Complaint volume
304 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
304 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Ford Escape, grouped by component category.
304 Total complaints
9 Crash reports
8 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, 8 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 69 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 38,675 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
8 Fire
5 Injury
0 Fatality
12 Towed
2 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Ford Escape complaint categories?
STRUCTURE 73
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 34
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 25
SERVICE BRAKES 23
POWER TRAIN 17
ENGINE 13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 9
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 7
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6
304 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2023 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated the driver-side window failed to operate properly (open or close). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | STRUCTURE | When opened the driver side door on July 29, 2023 my door made a horrible popping noise that is continuing every time I open or close the driver side door. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | STRUCTURE | The door weld on the door is causing it to pop when you open and close the door. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | STRUCTURE | In the fall of 2022, the driver door on my 2021 Ford Escape would not close properly and I took to the Ford Dealership as I told them it felt unsafe as I felt the door wanted to fall off when driving as the door was physically moving in and out. They laughed at me and said that would never happen. After two visits, they realized the weld had broken on the door and said they would order a new one. They said they had never seen that on a passenger vehicle. It took 12 weeks for the door to arrive and they first said they would cover the rental vehicle and then came back the next day and said they would not cover a rental vehicle even when I said I felt unsafe driving it. So I kept driving it because it was my only vehicle. Ford Corporate tried to charge me $571.00 to pay for my part of the repair. They also dismissed that it was a larger problem. I have documentation regarding these interactions. The dealer stepped in and covered my portion of the repair. After they replaced the door, I reported the door appeared to be falling of the hinges and they investigated and said because they do not replace doors at the dealership often, they improperly installed the door as one of the hinge bolts was already missing. In April, 2023, I traded my 2021 Escape in for a 2022 Escape as I did not feel safe because of the door and the dealer agreed. It cost an additional $5,000 to get out of the lease, but it was worth my safety. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Ford is not recalling their ford escape and broncos. I tired to get my state inspection done at two places for my 2021 ford escape and was told that they can not connect to the system due to faulty programs from ford. I was told to go to ford and they wanted ti charge me $199.99 to update the faulty software. They said it is a known problem and ford isn’t/hasn’t recalled it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES | 2021 escape purchased on 10/12/21. By the end of October my vehicle began stalling while driving. The transmission was unable to change gears when the vehicle was accelerating or decelerating. While making a right turn my vehicle almost stalled out in front of the oncoming traffic but at the last minute the car accelerated. Next the vehicle started jerking when placed in reverse. When put in reverse a loud grinding sound and jolting / jumping would occur. The jolt and noise sounded and felt like someone had rear ended the vehicle the moment it was placed in reverse. On 11/6/21 while sitting in traffic I smelled something burning and it seemed to be coming from under my hood. Once I arrived to my destination I opened my hood and looked for any signs of a fire /burning but didn’t notice anything unusual. No warnings were displayed on my vehicle so I brushed it off. Finally on 11/18/21 at 2,965 miles my vehicles powertrain failed. After starting my vehicle and putting it in reverse a loud grinding sound and jump occurred. Once in drive the vehicle began to jerk and had difficulty accelerating. By the time I exited the parking lot a power train failure notice was displayed. Ford replaced the transmission and everything was obviously under warranty. The Ford Pass service record stated the following services were performed: transmission, clutch, axel, other. It is my understanding the entire transmission was replaced. These issues were and still are very concerning given the fact a brand new car experienced power train failure after 2,965 miles. 6/15/23: brakes are ridiculously loud when braking in reverse, brakes make grinding/ scrubbing sound, black break dust on back rims, oh and a new recall for possible fuel injector crack. Rather than addressing the actual fuel injector problem Ford will install a drainage tube to divert fuel away from the engine (*if/ when the fuel injector cracks) and add engenie software to alert drivers when fuel rail pressure has dropped. | Crash: No Fire: No | 2,965 |
| Jun 2023 | STRUCTURE | At 38,000 miles I got into my car and it started making a popping noise on my drivers side door when opening it and closing it. After further inspection, I cannot put my window down and I am met with resistance whenever trying to open or close it. This poses safety concerns in the event of a car crash. Apparently this is not a recall item at this time and I am awaiting my dealership to even see if it’s covered as it is past 36,000 miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | SUSPENSION | I was driving and turned right and the issue started. Pulled over to a safe place and notice d rear wheel bracket was broken. Towed to dealer. The dealer insisted I hit something I did not. The car has less than 8600 miles. I could not believe this was not covered under warranty. In addition, the fuel injection recall there are no parts available and waiting list. I am trading the car in as this is the second time the car has broken down on the roadside. I no longer feel safe in the vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES | I bought my 2021 Ford Escape in June 2021 new. Shortly after I bought it, I started to hear a really loud screeching sound, very similar to a train coming to a screeching halt, whenever I reversed my car. I brought it into an Illinois ford dealership and they said nothing was wrong with it. Shortly thereafter, I received a notice in the mail about a warranty for the back brakes. Thinking that I solved my issue, I brought my car into a different dealership in Michigan and had them fix the brake pads. To my dismay and frustration, the brakes still made the terrible sound. I asked the folks why it was still making that sound and they said it was normal. A car backing up should never make that sound. Not only is it terrible sounding but it seems like a major safety concern. The Michigan dealership said that the brakes can make a squealing noise anytime their is condensation on the brake pads, mainly due to the fact that the brakes/brake pads have some sort of metal material in them. I decided to move up the food chain and call the corporate ford office but they couldn’t help me either. Which brought me to filing a formal complaint and seeing what you all can do to help me out. There are several folks out their on the internet that are having the same loud squealing noise as me and are being told it is “nothing wrong.” But a normal car SHOULD NOT BE making those sounds. Please let me know if you can assist. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES | since I have owned this SUV the break has been bad I have taken it in with no help from ford now the weld on my drive side door has broken away from the frame. ford has told me that there nothing they can do about it, and I have to pay for the repairs. i have had the car for 2 1/2 years and i have read on line that this has happen to a lot of people | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | ENGINE | No incident, but complaint regarding Ford's untimely correction of safety recall 22S73, NHTSA Recall 22V859. Recall notice sent in January 2023; thus far Ford (Woody Anderson Ford, Huntsville, AL) is totally noncommittal in terms of a likely correction date. Based upon data from this Ford dealership, corrective action could be as late as Fall/Winter 2023. Ford should be responsible for allotting adequate resources to this safety issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Received two notices that their is a recall on my Ford Escape. Scheduled the recall with the Ford dealership. the dealership said there is a waiting list, and they only receive 10 parts a month to replace the recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | The vehicle still has not been serviced due to the dealerships informing me that they do not have the parts even though I received notice that the parts were in stock. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I have called the place where I’ve bought my car several times to see if they could get the recall fixed yet, they keep saying they do not currently have the parts yet but I have read where the parts should now be available. I have been waiting several months for this issue to be fixed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | SUSPENSION | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was being inspected at a local dealer for a State Inspection, the contact was informed that the front passenger’s side tire needed to be replaced, and that both rear shocks were leaking. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic and was informed that the rear shocks should not be leaking at the age of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,513. The contact communicated the issue with the right driver window not going up sometimes when I press on the button. Now it is making a serious popping sound. | Crash: No Fire: No | 41,513 |
| Apr 2023 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and a second dealer, Bill Brown Ford (32222 Plymouth Rd, Livonia, MI 48150), were 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 had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the shutter deflectors to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300. | Crash: No Fire: No | 300 |
| Apr 2023 | SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES | Bought my 2021 Ford Escape a year ago, since a month after purchase, grinding noises Only when backing up, rain or shine or cold or hot. Getting worse within this year. Brought in 3-4 times, every time mechanic said nothing was wrong it was normal for this type of vehicle. Brought a few months ago to a different (not dealership) mechanic something Not right and needs fixing asap. Also noted crack and leaking from suspension! Dealership not willing to help, if my kids and I get into an accident because of this and a death or major injury shall occur , this will never be the end.! This has to stop! Treat cars like family please, because mine are in it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V922000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issues. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | ENGINE | FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM SAFETY RECALL. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle could be repaired in October 2023. 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. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (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. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES | The braking system is extremely choppy and sensitive and even after having the car almost a year I have been unable to master it. I have a plug in feature for my insurance purposes and it goes off 7-10 times that I break because of the sensitivity of the brakes. I’ve owned many vehicles and I’ve never had issues such as these to the extent I’ve told others I would NOT recommend this car to anyone! The steering is also very sensitive so much so that I fear one emergency shift would easily send the car out of control of rolling. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |