2021 Ford Escape PHEV Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
80/100
#2 most-complained of 6 Escape PHEV years
The 2021 Ford Escape PHEV has a Complaint Index of 80, ranking 2nd worst among 6 model years, with 22 complaints logged. Engine problems (41% of complaints) and electrical system issues (36%) dominate, plus a recall for a high-voltage battery cell defect.
- Complaints
- 22
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2021 Ford Escape PHEV problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine9 (41%)
- Electrical System8 (36%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (14%)
- Brakes2 (9%)
- Fuel System2 (9%)
- Structure & Body2 (9%)
- Airbags1 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (5%)
- Other1 (5%)
- Seat Belts1 (5%)
What owners report
- Owners describe stalling and loss of motive power at low speeds, sometimes with the battery warning light illuminated.
- Some drivers report the vehicle stalling in traffic while running in EV mode, with no chance to pull out of the way.
- One owner reported smelling burning fumes before feeling dizzy and briefly losing control of the vehicle at 35 MPH.
- Several owners report waiting for parts under an engine-related recall, with dealers unable to complete the repair for many months.
- The power liftgate has opened or closed on its own while the vehicle was parked with the engine off and parking brake set.
- Brakes are described as squealing loudly in reverse, especially after rain or after the vehicle sits unused for a few days.
2021 Ford Escape PHEV recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V789000Nov 14, 2025Electrical System20,558 vehicles
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the battery energy control module (BECM) and hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM), free of charge. Owners are advised to only use "Auto EV" mode and will be instructed by mail to limit the maximum charge of the battery until the remedy has been completed. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC4. Vehicles in this recall were previously recalled under 24V954 and will need to have the new remedy performed. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 18, 2025.
2021 compared with other Escape PHEV years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV reliable?
- Among the 6 model years with data, 2021 ranks 2nd worst with a Complaint Index of 80 and 22 complaints, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other Escape PHEV years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV?
- Engine problems account for 41% of complaints and electrical system issues for 36%, with reported median mileage at failure of 30,600 and 42,094 miles respectively.
- Does the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA campaign 25V789000 covers a manufacturing defect in the high-voltage battery cells that may cause an internal issue; Ford will update the BECM and HPCM software free of charge.
- How does the 2021 model compare to other Escape PHEV years?
- 2021 has a Complaint Index of 80, worse than 2023 (60, Caution) and 2024 (20, Best), but better than 2022 (100, Avoid), which is the worst year in the lineup.
- Were there any crashes or injuries reported for the 2021 Escape PHEV?
- NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 injury reported among the 22 complaints for the 2021 model year, with no fires or deaths recorded.