2021 Ford Escape Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Ford Escape has 346 complaints, a complaint index of 30, and 19 recall campaigns, earning a Caution verdict capped by those recall counts. It ranks 15th worst out of 21 model years, better than the 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2020 Escapes.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 30/100
- #15 of 21 Escape years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 346
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 19
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 9
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 9
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Structure & Body
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 35
- 35.5 city / 35.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
Top 2021 Ford Escape problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some vehicles caught fire under the hood or from the underside after a coolant warning light or stall, with black smoke entering the cabin.
- Owners report sudden loss of braking power, including brakes that went stiff or unresponsive at intersections and while backing out of driveways.
- A fuel injector issue was linked to stalling, a fuel smell, and fire near the underside of the vehicle.
- One owner described a broken left front axle causing sudden loss of control at highway speed with no prior impact.
- A transmission complaint described unintended acceleration in reverse combined with a total loss of brake function.
- A collision warning system reportedly activated too late to prevent a rear-end crash.
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?
- NHTSA data shows 346 complaints and a complaint index of 30 for the 2021 Escape, ranking it 15th worst among 21 model years. It carries a Caution verdict, capped by 19 recall campaigns rather than by complaint volume alone.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Escape?
- Structure & Body issues account for 27% of complaints, followed by Fuel System at 21%, Brakes at 14%, and Engine at 14%. Median mileage at failure ranges from 5,000 miles for brake complaints to 79,845 miles for transmission complaints.
- Does the 2021 Ford Escape have a fuel injector recall?
- Yes. NHTSA recalls 25V467000 and 25V165000 cover 2020-2022 Escape vehicles with 1.5L engines where a fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
- How does the 2021 Ford Escape compare to other years?
- Its complaint index of 30 is lower than the 2017 Escape (100), 2013 Escape (90), and 2020 Escape (95), but its 19 recall campaigns push its verdict to Caution instead of Good.
- Are there brake problems reported in the 2021 Ford Escape?
- Brakes make up 14% of complaints, with 6 crashes reported and a median failure mileage of 5,000 miles, including reports of brake failure at intersections and while reversing.