YearToAvoid

2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 40 engine complaints for the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid, 33% of all complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 32,250 miles. Ford recall 22V109000 covers a crankshaft manufacturing defect that can damage the engine.

Engine complaints
40
33% of 122
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
32,250 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Engine stalls suddenly while driving, sometimes preceded by white smoke and a zero oil pressure warning, with one report of an engine compartment fire.
  • The electric motor cooling pump has failed and shut down the engine without warning, in some cases repeatedly on the same trip.
  • A loose heat exchange wire hanging underneath the vehicle was found to be longer than needed, which a dealer said could lead to engine damage with extended driving.
  • Multiple owners report being notified of recall 23V380000 for the engine but told replacement parts were not yet available, leaving the recall unresolved for months.
  • Some owners describe unrelated cruise-control speed-limit sign misreads that caused unexpected acceleration, though this was reported under the engine category.

When 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 3, 2022, latest Sep 8, 2026.

2021 Ford Escape Hybrid engine complaints: complaints filed per month5Jan 2022Sep 2022Sep 2023Dec 2023Mar 2024Jun 2024Mar 2025Sep 2026
40 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2022 to Sep 2026; peak Feb 2024 (5).

Engine recalls for the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid

  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.

Engine complaints by Escape Hybrid model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200531 (17%)
  2. 200663 (29%)
  3. 200735 (28%)
  4. 2008123 (28%)
  5. 200936 (24%)
  6. 201017 (29%)
  7. 20119 (24%)
  8. 20123 (20%)
  9. 20134 (80%)
  10. 202070 (24%)
  11. 202140 (33%)
  12. 202234 (50%)
  13. 20234 (17%)
  14. 20241 (25%)
  15. 20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid have?
NHTSA lists 40 engine complaints for the 2021 Escape Hybrid, which is 33% of the 122 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an engine recall for the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid?
Yes. Recall 22V109000 covers an incorrectly manufactured crankshaft that can cause engine damage; the remedy is inspection and, if needed, engine replacement free of charge.
At what mileage do engine problems tend to show up?
The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2021 Escape Hybrid is 32,250 miles.
Were there any fires or crashes linked to the engine complaints?
NHTSA data shows 1 fire and 0 crashes among the 40 engine complaints for the 2021 Escape Hybrid, with 0 injuries reported.
Did engine parts availability delay the recall repair?
Several owners reported that after receiving notice of recall 23V380000 for the engine, the replacement part was not yet available, delaying the repair beyond a reasonable time.

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.