2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Owner Complaints

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

The display screen goes black and freezes for long periods and during navigation use; Reverse camera is black or doesn't display; FordPass doesn't connect

NHTSA ID

11676262

Incident

Jul 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being Emissions tested, the contact was informed that the OBD Port was inoperable, and the emissions test could to be performed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed OBD Port. The contact was informed that the OBD Port needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under an unknown recall or warranty. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed, and the case was denied. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,702.

NHTSA ID

11676010

Incident

Jun 30, 2025

Mileage

36,702 mi

There was a clunking sound when I opened the sun roof. Later when we closed the sun shade, it seems to be hesitating. The next time we opened the sun shade, it seems to be catching. As I drove there was a sliding sound that we finally identified as coming from the sunroof. Something could be seen from the sunshade: an outline of something that continued to slide around in all directions. I looked it up on the internet, concerned about what it could be and discovered that there have been 2021 Escapes with the panoramic sunroof that have a manufacturing defect resulting in poor adhesion of the fixed glass panel and/or front panel to the roof frame. There was a warning that The roof panel or front panel could detach from the vehicle while driving. Detachment could result in injury or death to road users. It can also lead to water leaks and wind noise which it links to the drip rails. I am concerned that this item sliding around is going to tear the headliner and fall on me or a passenger and am not sure it IS a drip rail.

NHTSA ID

11669806

Incident

Jun 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact was informed at a State Inspection that the gateway module had failed and needed to be replaced to complete the State Inspection. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the gateway module was updated. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 22N15. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied reimbursement for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 14,300. A complaint was filed with the manufacturer as well as the NHTSA.

NHTSA ID

11662542

Incident

May 22, 2025

I was leaving work and my 2021 Ford Escape hybrid started but then a triangle warning light came on, a "stop safely now" warning appeared and the car shut off. There were no problems prior to this event. I had the vehicle towed to a Ford dealership in February where they replaced the 12v battery and the machine needed to diagnose the electrical issue was down. Yesterday I finally got news that it was firing code P0DE6 and the hybrid battery needs replaced as well. There have been several recalls related to hybrid batteries with these same warning indicators, however my car's VIN was not included in the recall. Could the recall be extended to include other vehicles that this is happening to? It seems as if there are many more out there than what the recall covered and it's a much bigger issue than Ford may realize. People's cars could just shut down in the middle of the road with little to no warning.

NHTSA ID

11660628

Incident

Feb 19, 2025

The liner for the panoramic sunroof has come off the tracks on the sides so the liner hangs down into the car and obstructs the view.

NHTSA ID

11659580

Incident

Nov 15, 2024

The contact owns 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side window failed to operate as designed and was stuck in the open position and failed to close. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who repaired the vehicle. No further information was available. The contact stated that the failure recently reoccurred with the rear driver’s side window. Additionally, the instrument cluster malfunctioned, and the contact was unable to view the speedometer and fuel gauge. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11656584

Incident

Nov 1, 2024

My engine failed while driving. Towed to Ford dealership, found out about recall 23S27. Symptoms were the EXACT same but ford is refusing to cover warranty repairs because they said it did not throw the proper code. However ford has offered to cover half of the engine replacement, leaving me with a $4000 bill. Do I have any options? Is there a system of checks and balances that assures that ford is doing everything correctly on their end?

NHTSA ID

11651570

Incident

Feb 8, 2025

From the Ford website: "Power window switch chrome tip replacement Campaign/NHTSA# 22N17 Issue Date 2023-05-16" The tips peeled off and I get cuts on my fingers. Ford dealership, Golf Mill Ford in Niles IL, informed me this is a VIN specific issue and I needed to file this claim. Please advise.

NHTSA ID

11648468

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-voltage battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer reset the check engine warning light. The contact stated that the following day after the reset, the check engine warning light illuminated a second time. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V869000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

NHTSA ID

11645966

Incident

Feb 27, 2025

Mileage

129,000 mi

The fuel neck tube requires replacement as per the mechanic's assessment. When refueling, the pump frequently stops every 5-10 seconds, as though the tank is full, necessitating multiple restarts. This defect makes it difficult to ascertain when the tank is genuinely full, leading to the risk of overfilling. On two occasions, despite the pump's intermittent stopping, it eventually functioned normally but resulted in overfilling, causing fuel to overflow from the fuel neck. This issue has been deemed out of warranty; however, Ford has offered to cover 50% of the repair costs as a goodwill gesture. Nonetheless, I believe that this defect should be fully covered and that a recall is warranted due to its significant safety implications. Additionally, a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) exists for this issue, and there is a substantial online community documenting similar defects in the 2020-2023 Escape Hybrids. The estimated repair cost is $1,100, and the vehicle has less than 14,000 miles on the odometer. Enclosed are the diagnostic report (repairs pending), email correspondence from Ford, and the relevant TSB.

NHTSA ID

11640109

Incident

Jan 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and at various speeds, the cruise control and several other features failed to activate. The contact stated that the air bag indicator and a message that the rear seat monitor default warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined to replace the driver's side seat belt buckle. The vehicle was not repaired because the dealer was waiting for the part to be received. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,500.

NHTSA ID

11638842

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

Mileage

80,500 mi

Door fails to stay open. Closed on my leg and caused bruising. Window will not close once open. Dealer has known of problem for two months but says there is no one locally to fix it.

NHTSA ID

11638126

Incident

Jan 15, 2025

I purchased my car in September and in October my check engine light came on and a wrench light. I think could not go above 30MPH.

NHTSA ID

11628436

Incident

Oct 28, 2024

Vehicle started making clunking and knocking noises when switching between hybrid and gas. Thought this was due to the engine knocking issue that Ford had previously sent a recall letter about. Then the transmission started to slip or have a hard time when switching gears and makes a cracking noise. Brought to dealership and they said there was metal in the transmission but were unsure of the cause. The transmission needs to be replaced, ford will not cover because it is no longer under warranty. Vehicle is only 4 years old.

NHTSA ID

11627565

Incident

Oct 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact was informed at a State Inspection that the gateway module had failed and needed to be replaced to complete the State Inspection. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the module smart data link was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 22N15. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied reimbursement for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

NHTSA ID

11626665

Incident

Sep 28, 2024

Mileage

46,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was inspected, it failed the emissions inspection. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the communication module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact became aware of customer satisfaction 22n15 as a probable cause for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.

NHTSA ID

11625566

Incident

Nov 5, 2024

Mileage

46,000 mi