2021 Ford Escape Hybrid

On July 7, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-013 to investigate instances of check arm bracket failure in the front doors in model year (MY) 2020-2021 Ford Escape vehicles. At the time of opening, ODI received 118 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging this failure. To date, ODI has received 593 VOQs alleging this failure, with a variety of reported failure conditions. The most common reported failure condition was reduced door functionality (e.g. door was more difficult to open or close) and the least common was inadvertent door opening. Other reported failure conditions include inability to latch and inability to open. Three VOQs reported injuries, one of which requiring medical attention. ODI conducted a consumer survey which yielded an additional 44 injuries (although the VOQs did not indicate any injury), none of which requiring medical attention. All these injuries were bumps/bruises from the door closing on occupants’ arms and legs while entering and exiting the vehicle. The function of the check arm system is to provide hold-open assist at specific angles and to assist with door closing energy. It does not provide vertical support of the door and is independent of the latching mechanism. This failure is progressive and detectable by vehicle occupants. Consumers commonly report hearing a popping or snapping noise when opening and closing the door. This noise is caused by some of the welds between the bracket and door structure failing and detaching. There may also be visible damage present to the welds in the door structure. Continued use of the door may result in all welds separating and the bracket fully detaching from the door structure, which could lead to increased resistance in closing and opening the door, restrained window operation, and the door freely rotating when open. ODI inspected 3 consumer vehicles in the field, and 2 test vehicles at Ford’s testing facility. The test vehicles were retrofitted with the failed component. ODI observed an increased door closing resistance, however, was unable to reproduce an inadvertent open while parked or driving, or a failure to latch or open condition. Testing also verified this failure did not affect the door ajar warning system. This system provides an audible and visual warning in the event a door did not achieve primary latch position. Ford has provided details on a one-time-repair customer satisfaction program (23B56), stating that they will provide customers with a letter, currently targeted for March 2024, to bring their vehicle to a Ford dealership for a proactive repair. Dealers will inspect the door check arm welds for damage and will either provide a rivet plate to reinforce the existing door check arm or will provide a replacement door, depending on the level of damage present.  Customers will be eligible for reimbursement if they previously paid to repair this issue. In view of the high detectability of failure, low potential hazard to drivers, and Ford’s customer satisfaction program to provide a proactive repair, this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was parked on the side of the road and was later towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was serviced by the dealer. No further information was available. The contact stated that after retrieving the vehicle, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and erroneously accelerated into an intersection. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11753719

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

Mileage

50,000 mi

Seatbelt locks in position on the passenger side. Must stop car let seatbelt retract all the way and reattach seatbelt. Dealer wanted $225 to diagnose problem if they could not find and/or duplicate issue.

NHTSA ID

11751627

Incident

Jul 12, 2026

After picking my vehicle up from a day and a half of recall repairs, I immediately experienced a rubbing sound and a shuddering when I turned my wheels to the right and moved forward as I attempted to drive away from the parking space. There were no issues when turning the wheels to the left to back out of the parking space. I immediately pulled into the service bay to report the problem. A maintenance tech came out and asked to drive it. When the vehicle was returned, I was told they felt it was the rear differential but would need to schedule another appointment so they could listen to it more, at a cost of $130 to diagnose. I researched this issue and found out that a recall has been issued for a different lot of VINs for 2021 Ford Escapes for this same issue due to installation errors or incorrect lubrication.

NHTSA ID

11750868

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

Subject: Formal Complaint – Recall 23B56 & 23S27 + Rental Car Reimbursement Demand – McCombs Ford (7111 NW Loop 410) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding the unacceptable service I experienced at McCombs Ford West, located at 7111 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX, concerning two open safety recalls on my 2021 Ford Escape, VIN: [XXX] and to formally request reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses caused directly by the dealership's failure to prepare for my scheduled appointment. I scheduled a service appointment in February 2026 to address two outstanding safety recalls: •Recall 23B56 – Inspect front door check-arm reinforcement spot welds •Recall 23S27 – Underhood fire risk After waiting nearly five months, I was given an appointment on July 7, 2026. I dropped off my 2021 Ford Escape on July 7, 2026 as scheduled. At drop-off, I was informed the repairs would take multiple days, and I was told no loaner vehicle would be provided. Based on that, I rented a vehicle at my own expense to cover my transportation needs. The following day, I received a call from the service department informing me: 1.Recall 23B56 (Door Reinforcement): The dealership was unable to perform the repair because they had never ordered the required replacement door — despite having five months' notice from my original February 2026 booking. They stated they would "order it now." This is entirely unacceptable and reflects a clear failure of basic service planning. 2.Recall 23S27 (Underhood Fire): The dealership refused to perform Supporting documents attached : McCombs Ford service reference document & rental car invoice ($43.92) Reference details /dealership : MCCOMBS. 7111 N.W. LOOP 410 SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78238 (210) 509-1000 VIN: [XXX] 23S27 UNDER HOOD FIRE 26S14 FRONT WIPER MOTOR REPAIR 23E09 REPROGRAM POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE 23B56 INSPECT FRONT DOOR CHECK-ARM REINFORCEMENT SPOT WELDS 23N06 LONG BLOCK REPLACEMENT INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.

NHTSA ID

11750554

Incident

Jul 7, 2026

While driving the vehicle it lost power and all the check lights came on. Had to have it towed to a dealership where they stated it needed a new motor and new high voltage battery. The car has only 116000 miles on it. There should be a total recall for this type of vehicle if I would have been at a higher speed I would have injured myself or others. This car is riddled with problems and has over 19 recalls as of date.

NHTSA ID

11748768

Incident

Jul 4, 2026

While vehicle is set on cruise control , set at 70 MPH , ( or set to any other speed) , anytime the speed limit changes to 80 MPH (or other change) Car accelerates and cruise control is set to 100 MPH . It also accelerates and resets to 90 -100 MPH at random . It is frightening and dangerous to have my car randomly accelerate. I have attempted to pass a vehicle, when my car randomly accelerates to 100 MPH . This is very dangerous and can happen at any random time . The lane assist is also dangerous when car can not see lines separating lanes . I have had my car jerk the wheel when I was detoured through construction. I am very concerned with my car accelerating. Not only does it leave me vulnerable to receiving a speeding ticket , it also increases the likelihood of hitting an object or having an accident.

NHTSA ID

11744318

Incident

Jun 7, 2026

I own a 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid SEL, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle currently has approximately 104,708 miles. The vehicle has developed a shuddering, vibration, and chatter condition during low-speed turns, parking maneuvers, backing up, and other tight turning situations. The condition is most noticeable while turning in parking lots and at low speeds. The vehicle was inspected by a Ford dealership while it was being repaired for a separate engine concern. During that inspection, the dealership diagnosed a rear differential/internal clutch concern and provided an estimate of approximately $2,709 for repair. After receiving the diagnosis, I learned that Ford issued TSB 25-2351 regarding low-speed turning chatter, vibration, and shudder concerns on certain Ford Escape vehicles. My vehicle is experiencing symptoms consistent with those described in the bulletin. In addition to the vibration and chatter during turns, I have also noticed abnormal noises from the vehicle during low-speed maneuvering and when shifting into park. The condition appears to be worsening with continued operation. I contacted Ford Motor Company and opened a customer assistance case regarding this concern. I later contacted Ford again to update my case and advise them that my vehicle is experiencing symptoms consistent with TSB 25-2351. Ford advised me that there are currently no recalls, special coverage programs, or customer satisfaction programs available for my VIN. I was advised to keep my repair records and receipts in the event a future recall or reimbursement program is issued. I am submitting this complaint so that this issue can be documented and evaluated. I am concerned about the continued deterioration of the rear differential or rear drive unit components and the potential impact on the safe operation and reliability of the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11742034

Incident

May 28, 2026

My driver front door latch assembly failed at 42,153 miles. I had it inspected and repaired at the dealership. I had to pay out of pockets due to no longer being covered by the 3/36 warranty. The symptoms were that the driver front door would not lock at all. It took a while to figure this out as I just thought maybe we left it unlocked. Also this vehicle has the perimeter key fob so it automatically unlocks when you have the fob with you and attempting to open. This had been going in fine moths u til we figured out the problem and took it to the dealership. They did offer a discount since I purchased it there but they said due to the design it messed an entire assembly and was over $1k before the discount. They also had parts in stock and I did confirm they had seen this failure before. While we did not have an actual incident happen with us, our vehicle was vulnerable and we had no idea, because the lock appeared to work and it still moved visually, it just wasn’t actually doing anything inside the door. This is my wife’s vehicle so my fear was either someone breaking into the vehicle or even worse, attempting to enter the vehicle while she was inside but she would be unable to lock the doors. As mentioned, the dealer did repair the vehicle and it is worked properly for now. Thought we did have to pay out of pocket.

NHTSA ID

11685429

Incident

Sep 4, 2025

Some 2020-2026 Escape and 2022-2026 Maverick 2.5L Duratec hybrid vehicles may require various repairs on the exhaust system. This may require removal of the exhaust heat exchanger. WSM, Section 309-00 Exhaust System > 2.5L Duratec hybrid > Removal and Installation > Exhaust Heat Exchanger has been revised to eliminate the need to remove the muffler assembly. The procedure steps and labor times have been updated to reflect this adjustment.

Certain 2020-2024 Model Year Escape and 2021-2024 Model Year Corsair Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) – High Voltage Battery Replacement

This article supersedes TSB 23-2244 to add 2024 model year. Some 2020-2024 Escape hybrid vehicles equipped with a 2.5L (FHEV) full hybrid electric vehicle powertrain and 4-wheel drive (4WD) may exhibit a grinding or rubbing noise while braking at or below 10 mph (16 km/h) from the front of the vehicle. This may be due to an inadequate gap between the driveshaft and the heat shield. To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to diagnose and position the heat shield away from the driveshaft.

2020-2023 Escape/Explorer, 2021-2023 F-150 and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with a full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) powertrain may exhibit a cable connection error screen from the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger. The xRC-3363 will prompt the technician to verify the low voltage connections, when no actual fault is present. This may be due to the software level of the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger. To correct this condition, update the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger to the latest software level by navigating to the Main Menu > Settings > About (i) then selecting the download button in the bottom right corner of the tool's screen.

Some 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L engine full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L engine FHEV powertrain may exhibit a condition where the 12V battery voltage is low or discharged with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U3003:62 stored in the direct current/direct current (DC/DC) converter control module. The vehicle may also exhibit DTC U3003:16 and/or U3000:04 stored in the DC/DC converter control module. This may be due to an open in the 300 amp high-current fuse F4 located in the high-current battery junction box (BJB). To correct this condition, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 414-05 > Pinpoint Test H to verify the 300 amp high-current fuse condition. If the high-current fuse is found to be open, replace the high-current fuse per the application listing in the parts catalog. Recharge and test the 12v battery. For repairs under warranty, use the base part number of the component that caused the damage to the fuse.

Some 2020-2023 Escape/2021-2023 Corsair equipped with 2.5L engine full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L engine FHEV powertrain may exhibit a condition where the 12V battery voltage is low or discharged with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U3003:62 stored in the direct current/direct current converter control module (DC/DC). The vehicle may also exhibit DTC U3003:16 and/or U3000:04 stored in the DC/DC module. This may be due to an open in the 300 amp high-current fuse F4 located in the high-current battery junction box (BJB).