Model year record

2021 Ford Escape

19 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 729 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 26V123000

Back over prevention: software

Component
Back over prevention: software
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
889,950
Reported to NHTSA
2026-03-03
Owners notified
2026-06-23

Defect description

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."

Safety risk

An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

Recall campaignNHTSA 26V117000

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor

Component
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
604,533
Reported to NHTSA
2026-03-03

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

Recall campaignNHTSA 25V829000

Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments

Component
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
108,762
Reported to NHTSA
2025-12-01
Owners notified
2026-06-03

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect and reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.

Recall campaignNHTSA 25V685000

Equipment: electrical: engine block heater

Component
Equipment: electrical: engine block heater
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
59,006
Reported to NHTSA
2025-10-10

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

Recall campaignNHTSA 25V467000

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
694,271
Reported to NHTSA
2025-07-11

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the engine control software. In addition, dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors, free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165 will need to have the new final remedy performed once it is available.

Recall campaignNHTSA 25V442000

Back over prevention: software

Component
Back over prevention: software
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
200,237
Reported to NHTSA
2025-06-27
Owners notified
2025-09-04

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

Recall campaignNHTSA 25V345000

Engine

Component
Engine
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
1,809
Reported to NHTSA
2025-05-23
Owners notified
2025-06-27

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.

Recall campaignNHTSA 25V165000

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
33,576
Reported to NHTSA
2025-03-14
Owners notified
2025-04-22

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S21.

Recall campaignNHTSA 24V954000

Electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery: management system/energy control module (BMS/BECM)

Component
Electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery: management system/energy control module (BMS/BECM)
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
20,484
Reported to NHTSA
2024-12-20
Owners notified
2025-05-30

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape, and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Safety risk

Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S79.

Recall campaignNHTSA 24V852000

Equipment: other: labels

Component
Equipment: other: labels
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
27,678
Reported to NHTSA
2024-11-08
Owners notified
2024-12-19

Defect description

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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Safety risk

Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

Recall campaignNHTSA 24V330000

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Component
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
9,312
Reported to NHTSA
2024-05-10
Owners notified
2024-05-22

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.

Recall campaignNHTSA 23V380000

Engine

Component
Engine
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
125,322
Reported to NHTSA
2023-05-26
Owners notified
2024-05-03

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair 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 resulting in an engine compartment fire.

Safety risk

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace the engine long-block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S27. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V-484. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V-484 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Recall campaignNHTSA 22V859000

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
521,746
Reported to NHTSA
2022-11-18
Owners notified
2023-02-28

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22V-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-191 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Recall campaignNHTSA 22V484000

Engine and engine cooling

Component
Engine and engine cooling
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
100,689
Reported to NHTSA
2022-07-07
Owners notified
2022-08-19

Defect description

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 resulting in an engine compartment fire.

Safety risk

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S47.

Recall campaignNHTSA 22V191000

Engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubrication

Component
Engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubrication
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
345,451
Reported to NHTSA
2022-03-25
Owners notified
2022-04-18

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.

Safety risk

An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.

Recall campaignNHTSA 22V149000

Hybrid propulsion system

Component
Hybrid propulsion system
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
3
Reported to NHTSA
2022-03-11
Owners notified
2022-03-28

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S48.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V922000

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
114,666
Reported to NHTSA
2021-11-23
Owners notified
2022-08-17

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles. The rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Safety risk

During certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V869000

Hybrid propulsion system

Component
Hybrid propulsion system
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
1
Reported to NHTSA
2021-11-10
Owners notified
2021-12-01

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

A dealer will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. The owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S48.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V625000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump: control/drive module

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump: control/drive module
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
13,773
Reported to NHTSA
2021-08-10
Owners notified
2021-12-14

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters (remedy not available) were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S38.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Unknown or other921,500 mi
Structure: body82
Fuel system, gasoline7739,000 mi
Engine7479,000 mi
Power train7179,845 mi
Electrical system5345,160 mi
Fuel/propulsion system46
Service brakes462,965 mi
Visibility2439,000 mi
Back over prevention2040,000 mi
Structure1738,584 mi
Seat belts1462,000 mi
Structure: body: door1430,000 mi
Visibility/wiper12
Service brakes, hydraulic94,000 mi
Suspension941,513 mi
Forward collision avoidance: warnings8
Vehicle speed control8
Exterior lighting719,000 mi
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments742,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling539,700 mi
Electrical system: instrument panel: fuel gauge421,000 mi
Steering414,000 mi
Air bags33,000 mi
Interior lighting219,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages2
Parking brake: electrical: switch279,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission2250 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly258,395 mi
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera15,618 mi
Electrical system: ignition17,000 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights15,000 mi
Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control1
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking1
Forward collision avoidance: sensing system: camera148,971 mi
Lane departure: assist1
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter190,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper117,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system130,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls1
Wheels1

The 2020 model has about a quarter as many complaints as this one. The 2022 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Open investigations

An investigation is not a recall. It indicates that NHTSA is currently evaluating an alleged defect but has not reached a final determination.

AQ22002Healey Brothers Ford / Open Recall Sale

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump: control/drive module

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.