2021 Ford Escape complaints

My back passenger door will not lock. If I lock it from my ford app or key fob that back door stays unlocked. This puts my safety at risk because I’m a young female living in a big city known for sex trafficking. I could be followed to my car and I could lock the door but that door stays unlocked someone could kidnap me. Or what if I’m driving the car and the door flies open, that can cause a deadly accident. There was no warning signs or messages just a mere coincidence that I noticed it wasn’t locking. We took it into ford and they have found the issue but don’t want to cover it even though we pay for the primary care. I noticed that past models have been recalled for this issue and should be recalled again that this is something that should not be taken lightly. A lock on a door is not wear and tear when it doesn’t get used.

Vehicle will completely cut off when stopped at lights sometimes. And I have to turn off vehicle and restart it to get vehicle going again.

Lithia ford is Fresno worked on exhaust and replaced cat converter on September 5th 2024 for the dealer in which I purchased my vehicle. Ford did not put the support bracket that holds the exhaust and catalytic converter in place back on after the repair. I purchased the vehicle and after 1 month of driving it, the vehicle exhaust started to get really loud and began leaking exhaust fumes into the cab of the car. Car was taken to Tulare Ford to be checked when the missing bracket was discovered and work history was pulled on the vehicle showing Lithia’s direct connection to the exact missing part. Lithia ford refuses to take responsibility for their failure to properly secure the exhaust and catalytic converter which directly cause the issue at hand.

Door welds were recalled and doors to replace have been on back order for months. My drivers side window now does not properly go up and down. Door pops when opened or closed and will not stay open if needed. My drivers side window also now has a scratch. I’m tired of waiting for a repair and still having to pay for a vehicle that is falling apart and nothing being done about it.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 73,925.

The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the temperature was cold the seat belt buckled and remained in place as needed; however, during hot temperatures the seat belt was difficult to unbuckle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the seat belt was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Problem Description Component/System Failed: The driver-side front door has been inoperable since April 2024, unable to open or close, linked to Ford’s Customer Satisfaction Program 23B56 (faulty door welds/hinges). Vehicle is available for inspection. Safety Risk: I must climb over the passenger seat to enter/exit, risking injury, especially in emergencies. My disabled veteran father, who shares the car, cannot drive it due to inaccessibility, severely limiting his mobility. An inoperable door could delay evacuation, endangering us both. Confirmed by Dealer: Empire Ford, New Bedford, MA, confirmed the issue in October 2024, tying it to 23B56. They quoted 2-3 weeks for parts but haven’t repaired it as of April 10, 2025. Inspections: Only Empire Ford inspected it in October 2024. They admitted to marking the work order as done without repairs, restarting the process. No other inspections by Ford, police, or insurers occurred. Symptoms/Warnings: No warning lights or messages. Around April 2024, the door became hard to open/close, then failed completely, remaining stuck closed. No prior noises or partial issues noted. Details: In October 2024, I took my Escape to Empire Ford for the 23B56 repair. They said parts would take 2-3 weeks. After months without updates, I learned they falsely marked the job complete, forcing a restart. Six months later, the door is still broken, and they only say parts are “ordered,” offering no timeline. This aligns with NHTSA’s PE23013 investigation

When I change gears to reverse, it’s hard to put in gear and studders as well. I am not sure what the issue here is with it.

See attached document for complaint.

Every time I get gas my engine stalls out citing an issue with the evap system — evap purge valve. This is not safe as it stalls out directly after filling the car up. The smell of gas is very prominent leading me to believe there could be a fire hazard associated with this as well.

Front driver door welds not holding and causing door to not shut properly.

I was driving my 2021 Ford Escape, that I have not yet owned for four years, that I purchased brand new from a Ford dealership. I was driving to work just as I do on a typical morning at interstate speeds, when suddenly, the car refused to upshift, slipping gears. The car became jerky. I tried to accelerate back up to speed. The car was not moving and the RPM reading shot into the red. I see a large vehicle approaching me, and I begin to feel terror that I could become the victim of a car crash, due to a faulty Ford transmission! This moment was psychologically damaging, as I feared for my life. Eventually, the car regained speed slowly and I continued on my way. Then, at stoplights, the car continued to jerk and shift gears. Once I reached my destination, the car slammed into park, throwing me toward the steering wheel. My husband towed my car home. It has been taken to a local dealership where I received a quote for a new transmission and an oil leak repair, totaling over $11,000. This car at trade-in value is worth a similar amount. The transmission fluid was tested and found to be burnt and containing traces of metal in the fluid. The dealership has been helpful in diagnosing the repair. But from Ford, this low-standard is unacceptable. I could have been killed, injured, and caused harm to others due to this faulty transmission. I have reason to believe based on a class action lawsuit that took place in March of 2024, Ford knowingly placed faulty parts and transmissions i

Schedule repair maintenance with Spirit Ford Dundee MI on my 2021 Ford Escape on 1/16/2024 for water leaking in the spare tire compartment which created moisture to collect on interior windows and smell like mold. Spirit Ford said that it was leaking from the rear light and that was replaced. We drove the car as it was fixed and never had a reason to look back in the spare tire compartment as we thought it was fix. Last week [XXX] when the weather was started warming for a day after having snow/rainy days we noticed the car smelling again and looked in spare tire compartment to find that was full of water all the way to the top. So apparently the issue was never fixed correctly. Schedule an appointment for repair maintenance on the vehicle 03/10/2025 for issue again. As of 4pm on 3/10/25 the car had not been looked at. I received a call around 5pm and was told that they ran it through the water testing and did not see anything leaking. On 03/11/2025 around 1:30pm my husband informed that the vehicle repair is now out of warranty and will not be covered and would cost $729 to replace the lift gate seal. I asked why the repair was not covered as it was never repaired correctly the first time when vehicle repair was under warranty and was told well, they replaced the light. But that 1st repair did not fix the water issue now we as the consumer is responsible for the repair when it should have been fixed correctly the first time. If the issue was never fixed the 1st time, how am

There is an open recall that is unrepaired on the door but my problem is same as thousands of customers reporting a fuel issue to Ford. I spoke to Ford and the case manager agreed that it's so many customers calling on the Ford Escape fuel consumption issue and there should be a recall issued to fix whatever is causing it. My car had 13,000 miles on it used and I just made my second car payment. I began that week noticing something is not right. I hear a ticking at times in the engine, My MPG number on dashboard is rapidly flipping between random numbers from 99.9 MPG, down to 10 MPG and then 75 MPG and then 6 MPG and ect. I filled up and should have had 249 miles till empty and I got 147 miles before filling up again. Ford has recalls on 2021 Ford escapes for high pressured fuel injectors but only a customer satisfaction on my VIN. Now Ford said a code that alerts them my heating element is throwing a code, my USB charging ports are now throwing a code and stopped working. This is not normal. Why is this 2021 not recalled to replace injectors or whatever is the problem but other 2021 escapes are. Recall this before it breaks down and people owe like 20,000 left and no car. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2021 Ford Escape 1.5L 19,502 miles Coolant loss with no visible leaks

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the front driver's side door. The door failed to stay ajar when needed. Additionally, the contact stated that the door swung open unexpectedly while parked on an angle. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The sunroof headliner will not retract and sags down into the rear view, making it difficult to see out the back of the car.

1. The Sunroof/Moonroof overhead fabric lining fell off the tracks when moving back, yes. 2. My safety was put at risk from the lining falling off the tracks and nearly completely covering my eyes and face while driving, which also puts the safety of others at risk. 3. I have heard numerous people and Ford Technicians noting that this is a common issue of the sunroof/moonroofs with other similar models. 4. It was completely inspected before financing at a dealership. 5. No prior symptoms or lights, I just tried to use my moonroof while driving on the highway a week ago and was nearly blinded

The left front door stopper makes an abnormal sound, a popping noise when the door comes open.

Over the past 4 months the powertrain malfunction light has illuminated 4 times on random occasions. The first time it came on while I was driving home from shopping. I did not notice the light until I stalled in the intersection trying to get on to the interstate. Stopped at the Ford dealership and insisted they scan it while the light was on. They refused and kept it for 2 days to tell me there was nothing wrong. Two weeks later, I was again traveling at an average speed. The light illuminated. Stopped at Advanced Auto Parts as it was late evening and Ford was closed. They could not pull a code with the light on stating it could be electrical. Towed the car home on a trailer from 45 minutes away. Upon inspection we discovered the coolant was low, added coolant and light went away. No issues for 3 months after that. The third time it came on I was accelerating on to the interstate. The engine was still pretty cold. The car went into limp mode and struggled to accelerate to highway speed. I parked the car and the light went away after sitting for a few hours. I thought it could be the oil was low or dirty. Took vehicle for oil change at Ford and they could see the light triggering but no code. Light did not come back for about 3 weeks. Fourth time I was driving at an average speed. Light came on and I was able to take vehicle directly to Ford again. Ford scanned the car while running with the light on and got a code for throttle/pedal sensor issues. The throttle position sens

On or about [XXX] I was driving on the highway and the traffic was slowed down. Once the traffic speed picked back up I noticed the maintenance symbol light up. I could not go any faster than 50 mph. I immediately went and got and oil change. Once I paid for the service the technician told me that I had a stripped oil pan. He said that I needed to check it out. The Ford Escape drove without a problem for about 2 weeks then the check engine light came on [XXX]. I made and appointment with Pep boys. The next morning 1/19 as I started the car the check engine light was on. I took the car to pep boys and parked to wait for appointment time. I turned the car off and waited for about 5 minutes and started the car back up and the check engine light did not come back on. I told the technician that my check engine light was on but now it is not. So he could not do a diagnostic on it. He told me that my oil pan would be in until the next day 1/20. 1/20/25 the next morning I took my Ford Escape to get the oil pan changed. While on the way the check engine light was still off. So as I get to the pep boys I tell them that my check engine light is back on. They did the repair for the change of the oil pan and diagnosed a DTC p3402 ( Cylinders 1 Deactivation/ intake valve. It was recommended for me to take my Ford Escape to the authorized dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My vehicle failed inspection due to a failed emissions test due to the on-board diagnostic not being able to communicate. I was unaware of this issue prior to the inspection. When I brought my car to the dealership, they said the gateway module needed to be updated in order to respond to the emissions test. There is a customer satisfaction program (22N15) that I believe my car should be covered under as I am experiencing the exact same issue listed in the program. My vin is not attached as of now but wanted to make you aware of the issue I am having.

On [XXX] while driving north on [XXX] from Corpus Christi, TX to San Antonio, TX our 2021 Ford Escape started to become difficult to accelerate and as we pressed on the pedal to accelerate the vehicle didn't not go any faster it began to reach a slow speed of about 35-30mph on a highway with vehicles going over 70mph, with no other choice but to pull over to the side of the road to avoid crashing into on coming traffic we proceeded to steer the vehicle towards Exit 36 into the city of Mathis, TX at which point the vehicle entered a forced neutral condition and then automatically shifted into “Park”, at which point a warning light that looks like a wrench came on, along with multiple warning messages in the instrument panel cluster we heard an audible chime. After shifting back into Drive the vehicle went limp and had limited torque slowing down to speeds lower than 30mph it then came to an abrupt stop and refused to go into gear, as we noticed the vehicle's engine seems to shut off it seemed to suddenly enter into a neutral state and began to move slower than 30mph and we steered the vehicle into a nearby gas station, thankfully barely making it into the rest stop before the vehicle locked into an emergency brake position and wouldn't allow us to return it to drive or out of any gear other than neutral. In neutral it would move a few feet then return to an emergency braking position with all four tires locked and the emergency brake light coming on and refusing to go off even

I have had a problem with a loud moaning noise from the brakes when placing the car in reverse. I have reported this and had my car into the Ford dealer on the following occasions: December 28, 2022, November 24, 2023, March 5, 2024, June 6, 2024 and October 16, 2024 The dealer is Tasca Ford at 900 Central Park Ave in Yonkers, N.Y 914-377-8100. I was advised that SSM 52515 was issued by Ford but that they have no solution for this problem. I also see TSB23-2308 referenced on my service receipts. I cannot believe that Ford has no solution for this problem that they have known about for at least two years. I have escalated this to Ford Corporate on November 19, 2024 and have received no response from their main office.

My driver side door began making popping noise and it has been discovered the weld has broken.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing, there was a loud screeching sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an unstated service on the vehicle, but the failure persisted. No further information was available. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed of an Extended Service Warranty however, the vehicle was not included. The failure mileage was 1,500.

The check arm on my ford escape broke off at the welding attachment point which lead to me having to drive down the road for 10 miles with my door ajar in order to get home It started making a popping noise a few days ago then I opened my door tonight and it completely broke off

My door was on the recall list and needs to be replaced. I had this checked in September 2024 but the doors are on back order. My broken door is a safety hazard it is not shutting properly and has been known to open.

Front driver side door started clicking when open/closed about a month ago. Yesterday it started a loud thumping sound when opening. Upon closer investigation, four points where the door was welded to the arm mechanism have broken. The loud thumping sound is the internal brace hitting the door.

I have had multiple issues with the powertrain warning light illuminating. The first time it was decided to be low/dirty oil. This occurred about a month after purchasing the vehicle in 2021 with about 4000 miles. The second time it occurred about 6 months later. The dealer could not find a code nor replicate the issue. We thought I had bought bad gas. A year later it came on again, Ford dealership again couldn’t replicate the issue. Finally it came on and stayed on and throttle position sensor was replaced in July 2022. Light came on again in November 2024. Auto parts store and dealership could not find a code. This time I had no coolant. Added coolant and it has not come back on again.

Driver door makes loud noise opening - know issue spot weld issues . Window won’t work this needs to be a recall

I bought this car in August 2024. There wasn’t a problem, until I backed up. There is this moaning sound. It happens most of the time. This was supposed to be a certified used car. I took it to the dealership and they duplicated the sound I was talking about. Then they tell me they can’t fix it until they hear from Ford. Should be a fix 4th qtr 2024. I saw on Ford website there is a fix and I told them. They said they can’t do anything about it until ford tells them. They knew this was a problem. Most forums have a lot of ford escape owners are having the same problem. I just want it fixed. There is a TSB out for it, but the dealership won’t do anything. I feel like I am being given the run around.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle had stalled with several undisclosed messages displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

A/C Drain hose clogging results in driver side and passenger side floorboards flooded. Water dripping on feet when driving and making turns after A/C drain gets clogged or heatshield drain hole not properly aligned with drain hose. Also A/C Drain hose not long enough to drain out at the appropriate spot. Official procedures to correct the problem is to remove underside heatshields and add a hose extension to the A/C Drain hose to allow drainage at correct location. My shoes and feet are soaked anytime I drive the vehicle after having the A/C on. Cannot use A/C until drain hose is unclogged/extended which is a simple procedure on other vehicles except this one.

I see no recalls for 2021 Ford Escape SEL AWD 2.0L. Vehicle was parked next to house under carport all day and owner smelled smoke. Looked out house window and seen front of vehicle on fire and catching house on fire. The fire department put it out but the vehicle was a total lose and house has significant damage and is unlivable until repairs can be made. There were no indications this was going to happen. These models need to have a recall.

While accelerating at a stop light I heard a thud in the hood of my car and then it started to smoke so I pulled off the road and turned off vehicle but the car caught fire and the entire front end burned.

My drivers door was making strange noises and not staying open. Took it to a ford dealer. They assessed it needed to be replaced as others are having the same issue. When I got my car back, now I can’t roll my window down except for a few inches. Safety issue! I’ve been waiting at least 4 months for a new door. The passenger side is to be fixed also because faulty parts were used when it was manufactured. Absolutely no word from the dealer when this will be repaired.

BOUGHT CAR NEW. HAD BOTH REAR SHOCKS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AT 18478 MILES BECAUSE OF LEAKING. NEED TO REPLACE BOTH REAR SHOCKS AGAIN AT 50250 MILES BECAUSE OF LEAKING. Three sets of shocks in 50,000 miles of normal driving is not normal,

When going in reverse the breaks squeal. I have reported this in the past but was told "the noise was normal in this car." I have worked on cars for years and i don't by that. The noise is coming from rear wheels. The router on the left rear has not worn normally. there are groves worn in it. The amount of break dust on the left front wheel is not normal. I realize this happens normally, but this is above and beyond what I would call normal. It could indicate a problem with the break distribution valve. Thank you in advance for your help with this problem.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was an abnormal grinding sound while driving at slow speeds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact there was no coverage for the repair on the VIN and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,147.

My coolant exploded while in the middle of the road, engine stopped accelerating. Warning light turned on right as acceleration was reduced to nothing. No prior warning & temp gauge was normal it’s I lost acceleration. Had to turn on hazards to warn cars behind me as it was sudden. No warning lamps prior to the coolant leak besides the low tire pressure.

Bracket that holds the check arm device in the door broke loose. It is not properly welded to the inside of the doors. Left stranded because the door could not be shut. Other 2021 Ford Escapes are having the same issues. There was no warning to indicate a problem with the door.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing, there was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that whenever it rained, there was water accumulating in the taillights. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the calipers and pads needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact was informed that the lights needed to be replaced. The brake pads were replaced, but the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case and extended the warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

Transmission has failed.

A cracking sound is heard when the door is opened and closed

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon having the A/C unit serviced, the service technician shocked and burned himself on the wiring harness. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the issue. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

Dragging/grinding/ skipping noise when doing turns at slow speed, took to ford and they say it needs RDU(rear differential) replaced only has 66k miles of course just as soon as it is out of warranty

Brake recall still not resolved. Going on 3 years since caliper issues with brake lining and ford refuses to fix the issue. I have been to the dealership twice. The recall is “repaired” but no changes. Horrible screeching sound when reversing and it is affecting my rotors.

My 2021 Ford Escape SE is loosing coolant, but no leaks.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that condensation from the air conditioner unit had leaked into the vehicle causing the carpet to become wet, developing mold and mildew inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the failure was due to a clogged air conditioning drainage hole. The air conditioner drainage hole was unclogged, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure had recently reoccurred. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 30,000.