Model year

2021 Ford Escape PHEV

SUV, plug-in hybrid, 4x2, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Jun 23, 2021 to Aug 24, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year121k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints22Close to the median 2021 suv
Severity index4.52021 suvs average 6.1
First 24 months3Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV peaked in 2024, with 7 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

024682021202220232024720252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

36% of complaints about the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV name electrical system

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Electrical system
8
Engine and cooling
8
Powertrain
3
Brakes
2
Structure
2
Airbags
1
Driver assistance
1
Fuel system
1
Hybrid and electric propulsion
1
Seat belts
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

One recall campaign covers the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
25V-789Nov 14, 2025Manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failureElectrical system20,558Not stated
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

22 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

  1. Filed Aug 24, 2026Failure Oct 2, 2025Livonia, MIPower train

    Power train lost during driving, suddenly the car lost the power and a light in the dashboard start blinking, it recovers after a few times turning it on and off, seems to be triggered by brake pedal press, car has been having issues since Oct 2025 after unplugged it

    NHTSA complaint 11759090
  2. Filed Aug 14, 2026Failure Nov 13, 2025elizabeth, NJPower train, Service brakes

    NOV 20, 2025 Manufacturer Recall Number25SC4 NHTSA Recall Number25V789 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary this has been 9 months and still no remedy. this doesnt seem timely.

    NHTSA complaint 11756939
  3. Filed May 28, 2025Failure May 28, 2025Blaine, MNElectrical system

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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. Parts distribution disconnect.

    NHTSA complaint 11663389
  4. Filed Apr 11, 2025Failure Jan 6, 2025Omaha, NEElectrical system

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer stated the remedy was expected to be available second quarter of 2025; however, it could not give an exact date. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11654133
  5. Filed Apr 9, 2025Failure Apr 9, 2025Holly Springs, NCElectrical system

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that a second notice would be mailed when parts were available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11653628
  6. Filed Feb 27, 2025Failure Oct 8, 202451,988 milesBend, ORElectrical system

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that after coasting out of the garage the vehicle stalled, the shifter seized in park(P), and the message “Stop Safely Now” was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to another dealer, Kendall Ford of Bend (2100 NE 3rd St, Bend, OR 97701); who diagnosed that the high-voltage battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The failure was related to the recall; however, the recall repair could not be completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure was mileage was 51,988. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11645384
  7. Filed Feb 26, 2025Failure Oct 6, 202451,988 milesBend, ORElectrical system, Power train

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that while pulling out of the driveway, the message "Stop Safely Now" was displayed, and the vehicle inadvertently shifted into park(P) and failed to shift into the intended gear. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to two dealers where the failure was unable to be duplicated. The vehicle was towed to another dealer, but the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,988.

    NHTSA complaint 11645045
  8. Filed Jun 5, 2024Failure May 1, 2024Hastings, MNAdaptive cruise control, Vehicle speed control

    Our 2021 Ford Escape has "Intelligent" adaptive cruise control. It has the capacity to adjust our car speed based on the highway speed limit signs it encounters. It reads all speed correctly but it also reads "black and white, square, numeric, County Road signs as Speed Signs. This is dangerous as many County Road signs have numerics that drastically exceed the posted speed limit and cause the car to rapidly excellerate around a curve or in neighborhood settings. So for example, in a 35 mph speed zone, the car sees the County Road 85 sign and rapidly attempts to excelerate by 50 mph to 85 mph. This surprises you and forces you to seek the brake pedal in an attempt to avoid a casualty. We have reported this to Ford and brought our vehicle in twice now regarding the issue. On 10/5/22 Ford replaced the car's image module to help clarify highway signs for adaptive cruise. This did not remedy the problem. After nearly running over an animal because of this issue, we brought the car back to Ford on 5/8/24 to correct this issue under our nearly expired warranty. They had our vehicle for 3 weeks. We furnished them with photos of the County Road signs the car's speed was erroneously triggered by, such as Co Rd 85 or 106! After much research with Ford International, the dealer determined that this is a software bug. On a recent "on-line" Ford document, on page 289, it states "Note: The system may not detect all speed signs and may incorrectly read signs." This can occur when the county road signs are similar in shape and color to a speed limit sign. This is a limitation of the system and currently cannot be avoided or corrected." Please understand this information is not listed in our 2021 Escape Owners Manual. Furthermore, on the 2024 Escape loaner vehicle we had for 3 weeks while ours was in the shop, Ford changed out their adaptive cruise control system from "Intelligent to Predictive" which now uses GPS to compensate. Meanwhile our car remains a hazard to drive. Help!

    NHTSA complaint 11592683
  9. Filed May 3, 2024Failure May 3, 202429,000 milesOrange, CAEngineCrash1 injured

    The contact owned a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH and attempting to slow the vehicle, he became dizzy then suddenly fainted, and as a result, he briefly lost control of the vehicle and came to a complete stop after colliding with the curb. Just prior to fainting, the contact had smelled burning fumes in the interior of the vehicle, to which he attributed his feeling of dizziness. The air bags did deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact was transported to an area hospital by EMT, where they performed various tests, including 2 CAT scans, a heart ultrasound, a pacemaker test, and blood work. Furthermore, the contact was treated for intestinal inflammation due to the seatbelt. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine), and the VIN was included, but he was made aware that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

    NHTSA complaint 11586824
  10. Filed Feb 16, 2024Failure Jun 1, 2023Lebanon, TNFuel/propulsion system, Body

    I was issued a letter back in June 2023 on this recall. Parts were supposed to be available by October 2023. It is now almost March of 2024 with no remedy

    NHTSA complaint 11572280
  11. Filed Feb 15, 2024Failure Oct 6, 2023Bella Vista, AREngine

    My family was driving on the highway to a sports event when the engine started making a high revving sound. We were driving up a hill at around 70mph and in response to the engine noise, slowed the vehicle to a stop and turned off the engine. The vehicle was towed to a Ford service center where we were told that the engine was completely out of oil and had been destroyed. We did not get any alerts or warnings from the vehicle prior to the high revving sound. According to Ford recall 23S27 and NHTSA recall 23V380, this is a known issue and could have put our family at significant risk. We spoke to many people at Ford but they denied warranty coverage due to "improper oil filter installation". We were without our vehicle for 2 months before we decided to have another mechanic give an estimate and complete the repairs. The repair was a full engine replacement costing $7,000+. Ford has since refused to reimburse us for the repair costs. The incident occurred on 10/6/23 with around 52,000 miles. The vehicle was purchased new on 10/24/21.

    NHTSA complaint 11572182
  12. Filed Feb 11, 2024Failure Jun 1, 2023Langley, WAEngine

    I received a recall notice for my vehicle in June 2023 for an engine issue that could result in engine failure, including fire (recall 22V380), in which I was told to expect parts to be available for a repair in October 2023. I have placed follow-up calls with the Ford dealership and am still being told the parts for the repair are not available and there is no updated expected time for parts to be available. At this point, it has been about 8 months since receiving notice of the recall and Ford has no knowledge of when a repair may be available. This complaint is specifically regarding the lack of information and repair available regarding this recall.

    NHTSA complaint 11571342
  13. Filed Jan 29, 2024Failure Jan 29, 202332,200 milesDearborn, MIElectrical system, Engine

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to start. The contact also stated that while driving at 20-25 MPH, the vehicle shutoff unintendedly. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road and restarted; however, the "Check Engine" warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred approximately 3 to 4 times. The dealer was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery had failed. The battery was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was 32,200. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11568568
  14. Filed Jan 9, 2024Failure Jan 9, 2024Lebanon, TNEngine

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11564422
  15. Filed Dec 14, 2023Failure Jun 1, 2023Windermere, FLEngine

    Ford issued a recall #23V380. I received a notification letter from Ford back in June 2023. To this date, Ford has not offered a resolution to this problem. I do not feel safe having a vehicle that can catch fire either driving, or in my driveway/garage. Ford needs to step up and either refund customers their money, or replace the engines in these cars ASAP. Ford has a bad product here and this is unacceptable on their behalf.

    NHTSA complaint 11560037
  16. Filed Sep 8, 2023Failure Sep 8, 2023Montebello, CAEngine

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11543368
  17. Filed Jun 3, 2023Failure May 18, 2023Montebello, CAAir bags, Engine, Seat belts

    The car shakes while the car is in idle. The car displays an illuminated crossed out child car seat and the word “on”. These two alerts do not turn off. Even though there is no one seated in a back and two adults are seated in the front seats. It also leaks fluid. I have an appointment with a ford dealer this Tuesday and I already contacted the ford corporate office. #CA********

    NHTSA complaint 11525162
  18. Filed Apr 23, 2023Failure Apr 23, 2023Clearwater, FLElectrical system

    Stalls in traffic while in EV mode (Electric Vehicle mode). It has failed 3 times while driving in the last 10 days. This is unsafe because there is no chance to pull out of traffic.

    NHTSA complaint 11518536
  19. Filed Sep 30, 2022Failure Sep 30, 2022Centreville, VAService brakes, Visibility/wiper

    Brakes are squealing very badly when in reverse, (going down a hill or when have not been used in a few days or after a rain storm). Windshield sub-stained a splintered crack after only 2 months, quality of windshield seems weak.

    NHTSA complaint 11487308
  20. Filed Jul 4, 2022Failure Jul 4, 2022West Chester, PAUnknown or other

    While driving PHEV with a nearly full charge and a full tank of gas in EV mode, when I came to a stop at stop signs and traffic lights, the car would buck once like a horse, like an engine misfiring, and would indicate drivetrain issue and oput itsself in accessory mode, and flash battery indicator light. I was unabble to shift or restart driving until about 3 minutes later and after multiple times turning the car off and back on. It kept asking if the car was currently being charged, it was not as I was about 10 minutes and 5 miles into my 75 min/ 50 mine journey. It seems odd that while driving in EV mode, electric motor only in use, that the car would buck/jerk while shutting off. This also happened nearly exactly 7 months ago.

    NHTSA complaint 11472259
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

2 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • 25M03 Aug 18, 2026 · Other
    Customer Satisfaction Program 25M03 Certain 2020-2025 Model Year Escape, 2021-2025 Model Year Corsair and 2022- 2025 Model Year Maverick Vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Hybrid or Plug-In Hybrid engine - Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Differential Pressure Se…
  • 26N15 Aug 28, 2026 · Other
    Customer Satisfaction Program 26N15 Certain 2020-2026 Model Year Escape and 2021-2026 Model Year Corsair Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) – High Voltage Battery Replacement
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.