2021 FORD ESCAPE

19 recalls, 437 complaints - 209 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.

Consequence

Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service... Read more

604,533 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles ... Read more

Consequence

An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge.Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in thi... Read more

889,950 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape vehicles. The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN... Read more

108,762 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it t... Read more

Consequence

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Int... Read more

59,006 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will update the engine control software. and replace the high pressure fuel rail assembly and the fuel injector ,free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were... Read more

694,271 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2... Read more

Consequence

A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

200,237 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

ENGINE

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine ... Read more

Consequence

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners... Read more

1,809 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22V-859 or 24V-187. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S21.

33,576 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape, and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Consequence

Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 30, 2025. Owners may conta... Read more

20,484 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requiremen... Read more

Consequence

Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

27,678 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.

Consequence

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.

9,312 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

ENGINE

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources s... Read more

Consequence

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powert... Read more

125,322 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. ... Read more

521,746 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition source... Read more

Consequence

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 1... Read more

100,689 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.

Consequence

An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.

345,451 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Corsair and 2021-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Hybrid powertrain. The high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.

Consequence

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

Remedy

Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S48.

3 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles. The rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numb... Read more

Consequence

During certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31.

114,666 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

1 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles. The fuel delivery module may leak inside the fuel tank, causing low fuel pressure which could result in an engine stall.

Consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters (remedy not available) were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this re... Read more

13,773 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Complaint Statistics

437 total complaints 37 crashes 9 fires 39 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	54
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	47
POWER TRAIN	46
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	46
SERVICE BRAKES	31
STEERING	21
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	20
SUSPENSION	11
AIR BAGS	11
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	11

Incident date: May 5, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

Incident date: May 5, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

Incident date: May 5, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

Incident date: May 31, 2026

This car is constantly sputtering and when you give it gas to take of, it sputters as if it is going to stall. This poses a safety concern when you are giving the car gas and it is not properly accelerating. I was almost hit several times now. The check engine light is on, the wrench is illuminated ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2026

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 v... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2026

Incident date: Jan 8, 2026

On XXX, the 8F35 transmission in my 2021 Ford Escape experienced a critical failure, characterized by severe slipping and a violent shuddering condition while operating at speed. This sudden loss of predictable power and drivetrain stability directly compromised my ability to safely operate the vehi... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2026

This vehicle has had transmission slipping issues since I bought it. I had the PCM flashed and reset but it still jerks and slips out of gear ALL the time. The car actually stalled on me while turning through an intersection. This almost cause me to be t boned via a car crash. The transmission has a... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2026

Incident date: Feb 10, 2026

The vehicle stutters on acceleration. This causes issues when at intersections or when merging into traffic. I have since replaced the torque converter that has resolved the problem.

Incident date: May 6, 2026

Incident date: Jun 30, 2026

Transmission shifts hard, jerking, stuttering when pushing the accelerator. Continues to go into limp mode when driving highway speeds.

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

transmission bucking jerking lurching at low speeds. dangerous in stop and go traffic. hard 3rd gear shift. ford refused to remedy.

Incident date: May 1, 2026

The sunroof cover has come off its tracks and has lost tension. It requires a full sunroof cover replacement. Upon searching this issue online, I found it was a common issue in Escapes around 2020-2022.

Incident date: Jun 16, 2026

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 manufactu... Read more

Incident date: Mar 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufac... Read more

Incident date: Jun 16, 2026

Incident date: Jun 11, 2026

After a couple days of rain my 12V battery died, when I went to replace it I found the removable carpet in the trunk area was saturated with water throughout and was growing mildew and what appeared to be mold. The old battery was replaced and disposed of. My safety was not at risk as the car was pa... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2025

Rear passenger window failed two different times, we have gotten it fixed. Now today the rear driver window will not go up or move.

Incident date: May 6, 2025

Rear passenger window failed two different times, we have gotten it fixed. Now today the rear driver window will not go up or move.

Incident date: Apr 11, 2026

Passenger rear window would not go up, we got it fixed. We also have a second 2021 ford escape with the same problem.

Incident date: Apr 11, 2026

Passenger rear window would not go up, we got it fixed. We also have a second 2021 ford escape with the same problem.

Incident date: Jun 10, 2026

3 calipers seized at the same time. Replaced all 3. After leaving the mechanic my front passenger seized again, went back to the mechanic & they re did the caliper. A week later the front passenger seized again. They replaced the hose (hose was clamped) 3 days later the front passenger hose clamped ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 10, 2026

I was driving my 2024 Bronco Sport, my car started stalling, power was being lost, got stuck on railroad tracks, lights on dash board of icons appeared & engine was shutting down mid drive with no warning or issues. 13,500 miles on the car

Incident date: Jun 7, 2026

[XXX] girl went in back passenger door (rear facing car seat present), crouched under seat area to climb to middle seat when [XXX] brother push button and seat moved forward without stopping crushing [XXX] old head between back of seat and back of Car seat. There was no safety stop, was stuck mother... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Jun 7, 2026

1 injured

Incident date: Jun 7, 2026

I am submitting this complaint to request an investigation into a serious safety defect involving my Tesla vehicle. On multiple occasions, the vehicle has experienced a significant and unexpected loss of acceleration when I attempted to enter or cross intersections. Despite pressing the accelerator,... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

I am writing to formally report a serious safety failure involving Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature, which resulted in property damage and a severe safety hazard.While FSD (Supervised) was fully engaged, the vehicle failed to detect a large block of wood in the roadway. The vehicle s... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

Travel assist unavailable warning comes on several time a minute with a visual indicator and loud chime. Very distracting while driving. Known issue to VW

Incident date: May 24, 2026

On 05/30/2026 at approximately 15H24, my Tesla Cybertruck was parked and stopped at approx. [XXX] of Target). No one was seated in the driver seat. A passenger entered the vehicle and sat in the front passenger seat to play music. Shortly after the passenger sat down, the vehicle suddenly and unex... Read more

Crash

Incident date: May 24, 2026

Crash

Incident date: May 30, 2026

Between XXX, a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox RS experienced repeated sudden loss of engine power, throttle control, and steering control at highway speeds. Fuel management system, turbocharger, and catalytic converter failed repeatedly. GM-authorized dealer confirmed defects on multiple warranty repair ord... Read more

Incident date: May 24, 2026

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

Incident date: May 29, 2026

RECALL 25V-315/25S49 has not been fixed on my truck. ive taken in multiple times since last year and programming doesnt fix the issue. final conclusion from the dealer is replace camera system. which they want me to pay $800 for. Since this is a recall Ford should take care of these charges. inf... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

Just got the call from the dealership BAYWAY Cadillac of The Woodlands that the L87 V-8 engine recall failed inspection and the engine will need to be replaced.

Incident date: May 26, 2026

Transmission fluid temperature sensor in the 8 speed automatic 8L90 transmission from GM is a known issue. Causes vehicle to shift/jerk erratically especially in stop and go traffic.

Incident date: May 26, 2026

I am having an issue with the start stop function on my 2021 Honda Pilot. When active, the start stop struggles to restart after it is engaged at a stop light. There have been two instances in the last two weeks where the vehicle did not restart on its own and needed to be restarted manually. Spo... Read more

Incident date: May 26, 2026

My 2016 Honda Civic's rack and pinion needs to be replaced due to sticky, stiff steering, and dead spots when turning. The vehicle has not been any accidents and has been regularly maintained and I only have 67,000 miles on it. I searched the internet and see that it is a common problem with Honda... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2025

While making a normal right turn at low speed in a residential neighborhood, I heard knocking sounds from inside the vehicle and immediately lost steering control. I had to physically force the wheel back into position to regain control of the car. After the initial incident, every right turn and b... Read more

Incident date: Jan 23, 2026

Driver side air bags did NOT deploy resulting in injury

Crash 3 injured

Incident date: May 15, 2026

Windows and engines

Crash

Incident date: May 15, 2026

I purchased my truck from Karl Chevrolet in Ankeny, IA around September of 2019. Approximately 1.5 years after purchasing the vehicle, I began having issues with my infotainment system intermittently resetting itself while I was driving. On or about the end of 2021 (after this had occurred a few tim... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2026

Windows and engines

Crash

Incident date: May 12, 2026

My 2025 Lincoln Nautilus forward collision avoidance system reduces cruise control speed unexpectedly and wanders between lane markers. The driver-facing camera is also overly sensitive — triggering “watch the road” warnings even when glancing over a shoulder to change lanes, while wearing su... Read more

Incident date: Oct 25, 2025

When I was backing from a parking space, another car drove behind mine and the car's maneuvering braking kicked in and decelerated the vehicle. When I stepped on the brake, the car then accelerated backwards and caused me to collide with the crossing vehicle.

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: May 7, 2026

The dealer stated my engine repair is not covered under the recall/warranty because an ECU software update was not performed. I was quoted $8500 for engine replacement (Long block). I have owned this vehicle for 2 months, going on 3. I am requesting a review of whether this vehicle qualifies for any... Read more

Incident date: Apr 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a... Read more

Incident date: May 7, 2026

Experiencing problems similar to recall 23V-43. Audio popping/crackling, radio unavailable, screen display issues- screen does not come on resulting in no rear camera, display says “network connection lost” while driving. Vehicle has been inspected by Hondo of Hot Springs Arkansas multiple times... Read more

Showing 50 of 437 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2021 FORD ESCAPE

2021 Ford Escape SUV AWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	17.4%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Optional
Lane Departure Warning	Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2021 FORD ESCAPE

209 manufacturer communications from 130 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	28
350000 EQUIPMENT	21
100000 POWER TRAIN	17
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	17
170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES	10
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER	9
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	6
160000 STRUCTURE	6

350000 EQUIPMENT

All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during ini

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Various vehicles have had pinpoint tests, guided routines and the Warranty and Policy Manual recentlyupdated for diagnostics and repairs on SYNC generation 3 and later applications. When performingdiagnostics and repairs on SYNC Gen 3 or la

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Customer Satisfaction Program 22N15 Certain 2020-2023 Model Year Bronco Sport, Escape, Corsair, E-Series, F-650/F-750, F-53 Motorhome Chassis, F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis Vehicles Equipped with Smart Data Link Connector (SDLC) Gatewa

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbocharg

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Some 2020-2021 Escape vehicles may exhibit cracks or broken spot welds in the left front door at the check arm attachment point in the door assembly. Ford has been provided feedback from fleet customers of this condition on some vehicles wi

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

100000 POWER TRAIN

During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the tim

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2020-2023 Ford and Lincoln SYNC3 equipped vehicles may experience an inaccurate notification in the FordPass??A?/LincolnWay??A? app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode message is expected

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Advance Notice - Customer Satisfaction Program 23B56 Certain 2020 - 2023 Model Year Escape Vehicles - Front Door Check-Arm Reinforcement Broken Spot Welds

115010 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Certain 2020-2023 Model Year Bronco Sport, Escape, Corsair, E-Series, F-650/F-750, F-53 Motorhome Chassis, F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis Vehicles Equipped with Smart Data Link Connector (SDLC) Gateway Module Reprogramming for Inspection

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

274100 LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: AUTOMATIC STEERING

Some 2020-2023 Escape/Corsair vehicles may exhibit a condition where the vehicle drifts left and right within the vehicle's lane while the lane keeping assist is active. The lane keeping aid assists the driver by providing steering torque t

103910 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:BEARINGS/BUSHINGS

Some 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles may exhibit a moan noise when the vehicle is driven in reverse (R) in cold weather and/or high humidity. This may be due to the suspension sensitivity of the vehicle. To correct this

350000 EQUIPMENT

045100 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator, 2021 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehi

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

Some 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Corsair vehicles may exhibit a condition where the brake service mode is inoperative using the Workshop Manual (WSM) routine and/or Parking Brake Limited Function-Service Required message displayed in the

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Some 2020-2023 Escape/Corsair vehicles may exhibit a door ajar warning indicator or higher than expected efforts to fully close doors. Verify the hood/liftgate are not open. Confirm all doors are fully closed and latches are fully engaged.

162800 STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

162600 STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

350000 EQUIPMENT

Some 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and 2020-2023 Escape vehicles may exhibit a rattle or flapping noise coming from the rear air extractors while driving. This may be due to the normal operation of the rear air extractors. To determine if this is

138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

Some 2020-2022 Escape built and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles, built on or before 28-Sep-2022, equipped with a 1.5L Ecoboost engine and a 8F35 transmission may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic troubl

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In various 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, customers may receive a message in the FordPass or LincolnWay App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the (SYNC Connect) FordPass or LincolnWay app thr

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Some 2019-2023 Edge/Nautilus, 2020-2023 Escape/Corsair, 2021-2023 Bronco Sport, 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with all wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit chatter/shudder during low speed turning events. This may be due to fluid contaminat

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

100000 POWER TRAIN

010000 STEERING

Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport, and 2022 Maverick vehicles built on or before 23-Mar-2022 may exhibit a hard, stiff, and/or difficult to turn condition due to a lack of power steering assist during engine start-up wit

100000 POWER TRAIN

Some 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with the 1.5L engine may exhibit a lugging vibration and/or boom noise while driving in gears 5-8 at approximately 1500 engine revolutions per minute (RPM). This may be felt

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2021-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit a condition where the high voltage battery stops charging when connected to level 1 or level 2 chargers with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and diagnostic trouble code (D

357500 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:TV/RADIO/SPEAKERS

Some 2020-2021 Escape built on/before 23-Nov-2021, 2021 F-150 built on/before 08-Oct-2021, 2021 Mustang Mach-E built on/before 29-Mar-2021, 2021 Expedition built on/before 05-Aug-2021, 2021 Explorer built on/before 27-Sep-2021 and 2020-2022

280100 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2020-2023 Ford and Lincoln SYNC3 equipped vehicles may experience an inaccurate notification in the FordPassA?/LincolnWayA? app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode message is expected if

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

The Service Awareness Newsletter is an informal communication that contains information that may not be presently available in a TSB, SSM, GSB, or other electronic communication. This article includes information on warranty, technical serv

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2020-2023 Escape/Explorer, 2021-2023 F-150 and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with a full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) powertrain may exhibit a cable connection error screen from the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue C

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Some 2020-2023 Escape/Corsair, 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles may exhibit a condition where the door(s) do not open using the exterior door handle(s). This may be due to an enabled permanent engagement inertia lock w

350000 EQUIPMENT

This article supersedes TSB 22-2278 to update the vehicle model years affected and the part list. For 2020-2023 Escape/Corsair vehicles, the roof opening panel frame mechanism kits have been released for service. These components can now be

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Some 2020-2022 Escape vehicles may exhibit a condition where the low beams turn on by themselves when vehicle is OFF for 10 minutes or more with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1533 stored in the body control module (BCM). This may be due to

160000 STRUCTURE

260110 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE:SOFTWARE:PEDESTRIAN/CYCLIST/OBJECT/OBSTACLE/ RECOGNITION

Some 2021-2022 Escape vehicles built on or before 28-Jun-2022 may encounter false blind spot information system (BLIS) alerts. This may be due to the original packaging of the side obstacle detection radar mounting brackets. To correct the

118420 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:BLINDSPOT:SENSORS

160000 STRUCTURE

For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification numbe

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

185000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport, 2022 Maverick vehicles built on or before 23-Mar-2022 may exhibit driver assistance warning messages displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC): Pre-collision Assist Not Available,

263000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Certain 2021-2023 Model Year Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Model Year Escape Vehicles with a 3-cylinder 1.5L Engine Replacement of High-Pressure Fuel Injectors

355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

2020-2022 Model Year Escape and Corsair, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and 2022 Maverick Vehicles Equipped With a 2.0L EcoBoost Engine Vehicle Emissions Control Information Label Update Owner Letters

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

2020-2022 Model Year Escape and Corsair, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and 2022 Maverick Vehicles Equipped With a 2.0L EcoBoost Engine Vehicle Emissions Control Information Label Update Owner Letters

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

Some 2020-2021 Escape/Bronco Sport/Explorer and 2020-2021 Corsair/Aviator vehicles equipped with electric brake booster (EBB) built on or before 1-Aug-2022 may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator and stabil

100000 POWER TRAIN

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

Some 2020-2022 Escape vehicles built on 1-Nov-2020 and through 29-Aug-2022 and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles built on or before 23-Sep-2022 may exhibit a moan noise when the vehicle is driven in reverse (R) in cold weather and/or high hum

100000 POWER TRAIN

350000 EQUIPMENT

Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Escape and Corsair, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and 2022 Maverick Vehicles Equipped With a 2.0L EcoBoost Engine Vehicle Emissions Control Information Label Update

355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Escape and Corsair, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and 2022 Maverick Vehicles Equipped With a 2.0L EcoBoost Engine Vehicle Emissions Control Information Label Update

160000 STRUCTURE

Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair vehicles may exhibit a door ajar warning lamp or higher than expected efforts to fully close doors. Verify the hood/liftgate are not open. Confirm all doors are fully closed and latches are fully engaged. Doors

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

263000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport, 2022 Maverick vehicles may exhibit any of the following driver assistance warning messages displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC): Pre-collision Assist Not Available, Cruise Co

185000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

081100 FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

This article supersedes TSB 22-2176 to increase the labor operation allowance and update the part list. Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair vehicles built on or before 3-Jan-2022, 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles built on or before 14-Feb-2022, 2020-2

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should o

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Some 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) may exhibit a noise/vibration/chatter/shudder/grind/bind from the rear of the vehicle during low speed turning events. To correct the condition, reprogram the AWD mo

280100 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair/F-53 Motorhome/F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis, 2021-2023 F-650/F-750/E-Series, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles may exhibit an intermittent no crank/no start condition and/or an intermittent blank instrume

061700 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

100000 POWER TRAIN

Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport, and 2022 Maverick vehicles may exhibit a hard, stiff, and/or difficult to turn condition due to a lack of power steering assist during engine start-up with various U3000 diagnostic trou

010200 STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE

350000 EQUIPMENT

Some 2020-2021 Expedition/Navigator, 2020-2022 F Super Duty/Explorer, 2021-2022 Bronco/Corsair/Escape/Bronco Sport, 2022 Maverick vehicles may exhibit the wireless charger inoperative or poor performance when using some Apple iPhone models

353650 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:WIRELESS CHARGER/CRADLE

280100 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Some 2015-2020 Edge, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019-2020 Nautilus, 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator, and 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair/Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an inoperative power liftgate. This may be due to the rear gate trunk module (RGTM) s

346000 COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS

Some 2020-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a telematic control unit (TCU) may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, and/or modem electronic serial number (ESN) c

050000 PARKING BRAKE

Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair vehicles built on or before 17-May-2022 and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles built on or before 25-Feb-2022 may exhibit a hiss or rattle noise while driving. This may be due to an internal issue with the manual

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Some 2021-2022 Escape vehicles built on 01-Oct-2020 and through 21-Jul-2022 and equipped with 1.5L engine and vacuum booster and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles built on or before 2-Dec-2021 may exhibit a squeal noise from the front brakes

346000 COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS

Some 2020-2022 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a telematic control unit (TCU) may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, and/or modem electronic serial number (ESN) c

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

100000 POWER TRAIN

Some 2021-2022 Bronco Sport 1.5L, 2019-2022 Edge/Nautilus, 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles may exhibit an illuminated AWD warning indicator or fault message with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0095:71/:19 stored in the

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

Certain 2021 Model Year Escape Vehicles Active Grille Shutters Upper and Lower Air Deflector Replacement Some of the affected vehicles may encounter front-end flutter noise at highway speeds around 75 mph (105 km/h) due to having been manu

020000 SUSPENSION

Some 2020-2022 Escape and 2022 Bronco Sport vehicles may exhibit a moan noise when the vehicle is driven in reverse (R) in cold weather and/or high humidity. This may be due to the suspension sensitivity of the vehicle. To correct this cond

100000 POWER TRAIN

Some 2018-2022 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with the 8F35 transmission built on or before 16-Mar-2022 may exhibit transmission slip during acceleration from a stop when hot. This may be due damaged internal case half pump seals (7N265

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Some 2018-2022 Ford/Lincoln vehicles equipped with a wireless charging pad may exhibit one of the following if the customer is using a Magsafe iPhone (iPhone 12 or 13): slow charging, inoperative, notification that the phone has been mispos

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair/F-53 Motorhome/F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis, 2021-2023 F-650/F-750/E-Series, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles may exhibit a communication fault with emissions inspection equipment. This may be due to the

350000 EQUIPMENT

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

280100 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair, 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and 2022 Maverick vehicles may exhibit a condition where the door(s) do not open using the exterior door handle(s). This may be due to an enabled permanent engagement inertia lock within

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2017-2022 Ford and Lincoln vehicle owners may experience a condition of missing authorization, command and control, battery charging details or phone-as-a-key setup buttons/selections in their FordPass or LincolnWay App. This condition

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair vehicles built on or before 3-Jan-2022, 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles built on or before 14-Feb-2022, 2020-2022 Aviator vehicles built on or before 07-Feb-2022 and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles built on or befo

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

100000 POWER TRAIN

Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Fusion/MKZ, 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Corsair, 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with HF35/HF45 hybrid transmissions can now be disassembled to repair and clean any contamination that may have been the result

Showing 100 of 209 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, FORD ESCAPE

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2020

Failed Door Check Arm Attachment Point

On July 7, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-013 to investigate instances of check arm bracket failure in the front doors in model year (MY) 2020-2021 Ford Escape vehicles. At the time of opening, ODI received 118 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging this failure. T... o date, ODI has received 593 VOQs alleging this failure, with a variety of reported failure conditions. The most common reported failure condition was reduced door functionality (e.g. door was more difficult to open or close) and the least common was inadvertent door opening. Other reported failure conditions include inability to latch and inability to open. Three VOQs reported injuries, one of which requiring medical attention. ODI conducted a consumer survey which yielded an additional 44 injuries (although the VOQs did not indicate any injury), none of which requiring medical attention. All these injuries were bumps/bruises from the door closing on occupants’ arms and legs while entering and exiting the vehicle. The function of the check arm system is to provide hold-open assist at specific angles and to assist with door closing energy. It does not provide vertical support of the door and is independent of the latching mechanism. This failure is progressive and detectable by vehicle occupants. Consumers commonly report hearing a popping or snapping noise when opening and closing the door. This noise is caused by some of the welds between the bracket and door structure failing and detaching. There may also be visible damage present to the welds in the door structure. Continued use of the door may result in all welds separating and the bracket fully detaching from the door structure, which could lead to increased resistance in closing and opening the door, restrained window operation, and the door freely rotating when open. ODI inspected 3 consumer vehicles in the field, and 2 test vehicles at Ford’s testing facility. The test vehicles were retrofitted with the failed component. ODI observed an increased door closing resistance, however, was unable to reproduce an inadvertent open while parked or driving, or a failure to latch or open condition. Testing also verified this failure did not affect the door ajar warning system. This system provides an audible and visual warning in the event a door did not achieve primary latch position. Ford has provided details on a one-time-repair customer satisfaction program (23B56), stating that they will provide customers with a letter, currently targeted for March 2024, to bring their vehicle to a Ford dealership for a proactive repair. Dealers will inspect the door check arm welds for damage and will either provide a rivet plate to reinforce the existing door check arm or will provide a replacement door, depending on the level of damage present. Customers will be eligible for reimbursement if they previously paid to repair this issue. In view of the high detectability of failure, low potential hazard to drivers, and Ford’s customer satisfaction program to provide a proactive repair, this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

AQ, Open , Model Year: 2021

Healey Brothers Ford / Open Recall Sale

NHTSA is opening this audit query to investigate whether Healey Brothers Ford, LLC of Beacon, New York, has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a manufacturer notify its dealers of defects related to m... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2013

Loss of Motive Power

On July 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to investigate alleged instances of sudden stalling without warning on model year (MY) 2013 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI turbocharged engines. Complaints alleged that vehicles stalled ... due to engine overheating, resulting in a delayed or no restart condition. When the investigation was opened, ODI had received 40 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs). At this time, ODI has received 173 VOQs with five reported fires and no reported crashes. In investigating the incidents alleged in the VOQs, ODI revisited an apparently related recall that Ford had issued in November 2013 (Recall 13V-583). In Recall 13V-583, Ford recalled all MY 2013 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with the 1.6L engines, built from October 5, 2011, to June 2, 2013. This recall addressed potential engine compartment ﬁres due to localized overheating of the engine cylinder head leading to cracks that can cause oil leaks onto a hot engine surface. The remedy was to provide several enhancements to the engine shielding, cooling and control systems, which involved recalibration of the powertrain calibration module and the instrument cluster system. The recalibration implemented a “Failure Mode Eﬀects Management” (FMEM) strategy to alert the driver of a low coolant state and limit the power to the engine to prevent overheating to the point of cracking the cylinder head. The FMEM strategy includes a “Low Engine Coolant – Service Required” message in the instrument cluster when the coolant reaches a prescribed low level and the engine continues to perform normally, and a coolant level sensor that was incorporated such that if the coolant level is further reduced, the engine enters a reduced power mode (vehicle speed limited to about 40 mph). If the vehicle is driven farther and coolant is not added to the vehicle, the vehicle enters a further reduced power mode and audible and visual alerts will appear and sound, and the engine will be limited to operation at idle speeds. ODI sent Ford an information request letter in August 2018, and, in April 2021, additionally required that Ford provide an update of its ﬁeld and warranty data. In response, Ford provided 4,047 customer complaints, ﬁeld reports, and legal claims, consisting of 3,865 unique VINs, and 47,214 warranty claims, consisting of 33,684 unique VINs. Having had repeated discussions with ODI, Ford eventually binned all 4,047 post-recall reports and all 47,214 warranty claims to those that relate to loss of motive power due to coolant loss. Having so binned these reports and claims, Ford reported that the relevant number dropped to 227 reports with 222 unique VINs and 2,774 warranty claims with 1,875 unique VINs. In analyzing its own responsive data, Ford maintained that the remedy for Recall 13V-583 adequately addresses the risk of loss of motive power resulting from an engine overheat due to low coolant by providing clear warnings and progressive reduced power FMEM strategies. Ford further maintained that some complaints imply that the vehicles properly displayed the advanced and progressive warnings and reduced engine power modes, but that complainants ignored them. Ford, therefore, reported that it has not identiﬁed any further defect in the coolant system and that it believes the rate of complaints of reduced motive power (which some customers perceive reduced power as vehicle stalls) due to low coolant is low for the subject vehicles. Ford further states it believes that it has not identiﬁed any other related unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety due to loss of motive power due to coolant loss or engine overheat. In addition to analyzing the vast amount of responsive data provided by Ford, ODI worked with NHTSA’s Vehicle Research and Test Center to review 1,462 VOQs with 1,347 unique VINs that were potentially related to this investigation. ODI found that 997 VOQs were relevant post-recall complaints. Of these, 161 VOQs included instances of stalling, sometimes preceded by warnings (low engine coolant message, audible/beeping sound, engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illumination, etc.) and/or drivability issues (reduced power, vehicle jerking or shuddering, etc.). The other categories of complaints/failures were less severe or unrelated/undetermined: 73 related limp mode, nine related stall while vehicle stationary, 21 stalls unknown if related, 271 coolant failure without allegation of stalling, 64 engine MIL with no allegation of stalling, 267 not related to this investigation, 116 unknown if related, and 15 ﬁres (including the initial 5 reports) that were ultimately determined to not be related to this investigation. ODI found that a relatively small percentage of the post-recall complaints involved loss of motive power (161 out of 997 VOQs; and 222 out of 3,865 Ford reports), while the remaining complaints involved vehicles in the early stages of FMEM mode, or were unrelated or undetermined if related to this investigation. ODI has further found that the number of complaints has declined significantly since mid-2021. Based on the analysis of the failure data indicating a declining trend of VOQs of loss of motive power, and in consideration of the remedy for Recall 13V-583 and NHTSA’s ongoing consent order with Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency will continue to monitor this issue under the heightened oversight pursuant to the consent order and the agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identiﬁcation Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2008

Loss of power steering while driving

On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving in approximately 746,067 model year (MY) 2008 through 2011 Ford Escape vehicles equ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2009

Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction

On February 21, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 to investigate allegations of electronic throttle body (ETB) failures resulting in sudden reduction of engine power in model year (MY) 2009-2013 Ford Escape, Fusion, Mariner and Milan vehicles. Du... ring this investigation, Ford identified a condition in subject vehicles equipped with 2.5L and 3.0L engines that may result in a sudden reduction of engine power.According to Ford, the ETB internal motor contacts may develop a high resistance material buildup condition on the commutator, resulting in intermittent electrical connectivity and reduced engine power. When this condition occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or Wrench light will illuminate and the vehicle may enter a limited limp home mode.Ford?s trade name for the feature is Failure Mode Effects Management (FMEM) mode.In this mode, engine power and vehicle speed are reduced, while full function of the power steering, power braking, lighting, and climate control systems are maintained.ODI?s complaint analysis indicate that the predominant failure mode involved reduced motive power associated with the limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Analysis of warranty claims provided by Ford identified 59,807 claims related to ETB replacements and approximately 50 percent of claims are associated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed.Ford described several factors where the ETB motor may fail resulting in DTCs P2111 or P2112 but the failure is not an existing stuck open or closed ETB valve position.According to Ford, the ETB control strategy provides the driver with three FMEM modes that allow varying degrees of vehicle mobility depending on the severity of the fault detected.DTCs associated with stuck open or closed throttle valves are designated the highest failure severity resulting in engine speeds limited to high idle corresponding to the limited limp home mode.Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability.Other FMEM limp modes may result in reduced engine performance but will maintain vehicle speed above 20mph. During this investigation, Ford and its suppliers, Delphi and Igarashi, updated the powertrain control module (PCM) software to include a throttle body motor cleaning cycle during key-on and modified the ETB internal motor components design, surface finish and material composition to improve durability. Additionally, Ford developed a remedy procedure and issued a special Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 13N03 extending the ETB warranty coverage and instructing dealers to update the powertrain calibration to improve vehicle performance in the event that intermittent electrical connectivity of the throttle body motor contacts occurs. The program extends the coverage for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, all vehicles are eligible for the program through January 31, 2015 regardless of mileage.Owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted by mail to take their vehicle to a Ford dealer who will reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration. The bulletin was sent to dealers on January 17, 2014 and the owner letter mailing began on January 27, 2014. See the investigative file for copies of Ford's bulletin and owner letter. This preliminary evaluation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding thatRead more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2005

Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction

In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 200... 5 through 2012 Ford Escape vehicles. On October 2, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition DP12-006 to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition is hereby granted on certain model years. The NCCC letter cites two complaints of stall while driving in MY 2009 Ford Escape vehicles that were diagnosed as failed throttle bodies with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed. The petitioner indicates that the owners of both vehicles reported experiencing repeated incidents of stalling and engine surging. According to Ford, Escape non-hybrid vehicles are equipped with Electronic Throttle Body (ETB) assemblies beginning with MY 2009. Vehicles manufactured between June 22, 2009 and October 15, 2009 may contain contaminated printed circuit boards (PCB) with plating variations. Plating variations could lead to a lack of continuity in the throttle position sensor circuit where P2111 and/or other DTCs would be generated and stored. Ford and its electronic throttle body supplier, Delphi, modified the PCB manufacturing process and issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) 09-23-5. Vehicles produced after October 15, 2009 incorporated ETBs manufactured with a PCB process that resolved this condition. ODI's analysis identified a total of 123 unique reports indicating allegations of reduced motive power or vehicle stall. Depending on the condition of throttle control system malfunction, a driver may experience varying levels of reduced engine performance associated with three limp home modes. In two limp modes, reduced engine performance may maintain vehicle speeds above 20mph while the third is a limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Allegations of stall appear to be related to the limited limp home mode. Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability. Allegations of vehicle surge appear to be related to limp home mode operation. Complaints alleging surge are most likely related to engine RPM fluctuations at low vehicle speeds or idle as the control system engages to prevent engine stall. In limited limp mode, rough-idle conditions may exist while the control system attempts to modulate engine RPMs once the vehicle reaches a reduced speed to maintain approximately 900 RPM. Separately, ODI received 59 complaints alleging incidents of engine stall while driving in model year (MY) 2010-2011 Ford Fusion vehicles. Approximately 60 percent (36) of the incidents occurred at speeds of 40 miles per hour or more. Eighty percent of complaints (47) were received beginning March 2012 and 14 complaints reported that the throttle body was replaced or DTCs associated with limp home modes. Additionally, Ford issued TSB 10-21-6 addressing DTCs associated with idle speed drops and limited limp home mode. The petition is granted on certain model years.Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.See full copy of the closing resume for this defect petition for list of the VOQs associated with the defect petition analysis.Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2002

Cruise Control Cable

On July 8, 2012, The Center for Auto Safety has petitioned NHTSA to open defect investigations on Model Year (MY) 2002 ? 2004 Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute vehicles with certain cruise control cables.The Center for Auto Safety has also petitioned for a hearing to address whether Ford Motor Company (... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

Stuck Throttle

In a letter dated July 25, 2012 Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), NHTSA Recall No. 12V-353 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector, which could result in a stuck throttle c... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2010

Rear Liftgate Window Glass Breakage

In its response to the agency, Ford acknowledged a higher than normal level of glass breakage incidents in the model year (MY) 2010 to early-build MY 2011 subject vehicles.The incidentsoccurred when the liftgate glass was being opened, or more typically while being closed, but in both cases while th... e vehicle was stationery, i.e., not moving on the roadway.Additionally failures often occurred during early morning hours when ambient and/or liftgate glass temperatures may have been lower.Ford advised that it investigated the failures but failed to identify an anomaly in the glass manufacturing process (which is often a factor in glass breakage trends ODI investigates) that could explain the reports.It did however identify a potential thermal expansion/compression condition in the mounting of the rear wiper motor to the liftgate glass.Starting at MY 2008 vehicle production the motor was attached to the glass using an adhesive.Ford revised that design to a nut and bolt type attachment in October 2010, during MY 2011 vehicle production.ODI's review of Ford data indicates that vehicles built after this change exhibit lower glass breakage rates.Among the 296 consumer complaints on the subject vehicles, ODI identified 15 injury incidents resulting in a total of 18 alleged injuries.All the injuries were minor in nature and consisted mainly of superficial skin cuts or minor lacerations, with two of the injury incidents occurring when vehicle owners were cleaning up broken glass.Additionally both the injury rate and report rate (including warranty claims) are low in comparison to similar investigations resulting in safety recalls (see PE04-045, MY 2002 Ford explorer liftgate glass failure, which resulted in NHTSA safety recall 04V442). In November 2010 Ford issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 10-22-10 to address reports of liftgate glass breakage on all MY 2010 vehicles, and MY 2011 vehicles built through 10/15/2010, the date the above design revision was implemented.The TSB enables owners of affected vehicles to have a broken liftgate glass replaced under normal vehicle warranty, which would not otherwise be a warrantable failure, with the revised design liftgate glass.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

Engine Compartment Fire

Ford and Mazda recalled model year (MY) 2001 through 2004 Ford Escape (07V-156) and Mazda Tribute (07V-157) vehicles due to non-crash fires or non-fire thermal events originating in the engine compartment at or near the ABS control module.Approximately 545,700 vehicles were subject to the initial sa... fety recalls and approximately 424,700 vehicles were serviced under those campaigns. The campaigns addressed potentially damaged, missing or misplaced seals in the ABS control module wiring harness electrical connector that could allow brake fluid to enter the connector, possibly resulting in corrosion, short-circuit, melting, smoke and/or fire.Since the recall, the agency is aware of 260 subject vehicles that have reportedly experienced non-crash fires or non-fire thermal events originating at or near the ABS control module in vehicles some time after being serviced under the campaign. The post-recall repair incident rates for MY 2001 and 2002 subject vehicles are 90.9 and 126.7 (normalized per 100,000 vehicles serviced under the recall campaigns), respectively.These rates are much higher than the post-recall repair incident rate for MY 2003 and 2004 subject vehicles, which are 5.0 and 3.7 per 100K, respectively.Similarly, the post-recall repair key-off fire incident rates in the MY 2001 and 2002 subject vehicles is 54.3 per 100K, compared to 0.5 per 100K for the MY 2003 and 2004 subject vehicles.The agency is aware of 12 key-off fire incidents, all involving MY 2001 and 2002 subject vehicles, where the vehicle was parked inside a structure when the fire started.In five of those incidents, the fire spread from the vehicle to the structure itself.Ford has identified the brake master cylinder reservoir cap in certain MY 2001 and 2002 subject vehicles as a potential source for brake fluid leaks that could affect ABS module connector integrity.The reservoir caps used on the MY 2003 and 2004 subject vehicles are reportedly an improved design from those used on the earlier models.By letter dated January 4, 2012, Ford notified the agency that it would conduct another safety recall (identified by NTHSA Recall No. 12V-005 and Ford Recall No. 11S24) of certain MY 2001 and 2002 Ford Escape vehicles to perform a more thorough remedy to address the risk of fire originating at the ABS control module.In addition to double-checking the ABS control module wiring harness electrical connector weather seal (which should have been addressed under the previous recall campaign), Ford will replace brake master cylinder reservoir caps to address the leaking cap problem and reduce the risk of brake fluid entering the subject electrical connector.Ford will also modify the electrical system such that the ABS control module is de-energized when the ignition key is switched off to further reduce the risk of an unattended vehicle fire in units that may have sustained some small loss of connector integrity that may not be evident upon visual examination.Similarly, Mazda notified the agency by letter dated January 19, 2012, that it would also conduct a safety recall (identified by NTHSA Recall No. 12V-016 and Mazda Recall No. 6712A) of certain MY 2001 and 2002 Mazda Tribute vehicles.Ford estimates repair parts will be available beginning the second quarter of 2012. Until recall repairs are made both Ford and Mazda are advising owners of affected vehicles to reduce the safety concern by parking their vehicles outdoors away from structures to prevent a potential fire from spreading.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 2001

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE

IN LETTERS DATED MARCH 30, 2007, FORD MOTOR COMPANY (FORD) AND MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS (MAZDA) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT THEY WILL CONDUCT RECALLS 07V-156 AND 07V-157, RESPECTIVELY, TO REMEDY A SAFETY DEFECT THAT MAY RESULT IN FIRE IN A WIRING CONNECTOR USED IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001-20... Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2001

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A DEFECT PETITION DATED MARCH 5, 2009 ALLEGING THAT THE PETITIONER NEVER RECEIVED THE RECALL REMEDY FOR 07V-156 AND THAT, AS A RESULT, THE PETITIONER'S MY2003 FORD ESCAPE CAUGHT FIRE AT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE.IN RESPONSE TO ODI FOLLOW-UP, THE MANUFA... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE

IN LETTERS DATED MARCH 30, 2007, FORD AND MAZDA NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT THEY WILL CONDUCT SAFETY RECALLS TO REMEDY A SAFETY DEFECT THAT MAY RESULT IN FIRE IN A WIRING CONNECTOR USED IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001-2004 FORD ESCAPE AND MAZDA TRIBUTE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ABS.RECALL 07V-156... Read more

RP, Closed , Model Year: 2001

ENGINE STALLING

SUMMARY:THE PETITIONER ALLEGES THAT AFTER HAVING THE RECALL REMEDY PERFORMED ON HER MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 FORD ESCAPE, IT CONTINUED TO EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT STALL CONDITION.CONSEQUENTLY, SHE PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO EXAMINE THE ADEQUACY OF THE RECALL REMEDY FOR SAFETY RECALL 04V-165.ON APRIL 5, 200... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

SAFETY BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON JULY 14, 2003 BASED ON 4 REPORTS ALLEGING THE DRIVER'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE FAILED TO LATCH OR REMAIN LATCHED.MAZDA NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT TRANSFERRED ENGINEERING RESPONSIBILITY TO FORD WHEN THE VEHICLE DESIGN WAS BROUGHT TO THE UNITED STATES FOR PRODUCTION IN FORD'S ASS... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

ENGINE STALLING

FORD'S AND MAZDA'S LETTERS TO NHTSA DATED APRIL 5 AND APRIL 9, 2004, STATE THAT THEY WILL RECALL MODEL YEAR 2001-03 FORD ESCAPE AND MAZDA TRIBUTE VEHICLES WITH THE V6 ENGINE BUILT THRU SEPTEMBER 11, 2002.DEALERS WILL ADJUST ENGINE CALIBRATION IN THE PROGRAMMABLE CONTROL MODULE (PCM), WHICH IN ITS CU... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

ENGINE STALLING

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 2001

GASOLINE VAPOR INTRUSION

There is no summary currently available

FORD ESCAPE - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the FORD ESCAPE across all model years (2001, 2026).

223 Total Recalls

35,911 Total Complaints

18 Investigations

1,412 Reported Crashes

799 Reported Fires

24 Reported Deaths

FORD ESCAPE - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	2	7	View
2025	9	33	View
2024	8	136	View
2023	11	151	View
2022	19	302	View
2021 (current)	19	437
2020	23	2,043	View
2019	3	714	View
2018	4	2,118	View
2017	4	3,232	View
2016	4	1,273	View
2015	9	1,288	View
2014	16	2,650	View
2013	18	3,674	View
2012	2	792	View
2011	3	1,871	View
2010	5	3,183	View
2009	3	2,348	View
2008	5	2,404	View
2007	4	350	View
2006	5	627	View
2005	5	2,030	View
2004	8	715	View
2003	9	736	View
2002	10	1,397	View
2001	15	1,389	View
2000	0	5	View

Other FORD Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
MUSTANG	1,104	11,600	View
RANGER	928	10,371	View
F-350 SD	776	2,363	View
F-150	692	46,142	View
F-450 SD	692	624	View
F-250 SD	638	3,635	View
EXPLORER	624	42,549	View
F-550 SD	578	603	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2021 FORD ESCAPE

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2021 FORD ESCAPE

Safety Technology

Technical Service Bulletins, 2021 FORD ESCAPE

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, FORD ESCAPE

FORD ESCAPE - All Years Overview

FORD ESCAPE - Year by Year

Other FORD Models