Worst 2021 Ford Escape Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Body Structure
Brakes
Engine Problems
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Ford Escape.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Structure | 61 | — | — | — | |
| Brakes | 38 | 5 | — | 9,465 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 34 | — | 4 | 58,389 mi | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 34 | — | 1 | 26,992 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 24 | — | — | 59,895 mi | |
| Fuel System | 22 | — | 3 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 15 | 2 | 1 | 36,540 mi | |
| Structure:Body:Door | 12 | — | — | 38,494 mi | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | — | — | 26,181 mi | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 8 | 1 | — | 10,000 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | 1 | — | 41,513 mi | |
| Backup Camera | 5 | — | — | 93,000 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | — | — | 62,000 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Body:Door:Hinge And Attachments | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Fuel Gauge | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Automatic Transmission | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbags | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 1 | — | — | — |
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.
Recalls for 2021 Ford Escape
19 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~3,871,269 vehicles.
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, 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 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."
+ 9 more recalls
Other Ford Escape Years
2021 Ford Escape — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Ford Escape reliable?
What are common problems with the 2021 Ford Escape?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Ford Escape?
How safe is the 2021 Ford Escape?
Does the 2021 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2021 Ford Escape?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Ford Escape reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2021 Ford Escape
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