Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full
Data refreshed
Our database holds 356 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Ford Escape. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Showing 1–25 of 356 · page 1 of 15
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 unavailable. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available.
Car is experiencing internal engine component deterioration under Recall 23S27. Auffenberg Ford in O'Fallon, IL cleared the critical P1061 safety code on October 6 using my code reader, saying they didn’t have time to hook it up to their system and sent me home with an appointment to bring it back in, without fixing the vehicle. Ford Corporate is now utilizing that unauthorized deletion to deny my engine replacement under Customer Satisfaction Program 23N06, forcing me to drive a vehicle with a documented catastrophic engine failure and fire risk until it either throws the code again or catches fire, possibly killing one of my children, or throws a rod.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the windshield wipers intermittently hesitated while moving from the left to the right. The dealer was contacted several times and confirmed that parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to roll up the rear driver's side window, the rear driver's side window failed to roll up as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was requested to pay for a diagnostic test. The contact declined to pay for the diagnostic test. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear passenger's window regulator was replaced in November 2025. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but later became persistent. The vehicle was taken to O'Reily's where it was diagnosed with fuel control module failure, turbocharger failure, and powertrain failure. The contact was notified of three open recalls associated with the VIN. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle lost motive power and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that the parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The failure mileage was 100,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the windshield wipers became inoperable. The contact stated that while driving, the RPM was fluctuating. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts were not yet available for the recall repairs. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact later called the dealer and was informed that parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact expressed concerns that the vehicle was unsafe to drive in inclement weather due to the inoperable windshield wipers. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.
The transmission stopped working while driving in a thunderstorm in the middle of a busy intersection. These created a dangerous safety situation which was luckily avoided by the driver. We had the care inspected and the transmission removed, rebuilt and re-installed by Nightingale Transmissions LLC in [XXX]. There were no warnings or symptoms with this car until the accelerator jumped in the middle of the intersection. The only warning was that two other Ford Escape's in the Kansas Municipal Utilities' fleet had to have transmission's repaired just a few weeks prior INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Issue Date: 2026-03-05 Campaign: 26C11/26V123 On my vehicle, it may be possible to have the SYNC screen image on the center display flipped or inverted immediately after an ignition cycle. Safety Risk This may result in the image displayed being inverted or flipped, which includes all buttons. While in reverse, the rearview camera image, buttons, and camera guidelines may also be inverted or flipped. A rearview camera that does not correctly display an accurate image in reverse can reduce your view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. The dealership and Ford have failed to fix this in a timely manner when I received my car back, they informed me that they had forgotten to fix my recalls. Meanwhile my car had been in and out of the dealership since the beginning of May and they still won't fix any of my recalls. I also contacted the main Ford recalls department, and they informed me they had no remedies for some of these recalls. This is a safety hazards that greatly effects my safety while driving and Ford seems to not care to fix any of these. After two transmission overhauls and replacement of several parts like the turbocharger. Additionally, My sunroof also has lost its hardcover and the fabric hands below the glass sunroom. My sunroof had the hard covering when I left it at the dealership but once I received it back from the dealership the sunroof hardcover is missing. I contacted Ford customer service as well as the dealership and they do not contact me back. This is a major safety issue and Ford seems to not care to fix these recalls. I demand an investigation to be done.
Description of Defect & Safety Risk: Complete structural failure and collapse of the entire 3-part powertrain mounting system (right engine mount, left automatic transmission mount and rear lower engine torque strut mount). The severe defect was discovered at a mere 27,000 original miles by a certified independent technician fount the broken motor mounts during inspection, and I confirmed experiencing excessive, violent vibrations inside the vehicle cabin radiating heavily through the chassis. Total failure of these primary structural supports creates an immediate under-hood hazard. Severe engine shifting or total powertrain displacement while in motion can pinch fuel lines, sever electrical wiring harnesses, or snap CV axles. This poses an imminent risk of sudden highway propulsion loss or loss of vehicle steering control. Consumer notes that Ford TSB 20-2215 identifies an identical 3-part powertrain mount failure on this exact vehicle platform.
The front windshield wiper motor in my vehicle may become non-functional or operate sporadically, according to the recall notification dated March 3, 2026. Presently, necessary replacement components are not in stock. Since the windshield wiper system is essential for maintaining driver visibility during rain and challenging weather conditions, this safety-critical component warrants immediate attention. The recall should have been resolved during all my dealership service appointments, yet this failure has caused unnecessary inconvenience and heightened safety apprehensions. Ford should ensure adequate availability of parts for addressing such important safety matters. Driving my 2021 Ford Escape with concerns about potential wiper malfunction creates unacceptable safety hazards for myself and other motorists. An investigation into Covid era 2021 Escape manufacturing is warranted, specifically examining how pandemic-related challenges supply chain disruptions, parts scarcity, labor shortages, and reduced quality control oversight affected production integrity. These systemic issues during the pandemic period appear to have resulted in substandard manufacturing quality. The frequency of defects in pandemic-produced Escape vehicles indicates they do not meet proper safety specifications, thereby exposing owners to considerable safety risks.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the front windshield wipers failed to operate properly. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
When I would turn on the vehicle, it would emit a strong smell of gasoline. The vehicle continued to have the same issues after prior service and complaint to the dealership about the continued smell of gasoline emitting from my 21-ford escape. A technician then verified the concern and found an exhaust leak present on the catalytic converter, when the car had very low mileage. The smell of gasoline combined with a leak created a potential fire hazard and risk of carbon monoxide exposure posing a serious safety risk while driving or when the vehicle is parked.
My vehicle has experienced repeated transmission failures requiring major repairs. During diagnosis, the dealership reported excessive transmission material and missing friction material inside the transmission for second time. This is now the second transmission repair on the vehicle. Before repair, the vehicle would unexpectedly lunge forward and accelerate super-fast. The sudden fast acceleration and loss of vehicle operation created a significant safety concern, especially in traffic, parking lots, and intersections. I was concerned that the vehicle could unexpectedly crash or fail to shift gears as intended, increasing the risk of a crash. The issue has persisted despite previous repair attempts, raising extreme life concerns for my safety and the safety of others as well as raising concerns about a potential safety defect affecting the transmission system and vehicle control. I believe this condition presents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and request that NHTSA review this matter for possible investigation.
Windows sometimes don't roll up or down, driver side doors do not lock, vehicle doesn't properly accelerate/very slow to go like gas isn't reaching where it needs to go, the transmission area makes a clunking noise, and the back sensor seems to have fallen out and it constantly beeps as if I am going to hit something, the side mirrors sometimes tell me there is something next to me when nothing is around, dash warning lights go off randomly sometimes.
Seatbelts in the rear unbuckle themselves while driving. Children sit in the rear seats and the alert light doesn't always go off when not buckled.
Engine will periodically and randomly stall and quit while driving. Mostly in city but it quit while driving on highway I-10 at 65 mph in one incident.
The transmission went out. Torque converter is shot. Only has 120,000 miles in it. This is a known problem with the 8f35 transmission. It needs to be recalled.
Coolant intrusion caused full engine to need to be replaced. Started with white smoke and engine overheating.
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 exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that there was a misfire coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for another recall repair. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated. Additionally, after refueling, the vehicle almost shut off unexpectedly. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The dealer confirmed that the failure was associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired.
Been having a problem with the transmission where it would jump like it launched roller coaster and then slammed into parking because the emergency brake would just automatically engaged without even being touched
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was serviced under Customer Satisfaction Program 23B-56; however, the replacement welding caused the front driver's side door to fail. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to enter the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start, and multiple warning lights illuminated. The vehicle required a jump-start to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced, and the contact was informed that the previously installed battery was incorrect for the vehicle. The contact was referred to a second dealer for further assistance. The vehicle was towed to the second dealer, where it was diagnosed that a water leak at the C-105 connector on the front driver's side door had caused an electrical system failure. The dealer determined that the wiring harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
When I lock my car, whether from my phone, keys, or lock button inside car, the car will lock except the passenger side door which remains unlocked. So when the car is supposed to be locked and secured, anyone who wants can gain access in my car whenever they want. The car alarm will go off. But the door still opens. I believe this is a safety concern for my family and I while being in the vehicle and also a threat to valuables in my car. I haven’t had it looked at yet. But I want to report it.
My escape would not change gears and the escape would not reverse it was also pulling back and accelerating in speed to the point I could not control it in traffic. My safety and the safety of my mother were greatly affected as the escape was malfunctioning in traffic and I could not control the gears. The alert on the escape came up and it stated: The powertrain control system has detected one of the transmission clutches did not apply within the expected time as expected. Some transmission gears may not being available resulting in delayed or harsh shifts into another gear. Additional alerts that may provide additional information may accompany this alert. I took it to dealership and they told me it would need a transmission over haul. Once repairs were completed I brought it back home and had to take the escape back to the dealership because it started to pull back again and for the second time the dealership told me the escape would need a second transmission overhaul
The ulpostery covering the sunroof fails to retract all the way causing a sag in the fabric blocking the view from the rearview mirror. Dealership states not covered under warranty
Need transmission replacement. Only had car for 2 1/2 years.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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