2021 Ford Escape Hybrid fuel/propulsion system problems

“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 loses power and control of the vehicle. I reported this issue to Ford helpdesk but they mentioned there was no recall for my VIN. It almost feels like it would electrocute someone.”

“My vehicle has experienced repeated transmission failures requiring major repairs. During diagnosis, the dealership reported excessive transmission material and missing friction material inside the transmission for second time. This is now the second transmission repair on the vehicle. Before repair, the vehicle would unexpectedly lunge forward and accelerate super-fast. The sudden fast acceleration and loss of vehicle operation created a significant safety concern, especially in traffic, parking lots, and intersections. I was concerned that the vehicle could unexpectedly crash or fail to shift gears as intended, increasing the risk of a crash. The issue has persisted despite previous repair attempts, raising extreme life concerns for my safety and the safety of others as well as raising concerns about a potential safety defect affecting the transmission system and vehicle control. I believe this condition presents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and request that NHTSA review this matter for possible investigation.”

“When I would turn on the vehicle, it would emit a strong smell of gasoline. The vehicle continued to have the same issues after prior service and complaint to the dealership about the continued smell of gasoline emitting from my 21-ford escape. A technician then verified the concern and found an exhaust leak present on the catalytic converter, when the car had very low mileage. The smell of gasoline combined with a leak created a potential fire hazard and risk of carbon monoxide exposure posing a serious safety risk while driving or when the vehicle is parked.”

“Windows sometimes don't roll up or down, driver side doors do not lock, vehicle doesn't properly accelerate/very slow to go like gas isn't reaching where it needs to go, the transmission area makes a clunking noise, and the back sensor seems to have fallen out and it constantly beeps as if I am going to hit something, the side mirrors sometimes tell me there is something next to me when nothing is around, dash warning lights go off randomly sometimes.”

“Complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) I am filing this complaint regarding an unresolved safety recall on my vehicle. This recall has remained open for more than one year, yet no remedy has been made available. Despite the manufacturer acknowledging the safety defect, I continue to operate a vehicle that presents significant safety concerns because the defect has not been corrected. The recall has caused my vehicle to experience severe drivability issues, including engine failure, excessive rough idling, and violent shaking while the vehicle is operating. These conditions create an increased risk of the vehicle stalling unexpectedly, reducing my ability to safely operate the vehicle and placing myself, my passengers, and other motorists at risk. Additionally, because of the unresolved recall condition, my vehicle is unable to pass the required state safety inspection. This has left me with a vehicle that I cannot fully utilize or register while I continue waiting for the manufacturer to provide a repair. It is unreasonable for consumers to wait more than a year for a safety recall remedy while continuing to experience hazardous…”

“I am filing this safety complaint on behalf of myself and my wife, [XXX] , the primary driver of our 2021 Ford Escape PHEV, with active under Recall 25SC4 (no remedy available). The vehicle has experienced 8+ sudden complete shutdowns during normal driving since February 2026, always during EV-to-hybrid mode transition, always without prior warning. The only warning is a brief sound like air escaping immediately before shutdown. At shutdown: engine cuts completely, steering wheel locks rigid and cannot be turned, brake pedal locks hard and cannot be depressed, gear selector locks in Drive and cannot be changed. The driver has zero ability to steer, brake, or move the vehicle. Must activate hazards and wait 1-5 minutes for restart while immobilized in an active traffic lane. Incidents occurred: (1) February 2026: multiple times, dealer retained vehicle 5 days, found nothing. (2) Early April 2026: multiple times, including one witnessed by a police officer who directed traffic around immobilized vehicle. Dealer kept 3 days, blamed the original Ford-supplied charger. Replacement did not fix defect. (3) May 1, 2026: 4 times in one day with my wife only in the car,…”