2021 Ford Escape

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/30/2024· SERVICE BRAKES

  The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing, there was a loud screeching sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an unstated service on the vehicle, but the failure persisted. No further information was available. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed of an Extended Service Warranty however, the vehicle was not included. The failure mileage was 1,500.

• 12/30/2022· SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  The contact leased a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes emitted an abnormal squealing sound. The contact stated that the failure mainly occurred while reversing. Additionally, a message indicating that the Forward Collision Avoidance camera had failed and needed to be repaired was displayed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 48,971.

• 12/29/2025· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN

  The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while in reverse(R). In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact received recall notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however ,the parts to do the recall repair were not available. The contact stated that the recall fire risk was significantly scary and made the vehicle unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,881.

• 12/29/2023· STRUCTURE

  The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's and passenger's side doors failed to close properly. The contact had to forcefully close the doors. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the front driver's and passenger's door welds had fractured. The independent mechanic replaced the front driver's and passenger's side door check arms. The contact stated that the front driver's side door check arm was previously replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 97,700.

• 12/28/2024· STRUCTURE

  The check arm on my ford escape broke off at the welding attachment point which lead to me having to drive down the road for 10 miles with my door ajar in order to get home It started making a popping noise a few days ago then I opened my door tonight and it completely broke off

• 12/28/2021· SERVICE BRAKES

  The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving in reverse, a loud grinding sound was present while depressing the brake pedal. The contact indicated that the failure mainly occurred after the vehicle was not used for an overnight period. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the brake rotors, but the sound continued to occur. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000.

• 12/27/2023· STRUCTURE

  Door is cracking only at 38k miles and the thing pops when I open and shut it on drivers side sounds like it’s going to fall right off

• 12/26/2025· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  There’s an open recall for the fuel injectors for my vehicle. I am currently unable to drive my vehicle because I can not fuel my vehicle. Each time it is fuel the engine light comes on and the vehicle either doesn’t drive or shakes violently and refuses to go. The vehicle isn’t able to pass state inspection as well. My safety is impacted by the vehicle randomly not going/stalling and not able to keep fueled.

• 12/26/2025· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  My fuel lid will not close causing a check engine light. My vehicle has less than 25k miles but outside of the 3 year limit for the warranty.

• 12/26/2024· STRUCTURE

  My door was on the recall list and needs to be replaced. I had this checked in September 2024 but the doors are on back order. My broken door is a safety hazard it is not shutting properly and has been known to open.

• 12/20/2024· STRUCTURE

  Front driver side door started clicking when open/closed about a month ago. Yesterday it started a loud thumping sound when opening. Upon closer investigation, four points where the door was welded to the arm mechanism have broken. The loud thumping sound is the internal brace hitting the door.

• 12/17/2025· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received a manufacturer recall in August 2025 for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact had been calling the local dealer for updates on when parts would be available for the recall repair and was informed that there were no updates available from the manufacturer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

• 12/17/2024· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I have had multiple issues with the powertrain warning light illuminating. The first time it was decided to be low/dirty oil. This occurred about a month after purchasing the vehicle in 2021 with about 4000 miles. The second time it occurred about 6 months later. The dealer could not find a code nor replicate the issue. We thought I had bought bad gas. A year later it came on again, Ford dealership again couldn’t replicate the issue. Finally it came on and stayed on and throttle position sensor was replaced in July 2022. Light came on again in November 2024. Auto parts store and dealership could not find a code. This time I had no coolant. Added coolant and it has not come back on again.

• 12/17/2021· SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  Wife was driving vehicle. Came to intersection at end of our street. Applied brakes. Brakes did not work. Went through intersection crashed into tree. Injured, taken to hospital, vehicle towed, police report made. Vehicle is available for inspection. Would like to have vehicle inspected! Not yet inspected by anyone. No warning of problem. Vehicle has about 250 miles on it. Just leased on Dec 2, 2021.

• 12/15/2023· STRUCTURE

  The contact's brother owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's side door made an abnormally loud sound while opening. Additionally, the contact stated that the spot welds on the check arm bracket were fractured. The contact stated that the front driver's side door could only be closed from the inside while raising the check arm. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23013 (Structure). The dealer was notified of the failure and charged and diagnostic fee. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

• 12/13/2023· STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  driver side door check bracket, makes cracking , crunching noise feels /sounds like it is ready to fall off.

• 12/06/2023· STRUCTURE

  Drivers side “Door Check/Hinge”. Originally, the door made several loud “popping” noises and was hard to open/shut. Eventually, it wouldn’t shut properly. Vehicle repaired and then traded later. Drivers side door had the risk of coming off or not shutting completely. Yes. Yes. No. First appeared in April ‘22

• 12/06/2023· STRUCTURE

  My door all of a sudden started making loud cracking sounds when I tried to open it. This progressively got worse and now the door will only partially open and the window will not go down. I believe I have a broken spot weld in the left front door at the check arm attachment.

• 12/06/2021· SERVICE BRAKES

  The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, an abnormally loud humming noise would emit from the vehicle upon depression of the brake pedal without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on numerous occasions and on the latest visit, she had the brake pads replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.

• 12/05/2023· STRUCTURE

  Went to get in my 2021 Ford Escape opened the door a heard a metal sound clunking noise. Happened all of a sudden. Thought maybe someone hit my door but no sign of it being hit. Then Googled Ford Escape and that noise and found this has been a problem. Why has there not been a recall for this problem.

• 12/02/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The shade on the moonroof came off track and would hang down obscuring rear view from mirror. Vehicle taken to Ford dealer for repair. After $1600 repair, three days later the shade would not close completely and returned to Ford dealer. Still waiting on repair.

• 12/01/2025· SUSPENSION

  My vehicle only has 36,000 miles on it and I just had to spend $789 to have the rear shocks replaced!! I also purchased the extended warranty plan and this repair wasn't covered. Very disappointing especially with such low mileage.

• 12/01/2025· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE,PARKING BRAKE

  The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 to 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light and the charging system service light were illuminated. The message "Vehicle Turning Off to Save Power” was displayed. In addition, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine while the vehicle was slowing down. The contact stated that the parking brake push button failed to function as intended. The contact was unable to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to Auto Zone, where the battery was checked, and the battery passed the test. The tow truck driver had difficulty attempting to tow the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart, and the auto brake turned on independently. After a while, the vehicle was towed to the contact's mother's residence. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer. The vehicle remained at the dealer pending the results of the diagnostic test. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue; however, no assistance was offered. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact was the second owner of the vehicle and had not received the recall notification. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

• 11/29/2023· STRUCTURE

  The front door hinge spot weld and rivets have broekn loose. I called Stivers Ford in Montgomery Alabama and the Service Representative told me that my Escape was out of warranty and it was my problem to repair. I do not think this is fair as this is a structural problem in the door.

• 11/29/2023· STRUCTURE

  The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's side door made an abnormally loud popping sound while opening and closing. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

• 11/26/2024· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Driver door makes loud noise opening - know issue spot weld issues . Window won’t work this needs to be a recall

• 11/25/2023· POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES

  My check engine light has come on four (4) seperate times, after being serviced three (3) times. All of which have been by a ford certified dealership. My rear brakes were making noise the week the new car was purchased. I notified to associate who sold me the car from a ford certified dealer and he made up an invalid excuse. I’ve had my car serviced 3 times for the service alert and within 2 weeks of it being serviced and the issues being fixed, it starts again resulting in my service light coming on. I’ve notified ford via mail and email and haven’t heard back. The issue is showing as a power train issue and says “AWD Fault”

• 11/24/2023· STRUCTURE

  The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the front driver’s side door weld had fractured. The contact stated that the door sounded like metal grinding each time the door was opened or closed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 16,949.

• 11/24/2023· STRUCTURE

  Drivers door is making a creaking/popping sound and sometimes won’t close. The window will not always go up.

• 11/18/2024· SERVICE BRAKES

  I bought this car in August 2024. There wasn’t a problem, until I backed up. There is this moaning sound. It happens most of the time. This was supposed to be a certified used car. I took it to the dealership and they duplicated the sound I was talking about. Then they tell me they can’t fix it until they hear from Ford. Should be a fix 4th qtr 2024. I saw on Ford website there is a fix and I told them. They said they can’t do anything about it until ford tells them. They knew this was a problem. Most forums have a lot of ford escape owners are having the same problem. I just want it fixed. There is a TSB out for it, but the dealership won’t do anything. I feel like I am being given the run around.

• 11/18/2021· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle began vibrating and the contact heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to local dealer and was informed that there was no remedy for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 700.

• 11/17/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  A plastic trim piece in the sunroof fell onto the shade. when the shade was opened it caused the shade to be disconnected from the open/close mechanism and roll back onto its spring loaded roller. the dealer quoted $1800 to fix it. not cover by ford or endurance warranty

• 11/16/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  This vehicle! It eats so much gas. Something is wrong. It makes a weird noise and puts itself into modes of sports, ice/snow, eco, slippery all by itself while I am driving. My RPMs will change and car makes a different sound and it is in a different driving mode without being put in it by me. It puts itself in auto mode and shuts off at red lights and starts back up when I put on the gas and this is not a hybrid.

• 11/15/2022· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGSCrash

  The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while in the reverse(R) position, the vehicle independently increased in speed without warning. The contact made multiple attempts to stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal; however, the brakes failed to operate as needed. The contact crashed into a fire hydrant but the air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact suffered pain in her stomach and neck but did not seek immediate medical attention. The fire hydrant was damaged as a result of the failure. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was repaired. Since the repair, the contact stated that the vehicle would shake when driving over 30 MPH without warning. She also mentioned that a loud, squeaking noise would emit from the vehicle while in reverse. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where they were unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.

• 11/14/2023· STRUCTURE

  The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while closing the door, the door made an abnormal sound and failed to close as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a fractured door weld. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

• 11/12/2024· POWER TRAIN

  The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle had stalled with several undisclosed messages displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

• 11/11/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  My Ford Escape has an open recall on the fuel injectors. I took my car in once because there was a smell of fumes when using my a/c. When I mentioned the fuel injectors to the dealership, they said they would look at it. The dealership said they couldn't get the smell, but once they popped the hood, they could smell the gas. They fixed them then. Now there is a recall on the recall on the fuel injectors. My car has the smell of fumes again. I think the fumes are making me sick, I can't even use my a/c or heater some days. I can't be driving around with the fumes for my sake or my 2-year old daughter. It can't be safe for her to be in my car.

• 11/11/2025· SERVICE BRAKES

  When putting the car in reverse the brakes make an awful Screaming noise. It sounds like they are not releasing. Then when you go in drive and want to stop it doesn't want to. It is not all the time but more so then not.

• 11/11/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The Sunroof Shade curtain will not roll away when I try to open the roof shade. It crumbles up at the back or just doesn't roll up with the track. I have read several online Ford forums and a lot of people have been complaining about this issue. Could someone please look into this and see if this is a manufacturing problem, thank you.

• 11/07/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,STRUCTURE

  My 2021 ford escape door started to make popping sounds and my window wouldn’t roll down had it a dealer and they said the welds on my door broke off !

• 11/05/2021· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, her foot would repeatedly slip off the accelerator pedal and go underneath the brake pedal. The contact stated that this could lead to a potential failure while driving at high speeds. The contact also noted that the accelerator pedal was too small for normal operation. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where they acknowledged a potential failure with the small accelerator pedal and the contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified, and the contact was given a claim number. She was then referred to NHTSA for further assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 0.

• 11/04/2025· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  2021 Ford Escape. In January 2025 the turbo system failed and was replaced by a Ford dealer for about $5,903.85. Around five months later the transmission required repairs for a valve body issue, totaling roughly $3,000 in August. Two months after that repair, Firestone advised that the entire transmission now needs replacement. Each time the problem appeared, the vehicle showed violent slippage while upshifting and downshifting. When coming to a stop, the car would shake violently, slip forward several inches while my foot was still on the brake, and sometimes hesitate or lose power. Recently the vehicle will stop responding to acceleration, then suddenly surge forward without warning. These repeated transmission failures have created serious safety risks and appear consistent with ongoing problems involving the Ford 8F35 transmission used in the 2021 Escape.

• 11/03/2024· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  A/C Drain hose clogging results in driver side and passenger side floorboards flooded. Water dripping on feet when driving and making turns after A/C drain gets clogged or heatshield drain hole not properly aligned with drain hose. Also A/C Drain hose not long enough to drain out at the appropriate spot. Official procedures to correct the problem is to remove underside heatshields and add a hose extension to the A/C Drain hose to allow drainage at correct location. My shoes and feet are soaked anytime I drive the vehicle after having the A/C on. Cannot use A/C until drain hose is unclogged/extended which is a simple procedure on other vehicles except this one.

• 11/03/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The spot welds on the front drivers door of my 2021 Ford Escape SEL gave way. The internal three welds holding the drivers door check arm failed. The door is now making a creaking and grinding noise when the door is opened and closed. The drivers door check arm is rapidly nearing total failure. Two Ford dealerships have verified the above. Repair cost to replace the entire drivers door is approximately $2,300.

• 11/01/2023· SERVICE BRAKES

  The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing, the vehicle vibrated and made an abnormal sound. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an updated brake kit was installed on the vehicle. Additionally, the dealer scuffed up the brake pads; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

• 10/30/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  My drivers door hinge weld has broke. FORD IS TELLING ME I HAVE TO FIX IT BUT THERE HAS BEEN MANY REPORTS OF THIS. I believe it should be fixed by ford.

• 10/29/2025· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  NHTSA Recall 25V467 was issued in July 2025. It has been over 3 months of constant fear for under-hood fire from possible fuel injector crack. My family's safety has been at risk long enough, this needs a permanent fix please!

• 10/27/2023· STRUCTURE

  The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's side window failed to go up or roll down. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he opened the front driver's side door, and the door flew open as if there was an internal fracture. The contact also stated that he had to slam the door to close the door securely, and there were holes near the door latching point. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23013 (Structure). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. The VIN was unavailable.

• 10/25/2025· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  My engine has been misfiring since I purchased my vehicle from a Ford Dealership in Mooresville, NC. At least, I think it is misfiring. My vehicle did not pass an emissions test and I had it inspected at a Ford Dealership in Statesville, NC. They told me I have a transmission fluid leak. I went to a transmission specialist, and we stood under my car while he showed me that the transmission is not leaking in any way. This when I learned of the fuel injection recall. He wants to help in discerning what the problem actually is, but I need to address the recall issue first. I have to do something, as I need my car for my Uber side job, but I'm being told that I have no option. Please, help. I'll provide any additional information that you may need. Thank you.

• 10/23/2023· STRUCTURE

  *corporate vehicle The check arm for our driver's side door appears to have separated from the frame. Our door feels like it may fall off. If our door falls off, we feel there are safety concerns (can list later if needed). Our story seems to corroborate many other complaints on this website.