Is the 2021 Ford ESCAPE reliable?

The 2021 Ford ESCAPE has 426 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: BODY/STRUCTURE problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Ford ESCAPE?

Top problems: BODY/STRUCTURE (91 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (65 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (56 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Ford ESCAPE?

Yes, there are 19 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM), EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM), FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, ENGINE, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER, STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Ford ESCAPE?

The 2021 Ford ESCAPE gets 27 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1778. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Ford ESCAPE?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Ford ESCAPE is approximately $1,735/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Ford ESCAPE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Ford ESCAPE has 426 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 1283. The most common issue is body/structure problems (21% of all complaints), specifically: the contact owns a 2021 ford escape. the contact stated while driving 65 mph, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the hood. the contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. the contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the shutt. There are 19 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 14 fire reports filed.

14 fire reports 13 crash reports 7 injuries

426

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BODY/STRUCTURE

91 complaints

21%

• The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the shutt
• since I have owned this SUV the break has been bad I have taken it in with no help from ford now the weld on my drive side door has broken away from the frame. ford has told me that there nothing they can do about it, and I have to pay for the repairs. i have had the car for 2 1/2 years and i have r
• At 38,000 miles I got into my car and it started making a popping noise on my drivers side door when opening it and closing it. After further inspection, I cannot put my window down and I am met with resistance whenever trying to open or close it. This poses safety concerns in the event of a car cra

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the shutt”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Ford ESCAPE

Based on 94 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 39K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 5K mi · 18 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 40K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

Later than typicalmedian 40K mi · 20 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

Later than typicalmedian 44K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

Later than typicalmedian 40K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (19)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY10/11/2021

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling one 2021 Escape vehicle equipped with a 2.5L hybrid powertrain. The high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.

Risk: A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: A dealer will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. The owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S48.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Ford ESCAPE

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,778

Per month

$148

Per mile

14.8¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,087/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,549/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Ford ESCAPE

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,735

Full coverage / month

$145

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

+4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1735

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford ESCAPE Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2021 ESCAPE, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 426 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the shutt
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: Vehicle was being driven down the road. Vehicle stalled. Check engine light came on. Attempted to restart vehicle but vehicle stalled again. Smelled fuel. Heard a boom then fire ignited. Fire came from the underside of vehicle and flames were rising on driver side of vehicle with black smoke.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: While driving on the interstate a fire started under the hood and shortly after smoke entered the driver cabin. Luckily I was able to pull over and get out of the vehicle before the fire reached the driver cabin. It is going to be investigated by a company hired by AAA, the appraiser from the insu
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, an abnormally loud humming noise would emit from the vehicle upon depression of the brake pedal without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on numerous occasions and on the latest visi
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 19 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)