RoadVitals

2021 Ford Escape Visibility Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the visibility system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Visibility reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
28
Latest Oct 30, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
8%
of 356 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2021 Ford Escape submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 28 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming visibility

The 25 most recent of 28, in the owner's own words

Visibility
Filed Oct 30, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11774612
Incident
Oct 9, 2026
Mileage
30,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Oct 29, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11774424
Incident
Oct 14, 2026
Mileage
67,000 mi
Fuel systemVisibility
Filed Oct 21, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11772649
Incident
Oct 21, 2026
Mileage
143,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Oct 2, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11768548
Incident
Sep 23, 2026
Visibility
Filed Sep 25, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11766884
Incident
Sep 22, 2026
Visibility
Filed Sep 23, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11766428
Incident
Sep 1, 2026
Mileage
100,000 mi
Fuel systemVisibility
Filed Jul 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 26V117000 (VISIBILITY); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11753814
Incident
Jul 30, 2026
BrakesSeat beltsVisibility
Filed Jul 9, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11749333
Incident
May 5, 2026
Fuel systemVisibility
Filed Jul 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received recall notifications for NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts required to complete the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact called the local dealer and left a voicemail message, but the contact had not received a return call. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11748809
Incident
Mar 1, 2026
Driver assistanceFuel systemVisibility
Filed Jun 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11744419
Incident
Jun 16, 2026
Visibility
Filed Jun 16, 2026

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 local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11744407
Incident
Mar 25, 2026
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Jun 1, 2026

My windshield wipers aren’t working properly and it causes me to not be able to see while driving which cause me to hit a curb and damage my front fender and my trunk makes a nose when I drive like it wants to pop open my car flashes warnings and then no sign of issues

NHTSA ID
11741312
Incident
May 24, 2026
Driver assistanceFuel systemVisibility
Filed May 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000(VISIBILITY); 25V467000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); 26V123000(BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure 39,000.

NHTSA ID
11739999
Incident
May 26, 2026
Mileage
39,000 mi
EngineFuel systemVisibility
Filed May 15, 2026
Crash reported

Windows and engines

NHTSA ID
11738184
Incident
May 15, 2026
Driver assistanceElectricalVisibility
Filed May 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V789000 (Electrical System) and 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention) and 26V117000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11736386
Incident
May 7, 2026
Driver assistanceFuel systemVisibility
Filed Apr 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ID
11733340
Incident
Mar 16, 2026
Mileage
40,000 mi
Driver assistanceFuel systemVisibility
Filed Apr 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11730840
Incident
Apr 13, 2026
Driver assistanceVisibility
Filed Apr 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention) and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was blurry while in reverse(R). Additionally, the contact stated that the windshield wipers failed to operate while driving 35 MPH in the rain. The driver’s view was obstructed due to the failure, which almost caused a crash with another vehicle during the failure. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, and the contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure. The contact paid for a diagnostic test and the repair of the windshield wipers. The vehicle was repaired; however, the windshield wipers operated at a slower speed while on the highest setting. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

NHTSA ID
11729764
Incident
Mar 17, 2026
Mileage
121,000 mi
Body & structureDriver assistanceVisibility
Filed Apr 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), 26V117000 (Visibility), and 25V829000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11729646
Incident
Apr 7, 2026
Driver assistanceFuel systemVisibility
Filed Mar 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issues, and it was confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11726928
Incident
Jun 25, 2025
EngineFuel systemVisibility
Filed Mar 6, 2026

The recall on the fuel issue was released in July 2025. This is now March 2026. Eight months should be enough time to get the parts needed for this repair. What can you do to see about getting this process accelerated? Thank you.

NHTSA ID
11722403
Incident
Mar 6, 2026
Visibility
Filed Aug 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the sunroof plastic cover detached and struck the driver's hat. There was no reported injury. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the sunroof assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer instructed the contact to keep the receipt for any potential recall and reimbursement. The failure mileage was approximately 58,395.

NHTSA ID
11678686
Incident
Jul 15, 2025
Mileage
58,395 mi
Visibility
Filed Jul 6, 2025

The shade for the panoramic sunroof malfunctioned. The shade will not roll up properly causing the shade to sag and block rear visibility.

NHTSA ID
11671415
Incident
Jul 6, 2025
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Feb 6, 2025

1. The Sunroof/Moonroof overhead fabric lining fell off the tracks when moving back, yes. 2. My safety was put at risk from the lining falling off the tracks and nearly completely covering my eyes and face while driving, which also puts the safety of others at risk. 3. I have heard numerous people and Ford Technicians noting that this is a common issue of the sunroof/moonroofs with other similar models. 4. It was completely inspected before financing at a dealership. 5. No prior symptoms or lights, I just tried to use my moonroof while driving on the highway a week ago and was nearly blinded

NHTSA ID
11641126
Incident
Jan 30, 2025
Visibility
Filed Jul 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that condensation from the air conditioner unit had leaked into the vehicle causing the carpet to become wet, developing mold and mildew inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the failure was due to a clogged air conditioning drainage hole. The air conditioner drainage hole was unclogged, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure had recently reoccurred. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 30,000.

NHTSA ID
11603686
Incident
Aug 5, 2023
Mileage
30,000 mi

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.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .