2021 Ford Escape Powertrain (other) Problems

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.

NHTSA ID

11764550

Incident

Aug 27, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11763958

Incident

Jul 30, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11759831

Incident

May 9, 2026

Need transmission replacement. Only had car for 2 1/2 years.

NHTSA ID

11756242

Incident

Aug 11, 2026

Complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) I am filing this complaint regarding an unresolved safety recall on my vehicle. This recall has remained open for more than one year, yet no remedy has been made available. Despite the manufacturer acknowledging the safety defect, I continue to operate a vehicle that presents significant safety concerns because the defect has not been corrected. The recall has caused my vehicle to experience severe drivability issues, including engine failure, excessive rough idling, and violent shaking while the vehicle is operating. These conditions create an increased risk of the vehicle stalling unexpectedly, reducing my ability to safely operate the vehicle and placing myself, my passengers, and other motorists at risk. Additionally, because of the unresolved recall condition, my vehicle is unable to pass the required state safety inspection. This has left me with a vehicle that I cannot fully utilize or register while I continue waiting for the manufacturer to provide a repair. It is unreasonable for consumers to wait more than a year for a safety recall remedy while continuing to experience hazardous operating conditions. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate the manufacturer’s failure to provide a timely remedy, determine whether it is complying with its obligations under federal motor vehicle safety laws, and take appropriate action to ensure affected owners receive a prompt repair or other appropriate relief. I have retained documentation regarding the recall, the symptoms affecting my vehicle, and the impact this unresolved defect has had on my ability to safely operate and maintain the vehicle. I am prepared to provide this information upon request.

NHTSA ID

11751782

Incident

Jul 21, 2026

This car is constantly sputtering and when you give it gas to take of, it sputters as if it is going to stall. This poses a safety concern when you are giving the car gas and it is not properly accelerating. I was almost hit several times now. The check engine light is on, the wrench is illuminated and I keep getting an AWD/power train message, as well as a battery saving mode message. Then soon after this started, all the audio in the sound system is gone.

NHTSA ID

11748977

Incident

May 31, 2026

On XXX, the 8F35 transmission in my 2021 Ford Escape experienced a critical failure, characterized by severe slipping and a violent shuddering condition while operating at speed. This sudden loss of predictable power and drivetrain stability directly compromised my ability to safely operate the vehicle in traffic, creating an immediate highway safety hazard for myself and others. The vehicle was towed to an independent service center, Brownie’s Independent Transmission Shops ([XXX]), where technicians inspected the vehicle and confirmed a total internal failure along with a defective torque converter. Resolving this manufacturing defect required a complete transmission replacement and overhaul. The repair required a total out-of-pocket expense of $8,275.77 (with $8,236.97 directly tied to the transmission failure defect). I paid this balance in full across two installments: a $3,500.00 down payment on XXX, and a final balance of $4,775.77 on XXX. Prior to the sudden failure on XXX, there were no preceding dashboard warning lamps or long-term symptoms—the severe shuddering and loss of acceleration occurred abruptly. Ford Motor Company is internally aware of this defect, having issued Special Service Message (SSM) 54939, which explicitly documents a known "shudder condition" occurring within the 8F35 transmission spanning 2020–2026 Ford Escapes. Despite this awareness, Ford has failed to issue a safety recall. I have uploaded the complete itemized diagnostic notes and proof of payment receipts under the file name "Transmission Invoice and Receipts.pdf INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11748373

Incident

Jan 8, 2026

This vehicle has had transmission slipping issues since I bought it. I had the PCM flashed and reset but it still jerks and slips out of gear ALL the time. The car actually stalled on me while turning through an intersection. This almost cause me to be t boned via a car crash. The transmission has already been replaced and still malfunctions. When it stalled there were no lights and the car would not go into neutral unless you pulled the emergency latch for it. This is a HUGE safety issue and from what I read a lot of people are having the exact same problem. Ford is just giving me the run around and my local dealer literally acted like he didn't know what I was talking about when I mention the new service bullentin. This transmission has clearly been an issue since the vehicle was new according to service records. The fact that ford isn't reaching out to people is nuts to me. They are also saying it may be over miles for the work to be covered. I really don't understand that as the transmission was replaced with only about 75000 miles on it. That's not normal. They are not honoring any work on an item they built poorly.

NHTSA ID

11747792

Incident

May 6, 2026

The vehicle stutters on acceleration. This causes issues when at intersections or when merging into traffic. I have since replaced the torque converter that has resolved the problem.

NHTSA ID

11747600

Incident

Feb 10, 2026

Transmission shifts hard, jerking, stuttering when pushing the accelerator. Continues to go into limp mode when driving highway speeds.

NHTSA ID

11747564

Incident

Jun 30, 2026

transmission bucking jerking lurching at low speeds. dangerous in stop and go traffic. hard 3rd gear shift. ford refused to remedy.

NHTSA ID

11747555

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

following up on Nov 20,2025 Manufacturer Recall Number25SC4 NHTSA Recall Number25V789 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available This recall has been out for 7 months - no remedy yet. We are not able to use our PHEV to the extgent is was designed.

NHTSA ID

11743440

Incident

Jun 10, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Transmission. Codes pulled read P0751 and P0752. "Shift Solenoid 1 stuck open/closed". Yes, it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - I was driving in active traffic through a roundabout when the vehicle suddenly jolted, the seized. At the time, my two young children were in the vehicle. I narrowly avoided a collision due to another vehicle swerving around my vehicle. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes. I took the vehicle to Mark Grainger's Quality Service Center, Rincon Transmission, and the J.C. Lewis Ford dealership, which all reproduced and confirmed the issue with coresponding error codes P0751 and P0752. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Yes. Mark Grainger's Quality Service Center told us the transmission work required was beyond their scope. They sent us to Rincon Transmission. Rincon Transmission told us they'd never serviced that engine before and said they'd prefer the work to be done by a Ford dealership. J.C. Lewis Ford told us a new transmission was required, but wouldn't produce results of any testing to verify that verdict. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No. Not at the time of this incident. A CEL previously indicated a fault O2 sensor, which was then serviced by the J.C. Lewis Ford dealership.

NHTSA ID

11740341

Incident

Apr 17, 2026

My daughter owns a 2021 Ford Escape FWD equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged EcoBoost inline-3 engine, VIN [XXX] , with approximately 95,000 miles. The vehicle has been serviced almost exclusively by Ford dealerships and maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. The vehicle recently began exhibiting significant drivability and transmission-related problems, including shuddering while driving, hard shifting, RPM surging/revving, hesitation during acceleration, and erratic transmission behavior. The vehicle has hesitated in traffic, creating a significant safety concern. No warning lights or diagnostic alerts were displayed prior to diagnosis. On May 26, 2026, the vehicle was taken to [XXX] Ford, [XXX] , for a routine oil change and completion of open recall repairs. At that time, the transmission-related symptoms were reported to the Ford service department. The dealership performed a road test with a data logger and diagnosed the issue as: “Torque converter slipping causing shudder / bump while driving.” The dealership recommended the following repairs: Replacement of the torque converter Transmission line flush Replacement of transmission fluid Retesting after repair The quoted repair estimate was approximately $4,500. The Ford service advisor stated that the repair did not necessarily have to be completed immediately, but also warned that the condition could worsen and leave the driver stranded. This presents a serious safety concern. A vehicle experiencing transmission shuddering, torque converter slippage, hesitation, hard shifting, and erratic RPM behavior can experience loss of propulsion, delayed or inadequate acceleration, unpredictable drivetrain response in traffic, inability to safely merge or clear intersections, and stranding in unsafe conditions. Given that the vehicle has been routinely maintained, no warning lights were provided to alert the driver, and similar complaints INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11740061

Incident

May 26, 2026

THIS FORD 2021 ESCAPE HAS A SERIOUS TRANSMISSION SHUDDER. IT RELIABLY WILL DO IT AT APPROX 13-15 MPH. APPROX 27-30 MPH. ABOUT 33-35 MPH. THE RATTLE, SHUDDERING ACTS AS IF THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING TO DO SOMETHING DANGEROUS. WITHOUT ANY HESITATION, THE TRANSMISSION WILL SHAKE, SHUDDER, VIBRATE. IF YOU KEEP SPEED STEADY, FOR INSTANCE 17 MPH, IT IS SCARY, AND WILL KEEP SHAKING AS LONG AS CAR IS AT A PARTICULAR SPEED. THE FORD DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED SAYS NO RECALLS, ALTHOUGH THEY ADMIT VIBRATION ISSUES IN THESE MODELS.

NHTSA ID

11739303

Incident

May 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle suddenly shut off and failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the fuel injector had failed. The vehicle was repaired. After having the vehicle repaired, the contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 25V829000 (Structure), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts for the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that when idle and attempting to acclerate the vehicle would jerk forward. The vehicle would jolt forward and shake when transitioning from 2nd to 3rd gear at various speeds. Whistle noises were coming from near the liftgate. The contact was experiencing hard shifting. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the remedy to be available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to change the transmission fluid, but they were told that the transmission was damaged and needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,845.

NHTSA ID

11736055

Incident

Jul 16, 2025

Mileage

79,845 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of an undisclosed recall. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was an active recall and the powertrain control module needed a software update. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately 5 months later. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ID

11728089

Incident

Aug 15, 2025

Mileage

98,000 mi

The rear speed sensor on my 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid is fused to the differential due to corrosion. The failure disables safety systems (ABS/Traction Control), and the design requires a $800+ partial teardown of the drivetrain to fix a basic sensor. This is a design defect that prevents safety-critical repairs.

NHTSA ID

11724262

Incident

Mar 2, 2026

My 2021 ford escape was declared to have total Transmission Failure at 69k miles and 4 years old. This is a major safety risk as I was suddenly unable to move my car in in anyway while existing the freeway in the middle of the night with my kids in the car. Cars had to swerve and drive on the shoulder to get around my car. I then had to be pushed by a police officer through construction to a not so nearby parking lot. The car did not move at all after that, an auto shop did confirm and diagnose the issue then replace the transmission completely. All the shops I called were shocked such a new car would have transmission issues, it wasn’t even due for transmission servicing. There were NO lights or warnings on my car. The repairs cost over $6,000 on a relatively new car that was barely past warranty. Ford customer service and ford dealer did not help with getting these costs paid for or repaired.

NHTSA ID

11721608

Incident

Sep 18, 2025

Vehicle is shuddering at low speeds, ford already has a tsb out for this transmission 8F35, needs to be escalated to a recall, myself and others are being quoted more money to repair than what the vehicle is worth, thus making a problem they are aware of causing cars to total themselves. needs to be on all models with this transmission.

NHTSA ID

11719860

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

THERE ARE SWVERAL ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL, THE WORST BEING THE CONSTANT JERKING/ BUCKING WHILE DRIVING. THE SECOND BEING THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING ALERTING WHEN NO VEHICLES ARE NEAR YOU, IT JUST RANDOMLY ALERTS.THE THIRD MOST ANNOYING ISSUE IS THE DASHBOARD FROM TIME TO TIME GOES OUT AS IF NO ELECTRICTY IS FLOWING THROUGHT IT, IVE ALSO EXPERINCED THE VOLUME NOT ADJUSTING PROPERLY AT TIMES.

NHTSA ID

11717958

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

IT HAS A RECALL 25S76 THAT FORD SAYS HAS NO SOLUTION. I CALLED FORD, AND THEY SAID IT DID HAVE ONE, AND THAT I SHOULD TAKE IT IN. SUPPOSEDLY, WHAT THEY DID WAS A SOFTWARE UPDATE ON 05/01/2025, BUT NOTHING WORKED. The gasoline smell inside the car persists, with a risk of fire.

NHTSA ID

11714953

Incident

Dec 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while in reverse(R). In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact received recall notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however ,the parts to do the recall repair were not available. The contact stated that the recall fire risk was significantly scary and made the vehicle unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,881.

NHTSA ID

11707609

Incident

Dec 9, 2025

Mileage

81,881 mi

2021 Ford Escape. In January 2025 the turbo system failed and was replaced by a Ford dealer for about $5,903.85. Around five months later the transmission required repairs for a valve body issue, totaling roughly $3,000 in August. Two months after that repair, Firestone advised that the entire transmission now needs replacement. Each time the problem appeared, the vehicle showed violent slippage while upshifting and downshifting. When coming to a stop, the car would shake violently, slip forward several inches while my foot was still on the brake, and sometimes hesitate or lose power. Recently the vehicle will stop responding to acceleration, then suddenly surge forward without warning. These repeated transmission failures have created serious safety risks and appear consistent with ongoing problems involving the Ford 8F35 transmission used in the 2021 Escape.

NHTSA ID

11697350

Incident

Oct 22, 2025

Lots of owners on Facebook page 2020/2021 ford escape discussions talk about our transmissions fluttering when driving straight you can see rpm’s going from one to under one back in a straight road some have had the transitions go out. I took mine to ford at 111000 miles and was told I need to pay $500 to change fluid did that and still doing it they said everything was fine but I should look into a extended warranty because they have had a lot of issues with the transition (was told that by auto nation ford in Corpus Christi tx? We all even have issues with Rear differential going out

NHTSA ID

11694264

Incident

Jul 4, 2025