Ford Escape Complaints (2021)

498 consumer complaints on file.

#11742034June 4, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I own a 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid SEL, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle currently has approximately 104,708 miles. The vehicle has developed a shuddering, vibration, and chatter condition during low-speed turns, parking maneuvers, backing up, and other tight turning situations. The condition is most noticeable while turning in parking lots and at low speeds. The vehicle was inspected by a Ford dealership while it was being repaired for a separate engine concern. During that inspection, the dealership diagnosed a rear differential/internal clutch concern and provided an estimate of approximately $2,709 for repair. After receiving the diagnosis, I learned that Ford issued TSB 25-2351 regarding low-speed turning chatter, vibration, and shudder concerns on certain Ford Escape vehicles. My vehicle is experiencing symptoms consistent with those described in the bulletin. In addition to the vibration and chatter during turns, I have also noticed abnormal noises from the vehicle during low-speed maneuvering and when shifting into park. The condition appears to be worsening with continued operation. I contacted Ford Motor Company and opened a customer assistance case regarding this concern. I later contacted Ford again to update my case and advise them that my vehicle is experiencing symptoms consistent with TSB 25-2351. Ford advised me that there are currently no recalls, special coverage programs, or customer satisfaction programs available for my VIN. I was advised to keep my repair records and receipts in the event a future recall or reimbursement program is issued. I am submitting this complaint so that this issue can be documented and evaluated. I am concerned about the continued deterioration of the rear differential or rear drive unit components and the potential impact on the safe operation and reliability of the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741381June 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There is a cover over the bar that divides the sunroof that has come off. This is only held on with two-sided tape. It will not stay in place. After investigating this on-line, it is recommended not to move the shade without this cover in place - the bar (without the cover) could damage the fabric on the shade. This bar fell while my children were sitting the in back seat, while they were not hurt, they could have been. I have not taken this to a service center but I have seen many Ford Escape owners on-line that have complained of this problem happening. I have pictures but this page will not let me upload them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741312June 1, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My windshield wipers aren’t working properly and it causes me to not be able to see while driving which cause me to hit a curb and damage my front fender and my trunk makes a nose when I drive like it wants to pop open my car flashes warnings and then no sign of issues
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740898May 29, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape PHEV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V789 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740341May 27, 2026
POWER TRAIN
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Transmission. Codes pulled read P0751 and P0752. "Shift Solenoid 1 stuck open/closed". Yes, it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - I was driving in active traffic through a roundabout when the vehicle suddenly jolted, the seized. At the time, my two young children were in the vehicle. I narrowly avoided a collision due to another vehicle swerving around my vehicle. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes. I took the vehicle to Mark Grainger's Quality Service Center, Rincon Transmission, and the J.C. Lewis Ford dealership, which all reproduced and confirmed the issue with coresponding error codes P0751 and P0752. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Yes. Mark Grainger's Quality Service Center told us the transmission work required was beyond their scope. They sent us to Rincon Transmission. Rincon Transmission told us they'd never serviced that engine before and said they'd prefer the work to be done by a Ford dealership. J.C. Lewis Ford told us a new transmission was required, but wouldn't produce results of any testing to verify that verdict. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No. Not at the time of this incident. A CEL previously indicated a fault O2 sensor, which was then serviced by the J.C. Lewis Ford dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740061May 26, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My daughter owns a 2021 Ford Escape FWD equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged EcoBoost inline-3 engine, VIN [XXX] , with approximately 95,000 miles. The vehicle has been serviced almost exclusively by Ford dealerships and maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. The vehicle recently began exhibiting significant drivability and transmission-related problems, including shuddering while driving, hard shifting, RPM surging/revving, hesitation during acceleration, and erratic transmission behavior. The vehicle has hesitated in traffic, creating a significant safety concern. No warning lights or diagnostic alerts were displayed prior to diagnosis. On May 26, 2026, the vehicle was taken to [XXX] Ford, [XXX] , for a routine oil change and completion of open recall repairs. At that time, the transmission-related symptoms were reported to the Ford service department. The dealership performed a road test with a data logger and diagnosed the issue as: “Torque converter slipping causing shudder / bump while driving.” The dealership recommended the following repairs: Replacement of the torque converter Transmission line flush Replacement of transmission fluid Retesting after repair The quoted repair estimate was approximately $4,500. The Ford service advisor stated that the repair did not necessarily have to be completed immediately, but also warned that the condition could worsen and leave the driver stranded. This presents a serious safety concern. A vehicle experiencing transmission shuddering, torque converter slippage, hesitation, hard shifting, and erratic RPM behavior can experience loss of propulsion, delayed or inadequate acceleration, unpredictable drivetrain response in traffic, inability to safely merge or clear intersections, and stranding in unsafe conditions. Given that the vehicle has been routinely maintained, no warning lights were provided to alert the driver, and similar complaints INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739999May 26, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION, VISIBILITY, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000(VISIBILITY); 25V467000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); 26V123000(BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure 39,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739303May 21, 2026
POWER TRAIN
THIS FORD 2021 ESCAPE HAS A SERIOUS TRANSMISSION SHUDDER. IT RELIABLY WILL DO IT AT APPROX 13-15 MPH. APPROX 27-30 MPH. ABOUT 33-35 MPH. THE RATTLE, SHUDDERING ACTS AS IF THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING TO DO SOMETHING DANGEROUS. WITHOUT ANY HESITATION, THE TRANSMISSION WILL SHAKE, SHUDDER, VIBRATE. IF YOU KEEP SPEED STEADY, FOR INSTANCE 17 MPH, IT IS SCARY, AND WILL KEEP SHAKING AS LONG AS CAR IS AT A PARTICULAR SPEED. THE FORD DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED SAYS NO RECALLS, ALTHOUGH THEY ADMIT VIBRATION ISSUES IN THESE MODELS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738241May 16, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738184May 15, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER, ENGINE
Windows and engines
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737353May 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hello I am so sick of the recall on the high voltage battery. When I first got in in april of last year it had 126 miles on it and was told by [XXX] at the time and ford Auffenburg used cars that it had no recalls at all. Low and behold months later after charging the plug in portion found out there was a recall and I couldn't plug it in which was the reason I bought it. So I had no choice mostly it was sitting until I had to travel for funeral services not local to me. Then there was a fix for the recall only to find out its a software patch they don't replace the battery knowing there is a defect in the high voltage battery confirmed. So now the same issue just new number there is a second recall on it again and not to plug it in. Since then it has 138800 on it now. because I have to get some where but I stay local. At this point I just want a buy back I am tired of dealing with it and now there are two more recalls concerning a wiper motor and something to do with sync screen update. I can't afford to have them contstantly diagnose this issue. I am tired of trying to deal with auffenburg in general on these issues I had to get them to program the computer just to do emmisions in illinois. All I want it a buy back so I can pick something else. The first recall was 24S79 Now its 25SC4/25V789 This car has been nothing but recall on the high voltage battery. It's a bad safety issue and really want to get rid of it. Thee have been a few times taking it down the street I lost power in hybrid normal running mode. It's just scary I had no control in the wheel INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736802May 9, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof shade came off track while driving and I had to hold it the whole way home so I could see out the back window to safely drive. Upon research I found this is a common defect on the escapes and ford has done nothing to prevent this. Repairs cost thousands of dollars and this is not ok. This needs to be a recall to be fixed for all escapes affected.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736409May 7, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The panoramic sunroof shade disconnected from the clips that holds it in place to allow it to be opened and closed. It is now rolled up in the car so the sunroof is always exposed and cannot be reconnected without a full replacement according to the dealership. It can impact visibility in bright sunlight.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736386May 7, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BACK OVER PREVENTION, VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V789000 (Electrical System) and 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention) and 26V117000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736082May 6, 2026
ENGINE
Canister purge valve getting stuck open and causing a hard start
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736055May 6, 2026
STRUCTURE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, POWER TRAIN
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 informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,845.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735408May 3, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
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, including on the Dolphin [XXX] near Miami Int [XXX] 3:30PM Friday rush hour, with our [XXX] child in the vehicle on thr [XXX] r occasions. Ford's own recall documentation states steering and braking remain functional during shutdown. This is directly contradicted by our firsthand experience. Both are completely inoperable. Dealer on second attempt blamed original Ford-supplied charger — replacement did not resolve defect. This vehicle is subject to active class action [XXX] et al. v. Ford Motor Company (Case XXX). Formal warranty demand letter sent to Ford Motor Company via certified mail under Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act simultaneously with this complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734480April 29, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Vehicle headlights constantly dimming in and out, replaced alternator and battery, problem still persisted if not worse than before. Vehicle constantly struggles to accelerate once at running temperature, high revs and doesn't accelerate at all, vehicle experienced complete power loss after approaching red light, vehicle restarted but showed severe signs of power deficiency
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733357April 23, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE, BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V789000 (Electrical System), 25V829000 (Structure), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention) and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733340April 23, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, BACK OVER PREVENTION, VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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