Research · 2 NHTSA variants

2021 Ford Escape HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 363 owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid. Most complaints involve structure (93) and power train (49). NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Feb 2022
Owner complaints
363
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal

Remedy pending

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.

Engine and engine coolingReported Feb 24, 2022NHTSA 22V109000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

363 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2021 – Nov 2026
  1. Structure93
  2. Power train49
  3. Engine46
  4. Fuel system, gasoline46
  5. Service brakes41
  6. Electrical system36
  7. Fuel/propulsion system30
  8. Visibility19
  9. Back over prevention11

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Escape Hybrid model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20051,584
2006720
2007393
20082,417
2009153
20102,130
20111,334
2012600
2020290
2021363
202270
202324
20244
20251
Crashes reported
9
Fires reported
9
Injuries reported
5
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Structure

93 reports1 fire
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was serviced under Customer Satisfaction Program 23B-56; however, the replacement welding caused the front driver's side door to fail. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to enter the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start, and multiple warning lights illuminated. The vehicle required a jump-start to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced, and the contact was informed that the previously installed battery was incorrect for the vehicle. The contact was referred to a second dealer for further assistance. The vehicle was towed to the second dealer, where it was diagnosed that a water leak at the C-105 connector on the front driver's side door had caused an electrical system failure. The dealer determined that the wiring harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 28, 2026Electrical system, StructureODI 11760376

Power train

49 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but later became persistent. The vehicle was taken to O'Reily's where it was diagnosed with fuel control module failure, turbocharger failure, and powertrain failure. The contact was notified of three open recalls associated with the VIN. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle lost motive power and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that the parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The failure mileage was 100,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2026Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, gasoline, Power trainODI 11773033

Engine

46 reports1 crash5 fires
“Car is experiencing internal engine component deterioration under Recall 23S27. Auffenberg Ford in O'Fallon, IL cleared the critical P1061 safety code on October 6 using my code reader, saying they didn’t have time to hook it up to their system and sent me home with an appointment to bring it back in, without fixing the vehicle. Ford Corporate is now utilizing that unauthorized deletion to deny my engine replacement under Customer Satisfaction Program 23N06, forcing me to drive a vehicle with a documented catastrophic engine failure and fire risk until it either throws the code again or catches fire, possibly killing one of my children, or throws a rod.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 2, 2026EngineODI 11775244
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Ford Escape HEV SUV AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
17.4%
Overall
5 / 5
Ford Escape HEV SUV FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 15421Vehicle 15376
05 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
07 —FAQ

2021 Escape Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid problems?

Owners filed 363 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (93), power train (49), engine (46). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

How safe is the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026