What is the most common structure and body complaint on the 2021 Ford Escape?

The most common pattern is a popping or ratcheting noise from the driver-side door caused by a failing spot weld, sometimes affecting the door latch, window, and lock functions.

At what mileage do these structure and body problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 41,500 miles at failure for Structure & Body complaints on this model year, though individual complaints cite mileages as low as 17,000 and 40,000.

Is there a recall for the 2021 Ford Escape related to structure and body issues?

Yes. Recall 25V829000, reported December 1, 2025, covers liftgate hinge covers that may not be properly secured and can detach; it does not address the driver-side door weld complaints.

How does the 2021 Escape compare to other years for this problem area?

The 2021 Escape shows 92 Structure & Body complaints, or 27% of its total complaints, higher than most other model years except 2020, which had 719 complaints and a 45% share.

Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?

NHTSA lists 0 crashes and 0 injuries tied to Structure & Body complaints for the 2021 Escape, along with 1 fire reported.

2021 Ford Escape Structure & Body Problems

Structure & Body complaints account for 92 of 346 total complaints (27%) on the 2021 Ford Escape, mostly centered on driver-side door welds popping or failing at a median 41,500 miles. A related recall (25V829000) covers liftgate hinge covers detaching, though it does not address the door weld reports.

Structure & Body complaints: 92; 27% of 346
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 41,500 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical body and structure symptoms owners report

Driver-side door makes a popping or ratcheting noise when opened or closed, often traced to a broken or failing spot weld in the door hinge or bracket.
Affected doors can fail to latch securely or open to full width, with some owners describing the door as feeling loose or unsafe while driving.
Window up/down and lock/unlock functions on the affected door stop working when the weld failure disrupts internal door electronics.
Dealers have applied lubricant or adjusted hinges as temporary fixes, but owners report the popping and looseness return.
A loud abnormal noise from underneath the hood was also reported, tied to shutter deflectors needing replacement rather than the door weld issue.

When 2021 Ford Escape body and structure complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 10, 2023, latest Aug 28, 2026.

92 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2023 to Aug 2026; peak Oct 2023 (12).

Structure & Body recalls for the 2021 Ford Escape

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.
NHTSA 22V484000Jul 7, 2022Structure & Body100,689 vehicles
Structure:body:bumpers:active shutters/grill
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick 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 modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S47.

Structure & Body complaints by Escape model year

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

201094 (5%)
201152 (4%)
201276 (13%)
2013152 (6%)
2014152 (7%)
201568 (6%)
201623 (2%)
201773 (3%)
201826 (1%)
201913 (2%)
2020719 (45%)
202192 (27%)
202225 (11%)
20237 (7%)
20242 (3%)
20252 (8%)

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common structure and body complaint on the 2021 Ford Escape?: The most common pattern is a popping or ratcheting noise from the driver-side door caused by a failing spot weld, sometimes affecting the door latch, window, and lock functions.
At what mileage do these structure and body problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 41,500 miles at failure for Structure & Body complaints on this model year, though individual complaints cite mileages as low as 17,000 and 40,000.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Ford Escape related to structure and body issues?: Yes. Recall 25V829000, reported December 1, 2025, covers liftgate hinge covers that may not be properly secured and can detach; it does not address the driver-side door weld complaints.
How does the 2021 Escape compare to other years for this problem area?: The 2021 Escape shows 92 Structure & Body complaints, or 27% of its total complaints, higher than most other model years except 2020, which had 719 complaints and a 45% share.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?: NHTSA lists 0 crashes and 0 injuries tied to Structure & Body complaints for the 2021 Escape, along with 1 fire reported.