2021 Ford Escape Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
27/100
#12 most-complained of 16 Escape years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2021 Ford Escape has a Complaint Index of 27, ranking 12th worst out of 16 model years, and earns a 'Good' verdict relative to other Escape years. It has 346 complaints, 19 recalls, and no reported deaths.
- Complaints
- 346
- Recalls
- 19
- Crashes / fires
- 9 / 9
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 35
- 35.5 city / 35.5 hwy
Top 2021 Ford Escape problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body92 (27%)
- Fuel System73 (21%)
- Other59 (17%)
- Brakes50 (14%)
- Engine49 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain43 (12%)
- Electrical System38 (11%)
- Visibility & Wipers22 (6%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras18 (5%)
- Seat Belts8 (2%)
What owners report
- Owners report engine bay fires accompanied by black or white smoke, sometimes preceded by a coolant warning light.
- Some drivers describe sudden fuel smell followed by a fire igniting from underneath the vehicle after stalling and a check engine light.
- Multiple owners report brake failure or hard, unresponsive brake pedals leading to collisions, including one case tied to an open recall on rear brake pads.
- One owner reported a broken front axle causing sudden loss of control at highway speed with no obstacle present.
- One owner reported the vehicle unexpectedly accelerating in reverse with no brake response at low mileage.
2021 Ford Escape recalls
19 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V123000Mar 3, 2026Collision Avoidance & Cameras889,950 vehicles
Back over prevention:software
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
- NHTSA 26V117000Mar 3, 2026Visibility & Wipers604,533 vehicles
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
- NHTSA 25V829000Dec 1, 2025Structure & Body108,762 vehicles
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachments
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape vehicles. The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.
2021 Ford Escape fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 35.5 MPG
- Highway
- 35.5 MPG
- Combined
- 35 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,875
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Ford Escape reliable?
- Relative to other Escape model years, the 2021 is rated 'Good' with a Complaint Index of 27, ranking 12th worst of 16 years tracked. It has fewer complaints (346) than several earlier Escape years.
- What are the biggest problem areas for the 2021 Ford Escape?
- Structure & Body leads with 92 complaints (27% share), followed by Fuel System (73 complaints, 21%) and Brakes (50 complaints, 14%), based on NHTSA data.
- Does the 2021 Ford Escape have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 19 recalls for the 2021 Ford Escape, covering areas including fuel system, collision avoidance cameras, engine, and wiper motors, though none are do-not-drive recalls.
- What is the median mileage for reported failures on the 2021 Escape?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 39,000 miles overall, though Fuel System issues showed a median of 70,000 miles and Brakes issues showed a median of just 5,000 miles.
- How does the 2021 Escape compare to other years?
- The 2021 Escape's Complaint Index of 27 is far below the worst year, 2013, which has an index of 100 and an 'Avoid' verdict. Later years like 2022-2025 score even lower with 'Best' verdicts.