2021 FORD ESCAPE — Owner-Reported Problems

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-08-22 472 complaints · 21 recalls
Most-reported system: STRUCTURE (112 complaints · 23.7%)
Safety signals:
  • Crashes 12
  • Fires 11
  • Injuries 8
  • Deaths 0
Compare with 2020 →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Component Problem Distribution

Share of owner complaints filed for each vehicle system (unaffected by sales volume)

Component Problem Distribution STRUCTURE appears in 112 of 472 owner complaints (23.7%) in this vehicle snapshot. STRUCTURE: 112 complaints, 23.7% of reports STRUCTURE 112 · 23.7% · 1 fire reports ENGINE: 58 complaints, 12.3% of reports ENGINE 58 · 12.3% · 2 crash reports 3 fire reports FUEL SYSTEM: 56 complaints, 11.9% of reports FUEL SYSTEM 56 · 11.9% · 3 fire reports POWER TRAIN: 41 complaints, 8.7% of reports POWER TRAIN 41 · 8.7% · 1 crash reports SERVICE BRAKES: 39 complaints, 8.3% of reports SERVICE BRAKES 39 · 8.3% · 2 crash reports ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 34 complaints, 7.2% of reports ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 34 · 7.2% · 2 crash reports VISIBILITY: 17 complaints, 3.6% of reports VISIBILITY 17 · 3.6% FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: 8 complaints, 1.7% of reports FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 8 · 1.7% · 1 crash reports SEAT BELTS: 6 complaints, 1.3% of reports SEAT BELTS 6 · 1.3% UNKNOWN OR OTHER: 240 complaints, 50.9% of reports UNKNOWN OR OTHER 240 · 50.9% · 4 crash reports 6 fire reports 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER is an NHTSA classification artifact and is always listed last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
STRUCTURE 112 23.7% 0 crashes · 1 fires
ENGINE 58 12.3% 2 crashes · 3 fires
FUEL SYSTEM 56 11.9% 0 crashes · 3 fires
POWER TRAIN 41 8.7% 1 crashes · 0 fires
SERVICE BRAKES 39 8.3% 2 crashes · 0 fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 34 7.2% 2 crashes · 0 fires
VISIBILITY 17 3.6% 0 crashes · 0 fires
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 8 1.7% 1 crashes · 0 fires
SEAT BELTS 6 1.3% 0 crashes · 0 fires
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 240 50.9% 4 crashes · 6 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-08-22 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Problem & Recall Timeline

Observed complaint volume and manufacturer recall actions over time

Problem & Recall Timeline Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Apr 2021; the first recall shown was reported in Aug 2021. 2021-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2021-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2021-Q4: 7 owner reports 7 2022-Q1: 21 owner reports 21 2022-Q2: 11 owner reports 11 2022-Q3: 20 owner reports 20 2022-Q4: 5 owner reports 5 2023-Q1: 22 owner reports 22 2023-Q2: 19 owner reports 19 2023-Q3: 34 owner reports 34 2023-Q4: 45 owner reports 45 2024-Q1: 42 owner reports 42 2024-Q2: 25 owner reports 25 2024-Q3: 15 owner reports 15 2024-Q4: 20 owner reports 20 2025-Q1: 24 owner reports 24 2025-Q2: 21 owner reports 21 2025-Q3: 22 owner reports 22 2025-Q4: 21 owner reports 21 2026-Q1: 26 owner reports 26 2026-Q2: 46 owner reports 46 2026-Q3: 21 owner reports 21 Owner reports Apr 2021 Jul 2026 Recall campaign 21V625000 ◆ Recall campaign 21V625000 Recall campaign 21V869000 ◆ Recall campaign 21V869000 Recall campaign 21V922000 ◆ Recall campaign 21V922000 Recall campaign 22V109000 ◆ Recall campaign 22V109000 Recall campaign 22V149000 ◆ Recall campaign 22V149000 Recall campaign 22V191000 ◆ Recall campaign 22V191000 Recall campaign 22V484000 ◆ Recall campaign 22V484000 Recall campaign 22V859000 ◆ Recall campaign 22V859000 Recall campaign 23V380000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V380000 Recall campaign 24V330000 ◆ Recall campaign 24V330000 Recall campaign 24V852000 ◆ Recall campaign 24V852000 Recall campaign 24V954000 ◆ Recall campaign 24V954000 Recall campaign 25V165000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V165000 Recall campaign 25V345000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V345000 Recall campaign 25V442000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V442000 Recall campaign 25V467000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V467000 Recall campaign 25V685000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V685000 Recall campaign 25V789000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V789000 Recall campaign 25V829000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V829000 Recall campaign 26V117000 ◆ Recall campaign 26V117000 Recall campaign 26V123000 ◆ Recall campaign 26V123000 Investigation AQ22002 ● Investigation AQ22002 Investigation DP22005 ● Investigation DP22005 Investigation PE23013 ● Investigation PE23013 Investigation PE23013 ● Investigation PE23013
  • Campaign 21V625000 was reported 14 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 22V109000 was reported 220 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 22V149000 was reported 46 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 22V191000 was reported 249 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 22V859000 was reported 479 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 24V330000 was reported 1,073 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 24V852000 was reported 1,234 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 24V954000 was reported 1,061 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V165000 was reported 1,326 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V442000 was reported 1,191 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V467000 was reported 1,445 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V685000 was reported 1,570 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V789000 was reported 1,390 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V829000 was reported 1,622 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 26V117000 was reported 1,477 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 26V123000 was reported 1,440 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2021-Q2 Owner reports 2
2021-Q3 Owner reports 3
2021-Q4 Owner reports 7
2022-Q1 Owner reports 21
2022-Q2 Owner reports 11
2022-Q3 Owner reports 20
2022-Q4 Owner reports 5
2023-Q1 Owner reports 22
2023-Q2 Owner reports 19
2023-Q3 Owner reports 34
2023-Q4 Owner reports 45
2024-Q1 Owner reports 42
2024-Q2 Owner reports 25
2024-Q3 Owner reports 15
2024-Q4 Owner reports 20
2025-Q1 Owner reports 24
2025-Q2 Owner reports 21
2025-Q3 Owner reports 22
2025-Q4 Owner reports 21
2026-Q1 Owner reports 26
2026-Q2 Owner reports 46
2026-Q3 Owner reports 21
Recall campaign 1 21V625000
Recall campaign 1 21V869000
Recall campaign 1 21V922000
Recall campaign 1 22V109000
Recall campaign 1 22V149000
Recall campaign 1 22V191000
Recall campaign 1 22V484000
Recall campaign 1 22V859000
Recall campaign 1 23V380000
Recall campaign 1 24V330000
Recall campaign 1 24V852000
Recall campaign 1 24V954000
Recall campaign 1 25V165000
Recall campaign 1 25V345000
Recall campaign 1 25V442000
Recall campaign 1 25V467000
Recall campaign 1 25V685000
Recall campaign 1 25V789000
Recall campaign 1 25V829000
Recall campaign 1 26V117000
Recall campaign 1 26V123000
Defect investigation 1 AQ22002
Defect investigation 1 DP22005
Defect investigation 1 PE23013
Defect investigation 1 PE23013
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-08-22 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Safety Recalls (21)

Official safety recall campaigns filed with NHTSA

  1. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 21V625000

    Report date
    Component:
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Consequence:
    An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters (remedy not available) were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S38.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 21V869000

    Report date
    Component:
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Consequence:
    A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    A dealer will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. The owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S48.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 21V922000

    Report date
    Component:
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Consequence:
    During certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 22V109000

    Report date
    Component:
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Consequence:
    Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  5. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 22V149000

    Report date
    Component:
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Consequence:
    A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S48.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  6. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 22V191000

    Report date
    Component:
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Consequence:
    An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  7. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 22V484000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S47.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  8. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 22V859000

    Report date
    Component:
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Consequence:
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22V-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-191 will need to have the new remedy performed.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  9. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 23V380000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace the engine long-block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S27. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V-484. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V-484 will need to have the new remedy completed.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  10. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 24V330000

    Report date
    Component:
    POWER TRAIN
    Consequence:
    A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  11. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 24V852000

    Report date
    Component:
    EQUIPMENT
    Consequence:
    Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  12. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 24V954000

    Report date
    Component:
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Consequence:
    Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S79.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  13. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 25V165000

    Report date
    Component:
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Consequence:
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S21.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  14. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 25V345000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  15. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 25V442000

    Report date
    Component:
    BACK OVER PREVENTION
    Consequence:
    A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  16. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 25V467000

    Report date
    Component:
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Consequence:
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the engine control software. In addition, dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors, free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165 will need to have the new final remedy performed once it is available.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  17. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 25V685000

    Report date
    Component:
    EQUIPMENT
    Consequence:
    An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  18. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 25V789000

    Report date
    Component:
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Consequence:
    Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the battery energy control module (BECM) and hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM), free of charge. Owners are advised to only use "Auto EV" mode and will be instructed by mail to limit the maximum charge of the battery until the remedy has been completed. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, and instructions to limit the maximum charge of the battery were mailed December 8, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC4. Vehicles in this recall were previously recalled under 24V954 and will need to have the new remedy performed. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 18, 2025.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  19. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 25V829000

    Report date
    Component:
    STRUCTURE
    Consequence:
    A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  20. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 26V117000

    Report date
    Component:
    VISIBILITY
    Consequence:
    Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  21. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 26V123000

    Report date
    Component:
    BACK OVER PREVENTION
    Consequence:
    An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Complaint Narrative Explorer

Verbatim owner-reported defect narratives from NHTSA public records

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-08-21
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EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Data sourced from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Snapshot date: 2026-08-21.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources