2021 Ford Escape: True Cost, Problems & Verdict
335 NHTSA owner complaints · 12 recalls · data-computed verdict. No opinions — public data only.
Editor's note
The third-generation Escape (2013–2019) launched with the 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine, and that engine is the reason the 2013 and 2014 model years carry the highest complaint counts of any compact crossover in the dataset: coolant leaks into the cylinders, overheating and engine fires, addressed by a string of recalls that continued for years. The 2.0-litre EcoBoost in the same body is a better engine, but the transmission and electrical complaints of the early years apply to both. Read the full note on the model page. 2021 specifically: 335 complaints on record, score 66/100 — read the year table on the model page to see where it sits among its siblings.
Read the guide
Used Ford Escape: why 2013 and 2014 are the years to walk past, including 2021 — written and signed by Adir Trabelsi, 2026-09-01.
Owner complaints: 335 filed with NHTSA
Complaints per year on the road: 67.0
What owners say
Verbatim reports filed with the United States safety regulator (NHTSA) by owners of this exact model year. Public record.
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 t…
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
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.
Recalls: 12 campaigns (7 severe)
| Campaign | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 22V484000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 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… |
| 24V852000 | Equipment:Other:Labels | 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. |
| 24V330000 | Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) | 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. |
| 21V625000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump:Control/Drive Module | 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. |
| 21V869000 | Electrical System:Propulsion System:Traction Battery | 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. |
| 22V149000 | Electrical System:Propulsion System:Traction Battery | 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. |
| 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. |
| 22V859000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System | 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. |
What it costs to buy — and what owning it really takes
Class-level estimates, priced as a compact SUV of its model year, re-priced to your country. Not a quote, not a valuation of one specific car — condition, mileage and options move it. How these are computed.
What it costs to run
EPA combined 28 MPG · estimated annual fuel cost $2,200
Re-priced automatically from your country's retail fuel, electricity and parts indices — change country in the bar at the top. Estimates; see methodology.
What this car's problems cost to fix
Ranked by the components owners of this exact model year actually complain about. Each figure is flat-rate labour hours x the local shop rate plus a parts band — an estimate of what this kind of failure costs, not a quote, and not a prediction that this car will need it. Formula.
- Structure91 complaints · typical job: Body, subframe or corrosion repair (6.0 h labour + parts)$1,070–$2,920
- Unknown Or Other58 complaints · typical job: Diagnosis and mixed repair (2.0 h labour + parts)$360–$940
- Service Brakes49 complaints · typical job: Pads, rotors and caliper service, both axles (3.0 h labour + parts)$580–$1,140
- Fuel System43 complaints · typical job: Fuel pump or injector replacement (3.5 h labour + parts)$680–$1,620
- Gasoline43 complaints · typical job: Fuel delivery and emissions repair (3.0 h labour + parts)$580–$1,360
- Power Train41 complaints · typical job: Transmission service or clutch-pack repair (7.0 h labour + parts)$1,290–$4,040
Other Ford Escape years
FAQ
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Ford Escape?
The most-reported issue in NHTSA complaint data is Structure (91 complaints in our indexed sample).
Is the 2021 Ford Escape a good used car to buy?
Our data verdict is CAUTION with a reliability score of 66/100, computed from 335 NHTSA complaints and 12 recall campaigns. See the verdict card for the top reasons.
How much does it cost to fix the 2021 Ford Escape's most common problem?
91 of the NHTSA complaints filed against the 2021 Ford Escape sit in the Structure group — more than any other component on this model year. The representative job there is body, subframe or corrosion repair: about 6.0 hours of labour plus parts, roughly $1,070–$2,920 at a US independent shop and re-priced to your country at the top of the page. It is an estimate of what this class of failure costs, not a quote for this car.
What does a 2021 Ford Escape cost to run per year?
About $4,843 a year in fuel or energy plus the maintenance band — roughly $24,215 over five years, before purchase price, insurance and depreciation. Figures come from available EPA fuel-economy data and industry maintenance averages, and are re-priced to your country.
Does the 2021 Ford Escape have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 12 recall campaign(s) for the 2021 Ford Escape, 7 of them touching fire, crash or stall risk, the most recent recorded 07/07/2022. Check this car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.
Compare with
Other compact suvs of about the same age.
What will a 2021 Ford Escape really cost YOU per year?
Fuel, maintenance band and depreciation — computed from public data in 10 seconds.
Open the true-cost calculatorData sources
Complaints & recalls: NHTSA ·
Fuel economy: EPA fueleconomy.gov ·
Scoring: our published methodology.
Maintenance bands are industry-average estimates (AAA Your Driving Costs, CarMD index) — labeled estimates, not measurements.
Last updated: 2026-10-04.
Strong evidence — 335 complaints, 12 recalls on record
- 335 NHTSA complaints on record (67.0/yr of exposure) — better than a typical year of this model (92.9/yr)
- 12 recall campaigns, 7 touching safety-critical systems