2021 Ford Escape Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 49 engine complaints for the 2021 Ford Escape, 14% of its 346 total complaints for the year. Five of those complaints involved fires, and three engine-related recalls have been issued, with median mileage at failure of 39,700.
- Engine complaints
- 49
- 14% of 346
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 5
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 39,700 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report engine compartment fires that start suddenly, sometimes producing black smoke and heavy front-end fire damage.
- Some describe smoke or fire starting while the vehicle was parked and idle, with no prior warning light or indication.
- Several owners report unusual noises and vibration from the engine area while driving at highway speeds, in some cases without any warning light illuminated.
- Owners describe delays getting recall repairs completed due to dealers reporting parts were unavailable, even after receiving recall notices.
- One owner reported a coolant warning light followed by loss of vehicle control and engine fire.
When 2021 Ford Escape engine complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 19, 2021, latest Sep 14, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2021 Ford Escape
- NHTSA 25V345000May 23, 2025Engine1,809 vehicles
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.
- NHTSA 23V380000May 26, 2023Engine125,322 vehicles
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace the engine long-block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S27. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V-484. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V-484 will need to have the new remedy completed.
- NHTSA 22V191000Mar 25, 2022Engine345,451 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.
Engine complaints by Escape model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many 2021 Ford Escape owners reported engine problems?
- NHTSA lists 49 engine complaints for the 2021 Escape, which is 14% of the 346 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2021 Ford Escape engine?
- Yes. NHTSA lists three engine-related recalls tied to the 2021 Escape: campaign 25V345000 (2025), campaign 23V380000 (2023), and campaign 22V191000 (2022), the last covering an engine oil separator housing that may crack and leak.
- Did the 2021 Ford Escape engine problems cause fires?
- NHTSA data shows 5 fires and 1 crash reported among the 49 engine complaints for the 2021 Escape, with no injuries recorded.
- At what mileage do 2021 Ford Escape engine problems typically occur?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for 2021 Escape engine complaints is 39,700 miles.
- Is engine trouble worse on the 2021 Escape than other years?
- The 14% share of complaints tied to engine issues in 2021 is lower than several other Escape model years, such as 2018 at 80% and 2017 at 74%, based on NHTSA complaint data.