Home · 2021 Ford Escape Gas · Complaints

What 325 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Escape Gas

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (325)Crash / fire / injury (18)Body & structure (90)Fuel system (66)Brakes (49)Engine (39)Transmission & drivetrain (38)Electrical system (31)Visibility & wipers (21)Backup camera & sensors (11)Driver assistance (7)Seat belts (6)

66 of 325 complaints match · Fuel system · clear filters · page 1 of 3

Jul 7, 2026Fuel systemVisibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received recall notifications for NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts required to complete the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact called the local dealer and left a voicemail message, but the contact had not received a return call. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11748809

Jun 16, 2026Fuel systemVisibility & wipersBackup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11744419

Jun 11, 2026Fuel system

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced difficulty starting and hesitation upon acceleration. Additionally, the check engine warning light was persistently illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11743400

Jun 11, 2026Fuel system

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local 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. 

NHTSA ODI 11743518

May 26, 2026Fuel systemVisibility & wipersBackup camera & sensors

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.

NHTSA ODI 11739999

May 15, 2026EngineFuel systemVisibility & wipersCrash

Windows and engines

NHTSA ODI 11738184

May 6, 2026Fuel systemTransmission & drivetrainBody & structure

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.

NHTSA ODI 11736055

May 3, 2026Electrical systemBrakesFuel system

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)

NHTSA ODI 11735408

Apr 23, 2026Fuel systemVisibility & wipersBackup camera & sensors

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.

NHTSA ODI 11733340

Apr 22, 2026EngineFuel system

MY VEHICLE HAS HAD A FUEL INJECTOR RECALL SINCE 07/2025. MY CAR HAS GRADUALLY STARTED TO IDLE AND DROP RPMS. IT STARTS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY IN PARK AND NOW IT IS HAPPENING WHEN I AM IN DRIVE AND FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE. I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO BECAUSE OF THE OPEN RECALL WITH NO REPAIR OPTIONS IN SIGHT ALMOST A YEAR LATER.

NHTSA ODI 11732959

Apr 14, 2026Fuel system

This has been an ongoing recall for three years. They fixed my car the first time according to them and now it’s still an issue they are saying they can’t fix. I’ve went through two evap solenoids and my car still is having issues with the fuel vapor intake. I’m to the point I don’t ride in it or drive it with my children bc I’m scared it’s going to catch fire especially being in south florida. I’m very upset with ford!

NHTSA ODI 11731164

Apr 13, 2026Fuel systemVisibility & wipersBackup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was 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.

NHTSA ODI 11730840

Apr 6, 2026Fuel system

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11729491

Apr 6, 2026Fuel system

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11729534

Apr 4, 2026Fuel system

Ford manufacturer and local Gurley Leep Ford Dealership failed to provide a remedy to safety recall : Manufacturer Recall Number25S76 NHTSA Recall Number25V467 in a reasonable timeframe. The local Ford dealership refused to provide a remedy, free of charge, in accordance with the NHTSA guidelines .

NHTSA ODI 11729141

Mar 25, 2026Fuel systemVisibility & wipersBackup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention), and 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issues, and it was confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11726928

Mar 6, 2026EngineFuel systemVisibility & wipers

The recall on the fuel issue was released in July 2025. This is now March 2026. Eight months should be enough time to get the parts needed for this repair. What can you do to see about getting this process accelerated? Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11722403

Mar 5, 2026Fuel system

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11722226

Mar 2, 2026Electrical systemEngineFuel system

The entire dashboard/infotainment interface will lose power suddenly. The car will struggle to start, and have an emissions or evap code, and there's a smell from the engine sometimes, that leaks into the cabin, which the cabin has bad thermoregulation, and cold air seeps in QUICK. Also I've driven on the highway and have had all the steering and power stop all at once! The headlights also keep getting popped or burnt out.

NHTSA ODI 11721605

Feb 23, 2026Fuel system

UNKNOWN - recall from July 2025 with the fuel injectors. There is still no remedy available. The smell of gas inside the vehicle happens each time it is driven. I don't feel this is being handled in a timely manner.

NHTSA ODI 11719932

Feb 15, 2026Fuel system

Safety recall does not have a remedy for over 8 months.

NHTSA ODI 11718073

Feb 6, 2026Fuel system

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The gasoline odor was stronger while stopped in traffic. The windows were opened to lessen the odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); and related the failure to the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

NHTSA ODI 11716152

Feb 2, 2026Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

IT HAS A RECALL 25S76 THAT FORD SAYS HAS NO SOLUTION. I CALLED FORD, AND THEY SAID IT DID HAVE ONE, AND THAT I SHOULD TAKE IT IN. SUPPOSEDLY, WHAT THEY DID WAS A SOFTWARE UPDATE ON 05/01/2025, BUT NOTHING WORKED. The gasoline smell inside the car persists, with a risk of fire.

NHTSA ODI 11714953

Jan 26, 2026Fuel systemBody & structure

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 25V829000 (Structure); however, the parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11713409

Jan 22, 2026Fuel systemBody & structure

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 25V829000 (Structure). The contact called several dealers and the manufacturer several times and was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11712688

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Working with the data? Download all 325 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 18, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2021 Ford Escape Gas verdict →