no report yet
Windshield wiper/washer: motor
NewRisk. Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 Ford EscapeProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 356 owner complaints about the 2021 Ford Escape, most often about the structure. It is covered by 19 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-442 the manufacturer reports only 59% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 5, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Ford Escape has problems
356 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
92Structure1 crash/fire/injury
47Fuel system, gasoline1 crash/fire/injury
46Power train1 crash/fire/injury
45Engine6 crash/fire/injury
40Service brakes5 crash/fire/injury
34Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
29Fuel/propulsion system4 crash/fire/injury
19Visibility
11Back over prevention
6515 other systems6 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 92 | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 47 | 1 |
| Power train | 46 | 1 |
| Engine | 45 | 6 |
| Service brakes | 40 | 5 |
| Electrical system | 34 | 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 29 | 4 |
| Visibility | 19 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 11 | 0 |
| 15 other systems | 65 | 6 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
19 recalls
2021 Ford Escape recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Back over prevention: software
NewRisk. An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments
NewRisk. A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Electrical: engine block heater
Risk. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Show 15 more recalls
no report yet
Fuel system, gasoline: 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.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Back over prevention: software
Risk. A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Engine
Risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Fuel system, gasoline: 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.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Traction battery: management system/energy control module (bms/becm)
Risk. Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Other: 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.
repaired · 2026 Q1
Automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q1
Engine
Risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
repaired · 2024 Q4
Fuel system, gasoline: 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.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Engine and engine cooling
Risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
repaired · 2024 Q1
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.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Propulsion system: traction battery
Risk. A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Disc: 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…
repaired · 2022 Q2
Propulsion system: traction battery
Risk. A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Fuel pump: control/drive module
Risk. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Mileage at failure
When do structure problems start?
41kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 20 structure complaints. 100% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 22% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
6under 30k miles20under 100k miles0100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Escape year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Escape median. How we score
9961,0275584991,3944642541,9741,6932,0711,3206042,7532,0911,1481,1922,7101,8336041,62135623810278263
'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Ford Escape safety ratings
2021 Ford Escape SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (17.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Standard
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Ford Escape, and the recalls they led to.
- Healey Brothers Ford / Open Recall SaleOpen
- Failed Door Check Arm Attachment PointNo recall
In owners' words
What Escape owners report
Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was serviced under Customer Satisfaction Program 23B-56; however, the replacement welding caused the front driver's side door to fail. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to…
When I lock my car, whether from my phone, keys, or lock button inside car, the car will lock except the passenger side door which remains unlocked. So when the car is supposed to be locked and secured, anyone who wants can gain access in my car whenever they want. The car alarm will go off. But…
The sunroof cover has come off its tracks and has lost tension. It requires a full sunroof cover replacement. Upon searching this issue online, I found it was a common issue in Escapes around 2020-2022.
Own a 2021 Escape?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.