |
| 2021 Ford Escape SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 16.9 % |
| 2021 Ford Escape PHEV SUV FWD | — | 0.0 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Optional
- Lane departure warning
- Standard
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 3 variants: combined 7.8–9.1 L/100 km (about 26–30 mpg US), CO₂ 182–213 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escape · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 8.5 | 6.8 | 7.8 |
| Escape AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 9.0 | 7.6 | 8.4 |
| Escape AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 10.4 | 7.5 | 9.1 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
22 Transport Canada recalls for the 2021 Ford Escape.
| 2026100 5 Mar 2026 | Visual System Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display properly when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Ca… |
| 2026098 3 Mar 2026 | Visual System Issue: On certain vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the motor could fail and cause the windshield wip… |
| 2026072 18 Feb 2026 | Engine Issue: On a small number of vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 25S54 (Transport Canada recall no. 2025-283) may not have be… |
| 2026070 18 Feb 2026 | High Voltage Issue: On certain vehicles, the software update installed by a Ford dealer during recall 24S79 (Transport Canada recall no. 2024-781) may not be effective. As… |
| 2026005 9 Jan 2026 | Electrical Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens, the block heater could short circuit when it's plugged in. Note: Th… |
| 2025665 1 Dec 2025 | Structure Issue: On certain vehicles, the hinge covers for the liftgate may not have been properly attached. As a result, the cover(s) could loosen and detach from the … |
| 2025628 14 Nov 2025 | High Voltage This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2026-070. Issue: On certain vehicles, the software update installed by a Ford dealer during recall… |
| 2025553 11 Oct 2025 | Brakes Issue: Certain vehicles may not meet the minimum stopping requirements of Canadian regulations. In particular, the vehicle may have an extended stopping dista… |
| 2025554 10 Oct 2025 | Electrical This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2026-005. Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens,… |
| 2025376 14 Jul 2025 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles, a fuel injector may crack. If this happens, fuel could leak into the engine compartment. Note: This recall only affects vehicles… |
| 2025360 27 Jun 2025 | Visual System Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian re… |
| 2025283 23 May 2025 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 23S27 (Transport Canada recall no. 2023-309) may not have been done co… |
| 2025134 14 Mar 2025 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recalls 22S73 (Transport Canada recall no. 2022-658) or 24S16 (Transport Cana… |
| 2024781 20 Dec 2024 | High Voltage Issue: On certain vehicles, a problem inside the high-voltage battery could cause a short circuit. If this happens, there could be a loss of power to the whee… |
| 2024270 10 May 2024 | Powertrain Issue: On certain hybrid vehicles, a software update completed by a Ford dealer could cause the transmission to shift into neutral (N) unexpectedly. If this ha… |
| 2023309 29 May 2023 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5 L HEV or PHEV engine, a manufacturing problem could lead to an engine failure. In some cases, an engine failure… |
| 2022658 19 Nov 2022 | Fuel System This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2025-376. Issue: On certain vehicles, a fuel injector may crack. If this happens, fuel could leak … |
| 2022366 7 Jul 2022 | Engine Issue: On certain hybrid models, an engine failure can cause a significant buildup of engine oil and/or fuel vapour under the hood. In some cases, this could … |
| 2022152 29 Mar 2022 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 1.5 L Ecoboost engine, the engine oil separator could leak. If this happens, oil could leak onto hot engine parts. … |
| 2022089 25 Feb 2022 | Engine Issue: On certain Escape Hybrid (HEV) models, the engine crankshaft may not have been manufactured correctly. As a result, the connecting rod bearings may wea… |
| 2021727 26 Nov 2021 | Brakes This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2025-553. Issue: Certain vehicles may not meet the minimum stopping requirements of Canadian regul… |
| 2021508 12 Aug 2021 | Fuel System Issue: On certain vehicles, the fuel delivery module could leak inside the fuel tank. If this happens, low fuel pressure could cause the engine not to start, … |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Ford told its dealers about the 2021 Ford Escape: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11011951 | Some 2020-2024 Escape and Corsair Vehicle built on or before 17-Aug 2024 equipped with the 8F35 or the HF45 transmission may exhibit a click or ting noise during acceleration from a stop, or in some cases during the end of a stop event. |
| 11010795 | Some 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L engine built on or before 30-Nov-2022, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine built on or before 28-Feb-2022, 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair vehicles equipped with 1.5L/2.0L/2.3L engines built on or before 30-Apr-2022, 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 2.5L FHEV powertrain built on or before 31-Mar-2022 may exhibit a chatter/shudder during low speed turning events. |
| 11009564 | Some 2020-2024 Escape and 2021-2024 Bronco Sport vehicles may exhibit a moan noise when the vehicle is driven in reverse (R) in cold weather and/or high humidity. |
| 11009563 | Some 2020-2024 Escape and Corsair Vehicle built on or before 17-Aug 2024 equipped with the 8F35 or the HF45 transmission may exhibit a click or ting noise during acceleration from a stop, or in some cases during the end of a stop event. |
| 11009190 | Some 2020-2024 Escape and 2021-2024 Bronco Sport vehicles may exhibit a moan noise when the vehicle is driven in reverse (R) in cold weather and/or high humidity. This may be due to the suspension sensitivity of the vehicle. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to install brake pads with clips and if necessary, install the rear reinforced caliper bushings. |
| 11008948 | While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. |
| 11008365 | In some of the affected vehicles, after safety recall 23S27 has been performed, the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may illuminate and store Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P1061 and/or P032F. This could be due to a faulty connecting rod bearing that was detected by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Reason for supplement: labor allowances/program term updates |
| 11007962 | Some 2020-2024 Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles may exhibit the uncommanded locking of the driver door after the door is closed. |
| 11006862 | Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a telematics control unit module (TCU) may exhibit the Location toggle button in the Connectivity setting menu grayed out with an inability to switch it off. |
| 11006452 | Some 2020-2024 Escape/Explorer, 2021-2024 F-150, 2022-2024 Maverick and 2024 Nautilus vehicles equipped with a full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) powertrain may exhibit a cable connection error screen from the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger. The xRC-3363 will prompt the technician to verify the low voltage connections when no actual fault is present. This may be due to the software level of the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger. |
| 11006036 | Certain 2018 - 2024 Model Year Various Vehicles Update SYNC Software In all the affected vehicles, due to an error in the SYNC software, you may experience SYNC system instability concerns and/or a failure to preserve certain settings across ignition cycles. This may result in a black infotainment screen that does not affect rear view camera, incorrect language setting, erased or unsaved radio presets, and potential inability to perform software updates. |
| 11005746 | Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various FordPass/LincolnWay connectivity concerns including but not limited to: missing activation prompt (pop-up) on the vehicle's center display screen when attempting to activate vehicle through FordPass/LincolnWay, incorrect location/global positioning system (GPS) reported through FordPass/LincolnWay, problems with remote commands being performed through FordPass/LincolnWay, incorrect data/information reported on FordPass/LincolnWay. These symptoms will be accompanied by diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B156D:89 in t |
| 11005710 | Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/response from module using the universal USB updater. This may be due to low memory in the APIM commonly occurring on software level NU5T-14G381-AB/BB. The current software level can be verified in the SYNC tab of Professional Technician System (PTS) or using the vehicle's center display screen, Settings > General > About. To correct the conditio |
| 11003146 | Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System, or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/response from module using the universal USB updater. This may be due to low memory in the APIM commonly occurring on software level |
| 11003136 | Some 2020-2024 Escape/Corsair, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport/F-150, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles may exhibit a condition where the door(s) do not open using the exterior door handle(s). This may be due to an enabled door reinforcement inertia lock within the exterior door handle. This condition occurs when the doors are closed or opened with excessive force. To correct this condition, follow the door reinforcement inertia lock rest procedure that has been added to Section 501-14 of the Workshop Manual under General Procedures. For claiming, use causal part 78219A64. |
| 11002806 | Certain 2021-2022 Model Year Corsair, 2020-2022 Model Year Escape and 2022-2023 Model Year Maverick Vehicles Equipped With 2.5L HEV/PHEV Engine Long Block Replacement In some of the affected vehicles, after safety recall 23S27 has been performed, the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may illuminate and store Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P1061 and/or P032F. This could be due to a faulty connecting rod bearing that was detected by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). |
| 11001646 | This article supersedes TSB 23-2307 to update the Service Procedure and vehicle model years affected. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Transit Connect, 2019-2023 Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger, 2020-2021 Expedition/Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair/Super Duty/EcoSport, 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator/Transit, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. This may be due to the SYNC Software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update theaccesory protocol interface modul |
| 11001583 | This article supersedes TSB 23-2335 to update the TSB title, vehicles affected and parts list. Some 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L engine built on or before 30-Nov-2022, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine built on or before 28-Feb-2022, 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair vehicles equipped with 1.5L/2.0L/2.3L engines built on or before 30-Apr-2022, 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 2.5L full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) powertrain built on or before 31-Mar-2022 may exhibit a chatter/shudder during low speed turning events. This may be due to contamin |
| 11001142 | Certain 2020 - 2023 Model Year Escape Vehicles - Inspect Front Door Check-Arm Reinforcement Spot Welds |
| 11000741 | Some 2020-2024 Escape and Corsair Vehicle equipped with the 8F35 or the HF45 transmission may exhibit a click or ting noise during acceleration from a stop, or in some cases during the end of a stop event. This may be due to the front half shaft sticking to the wheel bearing surface. To correct this condition, perform the Service Procedure below to lubricate the halfshaft and wheel bearing hub assembly mating surface. |
| 11000295 | Some 2021-2024 F-150-3.5L FHEV, 2020-2024 Explorer 3.3L FHEV, 2020-2024 Escape 2.5L FHEV, and 2022-2024 Maverick 2.5L FHEV vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P237F and/or P2C23 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) and no affect on drivability. This may be due to seal damage, corrosion and/or water intrusion in the exhaust coolant temperature (ECT) sensors 3 and/or 4 connector. Visual inspection should be completed on ECT3 and ECT4 sensors and mating connections for seal damage, water intrusion, and corrosion. If seal damage, water intrusion or corrosion is present, repai |
| 11000187 | Some 2020-2024 Escape and 2021-2024 Bronco Sport vehicles may exhibit a moan noise when the vehicle is driven in reverse (R) in cold weather and/or high humidity. Ford is aware of the concern and this condition does not affect vehicle durability and no additional diagnosis or service is required for this condition at this time. Inform customers that they can continue to drive the vehicle and engineering is currently working on a solution for this condition that is expected by the 4th quarter of 2024. Monitor OASIS for additional information and schedule service appointments for customers once |
| 10254138 | All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership managemen |
| 10253552 | Various vehicles have had pinpoint tests, guided routines and the Warranty and Policy Manual recentlyupdated for diagnostics and repairs on SYNC generation 3 and later applications. When performingdiagnostics and repairs on SYNC Gen 3 or later, select the diagnostics tab and search for related symptoms,DTCs and keywords. The search results will be shown in the search results pane. Read and follow allTechnical Service Bulletins (TSB), Special Service Message (SSM)s or General Service Bulletin (GSB) first if abulletin specifically addresses the vehicle concern. If there are no messages, run the |
| 10252410 | Customer Satisfaction Program 22N15 Certain 2020-2023 Model Year Bronco Sport, Escape, Corsair, E-Series, F-650/F-750, F-53 Motorhome Chassis, F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis Vehicles Equipped with Smart Data Link Connector (SDLC) Gateway Module Reprogramming for Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Testing Adding Not OTA Capable Owner letters. Other documents submitted 01/02/24 & Received OTA letters submitted on 02/01/24 |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Failed Door Check Arm Attachment Point
Healey Brothers Ford / Open Recall Sale
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation