Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Structure:body — runs 4.6× the fleet median for that category across the 1176 model-years tracked on this site.
324Complaints
19Recalls
9Crashes
9Fires
5Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Structure:body (19.8% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Structure:body complaints here are 4.6× the median for that category across the 1176 model-years tracked on this site.
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 324 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery:management System/energy Control Module (bms/becm)
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“The door has spot wells I believe 6 total. 2 of them so far have come undone. It is the welds for the bracket that…”NHTSA complaint 11571090 — filed 02/09/2024 · STRUCTURE:BODY
“Driver door hinge is not welded properly and when driving door opens”NHTSA complaint 11569098 — filed 01/31/2024 · STRUCTURE:BODY
“This is 1 of 3 2020 - 2021 Ford Escapes that my company owns and is affected by this known issue with NHTSA and Ford…”NHTSA complaint 11564725 — filed 01/10/2024 · STRUCTURE:BODY
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Escape?
Structure:body issues are the most-reported category, cited in 64 of 324 NHTSA complaints (19.8%), followed by unspecified/other issues (55), fuel system, gasoline (41), service brakes (40). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2021 Ford Escape have?
324 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 9 involved a crash, 9 involved a fire, and 5 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2021 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes — 19 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V869000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2021 Ford Escape's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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