2021 Ford Escape: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Ford Escape? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 287 complaints, with Structural Problems as the top reported area.
2021 Ford Escape Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2021 Ford Escape trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2021 Ford Escape Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Ford Escape SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Ford Escape has 287 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 19 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Structural Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Escape
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 287
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 19
- Top reported component
- Structural Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 28 / 34
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Ford Escape Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Structural Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Structural Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Ford Escape?
The 2021 Ford Escape shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Ford Escape
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the vehicle for any structural issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and engine systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the vehicle for any structural issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and engine systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Ford Escape, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2021 Ford Escape has 287 NHTSA complaints, with the highest number related to Structural Problems. Brake System and Engine Problems also appear frequently. The confidence level is low, so these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Structural Problems account for the largest share of complaints.
- Brake System and Engine Problems are also commonly reported.
- There are 19 recalls and 8 crash-related complaints.
- Structural Problems
- Brake System
- Engine Problems
All 2021 Ford Escape Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Escape. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 86 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 47 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Brake System | 47 | 6 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 38 | — | 4 | — | |
| Fuel System | 35 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 35 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 27 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 23 | — | 3 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 19 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Escape. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V789000 (Electrical System), 25V829000 (Structure), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention) and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The …
MY VEHICLE HAS HAD A FUEL INJECTOR RECALL SINCE 07/2025. MY CAR HAS GRADUALLY STARTED TO IDLE AND DROP RPMS. IT STARTS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY IN PARK AND NOW IT IS HAPPENING WHEN I AM IN DRIVE AND FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE. I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO BECAUSE OF THE OPEN RECALL WITH N…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine coolant overheated warning light illuminated. The vehicle stalled after the warning light illuminated and became inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure; howe…
This has been an ongoing recall for three years. They fixed my car the first time according to them and now it’s still an issue they are saying they can’t fix. I’ve went through two evap solenoids and my car still is having issues with the fuel vapor intake. I’m to the point I do…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was n…
Everytime I drive the car and I don’t get no warming and I bring the car to the dealer and tell them what going on and dealer do and don’t tell me what going on.. i should be able to get another car free because they want me to keep pay thing out my pocket which I don’t have A…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), 26V117000 (Visibility), and 25V829000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted. Th…
The front driver door check arm attachment point is compromised. My service representative has over a dozen of these problems. This means there are many more of these issues than you indicate in your NHSTA action number PE23013, July 7, 2023-January 24, 2024 report. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention) and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera image wa…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (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 exceed…
Ford manufacturer and local Gurley Leep Ford Dealership failed to provide a remedy to safety recall : Manufacturer Recall Number25S76 NHTSA Recall Number25V467 in a reasonable timeframe. The local Ford dealership refused to provide a remedy, free of charge, in accordance with the…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle shut off and lost electrical power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the high vol…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of an undisclosed recall. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning li…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated tha…
The rear speed sensor on my 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid is fused to the differential due to corrosion. The failure disables safety systems (ABS/Traction Control), and the design requires a 800 partial teardown of the drivetrain to fix a basic sensor. This is a design defect that prev…
I believe my car to be unsafe to drive because of the possibility that it could overheat, crack and release fluids on top of the engine causing a fire. They have yet to have a remedy for this and that is deeply concerning. I fear they often have recalls because FORD is not the be…
The recall on the fuel issue was released in July 2025. This is now March 2026. Eight months should be enough time to get the parts needed for this repair. What can you do to see about getting this process accelerated? Thank you.
See attached document for complaint.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Ford Escape.
2021 Ford Escape Recalls
19 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Escape. 19 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Ford Escape Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Ford Escape reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 287 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 19 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Ford Escape shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Escape?▾
#1: Structural Problems (86 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (47 complaints). #3: Brake System (47 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Ford Escape?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Ford Escape?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Ford Escape, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 8 fire reports out of 287 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Ford Escape have any recalls?▾
Yes. 19 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Ford Escape. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY. 19 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Ford Escape?▾
The 2021 Ford Escape shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Structural Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Escape reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Ford Escape based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.