FaultScore report

2021 Ford Escape problems

Owners have filed 468 complaints about the 2021 Ford Escape with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026. The largest single group is the body & structure. Across this model's run it ranks 20 of 25 worst.

B

36/100

CleanWorst

Measured against the other years of the Ford Escape, never against another car.

How this is worked out

The numbers

468

Complaints

17

Crashes reported

14

Fires reported

8

Injuries reported

39,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

44%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

NHTSA overall crash rating

From the agency's own crash tests

41

Safety recalls

19 US, 22 Canadian

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 16 vs 50 Severity 43 vs 50 Early failure 75 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 16
Against the median year of the Ford Escape. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 43
8.3% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 75
44% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2021 compares with every other Ford Escape

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2021 Ford Escape

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Body & Structure 93 19.9%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 41,000 mi

1 crashes, 4 fires · median 70,000 mi

1 crashes, 2 fires · median 50,871 mi

Brakes 50 10.7%

6 crashes, 0 fires · median 5,000 mi

1 crashes, 5 fires · median 39,700 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 79,845 mi

2 crashes, 2 fires · median 39,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 40,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 44,485 mi

Seat Belts 7 1.5%

Median failure at 62,000 miles

Suspension 7 1.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 41,513 mi

Lights 6 1.3%

Median failure at 19,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 5 1.1%
Steering 4 0.9%

Median failure at 14,000 miles

Airbags 2 0.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 3,000 mi

Doors, Latches & Locks 1 0.2%
Wheels 1 0.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Body 65 69.9%
Door 12 12.9%
Warnings 5 5.4%
Hinge AND Attachments 5 5.4%
Fuel Gauge 2 2.2%
Automatic Transmission 2 2.2%
Switch 1 1.1%
Camera 1 1.1%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 5 5.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 17 17.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 16 16.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 27 27.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 10 10.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 18 18.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 5 5.1%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

Frontal crash test of a 2021 Ford Escape SUV AWD

Frontal crash test

Side barrier crash test of a 2021 Ford Escape SUV AWD

Side barrier crash test

Side pole crash test of a 2021 Ford Escape SUV AWD

Side pole crash test

Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2021 Ford Escape SUV AWD
17.4% risk
2021 Ford Escape SUV FWD
16.9% risk

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Jul 2021 peak 28 Sep 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2021 Ford Escape

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

1 investigation is still open.

AQ22002 Opened 3 Jun 2022 Still open FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE

Healey Brothers Ford / Open Recall Sale

NHTSA is opening this audit query to investigate whether Healey Brothers Ford, LLC of Beacon, New York, has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a manufacturer notify its dealers of defects related to motor vehicle safety and noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and in turn that a dealer not deliver a new vehicle subject to a recall unless the recall remedy has been performed. 49 U.S.C. § 30120(i).NHTSA is in receipt of information that indicates this dealer delivered at least...

PE23013 Opened 7 Jul 2023 Closed 24 Jan 2024 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

Failed Door Check Arm Attachment Point

On July 7, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-013 to investigate instances of check arm bracket failure in the front doors in model year (MY) 2020-2021 Ford Escape vehicles. At the time of opening, ODI received 118 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging this failure. To date, ODI has received 593 VOQs alleging this failure, with a variety of reported failure conditions. The most common reported failure condition was reduced door functionality (e.g. door was more difficult to open or close) and the least common was inadvertent door opening. Other reported failure...

Recalls on the 2021 Ford Escape

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

26V117000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

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.

26V123000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

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.

25V829000

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

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.

25V685000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

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.

25V467000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

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.

25V442000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

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.

25V345000

ENGINE

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.

25V165000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2026100 99,375 units in Canada

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display properly when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display correctly could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail. The corrective actions for this recall are under development.

Recall 2026098 54,078 units in Canada

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the motor could fail and cause the windshield wipers not to work. Safety Risk: Windshield wipers that don't work could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the windshield wiper motor.

Recall 2026072 4 units in Canada

Engine

Issue: On a small number of vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 25S54 (Transport Canada recall no. 2025-283) may not have been done correctly. As a result, another repair is required. On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5 L HEV or PHEV engine, a manufacturing problem could lead to an engine failure. In some cases, an engine failure can create the risk of a fire. Safety Risk: An engine failure could cause a fire. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the powertrain control module (PCM) software. To reduce the safety risk, Ford recommends that you should shut off the engine as soon as possible if you hear unusual engine noises, see smoke from the engine compartment, or notice reduced engine power.

Recall 2026070 22,955 units in Canada

High Voltage

Issue: On certain vehicles, the software update installed by a Ford dealer during recall 24S79 (Transport Canada recall no. 2024-781) may not be effective. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles, a problem inside the high-voltage battery could cause a short circuit. If this happens, there could be a loss of power to the wheels and/or the high-voltage battery could overheat. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2025-628. This recall only affects certain plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) equipped with a 2.5 L engine. Safety Risk: A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. A battery that overheats can create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, Ford advises that you set the maximum charge setting of your vehicle at 80% and to only use normal EV mode until the recall repairs have been completed. Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the battery energy control module (BECM) and hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM) software. The BECM software will monitor the high-voltage battery and warn you if it detects a problem. If you see this warning, you should contact a dealership to arrange replacement of the high-voltage battery pack.

Recall 2026005 138,783 units in Canada

Electrical

Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens, the block heater could short circuit when it's plugged in. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2025-554. Vehicles that were repaired under that recall don't require this repair. Safety Risk: A short circuit can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, Ford advises you not to use the engine block heater until the recall repairs have been completed. Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the block heater. Alternatively, owners can choose to have the dealership permanently disable the engine block heater.

Recall 2025665 20,521 units in Canada

Structure

Issue: On certain vehicles, the hinge covers for the liftgate may not have been properly attached. As a result, the cover(s) could loosen and detach from the vehicle. Safety Risk: Parts that detach from the vehicle could create a hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and secure or replace the liftgate hinge covers, as necessary.

Recall 2025628 8,751 units in Canada

High Voltage

This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2026-070. Issue: On certain vehicles, the software update installed by a Ford dealer during recall 24S79 (Transport Canada recall no. 2024-781) may not be effective. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles, a problem inside the high-voltage battery could cause a short circuit. If this happens, there could be a loss of power to the wheels and/or the high-voltage battery could overheat. Note: This recall only affects certain plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) equipped with a 2.5 L engine. Safety Risk: A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. A battery that overheats can create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, Ford advises not to charge your vehicle until the recall repairs have been completed. Ford will notify owners by mail. The corrective actions for this recall are under development.

Recall 2025553 9,344 units in Canada

Brakes

Issue: Certain vehicles may not meet the minimum stopping requirements of Canadian regulations. In particular, the vehicle may have an extended stopping distance if there is a loss of power brake assist. Note: This recall does not affect vehicles with an electronic brake booster (EBB). This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2021-727. Vehicles that were repaired under that recall don't require this repair. Safety Risk: Reduced braking could cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the front brake pads.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Canfield, OH Fire

STRUCTURE:BODY

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)

NHTSA complaint #11743124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Canfield, OH Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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)

NHTSA complaint #11743124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Canfield, OH Fire

ENGINE

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)

NHTSA complaint #11743124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cordova, TN Crash

ENGINE

Windows and engines

NHTSA complaint #11738184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cordova, TN Crash

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Windows and engines

NHTSA complaint #11738184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cordova, TN Crash

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Windows and engines

NHTSA complaint #11738184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

San Antonio, TX

ENGINE

Engine will periodically and randomly stall and quit while driving. Mostly in city but it quit while driving on highway I-10 at 65 mph in one incident.

NHTSA complaint #11764188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Skiatook, OK

POWER TRAIN

The transmission went out. Torque converter is shot. Only has 120,000 miles in it. This is a known problem with the 8f35 transmission. It needs to be recalled.

NHTSA complaint #11763958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grand Haven, MI

ENGINE

Coolant intrusion caused full engine to need to be replaced. Started with white smoke and engine overheating.

NHTSA complaint #11763177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

League City, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Been having a problem with the transmission where it would jump like it launched roller coaster and then slammed into parking because the emergency brake would just automatically engaged without even being touched

NHTSA complaint #11761239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Augusta, GA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (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 stated that there was a misfire coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for another recall repair. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated. Additionally, after refueling, the vehicle almost shut off unexpectedly. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The dealer confirmed that the failure was associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired.

NHTSA complaint #11761325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 76,000 miles Chicago, IL

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was serviced under Customer Satisfaction Program 23B-56; however, the replacement welding caused the front driver's side door to fail. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to enter the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start, and multiple warning lights illuminated. The vehicle required a jump-start to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced, and the contact was informed that the previously installed battery was incorrect for the vehicle. The contact was referred to a second dealer for further assistance. The vehicle was towed to the second dealer, where it was diagnosed that a water leak at the C-105 connector on the front driver's side door had caused an electrical system failure. The dealer determined that the wiring harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

NHTSA complaint #11760376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 76,000 miles Chicago, IL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was serviced under Customer Satisfaction Program 23B-56; however, the replacement welding caused the front driver's side door to fail. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to enter the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start, and multiple warning lights illuminated. The vehicle required a jump-start to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced, and the contact was informed that the previously installed battery was incorrect for the vehicle. The contact was referred to a second dealer for further assistance. The vehicle was towed to the second dealer, where it was diagnosed that a water leak at the C-105 connector on the front driver's side door had caused an electrical system failure. The dealer determined that the wiring harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

NHTSA complaint #11760376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Petersburg, TX

POWER TRAIN

My escape would not change gears and the escape would not reverse it was also pulling back and accelerating in speed to the point I could not control it in traffic. My safety and the safety of my mother were greatly affected as the escape was malfunctioning in traffic and I could not control the gears. The alert on the escape came up and it stated: The powertrain control system has detected one of the transmission clutches did not apply within the expected time as expected. Some transmission gears may not being available resulting in delayed or harsh shifts into another gear. Additional alerts that may provide additional information may accompany this alert. I took it to dealership and they told me it would need a transmission over haul. Once repairs were completed I brought it back home and had to take the escape back to the dealership because it started to pull back again and for the second time the dealership told me the escape would need a second transmission overhaul

NHTSA complaint #11759831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Petersburg, TX

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

My escape would not change gears and the escape would not reverse it was also pulling back and accelerating in speed to the point I could not control it in traffic. My safety and the safety of my mother were greatly affected as the escape was malfunctioning in traffic and I could not control the gears. The alert on the escape came up and it stated: The powertrain control system has detected one of the transmission clutches did not apply within the expected time as expected. Some transmission gears may not being available resulting in delayed or harsh shifts into another gear. Additional alerts that may provide additional information may accompany this alert. I took it to dealership and they told me it would need a transmission over haul. Once repairs were completed I brought it back home and had to take the escape back to the dealership because it started to pull back again and for the second time the dealership told me the escape would need a second transmission overhaul

NHTSA complaint #11759831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aurora, MN

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When I lock my car, whether from my phone, keys, or lock button inside car, the car will lock except the passenger side door which remains unlocked. So when the car is supposed to be locked and secured, anyone who wants can gain access in my car whenever they want. The car alarm will go off. But the door still opens. I believe this is a safety concern for my family and I while being in the vehicle and also a threat to valuables in my car. I haven’t had it looked at yet. But I want to report it.

NHTSA complaint #11759872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aurora, MN

STRUCTURE:BODY

When I lock my car, whether from my phone, keys, or lock button inside car, the car will lock except the passenger side door which remains unlocked. So when the car is supposed to be locked and secured, anyone who wants can gain access in my car whenever they want. The car alarm will go off. But the door still opens. I believe this is a safety concern for my family and I while being in the vehicle and also a threat to valuables in my car. I haven’t had it looked at yet. But I want to report it.

NHTSA complaint #11759872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aurora, MN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When I lock my car, whether from my phone, keys, or lock button inside car, the car will lock except the passenger side door which remains unlocked. So when the car is supposed to be locked and secured, anyone who wants can gain access in my car whenever they want. The car alarm will go off. But the door still opens. I believe this is a safety concern for my family and I while being in the vehicle and also a threat to valuables in my car. I haven’t had it looked at yet. But I want to report it.

NHTSA complaint #11759872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Petersburg, TX

ENGINE

My escape would not change gears and the escape would not reverse it was also pulling back and accelerating in speed to the point I could not control it in traffic. My safety and the safety of my mother were greatly affected as the escape was malfunctioning in traffic and I could not control the gears. The alert on the escape came up and it stated: The powertrain control system has detected one of the transmission clutches did not apply within the expected time as expected. Some transmission gears may not being available resulting in delayed or harsh shifts into another gear. Additional alerts that may provide additional information may accompany this alert. I took it to dealership and they told me it would need a transmission over haul. Once repairs were completed I brought it back home and had to take the escape back to the dealership because it started to pull back again and for the second time the dealership told me the escape would need a second transmission overhaul

NHTSA complaint #11759831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Johnson City, TN

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The ulpostery covering the sunroof fails to retract all the way causing a sag in the fabric blocking the view from the rearview mirror. Dealership states not covered under warranty

NHTSA complaint #11758655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Greensboro, NC

POWER TRAIN

Need transmission replacement. Only had car for 2 1/2 years.

NHTSA complaint #11756242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL

SEAT BELTS

When there is a seat belt fault, it disables the airbags from going off, even though the seat belts are all engaged

NHTSA complaint #11756227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL

AIR BAGS

When there is a seat belt fault, it disables the airbags from going off, even though the seat belts are all engaged

NHTSA complaint #11756227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 19,000 miles Fort Myers, FL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the vehicle turned off, the exterior and interior lights failed to turn off as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

NHTSA complaint #11754688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 19,000 miles Fort Myers, FL

INTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the vehicle turned off, the exterior and interior lights failed to turn off as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

NHTSA complaint #11754688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aston, TX

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 26V117000 (VISIBILITY); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was 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. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11753814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aston, TX

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 26V117000 (VISIBILITY); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was 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. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11753814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Newington, CT

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My car began to shake significantly when going over 60 mph on the highway. I had to drive under the speed limit. When I had the car checked, they said the shocks had been leaking and it impacted the alignment, causing my tires to become “wavy” and unsafe to drive. I had to get a set of 4 new tires, but could not afford the shocks during that visit. By the time I could afford the shocks a few months later, the new set of tires were ruined as well and I needed 4 new tires again. After some research, I see I am not the only one who had this issue with this model vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11753473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Newington, CT

SUSPENSION

My car began to shake significantly when going over 60 mph on the highway. I had to drive under the speed limit. When I had the car checked, they said the shocks had been leaking and it impacted the alignment, causing my tires to become “wavy” and unsafe to drive. I had to get a set of 4 new tires, but could not afford the shocks during that visit. By the time I could afford the shocks a few months later, the new set of tires were ruined as well and I needed 4 new tires again. After some research, I see I am not the only one who had this issue with this model vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11753473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rehoboth Beach, DE

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11752308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

POWER TRAIN

Complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) I am filing this complaint regarding an unresolved safety recall on my vehicle. This recall has remained open for more than one year, yet no remedy has been made available. Despite the manufacturer acknowledging the safety defect, I continue to operate a vehicle that presents significant safety concerns because the defect has not been corrected. The recall has caused my vehicle to experience severe drivability issues, including engine failure, excessive rough idling, and violent shaking while the vehicle is operating. These conditions create an increased risk of the vehicle stalling unexpectedly, reducing my ability to safely operate the vehicle and placing myself, my passengers, and other motorists at risk. Additionally, because of the unresolved recall condition, my vehicle is unable to pass the required state safety inspection. This has left me with a vehicle that I cannot fully utilize or register while I continue waiting for the manufacturer to provide a repair. It is unreasonable for consumers to wait more than a year for a safety recall remedy while continuing to experience hazardous operating conditions. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate the manufacturer’s failure to provide a timely remedy, determine whether it is complying with its obligations under federal motor vehicle safety laws, and take appropriate action to ensure affected owners receive a prompt repair or other appropriate relief. I have retained documentation regarding the recall, the symptoms affecting my vehicle, and the impact this unresolved defect has had on my ability to safely operate and maintain the vehicle. I am prepared to provide this information upon request.

NHTSA complaint #11751782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.