2021 FORD ESCAPE Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Escape. This model year has 287 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Structural Problems.
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Worst 2021 Ford Escape Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Structural Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Brake System
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Ford Escape. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Escape. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 287 most recent complaints
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.
Recalls for 2021 Ford Escape
19 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Escape. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2021 Ford Escape — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Ford Escape reliable?▾
Notable Issues. The 2021 Ford Escape has 287 NHTSA owner complaints, 8 crash-related, and 19 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Structural Problems (86 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2021 Ford Escape has 8 crash-related complaints and 8 fire reports out of 287 total NHTSA complaints. 5 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Ford Escape have any recalls?▾
Yes — 19 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Ford Escape. The largest issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Ford Escape?▾
The 2021 Ford Escape has notable issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Structural Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2021 Ford Escape
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.