VehicleVerdict

2021 Ford Escape Phev problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 28 complaints on file for the 2021 Ford Escape Phev — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

28

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Escape Phev years?

Escape Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted101 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 28 complaints2022: 101 complaints2023: 6 complaints2024: 4 complaints2025: 2 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Escape Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Escape Phev years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Ford Escape Phev problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System829%
Engine829%
Fuel System27%
Body & Structure27%
Seat Belts14%
Speed Control14%
Transmission14%
Airbags14%
Visibility & Wipers14%
Brakes14%
Driver Assistance14%
Other14%

Does the 2021 Ford Escape Phev have recalls?

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

25V789000Electrical SystemNovember 14, 2025 · 20,558 units

Defect

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

Consequence

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.

Remedy

The remedy is currently under development. Owners are advised to only use "Auto EV" mode and will be instructed by mail to limit the maximum charge of the battery until the remedy has been completed. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, and instructions to limit the maximum charge of the battery were mailed December 8, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC4. Vehicles in this recall were previously recalled under 24V954 and will need to have the new remedy performed. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 18, 2025.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owned a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH and attempting to slow the vehicle, he became dizzy then suddenly fainted, and as a result, he briefly lost control of the vehicle and came to a complete stop after colliding with the curb. Just prior to fainting,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 3, 2024 · crash

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V954000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 28, 2025

“I was issued a letter back in June 2023 on this recall. Parts were supposed to be available by October 2023. It is now almost March of 2024 with no remedy”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 1, 2023

“I was issued a letter back in June 2023 on this recall. Parts were supposed to be available by October 2023. It is now almost March of 2024 with no remedy”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 1, 2023

“Brakes are squealing very badly when in reverse, (going down a hill or when have not been used in a few days or after a rain storm). Windshield sub-stained a splintered crack after only 2 months, quality of windshield seems weak.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 30, 2022

2021 Ford Escape Phev — common questions

Is the 2021 Ford Escape Phev reliable?

The record is thin — 28 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2021 Escape Phev problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (8 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), body & structure (2 complaints).

Does the 2021 Ford Escape Phev have recalls?

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

Which Ford Escape Phev years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escape Phev years to avoid are 2022. The cleanest record among Escape Phev years belongs to 2026.

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.