Complaint volume
326 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2021 Ford Escape Complaints
326 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Ford Escape, grouped by component category.
326 Total complaints
9 Crash reports
9 Fire reports
5 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are structure, unknown or other, fuel system, gasoline. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 9 crash reports, 9 fire reports, 5 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 71 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 39,121 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to structure, unknown or other, fuel system, gasoline?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2021 Ford Escape?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2021 Ford Escape
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2021 Ford Escape complaints?
9 Crash
9 Fire
5 Injury
0 Fatality
12 Towed
2 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Ford Escape complaint categories?
STRUCTURE 74
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 36
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 27
SERVICE BRAKES 23
POWER TRAIN 22
ENGINE 13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 9
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 7
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6
326 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | My car was at only 55,000 miles, there was a weird shuddering and my RPMs were very jumpy. It almost felt like my car was going to stall out. I took it in to the ford dealership and I had to get my Torque Converter replaced. I had no dash lights on or any other problems. I got it replaced, but my car still feels shaky while at low speeds. Apparently it’s a very common problem in this car. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2026 | VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,SERVICE BRAKES | See attached document for complaint. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2026 | POWER TRAIN | This car is constantly sputtering and when you give it gas to take of, it sputters as if it is going to stall. This poses a safety concern when you are giving the car gas and it is not properly accelerating. I was almost hit several times now. The check engine light is on, the wrench is illuminated and I keep getting an AWD/power train message, as well as a battery saving mode message. Then soon after this started, all the audio in the sound system is gone. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2026 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received recall notifications for NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts required to complete the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact called the local dealer and left a voicemail message, but the contact had not received a return call. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2026 | POWER TRAIN | On XXX, the 8F35 transmission in my 2021 Ford Escape experienced a critical failure, characterized by severe slipping and a violent shuddering condition while operating at speed. This sudden loss of predictable power and drivetrain stability directly compromised my ability to safely operate the vehicle in traffic, creating an immediate highway safety hazard for myself and others. The vehicle was towed to an independent service center, Brownie’s Independent Transmission Shops ([XXX]), where technicians inspected the vehicle and confirmed a total internal failure along with a defective torque converter. Resolving this manufacturing defect required a complete transmission replacement and overhaul. The repair required a total out-of-pocket expense of $8,275.77 (with $8,236.97 directly tied to the transmission failure defect). I paid this balance in full across two installments: a $3,500.00 down payment on XXX, and a final balance of $4,775.77 on XXX. Prior to the sudden failure on XXX, there were no preceding dashboard warning lamps or long-term symptoms—the severe shuddering and loss of acceleration occurred abruptly. Ford Motor Company is internally aware of this defect, having issued Special Service Message (SSM) 54939, which explicitly documents a known "shudder condition" occurring within the 8F35 transmission spanning 2020–2026 Ford Escapes. Despite this awareness, Ford has failed to issue a safety recall. I have uploaded the complete itemized diagnostic notes and proof of payment receipts under the file name "Transmission Invoice and Receipts.pdf INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2026 | POWER TRAIN | The vehicle stutters on acceleration. This causes issues when at intersections or when merging into traffic. I have since replaced the torque converter that has resolved the problem. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | This vehicle has had transmission slipping issues since I bought it. I had the PCM flashed and reset but it still jerks and slips out of gear ALL the time. The car actually stalled on me while turning through an intersection. This almost cause me to be t boned via a car crash. The transmission has already been replaced and still malfunctions. When it stalled there were no lights and the car would not go into neutral unless you pulled the emergency latch for it. This is a HUGE safety issue and from what I read a lot of people are having the exact same problem. Ford is just giving me the run around and my local dealer literally acted like he didn't know what I was talking about when I mention the new service bullentin. This transmission has clearly been an issue since the vehicle was new according to service records. The fact that ford isn't reaching out to people is nuts to me. They are also saying it may be over miles for the work to be covered. I really don't understand that as the transmission was replaced with only about 75000 miles on it. That's not normal. They are not honoring any work on an item they built poorly. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | POWER TRAIN | transmission bucking jerking lurching at low speeds. dangerous in stop and go traffic. hard 3rd gear shift. ford refused to remedy. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission shifts hard, jerking, stuttering when pushing the accelerator. Continues to go into limp mode when driving highway speeds. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | STRUCTURE | The sunroof cover has come off its tracks and has lost tension. It requires a full sunroof cover replacement. Upon searching this issue online, I found it was a common issue in Escapes around 2020-2022. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY,BACK OVER PREVENTION | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | VISIBILITY | 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 local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | While vehicle is set on cruise control , set at 70 MPH , ( or set to any other speed) , anytime the speed limit changes to 80 MPH (or other change) Car accelerates and cruise control is set to 100 MPH . It also accelerates and resets to 90 -100 MPH at random . It is frightening and dangerous to have my car randomly accelerate. I have attempted to pass a vehicle, when my car randomly accelerates to 100 MPH . This is very dangerous and can happen at any random time . The lane assist is also dangerous when car can not see lines separating lanes . I have had my car jerk the wheel when I was detoured through construction. I am very concerned with my car accelerating. Not only does it leave me vulnerable to receiving a speeding ticket , it also increases the likelihood of hitting an object or having an accident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | After a couple days of rain my 12V battery died, when I went to replace it I found the removable carpet in the trunk area was saturated with water throughout and was growing mildew and what appeared to be mold. The old battery was replaced and disposed of. My safety was not at risk as the car was parked. This problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. No components were inspected. There were no warning lamps or signals, but I did smell an odd musty order sometimes. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Passenger rear window would not go up, we got it fixed. We also have a second 2021 ford escape with the same problem. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Rear passenger window failed two different times, we have gotten it fixed. Now today the rear driver window will not go up or move. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | following up on Nov 20,2025 Manufacturer Recall Number25SC4 NHTSA Recall Number25V789 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available This recall has been out for 7 months - no remedy yet. We are not able to use our PHEV to the extgent is was designed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | FUEL 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced difficulty starting and hesitation upon acceleration. Additionally, the check engine warning light was persistently illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not 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 failure. The failure mileage was 70,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 70,000 |
| Jun 2026 | FUEL 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE | On XXX I was driving my 2021 Ford Escape for 10 minutes before I stopped at Sheetz gas station on [XXX]. I ran into the building to withdraw cash from the ATM leaving my fiance and dog in the car while it sat idle. Upon exiting the building about 30 seconds to a minute later, I witnessed smoke coming up from the hood of my car. My fiance and Dog quickly evacuated the car as we saw flames emerging. I ran inside to get assistance from the workers and they brought out fire extinguishers. The attempt to extinguish the flames was unsuccessful and the front of the car quickly went up. Police and fire department were called and they showed up about 10 minutes later to handle the situation. Reports from the officer, fire department and the Sheetz assistant were taken. I do not have access to those. My car insurance is covering the cost of the vehicle and a 7 day car rental. They are not covering the loss of both mine and my fiance's cell phones. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | When the brake is applied, the gas pedal accelerates. It has happened 2 times and I could have went through a stop sign or traffic light. The tool light came on but went off. This has happened a few times starting in April. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The panoramic sunroof cover shade completely detached from the side tracks and the rear roller mechanism failed. When the shade is fully closed, it just sags on the sides and lets light beams leak through. The actual safety issue happens when you press the button to retract it fully away. Instead of rolling up into the headliner like it is supposed to, the fabric folds up and hangs down at the back. It creates a huge flap of loose fabric hanging all the way down to the back seat headrests, which completely blocks the view through the back glass window and eliminates rear visibility while driving. The component is available for inspection upon request. The problem has not been inspected by a dealer or independent shop yet, and there were no warning signs or symptoms before the failure happened. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | There is a cover over the bar that divides the sunroof that has come off. This is only held on with two-sided tape. It will not stay in place. After investigating this on-line, it is recommended not to move the shade without this cover in place - the bar (without the cover) could damage the fabric on the shade. This bar fell while my children were sitting the in back seat, while they were not hurt, they could have been. I have not taken this to a service center but I have seen many Ford Escape owners on-line that have complained of this problem happening. I have pictures but this page will not let me upload them. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER | My windshield wipers aren’t working properly and it causes me to not be able to see while driving which cause me to hit a curb and damage my front fender and my trunk makes a nose when I drive like it wants to pop open my car flashes warnings and then no sign of issues | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape PHEV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V789 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |