2021 Ford Escape Hybrid: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 121 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (30% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 6 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Feb 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 121 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Seatbelt locks in position on the passenger side. Must stop car let seatbelt retract all the way and reattach seatbelt. Dealer wanted $225 to diagnose problem if they could not find and/or duplicate issue.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2026
“While driving the vehicle it lost power and all the check lights came on. Had to have it towed to a dealership where they stated it needed a new motor and new high voltage battery. The car has only 116000 miles on it. There should be a total recall for this type of vehicle if I would have been at a higher speed I would have injured myself or others. This car is riddled with problems and has over 19 recalls as of date.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2026
“The fuel door actuator malfunctioned, rendering the emergency release ineffective. This necessitated a replacement at 30,000 miles or four years from the manufacturing date. We believe that an inoperable fuel door presents a significant safety concern.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was parked on the side of the road and was later towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was serviced by the dealer. No further information was available. The contact stated that after retrieving the vehicle, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and erroneously accelerated into an intersection. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2026
“The display screen goes black and freezes for long periods and during navigation use; Reverse camera is black or doesn't display; FordPass doesn't connect”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2025
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact was informed at a State Inspection that the gateway module had failed and needed to be replaced to complete the State Inspection. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the gateway module was updated. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 22N15. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied reimbursement for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 14,300. A complaint was filed with the manufacturer as well as the NHTSA.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2025
“My engine failed while driving. Towed to Ford dealership, found out about recall 23S27. Symptoms were the EXACT same but ford is refusing to cover warranty repairs because they said it did not throw the proper code. However ford has offered to cover half of the engine replacement, leaving me with a $4000 bill. Do I have any options? Is there a system of checks and balances that assures that ford is doing everything correctly on their end?”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2025
“Door fails to stay open. Closed on my leg and caused bruising. Window will not close once open. Dealer has known of problem for two months but says there is no one locally to fix it.”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2025
“From the Ford website: "Power window switch chrome tip replacement Campaign/NHTSA# 22N17 Issue Date 2023-05-16" The tips peeled off and I get cuts on my fingers. Ford dealership, Golf Mill Ford in Niles IL, informed me this is a VIN specific issue and I needed to file this claim. Please advise.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2025
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and at various speeds, the cruise control and several other features failed to activate. The contact stated that the air bag indicator and a message that the rear seat monitor default warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined to replace the driver's side seat belt buckle. The vehicle was not repaired because the dealer was waiting for the part to be received. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,500.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape Hybrid vehicles. The engine crankshaft may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the crankshaft and replace the engine, as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed March 2, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S10.
How other years compare
Check your exact Escape Hybrid by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA has 121 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid. The most complained-about area is structure (30% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 37,600 miles or less.
Does the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.