2021 Ford Escape Safety Report

2021 Ford Escape: Excellent Crash Ratings Mask Numerous Recalls and Persistent Fuel System & Structural Complaints

272Complaints
19Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
8Crash Reports
8Fire Reports
5Injuries
Most reported components: Structure (71)Unknown Or Other (31)Fuel System, Gasoline (23)Service Brakes (23)Power Train (14)Engine (12)Fuel/Propulsion System (8)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (7)Electrical System (6)Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (5)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Ford Escape

The 2021 Ford Escape presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA, scoring 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover, its recall history and complaint data raise significant concerns. With 19 recalls, the vehicle has a high number of safety-related issues identified by the manufacturer. Key recalls address critical components such as fuel system leaks (increasing fire risk), rearview camera malfunctions, windshield wiper failures, and potential loss of drive power due to high voltage battery defects. The 272 total complaints, including 8 crashes, 8 fires, and 5 injuries, underscore these issues. A notable pattern in complaints revolves around the 'STRUCTURE' component, with 71 reports, often related to liftgate hinges and panoramic sunroof covers detaching. Fuel system issues are also prominent, with 23 complaints and multiple recalls, some of which consumers report having no available remedy for extended periods, leading to concerns about fire risk and gasoline odors. Power train and engine complaints, totaling 14 and 12 respectively, also indicate potential reliability issues, including reports of transmission failure at relatively low mileage.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Ford Escape receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2021 Ford Escape

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Ford Escape:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Fuel Injector Cracking/Leak
Multiple recalls (e.g., 25V467000, 22V-859, 24V-187) for 1.5L engines where fuel injectors may crack and leak fuel, increasing fire risk. Complaints indicate gasoline odor and lack of remedy parts.		 High Common unknown miles
Panoramic Sunroof Cover Detachment
Sunroof shade panel detaches or falls, obstructing driver's view and requiring expensive repairs. Multiple complaints describe this issue.		 Medium Common unknown miles
Rearview Camera Malfunction
Recalls (e.g., 26V123000) for rearview image flipping, inverting, or displaying a blank image, reducing driver's view and increasing crash risk.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Transmission Failure/Shuddering
Complaints of total transmission failure at low mileage (e.g., 69k miles) leading to loss of drive power, and shuddering at low speeds, with some referencing TSBs for the 8F35 transmission.		 High Occasional 60000-70000 miles
High Voltage Battery Defect
Recall for manufacturing defect in high voltage battery cells potentially causing loss of drive power and increased fire risk.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Windshield Wiper Motor Failure
Recall for windshield wiper motor failure, leading to reduced visibility and increased crash risk.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Liftgate Hinge Cover Detachment
Recall for liftgate hinge covers not being properly secured and detaching, creating a road hazard.		 Low Occasional unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Ford Escape:

Structure 26% of complaints

71 complaints, often related to panoramic sunroof cover detachment, liftgate hinge issues, and door weld/hinge problems.

Fuel System, Gasoline 8% of complaints

23 complaints, primarily concerning fuel injector leaks, gasoline odor in the cabin, and lack of recall remedy parts.

Service Brakes 8% of complaints

23 complaints, including issues with ABS/Traction Control due to sensor corrosion.

Power Train 5% of complaints

14 complaints, including reports of transmission failure, shuddering, and inability to move the vehicle.

Engine 4% of complaints

12 complaints, some related to overheating, smoke, and stalling, often linked to fuel system recalls.

Back Over Prevention 3% of complaints

8 complaints, related to rearview camera malfunctions and blank images.

Electrical System 2% of complaints

6 complaints, including dashboard/infotainment losing power and vehicle struggling to start.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Ford Escape

Is the 2021 Ford Escape safe?

The 2021 Ford Escape received excellent 5-star overall safety ratings from NHTSA for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover. However, it has a high number of 19 recalls, addressing significant safety concerns like fuel leaks (fire risk), rearview camera malfunctions, and potential loss of drive power. There are 272 total complaints, including 8 crashes and 8 fires, indicating that while crash protection is strong, reliability and defect-related safety issues are prevalent.

What are common problems with the 2021 Ford Escape?

The most reported issues for the 2021 Ford Escape include structural problems (71 complaints), often related to panoramic sunroof covers detaching and liftgate hinge issues. Fuel system, gasoline complaints (23) are also common, frequently involving fuel injector leaks, gasoline odors, and delays in recall remedies. Other significant problems include service brake issues (23 complaints), power train failures (14 complaints, including transmission issues), and engine problems (12 complaints).

Are there any fire risks with the 2021 Ford Escape?

Yes, there are documented fire risks. The 2021 Ford Escape has 8 reported fires in NHTSA complaints. Multiple recalls specifically address fire hazards, such as the recall for 1.5L engines where fuel injectors may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment, increasing the risk of fire. Another recall concerns an electrical short circuit in the engine block heater, also increasing fire risk. The high voltage battery defect recall also mentions an increased risk of fire.

How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Escape have?

The 2021 Ford Escape has a significant number of recalls, totaling 19. These recalls cover a wide range of components, including fuel system, back over prevention (rearview camera), visibility (windshield wipers), structure (liftgate hinges, sunroof), electrical system, and engine issues.

What should I do if I own a 2021 Ford Escape with an open recall?

If you own a 2021 Ford Escape with an open recall, it is critical to contact your Ford dealer immediately to schedule the necessary repairs. Many complaints indicate that parts for certain recalls, particularly those related to the fuel system, have been unavailable for extended periods. Continue to follow up with your dealer and Ford customer service until the recall remedy is performed, as these issues can pose significant safety risks, including fire and loss of vehicle control.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test performance, the 2021 Ford Escape's extensive recall history and numerous complaints, particularly regarding fuel system fire risks and structural defects, suggest potential long-term reliability and safety concerns. Prospective buyers should ensure all 19 recalls have been addressed and be aware of common issues like transmission problems and sunroof detachment.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Ford Escape

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Ford Escape. The data includes 272 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 19 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 8 reported crashes, 8 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Ford Escape an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.