2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Powertrain (other) Problems

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

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

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

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

Parked car in garage on saturday like normally done for 3+ years. Next thing, car is completely unresponsive. Will not start, honk doesnt work, no lights nothing. If this happened in the middle of the road (and it has happened to other drivers), its a safety issue. Tried jump starting, nothing works.

NHTSA ID

11618658

Incident

Oct 6, 2024

On June 16, 2024, My car lost power completely, I stepped on the gas pump and nothing. First I was parked and I tried to start and it would not give me acceleration. Later on, it re started normally, later on when in the freeway, it completely lost the acceleration capability. My speed went to 7 miles per hour. It was scary as other cars were driving at an average of 60 miles per hour. My mechanic reviewed the car. He found that the timing chains have to be replaced. I asked him if I could avoid the issue, he explained to me that is basically a faulty design by Ford. Repair will cost me more than 1800 dollars. Do not have the invoice yet as the vehicle still in the shop, but will be happy to provide it.

NHTSA ID

11595484

Incident

Jun 16, 2024

Recall 23S27 (NHTSA 23V-380). I do not feel that Ford is offering owners a safe or effective repair, leaving serious risk of injury or death. 1.7/2022. Recall 22S47. “Engine oil and/or fuel vapor may leak and accumulate” which “may ignite resulting in an under hood fire, and increasing the risk of injury.” 2.8/8/22. Ford Media to UPI, “IN THE EVENT OF AN ENGINE FAILURE” above issues may occur. 3.5/26/23. Recall 23S27 acknowledges, “ENGINE COULD FAIL PREMATURELY,” leading to the above. 4.5/26/23. NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report: CAUSE identified. “Isolated ENGINE MANUFACTURING ISSUES HAVE RESULTED IN 2.5L HEV/PHEV ENGINE FAILURES INVOLVING ENGINE BLOCK OR OIL PAN BREACH. Likely driving “final solution” (paragraph 7). “In the event of an ENGINE BLOCK OR OIL PAN BREACH, THE HEV/PHEV SYSTEM CONTINUES TO PROPEL THE VEHICLE ALLOWING THE CUSTOMER TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. AS THE CUSTOMER CONTINUES TO DRIVE AFTER A BLOCK BREACH, oil and/or fuel vapor continues to be expelled and accumulates near ignition sources”. 5.2023. “23S27 Chronology RMISC-23V380-7289,” LINKS recall 22S47 with 23S27. Vehicles WHICH HAD UNDERGONE THE REPAIR SPECIFIED BY 22S47 STILL HAD ISSUES, and Ford engineers CONFIRMED BLOCK BREACH AND CORRECT 22S47 REPAIR. “Repair” for 22S47 DID NOT FIX THE UNDERLYING MECHANICAL PROBLEM. 6.6/6/23. Autoblog: “Per Ford, the “manufacturing issues” include POOR MACHINING OF THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT AND CONTAMINATION OF ENGINE BLOCK MATING SURFACES DURING ASSEMBLY.” “2.5-liter engines . . . with defects “could be ticking time bombs.” 7.5/24. “SOFTWARE is now available to REPAIR [affected vehicles].” Dealers will “update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).” This will not fix the problem. I respectfully request NHTSA investigate and compel Ford to provide the correct and proper mechanical repairs necessary to prevent block/oil pan breach in the first place.

NHTSA ID

11590887

Incident

May 27, 2024

My battery has died and needed replaced, there are transmission issues related to the recall and the power train failing.

NHTSA ID

11577717

Incident

Mar 1, 2024

2021 Ford Escape Titanium Hybrid with over 11,000 Miles. Received following Text Message from Ford: Service Engine Soon - The Powertrain Control System has Detected a Fault with the High Voltage Battery Coolant Pump. The Check Engine Light on the Instrument Cluster Illuminated. Could see or feel no effects on the vehicle and No Safety Messages appeared on any Displays. Worried of Overheating High Voltage Battery, which could lead to Battery Fire or Vehicle Stoppage while in Highway Traffic.

NHTSA ID

11500658

Incident

Jan 7, 2023

The transmission issues has made me stuck at gas stations and other random places at night leaving me with no help

NHTSA ID

11455958

Incident

Mar 5, 2022

High Voltage battery warning occurs and gives possibility of shutting the car down

NHTSA ID

11419434

Incident

Jun 2, 2021