2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid ranks 3rd worst out of 15 model years with a complaint index of 86 and 122 complaints, earning an Avoid verdict. Engine problems (33% of complaints) and a crankshaft recall drive the rating, with a median failure mileage of 36,702 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 86/100
- #3 of 15 Escape Hybrid years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 122
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine40 (33%)
- Structure & Body33 (27%)
- Electrical System22 (18%)
- Other17 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain13 (11%)
- Fuel System11 (9%)
- Brakes6 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (2%)
- Seat Belts3 (2%)
- Airbags1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some engines lost oil pressure and shut down while driving, in one case followed by a fire under the hood.
- The Electric Motor Cooling Pump failed unexpectedly, cutting the engine off without warning, sometimes repeatedly.
- Owners report a high-voltage battery warning that raises the possibility of the car shutting down.
- Some drivers felt the brake pedal briefly let go before catching again, with no problem found by the dealer.
- A floorboard failure produced an abnormal noise from the front end at highway speed that persisted after dealer visits.
- Adaptive cruise control has misread rural speed limit signs and accelerated the vehicle to match the misread number.
2021 Ford Escape Hybrid recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V109000Feb 24, 2022Engine155 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape Hybrid vehicles. The engine crankshaft may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
Risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the crankshaft and replace the engine, as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed March 2, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S10.
2021 compared with other Escape Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid reliable?
- Compared with other Escape Hybrid model years, 2021 ranks 3rd worst out of 15 years tracked, with a complaint index of 86 and an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid?
- Engine issues are the top complaint area, making up 33% of complaints (40 of 122), with a median failure mileage of 32,250 miles.
- Does the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid have a recall?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 22V109000 covers a crankshaft manufacturing defect that can cause engine damage; Ford dealers inspect and replace the engine as needed.
- What years of the Ford Escape Hybrid should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2008, 2009, 2020, and 2021 carry Avoid verdicts, while 2012, 2013, and 2023 rank as Good or Best years.
- Were there any injuries reported for the 2021 Escape Hybrid?
- NHTSA lists 2 injuries, 2 crashes, and 2 fires among the 122 complaints filed for the 2021 model year.