NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Escape. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. That contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the front driver’s side door. Upon inspection of the door, the contact observed that the door hinge attachment point had detached. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where an inspection confirmed that the seem weld inside the door had fractured and the door needed to be replaced. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23013 (Structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 38,584.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM SAFETY RECALL.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service Engine Soon" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown valve needed to be replaced. The unknown valve failure was related to the fuel intake. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the same valve failure. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the same failure and the vehicle was repaired again; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Started the vehicle and turned the defroster on high setting one morning to defrost the windshield with heavy frost. Car had been running about 3-4 minutes and I heard a cracking sound. I noticed a 12" crack in the middle of the windshield when the frost was melted off. The car was still parked when the windshield cracked and was not being driven due to visibility being limited by frost.
There was a brake recall on my vehicle last year. Which was supposedly repaired. I was still having issues with the brakes so I took it to the dealership for a secondary repair. They flat out told me it would not fix the problem and goes is working on it. But according to their records. The recall has been fixed. And it has not been. I have attempted repairs through the dealership twice. And my brakes are still not working properly.
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.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's side window failed to go up or roll down. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he opened the front driver's side door, and the door flew open as if there was an internal fracture. The contact also stated that he had to slam the door to close the door securely, and there were holes near the door latching point. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23013 (Structure). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rear brakes were not releasing as designed. There was an abnormal groaning sound detected while reversing. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure was approximately 17,000.
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.
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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
My car was inspected two times at the dealership for the door welds possibly cracking. The second time (a year ago) they said that I would need the entire door replaced. When I’m entering and exiting the vehicle the door shuts on me. I also live in a high wind area. The window will not go up or down without the door being open. Every time I call the dealership they forward me to their service manager ‘Jonathan’ and he never answers not returns my calls. I had been dealing with this issue for nearly three years or longer. I’m scared my door is going to fall off while I’m driving.
I have had a problem with a loud moaning noise from the brakes when placing the car in reverse. I have reported this and had my car into the Ford dealer on the following occasions: December 28, 2022, November 24, 2023, March 5, 2024, June 6, 2024 and October 16, 2024 The dealer is Tasca Ford at 900 Central Park Ave in Yonkers, N.Y 914-377-8100. I was advised that SSM 52515 was issued by Ford but that they have no solution for this problem. I also see TSB23-2308 referenced on my service receipts. I cannot believe that Ford has no solution for this problem that they have known about for at least two years. I have escalated this to Ford Corporate on November 19, 2024 and have received no response from their main office.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes made an abnormally loud sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three times. The dealer replaced the rear and front brake caliper bushings; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred while reversing the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
The contact leased a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes emitted an abnormal squealing sound. The contact stated that the failure mainly occurred while reversing. Additionally, a message indicating that the Forward Collision Avoidance camera had failed and needed to be repaired was displayed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 48,971.
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 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.
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 contact stated that while reversing, the rear brakes made abnormal sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the bushing kit for the rear brakes needed to be replaced; however, the replacement parts were on backorder. The dealer also confirmed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
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 contact was informed by the dealer that the manufacturer was only allowing dealers to order one part per week, therefore, the approximate wait time would be over 2 months. 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.
When braking in reverse, especially in the mornings, there's a horrible grinding noise. It acts as if it doesn't want to stop. Have contacted the dealership multiple times and they claim they've addressed the recall issue but it just continues. They've gotten to the point that they won't return my calls to address the issue.
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard squeaking and grinding sound coming from the brake pedal. The contact also stated that she smelled a burning odor throughout the vehicle and the vehicle hesitated and was pulling to the right. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where she received a manufacturer recall regarding the transmission fluid overflow. The vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed the transmission was two and a half quarts over the specifications. The contact stated that the dealer drained the two and a half quarts of oil however, the contact stated that she was advised not to drive the vehicle. The contact was concerned that due to the burning odor, the vehicle could possibly explode. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and a loaner vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
A sample owner letter is not available online for NHTSA-ID 22V191
"PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT PRETENSION AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY INTERNALLY FAULTED:" This caused the seat belt light to be illuminated. This was repaired free of charge by the dealership.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the brake pedal was depressed and there was an abnormal screeching noise detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed him the failure was due to the weather. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while opening the front driver's side door, the door made an abnormal popping sound. Additionally, the contact stated that the door failed to open wide enough or close securely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times and the dealer applied a lubricant to the door, and the door was adjusted; however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that the door only opened 6-8 inches wide, causing him to slide in or out when entering or exiting the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact of the door weld failure, and that the manufacturer had determined that the door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
Speed is telling me the limit is 80 when there is no speed limit like that in the area and the speed limit actually is 45. Steering wheel keeps telling me to put my hands on the wheel when both hands are on the wheel.
Breaks make a grinding sound when backing out
I just had it in the shop. The car acts like there is going to be a collision when nothing is in front of it. Also try’s to pull me off the road. Been computer and electrical issues since I bought the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V922000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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.
Rear brakes consistently make groaning sound while reversing when the car sits for any more than an hour. Even on hot sunny days with low humidity. Many owners have same issues: https://www.fordescape.org/threads/break-noise-in-reverse.119862/
The car smells like gas on the inside. Ford says no codes so no issue. Started when 15000 miles on ur and ur still smells like gas with 21000 miles on it. Ford can’t seem to find the issue after being in shop 3 weeks.
When I back up my car makes a squealing/groaning noise. I was told my ford it has nothing to do with the brakes and it’s safe to drive. Every time I back up it makes this noise whether when my foot is on or off the brake. It’s very frustrating that there isn’t apparently a fix for it.
Drivers side “Door Check/Hinge”. Originally, the door made several loud “popping” noises and was hard to open/shut. Eventually, it wouldn’t shut properly. Vehicle repaired and then traded later. Drivers side door had the risk of coming off or not shutting completely. Yes. Yes. No. First appeared in April ‘22
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, he became aware that the Back Over Protection camera was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to replicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,618. The contact has stated that when a pedestrian or a vehicle is in view of the back up camera, there is no warning signal to alert them.
My time time has almost caused me to pass various stop signs and red lights as well as rear end vehicles in front of me who stop abruptly due to increase traffic in my area for summer. The brakes also squeak terribly. I need this repaired ASAP before I cause an accident and Ford still has yet to provide the parts to complete the repairs and this is my only vehicle. I have had the vehicle less then a year
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving in reverse, a loud grinding sound was present while depressing the brake pedal without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to have the brake rotors, brake pads, and brake calipers replaced; however, the parts for the repair remained unavailable. The contact also stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, an abnormal rattling sound was coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 4,000.
Brakes failed and vehicle was totaled
It was a four month old car. I was driving and the engine coolant light came on. I traveled an additional 1/4 of a mile and another driver pulled up next to me and said that my car was on fire. I pulled off to the side of the road, and within about a minute, the entire car was engulfed in flames. I was fortunate to get out of the vehicle uninjured, and I promptly notified the deal of what had happened.
Passenger wiper arm comes loose and does not maintain position, causing wiper to either not work at all or misalign and cross the driver side wiper. Result is impaired visibility. Both episodes occurred in winter weather. Have had two episodes so far (1/12/22, 2/11/22) both requiring dealer service to re-align wipers to factory spec and tighten. On 2/11/22 both wipers became entangled during freeway driving, destroying both wiper blades and causing dangerous driving conditions due to poor visibility in rainy conditions. On 1/12/12 the dealer's service adviser showed owner location of the screw that holds wiper, and advised that when it comes loose, here's how to tighten it then come to dealer for it to be returned to factory spec. On 2/11/22 the dealer's service tech blamed driver for using windshield wipers "with powerful motors" when it is rainy/icy outside.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing, there was a loud screeching sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an unstated service on the vehicle, but the failure persisted. No further information was available. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed of an Extended Service Warranty however, the vehicle was not included. The failure mileage was 1,500.