Problems · by component

2021 Ford Escape structure problems

92 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Escape cite structure, 26% of all 353 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
92
26% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the structure

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“When I lock my car, whether from my phone, keys, or lock button inside car, the car will lock except the passenger side door which remains unlocked. So when the car is supposed to be locked and secured, anyone who wants can gain access in my car whenever they want. The car alarm will go off. But the door still opens. I believe this is a safety concern for my family and I while being in the vehicle and also a threat to valuables in my car. I haven’t had it looked at yet. But I want to report it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 26, 2026Electrical system, Structure, Unknown or otherODI 11759872
“The sunroof cover has come off its tracks and has lost tension. It requires a full sunroof cover replacement. Upon searching this issue online, I found it was a common issue in Escapes around 2020-2022.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 18, 2026StructureODI 11745094
“On XXX I was driving my 2021 Ford Escape for 10 minutes before I stopped at Sheetz gas station on [XXX]. I ran into the building to withdraw cash from the ATM leaving my fiance and dog in the car while it sat idle. Upon exiting the building about 30 seconds to a minute later, I witnessed smoke coming up from the hood of my car. My fiance and Dog quickly evacuated the car as we saw flames emerging. I ran inside to get assistance from the workers and they brought out fire extinguishers. The attempt to extinguish the flames was unsuccessful and the front of the car quickly went up. Police and fire department were called and they showed up about 10 minutes later to handle the situation. Reports from the officer, fire department and the Sheetz assistant were taken. I do not have access to those. My car insurance is covering the cost of the vehicle and a 7 day car rental. They are not covering the loss of both mine and my fiance's cell phones.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 10, 2026Electrical system, Structure, EngineFire reportedODI 11743124
“Nothing malfunctioned. All I was asking for was a fender to hood adjustment and the dealership kept telling me they don't do that and that I would need to go to a bodyshop. The fender to hood alignment issue didn't put others at risk. What the problem is is the door is not aligned based on OEM requirements and the recall repair was completed but not done correctly. The problem has been identified by the dealer. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer. No warning lights or anything. Simply dealership refusing to get my door realigned. After taking it to body shop 3 times and still this problem has not been fixed. This is unacceptable especially since it was a recall through the manufacturer. Also when I asked dealership for proof in writing that they don't do their own bodywork the service advisor told me no. That is also unacceptable. I should be given my proper recall documentation whenever I ask for it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 16, 2026StructureODI 11738241
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle suddenly shut off and failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the fuel injector had failed. The vehicle was repaired. After having the vehicle repaired, the contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 25V829000 (Structure), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts for the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that when idle and attempting to acclerate the vehicle would jerk forward. The vehicle would jolt forward and shake when transitioning from 2nd to 3rd gear at various speeds. Whistle noises were coming from near the liftgate. The contact was experiencing hard shifting. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the remedy to be available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to change the transmission fluid, but they were told that the transmission was damaged and needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 6, 2026Fuel system, gasoline, Power train, StructureODI 11736055

Showing 6 of 92 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Structure: hatchback

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape vehicles. The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.

StructureReported Dec 2, 2025NHTSA 25V829000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

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