general problems of the 2021 Ford Escape - part 1

38 problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 2021 Ford Escape. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2021 Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the 2021 Escape.

1 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/27/2026

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.

2 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/23/2026

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.

3 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/27/2026

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.

4 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/15/2026

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.

5 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/25/2025

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.

6 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/30/2025

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.

7 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/28/2025

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.

8 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/22/2025

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.

9 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/16/2025

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.

10 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/09/2025

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.

11 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/06/2025

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.

12 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/19/2025

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.

13 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/30/2025

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.

14 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/06/2025

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.

15 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/08/2024

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.

16 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/06/2024

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.

17 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/06/2024

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.

18 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/28/2024

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.

19 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/17/2024

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.

20 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/23/2024

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.

21 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/20/2024

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.

22 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/18/2024

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?.

23 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2024

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

24 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/26/2023

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.

25 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/23/2023

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.

26 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/20/2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message that the vehicle had lost power was displayed. The contact disconnected the hybrid setting and indicated the loss of power with the hybrid battery. The failure was self-corrected; however, the failure still occurred intermittently. The contact became aware of NHTSA campaign numbers: 21v869000 (electrical system, hybrid propulsion system) and 22v149000 (electrical system, hybrid propulsion system). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer confirmed the VIN was not included in the recalls. The failure mileage was 50,000.

27 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/03/2023

Hybrid battery failure. Vehicle wouldn’t start and activated many warning notices on the instrument panel. Vehicle could not be shifted from the park position. Only way the vehicle could be moved was to activate the neutral tow feature which allowed shift knob to be moved from park to neutral position. Vehicle has since been taken to conway Ford in conway SC to be repaired via flatbed truck towing service. Conway Ford worked on the vehicle and determined that a hybrid battery module needed to be replaced. After replacement of module the hybrid issue remained unresolved. Ford has since approved convey Ford replacement of the hybrid battery. Dealer is currently in the process of replacing hybrid battery. Prior to the hybrid failure there were no advance notices.

28 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/29/2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v380000 (engine) 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 the vehicle occasionally failed to start. The contact also stated that while driving at 20-25 mph, the vehicle shutoff unintendedly. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road and restarted; however, the "check engine" warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred approximately 3 to 4 times. The dealer was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery had failed. The battery was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was 32,200. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

29 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2022

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.

30 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/05/2022

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.

31 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/04/2022

While driving phev with a nearly full charge and a full tank of gas in ev mode, when I came to a stop at stop signs and traffic lights, the car would buck once like a horse, like an engine misfiring, and would indicate drivetrain issue and oput itsself in accessory mode, and flash battery indicator light. I was unabble to shift or restart driving until about 3 minutes later and after multiple times turning the car off and back on. It kept asking if the car was currently being charged, it was not as I was about 10 minutes and 5 miles into my 75 min/ 50 mine journey. It seems odd that while driving in ev mode, electric motor only in use, that the car would buck/jerk while shutting off. This also happened nearly exactly 7 months ago.

32 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/07/2022

* I was about to park in my drive way on 6/7/2022 when the vehicle suddenly accelerated by itself, breaking my closed garage door, destroyed every garden equipment and everything else found on its passage in the garage and entered my granddaughter's bedroom causing major structural damages to the house. * my son had just left the garage and could have been run over and myself severely injured if all the equipment and the bedroom wall did not stop the car. * unfortunately, the dealership minimized the problem because they did not see the damages, only the superficial scratch of the car , it has been inspected by all parties , no warning signs of sensors warned this major accident at all that day. *I told Ford that I am scared to drive the car after that accident and they do not seem to care and claim it is a lease car and because they found nothing wrong with him. They cannot do anything about it. Far, the first estimate from the homeowners insurance found damages that are over $35,000 - 40,000 dollars and are still sending other expects to check the structural damages of the house and that does not include the loss of the equipment and other goods destroyed. *I was told that they found nothing wrong with the car and I am positive something major happened that day that could have killed me, has it not been those equipment and also injured my 35 year old son and my 10 year granddaughter has she been in her closet.

33 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/23/2022

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 mph and coming to a complete stop, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The failure recurred several times. The battery warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 22v149000 (electrical system, hybrid propulsion system) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 4,600.

34 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/03/2022

I rented this Ford Escape from avis this month and ran into what could have been an incredibly dangerous safety issue due to a massive oversight in the car's design. I installed a small booster seat in the passenger side back seat for my 10 year-old son. He got in the seat and attached his seat belt, which he has done hundreds of times before in our own car. About 1 hour into a 2-hour freeway trip, a notification went off on the dashboard, telling me that a seat belt in the back had come undone. My son tried frantically to reattach the buckle but was unable. I had to exit the freeway and park on the side of the road. When I tried to reattach the buckle, I saw why there was a problem: he had inserted the buckle into the center receptacle, not the passenger-side one. The receptacle didn't click, as it was probably designed not to do, but because the metal of the buckle has a slight angle to it, there was enough tension for it to temporarily hold. However even a minor accident could have been fatal because my son wasn't property strapped in. There are several issues here. First, the dash indicator should have been designed to tell me that there was weight on the right rear seat but no buckle was attached to that receptacle. Second, the center receptacle did not immediately reject the right-most buckle; instead, the bent angle of the buckle's metal temporarily held it in place and made my 10 year-old believe he was strapped in. Finally, the receptacles themselves have no play from side-to-side. This, plus the angle of the buckle's metal, means that when a booster seat is installed, there is not enough room to fully attach the buckle into the receptacle without exerting a lot of force to push the receptacle to the left. I can't imagine the buckle can be attached at all with a larger child seat. The image I attached shows why this is; attaching a car seat requires exerting enough force to bend the metal holding the receptacle in order to attach the buckle.

35 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/24/2021

I have had multiple issues with the powertrain warning light illuminating. The first time it was decided to be low/dirty oil. This occurred about a month after purchasing the vehicle in 2021 with about 4000 miles. The second time it occurred about 6 months later. The dealer could not find a code nor replicate the issue. We thought I had bought bad gas. A year later it came on again, Ford dealership again couldn’t replicate the issue. Finally it came on and stayed on and throttle position sensor was replaced in July 2022. Light came on again in November 2024. Auto parts store and dealership could not find a code. This time I had no coolant. Added coolant and it has not come back on again.



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