2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 6, 2026 · 124 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Escape Hybrid years
More complaints than other years 6th of 15 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 124 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid. That ranks 6th out of 15 Escape Hybrid model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (36 complaints, 29%), typically at around 14,500 miles. Complaints mention 2 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.

Ford Escape Hybrid
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid photographed in College Park, Maryland , USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine36 · ~14,500 mi
Structure32 · ~35,000 mi
Electrical System23 · ~37,151 mi
Unknown or Other17
Power Train14 · ~50,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System9
Service Brakes7
Vehicle Speed Control6 · ~50,000 mi
Forward Collision Avoidance3 · ~500 mi
Hybrid Propulsion System3 · ~50,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine3629%14,500——
Structure3226%35,000——
Electrical System2319%37,151——
Unknown or Other1714%———
Power Train1411%50,000——
Fuel/propulsion System97%———
Service Brakes76%———
Vehicle Speed Control65%50,000——
Forward Collision Avoidance32%500——
Hybrid Propulsion System32%50,000——
Seat Belts32%80,500——
Air Bags11%———
Back Over Prevention11%———
Seats11%2,000——
Visibility11%———
Wheels11%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2024, with 39 complaints
2021: 3202132022: 202022202023: 372023372024: 392024392025: 142025142026: 11202611

n = 124 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2021 Ford Escape Hybrid recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalFeb 24, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V109000 · 155 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape Hybrid vehicles. The engine crankshaft may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.

Risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the crankshaft and replace the engine, as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed March 2, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S10.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Failed Door Check Arm Attachment Point (PE23013) — opened Jul 7, 2023, closed Jan 24, 2024.
  • Pedestrian alert sounds (DP22005) — opened Jan 27, 2023, closed Aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V063000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The ABS system fails to engage If the vehicle is coming to a stop and there is even the slightest bump on the road. ABS disengages the brakes which follows with a rapid acceleration of the vehicle instead of slowing down. Issue occurs even If one of the rear tires feels a slight bump. This issue…

Service Brakes · received Oct 6, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11769375

within the first minute of engine start there is a high-voltage buzzing sound following with a minor smoke smell coming either from the engine bay or back of the car. You could hear this sound from outside, especially my neighbors witnessed the sound from the sidewalk. when it happens it suddenly…

Electrical System · received Oct 6, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11769384

On Saturday at approximately 8:25 p.m., my 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid SEL abruptly entered limp mode while traveling on a major highway. The vehicle's speed rapidly dropped from approximately 60-65mph to 20 mph in heavy, high-speed (many driving over 70mph)traffic. I immediately activated my hazard…

Power Train · received Sep 8, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11762910

The fuel door actuator malfunctioned, rendering the emergency release ineffective. This necessitated a replacement at 30,000 miles or four years from the manufacturing date. We believe that an inoperable fuel door presents a significant safety concern.

Electrical System · received Aug 15, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11757082

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was parked on the side of the road and was later towed to the local dealer. The…

Power Train · received Jul 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11753719

Other Ford Escape Hybrid years

← 2020 Escape Hybrid · 2022 Escape Hybrid →

See all Ford Escape Hybrid problems by year, every Ford model, or the Ford VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid?

Owners most often report engine, structure, electrical system problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 36 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Escape Hybrid model years, the 2021 has more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.