general problems of the 2021 Ford Escape - part 1

Following up on Nov 20,2025 manufacturer recall number25sc4 NHTSA recall number25v789 recall statusrecall incomplete, remedy not yet available this recall has been out for 7 months - no remedy yet. We are not able to use our phev to the extgent is was designed.

While vehicle is set on cruise control , set at 70 mph , ( or set to any other speed) , anytime the speed limit changes to 80 mph (or other change) car accelerates and cruise control is set to 100 mph . It also accelerates and resets to 90 -100 mph at random . It is frightening and dangerous to have my car randomly accelerate. I have attempted to pass a vehicle, when my car randomly accelerates to 100 mph . This is very dangerous and can happen at any random time . The lane assist is also dangerous when car can not see lines separating lanes . I have had my car jerk the wheel when I was detoured through construction. I am very concerned with my car accelerating. Not only does it leave me vulnerable to receiving a speeding ticket , it also increases the likelihood of hitting an object or having an accident.

On xxx I was driving my 2021 Ford Escape for 10 minutes before I stopped at sheetz gas station on [xxx]. I ran into the building to withdraw cash from the atm leaving my fiance and dog in the car while it sat idle. Upon exiting the building about 30 seconds to a minute later, I witnessed smoke coming up from the hood of my car. My fiance and dog quickly evacuated the car as we saw flames emerging. I ran inside to get assistance from the workers and they brought out fire extinguishers. The attempt to extinguish the flames was unsuccessful and the front of the car quickly went up. Police and fire department were called and they showed up about 10 minutes later to handle the situation. Reports from the officer, fire department and the sheetz assistant were taken. I do not have access to those. My car insurance is covering the cost of the vehicle and a 7 day car rental. They are not covering the loss of both mine and my fiance's cell phones. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape phev. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v789 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.  the 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.

My windshield wipers aren’t working properly and it causes me to not be able to see while driving which cause me to hit a curb and damage my front fender and my trunk makes a nose when I drive like it wants to pop open my car flashes warnings and then no sign of issues.

Hello I am so sick of the recall on the high voltage battery. When I first got in in April of last year it had 126 miles on it and was told by [xxx] at the time and Ford auffenburg used cars that it had no recalls at all. Low and behold months later after charging the plug in portion found out there was a recall and I couldn't plug it in which was the reason I bought it. So I had no choice mostly it was sitting until I had to travel for funeral services not local to me. Then there was a fix for the recall only to find out its a software patch they don't replace the battery knowing there is a defect in the high voltage battery confirmed. So now the same issue just new number there is a second recall on it again and not to plug it in. Since then it has 138800 on it now. Because I have to get some where but I stay local. At this point I just want a buy back I am tired of dealing with it and now there are two more recalls concerning a wiper motor and something to do with sync screen update. I can't afford to have them contstantly diagnose this issue. I am tired of trying to deal with auffenburg in general on these issues I had to get them to program the computer just to do emmisions in illinois. All I want it a buy back so I can pick something else. The first recall was 24s79 now its 25sc4/25v789 this car has been nothing but recall on the high voltage battery. It's a bad safety issue and really want to get rid of it. Thee have been a few times taking it down the street I lost power in hybrid normal running mode. It's just scary I had no control in the wheel information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v789000 (electrical system) and 26v123000 (back over prevention) and 26v117000 (visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

I am filing this safety complaint on behalf of myself and my wife, [xxx] , the primary driver of our 2021 Ford Escape phev, with active under recall 25sc4 (no remedy available). The vehicle has experienced 8+ sudden complete shutdowns during normal driving since February 2026, always during ev-to-hybrid mode transition, always without prior warning. The only warning is a brief sound like air escaping immediately before shutdown. At shutdown: engine cuts completely, steering wheel locks rigid and cannot be turned, brake pedal locks hard and cannot be depressed, gear selector locks in drive and cannot be changed. The driver has zero ability to steer, brake, or move the vehicle. Must activate hazards and wait 1-5 minutes for restart while immobilized in an active traffic lane. Incidents occurred: (1) February 2026: multiple times, dealer retained vehicle 5 days, found nothing. (2) early April 2026: multiple times, including one witnessed by a police officer who directed traffic around immobilized vehicle. Dealer kept 3 days, blamed the original Ford-supplied charger. Replacement did not fix defect. (3) may 1, 2026: 4 times in one day with my wife only in the car, including on the dolphin [xxx] near miami int [xxx] 3:30pm Friday rush hour, with our [xxx] child in the vehicle on thr [xxx] r occasions. Ford's own recall documentation states steering and braking remain functional during shutdown. This is directly contradicted by our firsthand experience. Both are completely inoperable. Dealer on second attempt blamed original Ford-supplied charger — replacement did not resolve defect. This vehicle is subject to active class action [xxx] et al. V. Ford motor company (case xxx). Formal warranty demand letter sent to Ford motor company via certified mail under magnuson-moss warranty act simultaneously with this complaint. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Vehicle headlights constantly dimming in and out, replaced alternator and battery, problem still persisted if not worse than before. Vehicle constantly struggles to accelerate once at running temperature, high revs and doesn't accelerate at all, vehicle experienced complete power loss after approaching red light, vehicle restarted but showed severe signs of power deficiency.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 25v789000 (electrical system), 25v829000 (structure), 26v123000 (back over prevention) and 26v117000 (visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Passenger rear window would not go up, we got it fixed. We also have a second 2021 Ford Escape with the same problem.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle shut off and lost electrical power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the high voltage battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the recall repair for NHTSA campaign number: 25v789000 (electrical system); was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

The entire dashboard/infotainment interface will lose power suddenly. The car will struggle to start, and have an emissions or evap code, and there's a smell from the engine sometimes, that leaks into the cabin, which the cabin has bad thermoregulation, and cold air seeps in quick. Also I've driven on the highway and have had all the steering and power stop all at once! the headlights also keep getting popped or burnt out.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle for the state inspection, the contact was informed that the gateway module of the vehicle was not communicating, preventing the inspection from being performed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the gateway module needed to be reprogrammed. The contact was informed that a fee would be charged for repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford campaign number: 22n15 (gateway module reprogramming for inspection and maintenance (I/m) testing); however, the manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the campaign. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 45,160.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being emissions tested, the contact was informed that the obd port was inoperable, and the emissions test was unable to be performed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed obd port. The contact was informed that the obd port needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under an unknown recall or warranty. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed, and the case was denied. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,702.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v954000 (electrical system); 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 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.

Rear passenger window failed two different times, we have gotten it fixed. Now today the rear driver window will not go up or move.

Vehicle will completely cut off when stopped at lights sometimes. And I have to turn off vehicle and restart it to get vehicle going again.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v954000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet 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 and informed the contact that a second notice would be mailed when parts were available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

I was driving my 2021 Ford Escape, that I have not yet owned for four years, that I purchased brand new from a Ford dealership. I was driving to work just as I do on a typical morning at interstate speeds, when suddenly, the car refused to upshift, slipping gears. The car became jerky. I tried to accelerate back up to speed. The car was not moving and the rpm reading shot into the red. I see a large vehicle approaching me, and I begin to feel terror that I could become the victim of a car crash, due to a faulty Ford transmission! this moment was psychologically damaging, as I feared for my life. Eventually, the car regained speed slowly and I continued on my way. Then, at stoplights, the car continued to jerk and shift gears. Once I reached my destination, the car slammed into park, throwing me toward the steering wheel. My husband towed my car home. It has been taken to a local dealership where I received a quote for a new transmission and an oil leak repair, totaling over $11,000. This car at trade-in value is worth a similar amount. The transmission fluid was tested and found to be burnt and containing traces of metal in the fluid. The dealership has been helpful in diagnosing the repair. But from Ford, this low-standard is unacceptable. I could have been killed, injured, and caused harm to others due to this faulty transmission. I have reason to believe based on a class action lawsuit that took place in March of 2024, Ford knowingly placed faulty parts and transmissions into Ford Escape models that were produced from 2009-2021. I have called Ford corporate. They offered little to no empathy, offering a small amount of assistance, which was highly disappointing.

I was leaving work and my 2021 Ford Escape hybrid started but then a triangle warning light came on, a "stop safely now" warning appeared and the car shut off. There were no problems prior to this event. I had the vehicle towed to a Ford dealership in February where they replaced the 12v battery and the machine needed to diagnose the electrical issue was down. Yesterday I finally got news that it was firing code p0de6 and the hybrid battery needs replaced as well. There have been several recalls related to hybrid batteries with these same warning indicators, however my car's VIN was not included in the recall. Could the recall be extended to include other vehicles that this is happening to? it seems as if there are many more out there than what the recall covered and it's a much bigger issue than Ford may realize. People's cars could just shut down in the middle of the road with little to no warning.

1. The sunroof/moonroof overhead fabric lining fell off the tracks when moving back, yes. 2. My safety was put at risk from the lining falling off the tracks and nearly completely covering my eyes and face while driving, which also puts the safety of others at risk. 3. I have heard numerous people and Ford technicians noting that this is a common issue of the sunroof/moonroofs with other similar models. 4. It was completely inspected before financing at a dealership. 5. No prior symptoms or lights, I just tried to use my moonroof while driving on the highway a week ago and was nearly blinded.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v954000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer stated the remedy was expected to be available second quarter of 2025; however, it could not give an exact date. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v954000 (electrical system); 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 vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that after coasting out of the garage the vehicle stalled, the shifter seized in park(p), and the message “stop safely now” was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to another dealer, kendall Ford of bend (2100 ne 3rd st, bend, or 97701); who diagnosed that the high-voltage battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The failure was related to the recall; however, the recall repair could not be completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure was mileage was 51,988. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v954000 (electrical system). The contact stated that while pulling out of the driveway, the message "stop safely now" was displayed, and the vehicle inadvertently shifted into park(p) and failed to shift into the intended gear. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to two dealers where the failure was unable to be duplicated. The vehicle was towed to another dealer, but the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,988.

Parked car in garage on Saturday like normally done for 3+ years. Next thing, car is completely unresponsive. Will not start, honk doesnt work, no lights nothing. If this happened in the middle of the road (and it has happened to other drivers), its a safety issue. Tried jump starting, nothing works.

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 module Smart data link was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. 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 46,000.

I see no recalls for 2021 Ford Escape sel awd 2. 0l. Vehicle was parked next to house under carport all day and owner smelled smoke. Looked out house window and seen front of vehicle on fire and catching house on fire. The fire department put it out but the vehicle was a total lose and house has significant damage and is unlivable until repairs can be made. There were no indications this was going to happen. These models need to have a recall.

Brakes became sluggish and parking brake would not disengage. Towed car to autonation Ford. They diagnosed and found "internal failure of electric brake booster requiring replacement. It took them 30 days to locate a part and complete repairs. Car had 41,634 miles and the cost was $3,087 not including my $2,406 rental charges before they offered a loaner. When I contacted Ford, they said it was out of warranty. . . I knew that.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon having the a/c unit serviced, the service technician shocked and burned himself on the wiring harness. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the issue. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

Vehicle was recalled 11+ months ago, but no remedy as yet been found. If the issue was so serious, why no repair procedure has been determined?.

My battery has died and needed replaced, there are transmission issues related to the recall and the power train failing.

Left driver door making popping sound when opening or closing due to spot welds failing. Left driver door has no catch when opening until door is completely open. Left driver door electronics affected due to spot welds failing this includes window up/down function and locking/unlocking. Claim filed with Ford customer concern and spoke to dealer. Ford wants $2600. 00 to repair and will contribute $900. 00 because vehicle is out of warranty.

Stalls in traffic while in ev mode (electric vehicle mode). It has failed 3 times while driving in the last 10 days. This is unsafe because there is no chance to pull out of traffic.