Makes›Ford›Escape›2021

2021 Ford Escape

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Ford Escape
Pictured: 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid SEL AWD in Oxford White, front left. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 1.5l AWD, 4dr SUV 1.5l FWD, 4dr SUV 2.0l AWD, 4dr SUV 2.5l Hybrid AWD
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl, 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Transmission
8-speed automatic, CVT
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
41 combined · 44 city / 38 hwy
Length
180.7 in
Curb weight
3,298–3,885 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
21 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 41 MPG combined — 55% better than the average 2021 small SUV (26.4 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints498 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 144 for similar models — most often about the structure:body.
  • 21 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Ford Escape is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 1.5L 3-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive, part-time 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 181 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,464 lb (4dr SUV 1.5l AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 41 MPG combined (44 city / 38 highway), 55% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $1,650 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 21 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 498 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.

What changed for 2021

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Escape — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Escape →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–1.5L 3-cyl
Engine–2.5L 4-cyl hybrid
Transmission8-speed automatic · CVT
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

SESELTitanium FHEV

Safety & driver-assist features

Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlSome trims
Parking assistSome trims
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Louisville, Kentucky

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Escape configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 1.5l AWD180.7 in74 in66.1 in106.7 in62.6 / 61.8 in3,464 lb58/42
4dr SUV 1.5l FWD180.7 in74 in66.1 in106.7 in62.6 / 61.8 in3,298 lb59/41
4dr SUV 2.0l AWD180.7 in74 in66.1 in106.7 in62.6 / 61.8 in3,552 lb58/42
4dr SUV 2.5l Hybrid AWD180.7 in74 in66.1 in106.7 in62.6 / 61.8 in3,706 lb58/42
4dr SUV 2.5l Hybrid FWD180.7 in74 in66.1 in106.7 in62.6 / 61.8 in3,554 lb59/41
4dr SUV 2.5l PHEV AWD180.7 in74 in66.1 in106.7 in62.6 / 61.8 in3,885 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Escape FWD HEV Hybrid2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive44 / 37 / 41+55%$1,650220
Escape AWD HEV Hybrid2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive43 / 37 / 40+67%$1,700224
Escape FWD PHEV Plug-in Hybrid2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive43 / 38 / 40+52%$1,70077
Escape FWD1.5L 3-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 34 / 30+14%$2,250293
Escape AWD1.5L 3-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive26 / 31 / 28+17%$2,400318
Escape AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive23 / 31 / 26+9%$2,600342
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $6,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.4 MPG2021 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Ford Escape SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.4%
2021 Ford Escape SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 Ford Escape SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2021 Ford Escape SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2021 Ford Escape SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2021 Ford Escape SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Ford Escape (this car)41 MPG★★★★★21
2021 Toyota RAV440 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime38 MPGNot rated4
2021 Honda CR-V38 MPG★★★★★5
2021 Toyota 4Runner17 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Hyundai Tucson25 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Subaru Forester29 MPG★★★★★0

Recalls (21)

Back Over Prevention › Software · Mar 3, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V123000 · 889,950 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor · Mar 3, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V117000 · 604,533 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
Risk
Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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 November 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.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge And Attachments · Dec 1, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V829000 · 108,762 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape vehicles. The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.
Risk
A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Nov 14, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V789000 · 20,558 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Risk
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.
Fix
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. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2026. 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.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater · Oct 10, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V685000 · 59,006 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Risk
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
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 December 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System · Jul 11, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V467000 · 694,271 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
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.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Jun 27, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · 200,237 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Engine · May 23, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V345000 · 1,809 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System · Mar 14, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V165000 · 33,576 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22V-859 or 24V-187. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery › Management System/Energy Control Module (Bms/Becm) · Dec 20, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V954000 · 20,484 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape, and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Nov 8, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V852000 · 27,678 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · May 10, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V330000 · 9,312 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
Risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Engine · May 26, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V380000 · 125,322 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System · Nov 18, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V859000 · 521,746 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
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.
Structure › Body › Bumpers › Active Shutters/Grill · Jul 7, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V484000 · 100,689 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication · Mar 25, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V191000 · 345,451 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.
Risk
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
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.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Mar 11, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V149000 · 3 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Corsair and 2021-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Hybrid powertrain. The high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.
Risk
A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · Feb 24, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V109000 · 155 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Nov 23, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V922000 · 114,666 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles. The rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Nov 10, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V869000 · 1 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling one 2021 Escape vehicle equipped with a 2.5L hybrid powertrain. The high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.
Risk
A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump › Control/Drive Module · Aug 10, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V625000 · 13,773 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles. The fuel delivery module may leak inside the fuel tank, causing low fuel pressure which could result in an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Ford Escape is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

498Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
12Involved a crash
11Involved a fire
8Injuries reported
39,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Structure › Body92
Engine88
Unknown Or Other77
Power Train60
Electrical System58
Service Brakes49
Fuel System, Gasoline46
Fuel/Propulsion System39
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 724/12: 625/01: 925/02: 725/03: 925/04: 1125/05: 625/06: 425/07: 825/08: 525/09: 925/10: 825/11: 625/12: 726/01: 826/02: 726/03: 1126/04: 1526/05: 1426/06: 1826/07: 1626/08: 1026/09: 1326/10: 624/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 18

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Ford Escape buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 21 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Structure › Body — 92 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  3. Engine — 88 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Power Train — 60 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 39,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Escape. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Escape years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Escape40180.7 inNot rated34
2025 Escape40180.7 inNot rated1031
2024 Escape39180.7 in★★★★★1088
2023 Escape40180.7 in★★★★★13138
2022 Escape41180.7 in★★★★★21386
2020 Escape41180.7 in★★★★★251,908
2019 Escape26178.7 in★★★★★3597
2018 Escape26178.7 in★★★★★41,822
2017 Escape26178.7 in★★★★★42,702
2016 Escape26178.7 inNot rated41,170
2015 Escape26178.7 inNot rated91,131
2014 Escape26178.7 inNot rated162,023

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →