CarRecallWatchThe 2021 Ford Escape has 19 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 352 complaints with NHTSA, including 9 crashes, 9 fires, 5 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Structure (93 reports).
2021 Ford Escape recalls
Wipers May Fail, Reducing Driver Visibility
Certain 2020-2022 Ford Explorer and Escape vehicles, and Lincoln Aviator and Corsair vehicles, have a front windshield wiper motor that may fail.
Rearview Camera Image May Flip, Reducing Rear View
The center display's rearview camera image may flip or invert when the vehicle is put in reverse.
Liftgate Hinge Covers May Detach, Raising Crash Risk
Certain 2020-2022 and 2025 Ford Escape vehicles may have liftgate hinge covers that are not properly secured.
Engine Block Heater May Crack and Cause Fire Risk
The engine block heater can crack and develop a coolant leak.
Fuel Injector May Crack and Leak, Creating Fire Risk
A fuel injector in the engine can crack and leak gasoline inside the engine compartment.
Rearview Camera May Show Blank or Stuck Image
A software error can cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or to keep showing the camera image after the vehicle has left reverse.
Engine Failure Can Release Oil and Fuel, Risking Engine Fire
Some 2020-2023 Ford Escape, 2021-2023 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022-2023 Ford Maverick vehicles with 2.5L hybrid or plug-in hybrid engines were repaired incorrectly under an earlier recall.
Fuel Injector May Crack and Leak, Creating Fire Risk
A fuel injector in these vehicles may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
High-Voltage Battery Can Short Circuit, Causing Power Loss or Fire
A manufacturing defect in one or more high-voltage battery cells can cause an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Missing Air Bag Warning Label on Dashboard
Some vehicles may have a missing air bag warning label on the dashboard.
Transmission May Shift to Neutral, Causing Loss of Power
The hybrid powertrain control module software in certain vehicles may cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.
Engine failure can cause compartment fire
Certain hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines may fail, releasing engine oil and fuel vapor into the engine compartment.
Fuel injector can crack and leak, creating fire risk
A fuel injector on this vehicle's 1.5L engine may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Engine failure can spill oil and fuel vapor, risking a fire
Certain 2020-2022 Ford Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Ford Maverick vehicles with a 2.5L hybrid (HEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engine may have a problem.
Oil leak can raise fire risk in 1.5L engine
The engine oil separator housing can crack and develop an oil leak.
Battery May Fail, Causing Sudden Loss of Drive Power
The high voltage traction battery in certain hybrid vehicles may fail, which can cause a sudden loss of drive power while you are driving.
Rear brake linings may reduce braking performance
Certain 2021-2022 Ford Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles may have rear brake linings that were manufactured incorrectly.
Battery May Fail, Causing Sudden Loss of Drive Power
Some 2021 Ford Escape hybrids may have a high voltage battery that can fail.
Fuel Pump Module Leak Can Cause Engine Stall
The fuel delivery module in these vehicles may leak inside the fuel tank.
Most common 2021 Ford Escape problems
Problem areas named in the 352 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Structure | 93 |
| Unknown Or Other | 59 |
| Power Train | 46 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 46 |
| Engine | 44 |
| Service Brakes | 40 |
| Electrical System | 34 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 29 |
| Visibility | 17 |
| Back Over Prevention | 11 |
What owners report
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but later became persistent. The vehicle was taken to O'Reily's where it was diagnosed with fuel control module failure, turbocharger failure, and powertrain failure. The contact was notified of three open recalls associated with the VIN. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle lost motive power and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the windshield wipers became inoperable. The contact stated that while driving, the RPM was fluctuating. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts were not yet available for the recall repairs. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact later called the dealer and was informed that parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recal
The transmission stopped working while driving in a thunderstorm in the middle of a busy intersection. These created a dangerous safety situation which was luckily avoided by the driver. We had the care inspected and the transmission removed, rebuilt and re-installed by Nightingale Transmissions LLC in [XXX]. There were no warnings or symptoms with this car until the accelerator jumped in the middle of the intersection. The only warning was that two other Ford Escape's in the Kansas Municipal Utilities' fleet had to have transmission's repaired just a few weeks prior INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Issue Date: 2026-03-05 Campaign: 26C11/26V123 On my vehicle, it may be possible to have the SYNC screen image on the center display flipped or inverted immediately after an ignition cycle. Safety Risk This may result in the image displayed being inverted or flipped, which includes all buttons. While in reverse, the rearview camera image, buttons, and camera guidelines may also be inverted or flipped. A rearview camera that does not correctly display an accurate image in reverse can reduce your view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. The dealership and Ford have failed to fix this in a timely manner when I received my car back, they informed me that they had forgo
Description of Defect & Safety Risk: Complete structural failure and collapse of the entire 3-part powertrain mounting system (right engine mount, left automatic transmission mount and rear lower engine torque strut mount). The severe defect was discovered at a mere 27,000 original miles by a certified independent technician fount the broken motor mounts during inspection, and I confirmed experiencing excessive, violent vibrations inside the vehicle cabin radiating heavily through the chassis. Total failure of these primary structural supports creates an immediate under-hood hazard. Severe engine shifting or total powertrain displacement while in motion can pinch fuel lines, sever electri
2021 Ford Escape questions
Does the 2021 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 19 safety recalls for the 2021 Ford Escape: Wipers May Fail, Reducing Driver Visibility; Rearview Camera Image May Flip, Reducing Rear View; Liftgate Hinge Covers May Detach, Raising Crash Risk; Engine Block Heater May Crack and Cause Fire Risk; Fuel Injector May Crack and Leak, Creating Fire Risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Escape?
Based on 352 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Structure (93), Unknown Or Other (59), Power Train (46).
How do I check if a recall on my 2021 Ford Escape has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.