Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Escape Hybrid model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 1,584 |
| 2006 | 720 |
| 2007 | 393 |
| 2008 | 2,417 |
| 2009 | 153 |
| 2010 | 2,130 |
| 2011 | 1,334 |
| 2012 | 600 |
| 2020 | 290 |
| 2021 | 363 |
| 2022 | 70 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 1 |
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
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.
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.
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.