YearToAvoid

2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

86/100

#3 most-complained of 15 Escape Hybrid years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid has 122 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 86 out of 100 — #3 highest of 15 Escape Hybrid model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is engine (40 complaints, 33% of the total). Complaints report 2 crashes, 2 fires, and 2 injuries.

Complaints
122
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
2 / 2
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine40 (33%)
  2. Structure & Body33 (27%)
  3. Electrical System22 (18%)
  4. Other17 (14%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain13 (11%)
  6. Fuel System11 (9%)
  7. Brakes6 (5%)
  8. Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (2%)
  9. Seat Belts3 (2%)
  10. Airbags1 (1%)
2021 Ford Escape Hybrid complaints: complaints filed per month9Jun 2021May 2022Jan 2023Oct 2023Apr 2024Nov 2024May 2025Aug 2026
150 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2021 to Sep 2026; peak Mar 2024 (9).

2021 Ford Escape Hybrid recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2013Best750—
2020Avoid1002881—
2021Avoid861221—
2022Caution64680—
2023Good43230—

All Ford Escape Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid ranks #3 of 15 among Escape Hybrid model years (Complaint Index 86/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 122 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid?
The most reported problem areas are engine (40 complaints), structure & body (33 complaints), and electrical system (22 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 36,702 miles.
Does the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid, most recently reported 2022, covering engine.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.