2021 Ford Escape

348 complaints on file, page 1 of 18.

1. Filed Sep 26, 2026Failure Sep 15, 2026Tampa, FLEngine, Power train

   Description of Defect & Safety Risk: Complete structural failure and collapse of the entire 3-part powertrain mounting system (right engine mount, left automatic transmission mount and rear lower engine torque strut mount). The severe defect was discovered at a mere 27,000 original miles by a certified independent technician fount the broken motor mounts during inspection, and I confirmed experiencing excessive, violent vibrations inside the vehicle cabin radiating heavily through the chassis. Total failure of these primary structural supports creates an immediate under-hood hazard. Severe engine shifting or total powertrain displacement while in motion can pinch fuel lines, sever electrical wiring harnesses, or snap CV axles. This poses an imminent risk of sudden highway propulsion loss or loss of vehicle steering control. Consumer notes that Ford TSB 20-2215 identifies an identical 3-part powertrain mount failure on this exact vehicle platform.

   NHTSA complaint 11767147
2. Filed Sep 25, 2026Failure Sep 22, 2026Petersburg, TXVisibility/wiper

   The front windshield wiper motor in my vehicle may become non-functional or operate sporadically, according to the recall notification dated March 3, 2026. Presently, necessary replacement components are not in stock. Since the windshield wiper system is essential for maintaining driver visibility during rain and challenging weather conditions, this safety-critical component warrants immediate attention. The recall should have been resolved during all my dealership service appointments, yet this failure has caused unnecessary inconvenience and heightened safety apprehensions. Ford should ensure adequate availability of parts for addressing such important safety matters. Driving my 2021 Ford Escape with concerns about potential wiper malfunction creates unacceptable safety hazards for myself and other motorists. An investigation into Covid era 2021 Escape manufacturing is warranted, specifically examining how pandemic-related challenges supply chain disruptions, parts scarcity, labor shortages, and reduced quality control oversight affected production integrity. These systemic issues during the pandemic period appear to have resulted in substandard manufacturing quality. The frequency of defects in pandemic-produced Escape vehicles indicates they do not meet proper safety specifications, thereby exposing owners to considerable safety risks.

   NHTSA complaint 11766884
3. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Sep 1, 2026100,000 milesOakmont, PAVisibility

   The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility); 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 front windshield wipers failed to operate properly. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11766428
4. Filed Sep 22, 2026Failure Nov 26, 2024petersburg, TXFuel/propulsion system

   When I would turn on the vehicle, it would emit a strong smell of gasoline. The vehicle continued to have the same issues after prior service and complaint to the dealership about the continued smell of gasoline emitting from my 21-ford escape. A technician then verified the concern and found an exhaust leak present on the catalytic converter, when the car had very low mileage. The smell of gasoline combined with a leak created a potential fire hazard and risk of carbon monoxide exposure posing a serious safety risk while driving or when the vehicle is parked.

   NHTSA complaint 11766105
5. Filed Sep 22, 2026Failure Aug 28, 2026petersburg, TXFuel/propulsion system

   My vehicle has experienced repeated transmission failures requiring major repairs. During diagnosis, the dealership reported excessive transmission material and missing friction material inside the transmission for second time. This is now the second transmission repair on the vehicle. Before repair, the vehicle would unexpectedly lunge forward and accelerate super-fast. The sudden fast acceleration and loss of vehicle operation created a significant safety concern, especially in traffic, parking lots, and intersections. I was concerned that the vehicle could unexpectedly crash or fail to shift gears as intended, increasing the risk of a crash. The issue has persisted despite previous repair attempts, raising extreme life concerns for my safety and the safety of others as well as raising concerns about a potential safety defect affecting the transmission system and vehicle control. I believe this condition presents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and request that NHTSA review this matter for possible investigation.

   NHTSA complaint 11766079
6. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Aug 27, 2026Henderson, NVElectrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Power train

   Windows sometimes don't roll up or down, driver side doors do not lock, vehicle doesn't properly accelerate/very slow to go like gas isn't reaching where it needs to go, the transmission area makes a clunking noise, and the back sensor seems to have fallen out and it constantly beeps as if I am going to hit something, the side mirrors sometimes tell me there is something next to me when nothing is around, dash warning lights go off randomly sometimes.

   NHTSA complaint 11764550
7. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Jun 10, 2026Henderson, NVSeat belts

   Seatbelts in the rear unbuckle themselves while driving. Children sit in the rear seats and the alert light doesn't always go off when not buckled.

   NHTSA complaint 11764545
8. Filed Sep 14, 2026Failure Sep 13, 2026San Antonio, TXEngine

   Engine will periodically and randomly stall and quit while driving. Mostly in city but it quit while driving on highway I-10 at 65 mph in one incident.

   NHTSA complaint 11764188
9. Filed Sep 13, 2026Failure Jul 30, 2026Skiatook, OKPower train

   The transmission went out. Torque converter is shot. Only has 120,000 miles in it. This is a known problem with the 8f35 transmission. It needs to be recalled.

   NHTSA complaint 11763958
10. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Jul 31, 2026Grand Haven, MIEngine

    Coolant intrusion caused full engine to need to be replaced. Started with white smoke and engine overheating.

    NHTSA complaint 11763177
11. Filed Sep 1, 2026Failure Jun 1, 2026Augusta, GAFuel system, Gasoline

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 made aware of the issue. The contact stated that there was a misfire coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for another recall repair. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated. Additionally, after refueling, the vehicle almost shut off unexpectedly. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The dealer confirmed that the failure was associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired.

    NHTSA complaint 11761325
12. Filed Sep 1, 2026Failure Jul 27, 2026League City, TXUnknown or other

    Been having a problem with the transmission where it would jump like it launched roller coaster and then slammed into parking because the emergency brake would just automatically engaged without even being touched

    NHTSA complaint 11761239
13. Filed Aug 28, 2026Failure Aug 16, 202676,000 milesChicago, ILElectrical system, Hinge and attachments

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was serviced under Customer Satisfaction Program 23B-56; however, the replacement welding caused the front driver's side door to fail. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to enter the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start, and multiple warning lights illuminated. The vehicle required a jump-start to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced, and the contact was informed that the previously installed battery was incorrect for the vehicle. The contact was referred to a second dealer for further assistance. The vehicle was towed to the second dealer, where it was diagnosed that a water leak at the C-105 connector on the front driver's side door had caused an electrical system failure. The dealer determined that the wiring harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11760376
14. Filed Aug 26, 2026Failure Feb 17, 2026Aurora, MNElectrical system, Body, Unknown or other

    When I lock my car, whether from my phone, keys, or lock button inside car, the car will lock except the passenger side door which remains unlocked. So when the car is supposed to be locked and secured, anyone who wants can gain access in my car whenever they want. The car alarm will go off. But the door still opens. I believe this is a safety concern for my family and I while being in the vehicle and also a threat to valuables in my car. I haven’t had it looked at yet. But I want to report it.

    NHTSA complaint 11759872
15. Filed Aug 26, 2026Failure May 9, 2026Petersburg, TXEngine, Power train, Vehicle speed control

    My escape would not change gears and the escape would not reverse it was also pulling back and accelerating in speed to the point I could not control it in traffic. My safety and the safety of my mother were greatly affected as the escape was malfunctioning in traffic and I could not control the gears. The alert on the escape came up and it stated: The powertrain control system has detected one of the transmission clutches did not apply within the expected time as expected. Some transmission gears may not being available resulting in delayed or harsh shifts into another gear. Additional alerts that may provide additional information may accompany this alert. I took it to dealership and they told me it would need a transmission over haul. Once repairs were completed I brought it back home and had to take the escape back to the dealership because it started to pull back again and for the second time the dealership told me the escape would need a second transmission overhaul

    NHTSA complaint 11759831
16. Filed Aug 21, 2026Failure Aug 18, 2026Johnson city, TNUnknown or other

    The ulpostery covering the sunroof fails to retract all the way causing a sag in the fabric blocking the view from the rearview mirror. Dealership states not covered under warranty

    NHTSA complaint 11758655
17. Filed Aug 11, 2026Failure Aug 11, 2026Greensboro, NCPower train

    Need transmission replacement. Only had car for 2 1/2 years.

    NHTSA complaint 11756242
18. Filed Aug 11, 2026Failure Aug 10, 2026Chicago, ILAir bags, Seat belts

    When there is a seat belt fault, it disables the airbags from going off, even though the seat belts are all engaged

    NHTSA complaint 11756227
19. Filed Aug 4, 2026Failure Aug 1, 202619,000 milesFort Myers, FLExterior lighting, Interior lighting

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the vehicle turned off, the exterior and interior lights failed to turn off as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11754688
20. Filed Jul 30, 2026Failure Jul 30, 2026Aston, TXFuel system, Gasoline, Visibility

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 26V117000 (VISIBILITY); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was 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. The contact had not experienced a failure.

    NHTSA complaint 11753814