2021 Ford Escape Problems And Complaints

User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Problems

• Engine - Engine stalling is a known problem with the Ford Escape. The SUV tends to lose power under driving conditions. This leads to a sharp drop in speed. Customers report a ‘STOP SAFELY NOW’ warning before stalling. A sudden loss of drive power increases the chances of a crash.
• Brakes - Brake system problems are common with the Ford Escape. Brake fade and brake slip are the two known issues with the SUV. Brake fade results in inadequate braking and squealing during the application of brakes. Brake slip results in longer braking distances. Both these issues need the user to apply more force on the brake pedal. This is a major problem and forces a few recalls on the SUV.
• Cooling System - The Ford Escape cooling system is prone to a drop in coolant (antifreeze) levels. This results in engine overheating. The majority of cooling system complaints report cases of a vehicle fire. This compromises the safety of the occupants.
• Fuel leakage - Fuel leak is a major problem with the Ford Escape. Ford claims the Fuel Delivery Module defects to be the primary cause of the issue. Fuel leak complaints report many cases of vehicle fires resulting in a total loss. The issue forces the recalling of the SUV. 
• Transmission - Ford Escape customers report instances of transmission failure resulting in gear jamming. The gearbox tends to jam in the ‘park mode’ restricting gear shifting.

Electrical Problems

• Battery - The High Voltage Battery of the SUV is prone to failure. This can lead to a potential loss of vehicle power. Sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. The fix to this requires replacing the high voltage battery.

Recalls 

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1	March 25, 2022	22V191000	Engine oil leak.	An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as a hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.	Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.
2	March 11, 2022	22V149000	High voltage battery may fail.	Sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.	Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S48.
3	November 23, 2021	21V922000	Reduced braking performance.FMVSS 135.	In some situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop may extend increasing the risk of a crash.	The remedy is currently under development. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in the second quarter of 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31.
4	November 10, 2021	21V869000	High voltage battery may fail.	Sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.	A dealer will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. The owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S48.
5	August 10, 2021	21V625000	The fuel delivery module may leak.	An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.	Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters (remedy not available) were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S38.

Should you buy the 2021 Ford Escape?

The 2021 Ford Escape attempts to fit in as a practical family-friendly SUV and an economic daily commuter. The SUV seats a party of 5 and offers a wide range of features. The Escape also offers multiple power powertrain options to suit one’s preferences. NHTSA records 5 recalls and 33 complaints for the 2021 model year so far. The Escape also receives a 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. However, considering the tendencies of major complaints and recalls the Ford SUV does not get the vote of confidence from CarHp.