VehicleVerdict

2021 Ford Escape Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid sits mid-pack among Escape Hybrid years: 141 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 112, with a single recall and 2 closed investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (34), body & structure (31), and electrical system (20), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

141

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Escape Hybrid years?

Escape Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted583 complaints2005: 237 complaints2006: 305 complaints2007: 156 complaints2008: 583 complaints2009: 193 complaints2010: 73 complaints2011: 46 complaints2012: 20 complaints2013: 10 complaints2020: 359 complaints2021: 141 complaints2022: 82 complaints2023: 32 complaints2024: 4 complaints
Escape Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Escape Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3424%
Body & Structure3122%
Electrical System2014%
Other1611%
Transmission118%
Fuel System107%
Brakes64%
Driver Assistance43%
Speed Control43%
Seat Belts21%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Seats11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V109000EngineFebruary 24, 2022 · 155 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I was driving down the road and the car stated to stall. I noticed white smoke in my review mirror. I started to pull over and I got a warning message that said I had zero oil pressure and the engine shut down. I costed off the road into a pull off. When we got out of the car there was a fire in…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 5, 2022 · fire

“2021 Escape with 61,000 miles and normal use (commuting for work). The Driver door check arm welds have failed causing a crunching noise when opening and closing. Ford dealership says it's not a warranty repair and refuses to fix the problem. There are two SSM/TSBs regarding this problem SSM 51553…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 20, 2023

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the next morning the vehicle lost electrical power and failed to start. The contact could only open the door by using the key manually. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 18, 2023

“I was driving down the road and the car stated to stall. I noticed white smoke in my review mirror. I started to pull over and I got a warning message that said I had zero oil pressure and the engine shut down. I costed off the road into a pull off. When we got out of the car there was a fire in…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 5, 2022 · fire

“Parked car in garage on saturday like normally done for 3+ years. Next thing, car is completely unresponsive. Will not start, honk doesnt work, no lights nothing. If this happened in the middle of the road (and it has happened to other drivers), its a safety issue. Tried jump starting, nothing…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 6, 2024

2021 Ford Escape Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid reliable?

It is close to typical for the Escape Hybrid: 141 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2021 Escape Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (34 complaints), body & structure (31 complaints), electrical system (20 complaints).

Does the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Escape Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escape Hybrid years to avoid are 2008, 2020, 2006, 2005, 2009. The cleanest record among Escape Hybrid years belongs to 2024.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.