2021 Ford Escape
Common Problems
Ranked from 161 federal NHTSA complaints and 15 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
37 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Driver Side Door Weld Failure
40complaintsHigh severityOtherThe spot welds on the driver side door check arm have fractured, leading to the door making loud popping or grinding noises and failing to close properly.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 2
Door Check Arm Weld Failure
19complaintsSafety riskOtherThe door check arm welds on the driver's side door have broken, leading to the door not closing properly and posing a safety hazard.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 3
Brake Squealing and Grinding in Reverse
14complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe rear brakes emit a squealing and grinding noise when reversing, which persists despite multiple repairs.
$250–$700est. brake pads + rotors (per axle) · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 21V922000
- 4
Brake Failure During Reversing
12complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe rear brakes fail to release properly during reversing, causing abnormal sounds and potential loss of control.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 21V922000
- 5
Fuel System Recall Issues
12complaintsMedium severityFuel systemIssues with the fuel system, including recalls for fuel system components, have not been resolved in a timely manner.
Related recalls: 21V625000, 22V859000, 25V165000, 25V467000
- 6
Service Brake Issues
12complaintsMedium severityBrakesService brake issues persist despite multiple repairs, including grinding noises and abnormal sounds during reversing.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 21V922000
- 7
Steering Sensitivity and Choppiness
12complaintsLow severitySteeringThe steering system is overly sensitive and choppier than expected, leading to frequent brake warnings and difficulty controlling the vehicle.
- 8
Structural Issues with Door Welds
12complaintsMedium severityOtherDoor welds break away from the frame, posing safety concerns and requiring costly repairs.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 9
Suspension Issues with Rear Wheel Bracket
12complaintsMedium severitySuspensionThe rear wheel bracket breaks unexpectedly, often within the first 8,600 miles, requiring immediate attention.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Windshield Cracking During Defrosting
12complaintsLow severityOtherThe windshield cracks during defrosting, even when the vehicle is stationary and not in motion.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 11
Recall Non-Resolution
8complaintsMedium severityOtherMultiple recalls remain unresolved despite multiple attempts to address issues.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 12
Transmission Shuddering and Jerking
8complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission frequently shudders and jerks, especially during acceleration, posing a safety risk.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V330000
- 13
Driver Side Door Latch Malfunction
6complaintsHigh severityOtherThe driver side door latch has malfunctioned, causing the door to fail to close properly and the window to become inoperable.
$200–$600est. door lock/latch repair · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V852000
- 14
Powertrain Warning Light Issues
6complaintsMedium severityTransmissionMultiple instances of the powertrain warning light illuminating without clear diagnosis or repair, suggesting underlying mechanical issues.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V330000
- 15
Brake Squealing and Grooved Rotors
5complaintsMedium severityOtherThe rear brake rotors are grooved and the brakes squeal during reverse, indicating potential wear and tear issues.
$250–$700est. brake pads + rotors (per axle) · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V852000
- 16
Electrical System Issues Including Wiper Malfunction
5complaintsMedium severityElectricalElectrical system issues, particularly windshield wiper malfunctions, impair visibility and increase the risk of accidents.
Related recalls: 21V869000, 22V149000, 24V954000, 25V685000
- 17
Electrical System Warnings and Malfunctions
5complaintsMedium severityElectricalElectrical system issues, including dashboard warnings and malfunctions, affect the vehicle's operation and safety.
Related recalls: 21V869000, 22V149000, 24V954000, 25V685000
- 18
Fuel System Issues Leading to Difficulty Starting and Acceleration
5complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe fuel system experiences issues leading to difficulty starting and hesitation upon acceleration, often requiring recall repairs.
Related recalls: 21V625000, 22V859000, 25V165000, 25V467000
- 20
Sunroof Shade Detachment and Malfunction
5complaintsMedium severityOtherThe sunroof shade detaches or malfunctions, affecting visibility and potentially causing safety concerns.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 21
Transmission Failure Causing Severe Shuddering and Stalling
5complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission frequently fails, causing severe shuddering and stalling, posing a significant safety risk.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V330000
- 22
Brake system failures (rear wheel noise, brake pedal issues)
4complaintsMedium severityBrakesAbnormal sounds from the rear wheels and delayed braking response when pressing the brake pedal, potentially leading to accidents.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 21V922000
- 23
Electrical system failures (gateway module issues, engine communication failure)
4complaintsMedium severityElectricalProblems with the gateway module and engine communication, leading to issues with vehicle inspections and engine diagnostics.
Related recalls: 21V869000, 22V149000, 24V954000, 25V685000
- 24
Engine Fire During Operation
4complaintsHigh severityFuel systemAn engine fire occurs during operation, often accompanied by smoke and loss of control.
Related recalls: 21V625000, 22V859000, 25V165000, 25V467000
- 25
Engine Misfires and Faults
4complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine misfires, misbehavior, and check engine lights indicate underlying issues.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 22V191000, 22V484000, 23V380000, 25V345000, 25V685000
- 26
Fuel system issues (fuel gauge and vapor system)
4complaintsMedium severityFuel systemIssues with the fuel gauge and vapor system causing unexpected fuel tank readings and engine stalling after refueling.
Related recalls: 21V625000, 22V859000, 25V165000, 25V467000
- 27
Recall issues (fuel system, engine, and other recalls not addressed)
4complaintsMedium severityOtherMultiple unresolved recalls related to the fuel system, engine, and other components, causing ongoing issues for owners.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 28
Structural Issues
4complaintsMedium severityOtherSunroof and panoramic glass issues cause safety hazards and require costly repairs.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 29
Sunroof malfunctions (sunshade issues, headliner detachment)
4complaintsLow severityOtherProblems with the sunroof, including sunshade detachment and headliner detachment, affecting visibility and comfort.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 30
Transmission Issues
4complaintsHigh severityTransmissionTransmission failures cause sudden shuddering, stalling, and require expensive repairs.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V330000
- 31
Brake Failure During Reverse
3complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake system fails during reverse, causing loud noises and loss of braking function.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 21V922000
- 32
Coolant Leaks and Engine Overheating
3complaintsHigh severityOtherCoolant leaks and engine overheating without visible external leaks, leading to engine failure and potential fire risks.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V852000
- 33
Seat belt issues (seat belt malfunctioning in hot weather)
3complaintsLow severityOtherIssues with the seat belts, particularly difficulty unbuckling in hot weather, posing a minor safety risk.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 34
Sunroof Cover Issues
3complaintsLow severityOtherSunroof covers experience issues such as coming off tracks, affecting the vehicle's appearance and potentially causing safety concerns.
Related recall: 24V852000
- 35
Suspension Problems
3complaintsLow severitySuspensionSuspension issues cause unusual noises and require frequent repairs.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 36
Transmission failures (transmission slipping, transmission failure)
3complaintsHigh severityTransmissionTransmission issues such as slipping gears and complete failure, leading to unsafe driving conditions.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V330000
- 37
Auto Start/Stop System Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe auto start/stop system malfunctions, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly stop while driving.
Related recalls: 21V869000, 22V149000, 24V954000, 25V685000
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.