It has not been long since Ford’s compact SUV, the Escape, got its hybrid treatment back. Re-introduced with the fourth generation of Escapes SUVs, the Ford Escape Hybrid has not seen a good start, more so when it comes to the complaints and recall department. The year 2021 sees almost 5 recalls and 33 complaints against this compact SUV's nameplate, which is a substantial increase from the previous year. Issues ranging from engine oil leaks to high-voltage hybrid battery failure have been a common occurrence on this SUV. Has Ford done enough to make this compact a viable option against its competitors? Well, that is something this article will discuss. With base prices starting from around $27,605, the Escape would directly go against the likes of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, the Kia Niro Hybrid, and the Honda CR-V Hybrid.
2021 Ford Escape Hybrid User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine- The engine on the 2021 Escape Hybrid is prone to a variety of issues, the primary one being an oil leak, while premature coolant pump failure and random engine stalls were reported in comparatively smaller numbers. The oil leaks, as reported by the NHTSA have resulted in at least four cases of engine fires this year with no injuries. A recall (NHTSA ID 22V191000) was initiated by the automaker to rectify this problem.
- Transmission – A handful of owners have complained about the transmission on the Ford Escape Hybrid leaving them stranded. The unit is said to engage Park mode automatically and remains stuck in that specific mode. The affected vehicle had to be towed to the dealer where a TCU software reflash was provided as the temporary remedy for the complaint.
- Service brakes- Many owners have complained about the low braking performance on the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid with one officially recorded crash with one person injured. A recall (NHTSA ID 21V922000) was initiated by the automaker since this issue was turning out to be pretty common.
Electric System complaints
- Hybrid battery pack- Hybrid battery pack failure is one common issue that many owners of the 2021 Escape Hybrid are facing as per the NHTSA. Owners complain about the SUV completely shutting down out of nowhere with only the battery warning light illuminating on the dashboard. This issue was pretty widespread and was well known by the automaker, who initiated a recall (NHTSA ID 22V149000) to rectify this issue at a later date. The average failure mileage of this complaint as reported is under 5,000-miles.
- Infotainment- Various owners have complained about the SYNC 3 system failing to maintain a connection with phones and dropping calls intermittently. No official fix for these complaints has been released by the automaker, but turning off the battery optimization feature on the phone has helped solve the issue for a handful of users.
Structural Complaints
- Liftgate- Owners have complained about the rear power liftgate on the 2021 Escape Hybrid opening on its own when parked. The issue was later found to be with software that controls the liftgate driver unit. If the issues recurred, the owners were given a driver unit replacement.
- General built- The Escape Hybrid does have multiple general build quality and fit complaints as per the owners. Front axle noise, floorboard failure, suspension noise, faulty windshield wipers, and rattling subwoofer mounts on SUVs equipped with it are all niggles raised by many owners as stated by the NHTSA.
Safety Complaints
- Collision avoidance system- The automated emergency braking system on the Escape Hybrid has been complained about for only working intermittently. NHTSA has recorded instances of the system completely failing to work with one recorded event of a crash with no injury.
2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
25th March 2022 |
22V191000 |
Engine oil leak |
Engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak, which in presence of an ignition source can cause 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. Notification letters were mailed on April 18, 2022. |
|
2 |
11th March 2022 |
22V149000 |
A high Voltage battery may fail |
The high-voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2022. |
|
3 |
23rd November 2021 |
21V922000 |
Reduced braking performance |
The rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance and distance, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The remedy is currently under development. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. |
|
4 |
10th November 2021 |
21V869000 |
A high Voltage battery may fail |
The high-voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2022. |
|
5 |
10th August 2021 |
21V625000 |
The fuel delivery module may leak |
The fuel delivery module may break inside the fuel tank, decreasing fuel pressure, causing an engine stall, and increasing the risk of a crash |
Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2021 |
Should you buy a used Ford Escape Hybrid?
The Escape series of compact SUVs from Ford has been facing serious criticism from owners for being not that reliable since the introduction of the new generation in 2020. The Escape Hybrid especially has been prone to engine oil leaks with officially recorded cases of fire, premature brake failure, and even critical damage to the high-voltage electric battery. Even though this SUV has been loved by many for its affordable pricing, peppy powertrain options, and fun-to-drive packaging, it is pretty much hard to recommend one at this stage. The 2021 Escape Hybrid still has ongoing recalls under its name, so buying one used now would not be considered sensible, especially since the prices have not come down to the point where we would classify it as a value deal.
